Introduction

What genres of voiceover (VO) do you work in? Why do you love being part of VO4TP? What motivated you to join VO4TP? What are 3 words your best friend would use to describe you?

I specialize in voice overs that require a Flemish or Global English accent. My main focus is on commercials, corporate videos, radio imaging, TV promos, and movie trailers.

I wouldn’t call myself a full-on environmentalist, and I’m definitely not perfect. I still use too much plastic, eat meat, drive a combustion engine car, and travel by airplane. However, I’m conscious that we need to take care of our planet. I’ve made some changes like using reusable grocery bags, walking more often instead of driving, reducing my beef consumption significantly, and avoiding pork altogether. Plus, working from my home studio 99% of the time eliminates my commute, which certainly benefits the environment.

Being a part of VO4TP and a member of 1% for the Planet constantly inspires me to improve. It’s energizing to be surrounded by other members who are equally committed. And it’s incredibly rewarding to help spread the word for people and companies dedicated to environmental causes.

Editor – Serge didn’t answer the question about words your friends would use to describe you so we are answering it for him: Vibrant, Genuine, Balanced.

Additional Work Insights

How did you get started as a voice actor?

Here’s the brief version of my story. Back in the early 2000s, an acquaintance who hosted a radio show in Turnhout, a small town in Belgium, invited me to visit during his broadcast. After the show, I found myself behind the microphone, and we recorded some air checks while the studio was off-air. The station manager stumbled upon these recordings and, several weeks later, offered me the chance to host a weekly show. This eventually led to my own show at Belgium’s largest radio station at the time. It was then that I began to explore voiceover work.

When my husband and I moved to the US in 2011 for his job, I had to leave my radio show behind. This move made me take voiceover work more seriously, and by 2018, I decided to pursue it full-time. The rest is history!

The Business Side

How do you manage your schedule and prioritize projects?

Due to the quick turnaround required for most projects, I use my inbox as a to-do list. I flag all projects that need recording and emails requiring immediate attention with a red flag. Then, I systematically work through my inbox, focusing on delivering recordings to my clients as quickly as possible.

What is it like working in a collaborative group like VO4TP?

Working in a collaborative group like VO4TP is incredibly beneficial for someone like me. I have plenty of ideas, but execution can be a challenge—I tend to get distracted by the next ‘shiny thing’! Collaborating with others helps me stay accountable and focused on bringing our ideas to life.

Environmentalism

Which organizations are you most passionate about giving to with your time and money?

I am particularly excited to support Rock Steady Farm, a beacon of sustainable agriculture and social justice. Their approach to farming, which intertwines with empowering marginalized communities, resonates deeply with me. It’s not just about growing food; it’s about nurturing inclusivity and resilience in our society.

Similarly, my passion for marine life and ocean conservation draws me to MarAlliance. Their work in protecting marine biodiversity and promoting healthy oceans aligns with my belief in preserving our planet for future generations. The health of our oceans is a critical part of our global ecosystem, and supporting MarAlliance’s efforts is a way for me to contribute to this vital cause.

For Fun

If you could have any animal as a pet (real or mythical), what would it be and why?

I’d choose my own dog, without a doubt! He’s an absolute sweetheart and such a cutie pie. I wish I could keep him forever. He’s only 8, but how wonderful would it be if we could find a way to extend the lives of our pets?

What is the most adventurous activity you have ever done, and how did it change your perspective? Imagine you’re creating a playlist for a road trip through the world’s most beautiful landscape. First, where would you be, and second, what would be the first song on your playlist?

There are so many breathtaking places on Earth! If I had to choose, I’d be cruising through Sedona, Arizona; Tuscany, Italy; the western part of Slovenia; or the Alps in Austria, France, Italy, or Switzerland. The first song on my playlist would definitely be U2’s ‘Beautiful Day’—it’s in my top five. So, when do we leave?!

Learn more about Serge De Marre