VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

COURVO · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 3:15 pm Post subject: When the lead says....

'Seeking "African-American voice" -or- "Voice of Civil-War-era Slave (yes, I've seen it -- recently!)" -or- sound of an "Urban Black Male"... or other similar verbiage... can that lead be answered like someone asking for French Accent, or British Accent, or Hindu-speaking accent?

If a white or hispanic or asian Voice-actor can approximate "that" voice, can you answer the lead?... or are those types of leads intended (reading between the lines) for only African-American people to answer?

I think that's an important distinction, because if a "white" person would happen to make the comment that someone "sounds Black" ... that comment could be, and has been considered a racial statement. Yet, here are voice-seekers asking for that "sound".

And what IS that "sound"?

Is it a vocal quality? An attitude? An accent?

I'm not trying to tweak anyone, nor do I have any cultural or political agenda...just would appreciate your serious thoughts on this issue, as I have not seen it broached here or elsewhere.

Courvo
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Moe Egan · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 3:19 pm Post subject:

Dave...when you figure it out, let me know..I got those leads too....um. deleted em
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asnively · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 3:52 pm Post subject:

I don't know. But I've been practicing my Cambodian accent for days, in case it comes up again.
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BenWils · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 4:17 pm Post subject:

I would say...if you can do it well....why not? I know you won't get listened to if you do not sound authentic though. This topic may be touchy....but here are some real thoughts and my point of view on the matter.

More times than not someone asking for the "urban" sound is asking for a little of both...the attitude and the subtle voice characteristics (accent) of a black or African American, hispanic, chinese, japanese, white person or any other ethnicity that lives in urban areas...and is a part of the hip-hop scene in some way, shape or form. This may not be the case everytime...but I would say usually they are looking for a slight "hip-hop" sound to the read. However, I don't agree with people that lump all black or African American voices into the urban catagory. It is just one style that gets stereotyped too often as the black person sound. I would say, if you are looking for a hip-hop sounding read, call it that...not urban. Urban means you live in the city and many type of people live in the city.

Rodney Saulsberry, for example, doesn't have the "urban" sound to me. He just has a great voice and can deliver extremely solid reads all the time. That is why he is so highly sought after and is one of the best in the voice industry. He does, however, sound like a black male in his early 40's to 50's to me....but that just comes from my life experience of hearing people speak and being able to identify nuances of their speech thus figuring out, in my mind, who sounds like what. Just the same as if I hear a person from New York with the typical New Yorker accent...my mind, as well as most people's minds, wants to put a face to the voice. So, I generally picture a dark-haired person...possibly of Italian decent. But they very well could be someone who does not have Italian roots...and no dark hair....just someone that has lived in NY all their life and picked up the accent.

I think it is the same with British or any other accent or style of speech....if you can't do it right.....don't do it.
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mcm · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject:

It would depend on the nature of the job, but I do sometimes respond and have sometimes been hired. But I still ask myself those same questions, Dave.

CarynClark · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 4:34 pm Post subject:

You know, I got these leads (and deleted them too). I emailed v123 about this (and a couple of other things), and asked:

***
"I'm receiving leads for projects that, for example, require an African American or accents like Malayasian/Asian. There is a language filter, but I think you need a dialect filter."

The answer was:
Since our system does not have a separate category for African American people. If a client is looking for an African American, the invitation will be sent to all those who have selected English North American on their profiles.
Please keep in mind that having a separate category might not be taken well by some subscribers, even though it would contribute to have more specific searches.

****

Maybe "dialect" wasn't the correct term... dunno. But, I'm guessing that maybe if they start putting this type of info in the key words section, and it's not in your key words in your profile, then you won't get the lead.

Anyhoo... that doesn't answer your question Courvo... but I thought it was info I could share!

C.
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Jowillie · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 4:40 pm Post subject:

In this region, "voice-actors" and just plain "actors" can absolutely spell-bind you with the dialect of the slave era. It is an unique language that goes way beyond just an "accent." There are words and phrases that are early forms of similar sayings now, but are distinctly different.
A fine example is the "Gulla" language of Low Country, South Carolina. I work with an actress who does segments on a cable access channel in that part of the county about the Gulla heritage that is fantastic. She also does VO for me with NO accent whatsoever.
Isn't it all about the Voice-Acting?

Willie E.
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mcm · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:31 pm Post subject:

Jowillie · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:44 pm Post subject:

I understand they are putting some of her readings on a video website soon.
Here is her personal website:
http://www.zenobiasart.com/

and I mis-spelled the word "Gullah."
WE
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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

I remember Dave Coulier, of Full House fame, telling a story of his first ADR casting. He walked into a room of African American voice actors and was given looks of amazement to his presence at the audition. He read for the part and won the job. He became the voice replacement of Richard Pryor.

If you can pull it off, go for it.

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:07 pm Post subject:

This is quite an interesting subject because I just recently went 'round the horn with a colleague about what constitutes "black" in a voice.

What is it in certain American voices that pegs a man or woman as "black"?
I've got a pretty good ear, and I can identify it, but I can't really quantify it.
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:12 pm Post subject:

One of my dearest voice acting friends is the top 'African Amercian' voice in Texas. He's also the whitest little nerd I know. I asked him how he goes about sounding 'black'. He said the same as any other voice over only he has to move his hands more. I guess it's all in our heads...and our interpretations.

I was once cast as an Asian 5 year old. I got the part because I was the only one that didn't do a stereotypical accent. I just pronounced my words a bit more sharp and that was it!

I love getting the leads that ask for 'authentic Texas' accents...uhm...I was born and raised in Texas...that's a big dang state with a whole lotta dialects!
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glittlefield · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:26 pm Post subject:

...imagine their surprise when you ask them, "Do you want north Dallas, hill country, panhandle or valley?"
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bobbinbeamo · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 8:04 pm Post subject:

COURVO · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:42 pm Post subject:

OK, so if I agree, and study my dialects, and submit a kick-butt audition that "nails" the essence of a "black" delivery....but the voice-seeker visits my website and sees that I'm a "European-American" and turns me down on THAT basis... isn't that reverse discrimation?

Courvo
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Dave Courvoisier - Las Vegas, NV
http://www.CourVO.com
CourVO@CourVO.com
Courvo's "Voice Acting in Vegas" Blog: http://www.CourVO.biz
on your phone at courvo.mobi
702.610.6288
"I'm not a news anchor, but I play one on TV."