VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

JBarrett · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:29 pm Post subject:

I've got a theory on what influences that "black" sound, apart from accent and word choice and such. I think it is the sound itself, and I believe it stems from basic genetics. Just as African Americans have genetic information that gives them darker skin, I believe there are other bits of genetic data that create subtle differences in the parts of the body involved in the creation of vocal sound. Ever notice the broader, flatter nose that many African Americans have? The resonance of sound in the nasal cavity plays a part in how a person's voice sounds, and it's possible that the shape of the nasal cavity in an African American person is one component of that uniquely "black" sound. There are likely other physiological differences that influence that sound as well. That's my theory, anyway.

On a somewhat related note, my first paid voice-acting gig -- which I got while looking for my first paid animation gig -- kinda fits into this discussion. I was applying for a 3D modeler position at Her Interactive, a company in the Seattle area that makes Nancy Drew computer games. I wasn't even close to being a good enough modeler to get the job, but during the interview, they mentioned that they had checked out a homemade character voice demo I had on my web site. The interviewer asked if I would be interested in auditioning, and I heartily accepted the invitation. Even though I initially auditioned for a "non-accented" character, they let me take a stab at some of the other characters as well. In the end, I ended up being cast in the role of Jacques Brunais, a French ski instructor.

I don't speak a lick of French (other than basic greetings and a little counting), but several of their head creative folks spoke fairly fluent French, and were complimentary of my stab at the accent. They offered lots of great support and guidance during the recording session, and I had a blast. However, my only payment was $50 and a free copy of the game when it was released. I didn't think much of it at the time, but I have a fairly strong hunch now that they knew they could get me for cheap 'cause I had no prior voice acting experience, no knowledge of proper rates, I was non-union, etc.

Then came my surprise when I got the game and took my first look at the character I voiced. They modeled him to look like me! Shocked

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Justin S. Barrett
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bobbinbeamo · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 8:11 pm Post subject:

Dang, I wish I could do cool photoshop tricks like ya'alls.
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mcm · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 8:59 pm Post subject:

Justin, that is a great story. What a great beginning to your VO career! I'm sorry you didn't get a better deal financially, but it certainly sounds like a grand experience - and how neat to have your character look like you.

When I first started in VO I decided on a rate per :30 of narration (before changing to a per-word rate) and kept forgetting that it was for :30 and would quote that rate per minute. I used to get SO MAD at myself. I think financial mishaps are just part of getting started.

KaraEdwards · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:31 am Post subject:

Justin,

I love that story! The character is great...I know I could get flogged for this, but I'd almost be happy with the $50 and a free game just to show everyone a character that looked and sounded like me!

Video games are my favorite to voice, followed very closely by cartoons and children's programming. It is an absolute dream of mine to be able to create a character way before the animation is done- just so there would be no limits to where it could go (to date-every major character I've voiced was to picture).

--ok, done threadjacking--
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Kara Edwards
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BenWils · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 7:14 am Post subject:

JBarrett · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 9:06 am Post subject:

Hard to say...the game is about six years old now, but from the commentary in their online forum, it appears there are still the occasional buyers here and there.

I don't know how intentional the character resemblance to me really was. They never took any photos of me that I recall, and the only times they saw me aside from my interview for the modeler position were at the audition and the recording session. If they did choose to model the character after me, it's possible they just went from memory. Then again, there is half of a self-portrait (art school assignment) that I use on the "About Me" page of my site.

As for using my likeness without my permission, it's entirely possible there was something in the contract I signed that gave them that permission. I might still have my copy of the contract in my files somewhere. However, even if I find it and it doesn't give them that right, my gut tells me I could easily spend more money in the effort of trying to get more money from them than what I would potentially receive.
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Justin S. Barrett
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audio'connell · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:04 pm Post subject:

I........oh never mind.

Bitchin

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audioconnell Voice Over Talent
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JBarrett · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:29 am Post subject:

What were you going to say? Am I incorrect in my assumption that it wouldn't be worth the effort of pursuing further compensation from this company for using my likeness in the game? Is there something else I said that was wrong? Please share your thoughts, Peter. If I made a mistake, I'm ready to learn, but I can't learn if nothing is said.
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Justin S. Barrett
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audio'connell · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:46 am Post subject:

Absolutely NOTHING to do with what you said, fear not.

It was an inside joke about something entirely different which may have been funny only to me.
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audioconnell Voice Over Talent
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Jowillie · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:27 am Post subject:

(Back to the topic....)
Talk about timing-- I just got a TV VO for a dance studio that "...expresses diversity through dance," in my "not as thick" Barry White voice.

... and I'm not offended at all! cool

Willie E.
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bobbinbeamo · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:47 pm Post subject:

Speaking of Barry White, does anyone remember the old SNL bit with Chevy Chase as Very White? OMG I'm dating myself!!!!
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Drew · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:34 am Post subject:

I'm not one to attempt an "urban" accent. However, I am voicing and producing a rather extensive image project for a hip-hop station. I recall that lead on V123, though, and deleted it.

However, a regular client asked me to do four pages in a Mexican accent. I gave it a shot, and was told I did very well. I wasn't comfortable doing it, but sometimes challenge is good.
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Lizden · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:14 pm Post subject:

It's interesting, I got a V123 lead last week asking for a "Pan-African French" VO....like from Niger or Gabon...but you had to be a native French speaker from one of those countries.

Although I've done French work for Canada, even though I'm not from Canada, an African delivery I can't do.

Liz
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anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC