Tag Archive for: voice over

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Mic’d Up For The Planet: Voiceover Insights with Erika Ward

Introduction

What genres of voiceover do you work in?

Mostly commercials, eLearning, and non-broadcast corporate work, but I’ve done a little bit of everything over the years. Lately, I’ve been expanding into audiobooks and audio drama.

Voice Actor Erika Ward sitting on a rock by the oceanWhy do you love being part of VO4TP? What motivated you to join VO4TP? 

Recording voiceovers is typically a solitary activity. I mean, other than live directed sessions, most of our time is spent talking to ourselves in tiny rooms. Community is vital! When I found VO4TP it felt almost serendipitous as I had been looking for a way to bring more purpose and meaning to my VO work. And it’s been genuinely inspiring to be among a group of people who are finding ways to do just that.

What are 3 words your best friend would use to describe you? 

Well I may have cheated on this question because I just asked him. He said, “Vivacious, insightful, and creative.” I’ll take it. 

Additional Work Insights

How did you get started as a voice actor?

I had been acting since I was a kid and it was always my dream to work in film and TV – so, in my mid-twenties, I moved to LA to pursue on-camera work. Things had been (very) slowly moving along, when an acquaintance asked me to record a demo for Pandora. They had recently launched and were looking for voice actors to join their roster. Despite my initial reluctance to do voiceover (I didn’t yet realize how cool of a job it was), I recorded the demo, got on their roster, and, before I knew it, I was voicing ads full time. From there, I went on to find a variety of other VO work through online casting sites and agents… and here we are, nearly 15 years later.

If you hadn’t pursued voice acting, what career path might you have explored instead? 

Realistically – if I hadn’t fallen into voiceover – I’d probably have explored screenwriting more. Unrealistically, my ideal career path can only be categorized as “traveling philosopher” although the practical application for that still eludes me. 

The Business Side

How do you manage your schedule and prioritize projects?

I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my iCloud calendar. Well, I’d most likely just have a giant paper calendar with lots of cross-outs and pencil smudges, but still, I am highly dependent on it. And to-do lists with tiny check boxes that I can mark off when I finish something. That’s not only super helpful for remembering stuff but also incredibly satisfying. 

Environmentalism

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

I’m passionate about mental health and personal development/empowerment; the more balanced and grounded we are within ourselves, the more we are able to positively contribute to the world around us. In today’s noisy, digitally-focused world, time spent outdoors and immersed in nature has become vital. Not only for our own mental health and states of inner harmony, but as a reminder of our interconnection and our responsibilities for each other and the planet. 

A few organizations I’ve found that fit within this category include: Human Nature Counseling Society, Experience Nature Unplugged, and Restorative Blooms.  

Any great tips on being sustainable in your work and/or life? 

My partner and I try to be as minimalist as we can, only keeping things in our house that are necessities and/or bring us joy to have. Otherwise – recycling, upcycling, buying secondhand/thrifting, avoiding single-use plastics, and supporting more locally-owned businesses – all come to mind as regular practices.  

For Fun

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

This is the sad answer, but it was what first came to mind – I’d choose our terrier-chihuahua Remy again. She passed away this year and was the sweetest little soul and best animal companion. 

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? 

Hmm. Hard to choose! The world is full of beautiful places. The first two that come to mind would be New Zealand or Patagonia. And there’d be no playlist! I’d want to take in what I was seeing without getting distracted by the music or by my own (often uncontrollable) need to sing along.

Listen to Erika Ward’s work for the South Dakota Food Bank below:

Learn more about voice actor Erika Ward.

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Mic’d Up For The Planet: Voiceover Insights with Marco Rigazio

Introduction

What genres of voiceover (VO) do you work in?

Jack of all trades – commercial, corporate, narration, animation

Briefly, why do you love being part of VO4TP? What motivated you to join VO4TP?

I can fill an inner desire of being part of something that benefits the world by doing something I love.

What are 3 words your best friend would use to describe you?

Caring, reliable, driven

Additional Work Insights 

What aspects of your job bring you the most joy?

I tap into my inner child and feel like I’m playing when performing different scripts.

How did you get started as a voice actor? 

I finally gave in to the creative side of myself and jumped in with both feet and haven’t regretted it for a second. 

If you hadn’t pursued voice acting, what career path might you have explored instead?

Probably stayed in the health field. Teaching, coaching etc.

Voiceover actor in black polo shirtThe Business Side

How do you manage your schedule and prioritize projects?

I schedule my days with tasks broken down into manageable chunks

In what ways has being a part of VO4TP challenged or changed your day-to-day business?

I’ve been challenged to view what I do through a different lens.

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

This amazing group of kind and empathic people offer me an avenue to relate to myself and others in a deeper more meaningful way. 

Environmentalism

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

Right now, I focus on local hands-on organizations

Any great tips on being sustainable in your work and/or life?

Consume less overall. I’ve found that when I look at my life, I can see where I’m consuming things when I do ‘need’ to. I don’t cut out all extra stuff, but to be sure, we tend to over consume and that leads to waste that affects so much down the line. 

For Fun

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

Elephants! I love elephants!

What is the most adventurous activity you have ever done, and how did it change your perspective?

I’ve been skydiving and climbed Kilimanjaro. Both experiences showed me how small I am in comparison to the world. At the same time, I felt a great sense of continuity with everything.


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?

Out of the city for sure, in natural surroundings of some kind. Mountains, lakes, forests, African plains etc. I re-charge in nature. The music would be mostly instrumental; I love the cello and classical music. I would also have some opera in there as well. 

Learn more about Marco Rigazio.

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Get your Hot, Hot, Hot Voice Overs!

That’s right! It’s summer!

…and you can bet that most—if not all—voiceovers recorded from home studios during these scorching months are done so by somewhat sweaty actors. It’s just facts, folks!

Since the voice actors here at Voice Over for the Planet are always thinking about the environment, you can rest assured we’re trying our best to stay cool in ways that have the lowest possible impact on warming the planet any further.

So, how do we stay healthy and cool in our recording booths and offices when the temps are rising?

Here are some ideas:

  • Stay Hydrated.
    Our number one suggestion is always to stay hydrated. A cool drink is both refreshing and essential! We aim for mostly uncaffeinated beverages since caffeine can be dehydrating—but let’s be real: coffee, matcha, tea, etc., are necessities for many of us! Just balance them with plenty of water (bonus points for a reusable water bottle).
  • Fans—Strategically Used.
    Yes, we use fans—but only between takes. Many home studios are acoustically treated but lack air conditioning or ventilation. A small, quiet fan or personal desktop air cooler can do wonders.  Just make sure it’s off during recording!
  • Shorter Sessions.
    Try breaking your recording into shorter sections, if possible. This allows you to crack the booth door open and let in some air between sessions. If you’re self-directing, take frequent mini-breaks. And if you’re working with a client, don’t be afraid to ask for a pause. Most are totally understanding—after all, you’re saving them a studio fee!
  • Cool, Damp Bandana.
    A lightly damp bandana (extra refreshing if you freeze it for a few minutes) around your neck can make a huge difference. It cools the blood near the surface of your skin and helps regulate body temperature.
  • Gadgets Galore!
    Voice actors love a good booth gadget. Some favorites include:

    • Wearable neck fans
    • Cooling vests
    • Mini portable AC units or evaporative coolers
    • Gel cooling packs (pop them in the freezer and drape over shoulders between sessions)
  • Go Light on Clothing.
    Let’s just say… it’s not uncommon to record in very light (or little) clothing (or pajamas, or workout wear) during summer. Comfort is key. Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can keep you from overheating. Was the voiceover your hearing recorded by someone in their underwear? Shhh, we’ll never tell!
  • Record Early or Late.
    If your schedule allows, try recording in the early morning or later in the evening when outside temperatures are lower. This is especially helpful in unventilated booths that trap heat during peak hours.
  • Green Your Cooling Game.
    Use fans with timers or solar power where you can. Switch to energy-efficient devices. And if you must use AC, make sure your home is well insulated so it works efficiently and doesn’t waste energy.
  • Bonus! Here’s a video from Jay Myers on his tips for voice actors to stay cool in the summer:

Final Thoughts: Keep Cool & Carry On

Recording voiceover during the hottest months of the year isn’t always glamorous, but it is doable with a little planning, creativity, and eco-conscious effort. At Voice Over for the Planet, we believe it’s possible to deliver hot reads while keeping our cool—and our carbon footprint—low.

So go ahead, request that summer campaign or sizzling narration. We’ve got the talent, the tenacity, and the sweatbands to make it happen.

Stay chill—and hydrated—out there!

 

 

 

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Earth Day Is Every Day and We Give It a Voice: How Voice Over Can Inspire Action for the Planet

As Earth Day approaches, environmental content surges across media—some use voiceover and some don’t. But at Voice Over for the Planet, we believe a powerful voiceover doesn’t just tell a story—it can inspire action for the planet. 

Why Our Voices Matter

Audio connects with us emotionally in ways visuals alone can’t. Just think back to a voiceover that moved you—one that stirred empathy, urgency, or curiosity. That’s the power of voice: it taps into memory, emotion, and understanding.

That’s why we believe voiceover should be everywhere in environmental and social communication—from PSAs and explainer videos to e-learning, commercials, and political campaigns. These messages might spotlight sustainability projects, offer tips for greener living, or rally support and awareness for climate action. And with the right voice, they do more than inform—they resonate.

So check out how some great voiceovers by Voice Over for the Planet members have already elevated environmental messages. They’ve helped build trust, drive meaningful change, and added credibility to messages.

Voices that Inspire Change

1% for the Planet Anthem by Kenita Hill: This narration embodies Kenita’s passion for bringing awareness to critical issues like climate change and social impact, demonstrating her unique ability to connect deeply with listeners.

 

Community Solar Commercial in Spanish by Diana Holguin: Diana’s clear and inviting voice in Spanish ensures the message of sustainability and accessibility resonates deeply with the community.

“Tales from Cascadia” Film Trailer by Jay Myers: Jay’s warm, relatable voice lends a local touch to the trailer for this acclaimed ski film celebrating the stories, landscapes, and adventures of the Pacific Northwest.

These are just some of the projects voiced by our passionate talent, showing how voiceover can strike a chord with listeners by being engaging, energetic, informative and caring. Because as members of Voice Over for the Planet, we really do care! 

Earth Day is a Reminder

So whether the Earth Day message is urgent and passionate for climate crisis PSAs, warm and reassuring for e-learning on sustainable practices, or inspiring and hopeful for community success stories or fundraising campaigns, you can count on the voices at Voice Over the Planet to deliver.

On Earth Day, Earth Month or any day of the year, voice over can inspire action for the planet. And now’s the perfect time to amplify environmental messages with a professional voiceover!

Visit our YouTube channel to hear more examples of the range and diversity of our voice talent roster…

 

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Case Study: Voice Over Collaboration for Conservation with People Productions & Friends of Bonobos

Voice Over for the Planet exists to amplify the stories of changemakers whose purpose is to help the planet and all who inhabit it. We use the powerful Buy One, Give One model, in which every paid project funds a pro-bono voiceover of similar scope for an environmental organization or startup. Today we’d like to share the following case study of a successful voiceover collaboration between People Productions and Friends of Bonobos.

Partnering with People Productions

People Productions hired VO4TP to narrate a video for one of their clients.  Their contribution enabled us to donate our voiceover services to Friends of Bonobos through our buy one, give one model. This partnership showcases how impactful our voiceover collaborations can be in amplifying stories that matter.

“Diversity and equity are important to us at People Productions. Working with Voice Voice Over For The Planet is an easy decision. They have great talent, service is strong, and our work also supports worthwhile organizations, which aligns with our values and initiatives. This model allows us to make a tangible social impact while delivering for our clients. It’s a win-win, and we’re proud to be a part of it.” Don Poe, CEO – People Productions

Friends of Bonobos: A Vital Mission

Friends of Bonobos is dedicated to protecting bonobos, one of our closest relatives, through rehabilitation and conservation efforts. They asked us to narrate a short video for an awards ceremony hosted by The Perfect World Foundation, telling the story of Esake, an orphaned bonobo rescued and rehabilitated at the Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts, reaching a global audience of potential donors unfamiliar with bonobos and their plight.

Ally Murphy’s Warmth and Expertise

Ally Murphy, one of our talented members, brought incredible warmth and emotional depth to the narration for Friends of Bonobos. Her performance perfectly captured the poignant story of Esake and helped bring the conservation message to life. The success of this project wouldn’t have been possible without Ally’s contribution, and her ability to connect with the story and audience alike was remarkable.

“We were absolutely thrilled with the narration created by Voice Over for the Planet for our organization, Friends of Bonobos. The VO artist captured the emotional depth incredibly well, making our video more impactful. Their contribution truly elevated our video for an important donor event, and we couldn’t be happier with both the results and process!” Content & Media Strategist Friends of Bonobos

Impact Through Voiceover Collaboration

This voiceover collaboration exemplifies how our Buy One, Give One model makes a tangible difference. By working with companies like People Productions and their clients, we are able to support nonprofit organizations and eco-startups like Friends of Bonobos. Through our voiceovers we help tell their stories and drive their missions forward for a better planet.

We are so proud to have contributed to the important work of Friends of Bonobos and look forward to continuing to amplify the voices that make a difference around the world.

Elevate Your Message: How Professional Voice Over Is A Game Changing Strategy

Have you ever wondered if you’re maximizing the potential of your organization’s message? Well, regardless of whether you’re a company, nonprofit, start-up, or other type of business, understanding the many applications and significant benefits of using a professional voice over can transform how you connect with your audience. Below are a few reasons why you’ll want to consider hiring a professional voice over talent for your future projects and how this can elevate your work and mission.

The Oh-So Versatile World of Voice-Over

Most people aren’t aware that voice-over isn’t just for commercials or radio ads. Here are various impactful ways you could integrate a pro voice over into your upcoming communication strategy:

  1. Educational Videos and E-Learning Modules: Enhance the effectiveness of training and educational content with clear, engaging narration that helps learners connect with and retain information.
  2. Explainer Videos: Introduce your products or services with concise, captivating voice overs that explain complex ideas simply and effectively.
  3. Corporate Narratives and Annual Reports: Use voice over to add depth and a human touch to your annual reports or corporate presentations, making the data and achievements more compelling and digestible.
  4. Public Service Announcements: Spread important messages with a voice that carries authority and empathy, ensuring your PSA reaches and impacts a wider audience.
  5. Documentaries: Add professional narration to your documentary projects to guide viewers through the story with insightful and engaging commentary.
  6. Virtual Reality Experiences: Provide immersive VR experiences with voice overs that guide users through scenarios, enhancing the realism and engagement of the virtual environment.
  7. Podcasts: Whether for internal communication or public engagement, podcasts with professional voice overs can elevate the production quality and listener engagement.
  8. Award Submissions and Investor Pitches: Make your pitches and submissions stand out with a polished voice over that conveys confidence, professionalism, and maybe even a little humor.

We Get You: Why Value-Aligned Voice Over Matters

When the person behind the microphone supports and understands your mission, their authenticity shines through and your message resonates more deeply with your audience. Value alignment in voice over is crucial and Voice Over for the Planet is here to help infuse your message with:

  • Authenticity: A voice over that shares your core values will convey your messages with genuine passion, making your campaigns more believable and impactful.
  • Consistency: Maintaining a consistent voice that aligns with your brand’s ethics and goals reinforces your organization’s identity across all platforms.
  • Relatability: A voice that embodies your values can make your audience feel more connected to your cause or brand, fostering trust, loyalty, and brand recognition.

Professional Voice Over vs In-House Solutions

While using an internal team member, like a CEO, for voice overs might seem convenient, there are compelling reasons to opt for a professional voice over talent:

  1. Professional Quality: Voice-over artists bring a level of professionalism and polish that non-professionals simply can’t match, ensuring high quality audio and delivery.
  2. Emotional Range: Professional artists can deliver a wide range of emotions and tones that might be required to effectively convey your message across different contexts.
  3. Time-Saving: Outsourcing this task saves your team time and allows them to focus on their core responsibilities.
  4. Versatility: A professional can adapt their style to suit various types of content, from serious and informative to light-hearted and entertaining.

So, the main takeaway here is that incorporating professional, value-aligned voice over into your organization’s messaging isn’t just about enhancing audio content—it’s about enriching the way your message is received and perceived, and that alone has the potential to be a game-changing strategy. Whether you’re striving to explain a complex product, educate your team, or reaching out to potential clients and donors, the right voice can make all the difference. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your communications with a professional voice that truly speaks to your values and goals.