Category: Audio Post (Page 1 of 4)

Voiceover for Right Guard – A Couple Different Reads

Commercial

Manifesto Video

The agency wanted two different reads for essentially the same campaign with the same message.  The commercial read had a bit of a wink, was straightforward and warranted delivery of the message quickly and efficiently.  It was to have a  gruff, honest, hardworking vibe.  The manifesto video needed a similar approach, but it was more measured.  You’re leaning in a little more, relating, sharing.  The blue-collar element is there but it’s pulled back a bit, almost documentary-style for folks who know a hard day’s work.

These two projects are what I love about VO.  They’re very similar, but they also have very distinct differences that need to be communicated in a subtle manner.   Direction and communication of the writer’s vision is key and the agency did a great job helping me to storyboard it in my mind so that I didn’t screw it up.  Aside from post-production (the unsung heroes of the creative process), voiceover is one of the last steps – from concept to finished product.  Often, the VO won’t even know if they’ve nailed it until they see the final.  You can pretty much know based on how the session went and how you felt about your performance, but you never know for sure until you see how all the elements come together.

VO for the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers, in the style of another giant.

One day about a year ago the Steelers called.  That happens every day, right?

They asked if I’d be interested in voicing some in-stadium content.  Since then I’ve voiced a few productions for them that promote ticket sales for upcoming games.  When they called this year to see if I could voice a draft day promo in the style of the legendary John Facenda it didn’t seem real.  How many voice styles do people know?  Mel Blanc, Harry Kalas (another hero), Don LaFontaine, Paul Frees and a few others?  And John Facenda.  The voice of NFL Films.  “The frozen tundra of Lambau Field…”  Ya know?

This is by NO means an impression.  But his bold, loping, storytelling delivery informed the approach.  It’s an honor.  I can only hope they keep calling.  And thank you Mr. Facenda, for being one of the voices inside my childhood head.

Jay Smack VO – Mack Trucks

What says tough, capable, legacy and hard work more than Mack Trucks?  Before you answer consider also what says modern, forward-thinking, intelligent, environmentally-friendly and EV more than Mack Trucks?  It was a pleasure working with the team at Colle McVoy to bring this project to life as Mack powers into the future.

Jay Smack VO – new spot for GameDay Collections

It’s funny how things turn out sometimes.  Funny “interesting”, I mean.  I first approached this copy with an NFL Films, John Facenda-type of read in mind.  That was based on the direction and the subject matter.  But the client actually directed me away from that a little. And the end result was much better and more appropriate than what I had envisioned.  That’s the beauty of collaboration and highlights the subjective nature of creativity.  There’s never one answer, but when you work together to find what best serves the project it’s win/win. #voiceover #jaysmackvo

Editors are storytellers – A tribute to Taylor Hawkins

Editors are storytellers.

Post production editors, mixers, motion/graphic artists, animators, composers, cinematographers, directors, and other creative technicians often work in secluded rooms using creative vision as a compass. It’s not for everyone, but for some, it’s the only thing they could ever envision doing.

Please excuse the sharing of someone else’s work, but when I saw this tribute piece for Taylor Hawkins I was floored. I don’t know who produced and edited it, but we rarely do, do we? It hits all the right notes and deftly combines the emotional impact of losing such an inspirational figure with the artistry of this production to generate a visceral reaction. The rhythm, the shot choices, the length of each shot, the song, the timing, all of it comes together to say what words never could. It tells a story succinctly, passionately, honorably and completely.

Music is what got me into this business and it’s what prevents me from ever leaving. I have to be close to it. It’s the same for many of us. As a vo artist/audio post mixer (and drummer) navigating a career path through the intersections of creativity and commerce, it hasn’t always been an easy business to be in. But I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

RIP, Taylor Hawkins. Thanks for the music and the joy. And thanks to the lifers in this crazywacky business who remain unsung, which is most of us. And we’re fine with that. #postproduction

Video Game Promo for “Hidden Deep” – Jay Smack VO

This is a recent promo trailer I voiced for the video game “Hidden Deep”.  Video games and the media associated with them are a massive industry and a huge part of the voiceover and post-production world.  It’s always a blast to work on a new project with game developers.  Their imagination and vision is incredible.  When you first receive a script for a part, whether it’s a trailer like this, or a part for a character, you don’t always have the benefit of a treatment, a video or even an illustration.  It’s up to you to interpret their vision and bring it to life while enabling it to match what will eventually be a (virtually) living, breathing character with a backstory.  It never gets old and it’s always a challenge.

Another interesting aspect, as an aside, is the audio, music and sound design.   As a post production mixer and musician, I hear elements of Ableton Live in the production.  If you work on Ableton you’ll hear some of the sounds and instruments.

Hidden Deep website

Steam online gaming platform

Good Eye Podcast – Dan “Gravelthroat” Wright – Voice Actor

Dan Wright, a.k.a. “Gravelthroat”, is a working voice actor and one-time vocalist for hardcore and metal bands.  His raspy, gravelly vocal tones can be heard on national commercials for ACE Hardware and hockey broadcasts and promos on ESPN as well as other places in the media and internet universe.  We talk shop about all things VO including breaking down copy, finding the sweet spot in your reads, coaching and gear.  We stray a bit too and get into music-related topics and our past histories.  This episode is something of an experiment as we’ve talked about starting our own podcast.  Join us, won’t you?

Gravelthroat
Jay Smack VO
Good Eye Podcast

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