Category Archives: Business

Voice Acting and AI (Google Bard)

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Voice Acting and AI (Google Bard)

Opinions on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Voice Acting have come from many different angles. The clients, the talent, agents, ad agencies, etc.

But we haven’t heard from AI itself.

So I tasked Google’s AI (Bard) to give three varying opinions on the topic…

Bard Task: Write a news article about the future impact of artificial intelligence on the voice acting industry.

~~~ A1: ~~~

The Future of Voices: Can AI Harmony Blend with Human Heart?

The velvety tones of Morgan Freeman narrating your audiobook might one day come courtesy not of the Hollywood legend himself, but of a sophisticated algorithm. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly redefining the landscape of voice acting, prompting both excitement and trepidation in the industry. So, what does the future hold for human voice actors in the age of the digital voice?

**The Rise of the Vocal Synthesizers:**
AI-powered voice generators are already creating eerily realistic human-like voices. These synthetic performers can deliver scripts in multiple languages and accents, offering creators unprecedented flexibility and efficiency. For smaller projects or quick turnarounds, AI voices could become the go-to choice, potentially displacing human actors from certain sectors.

**The Human Advantage:**
However, AI voices lack the nuances of human emotion and the improvisational skills crucial for complex narrative storytelling. The subtle tremor in a hero’s voice as they face danger, the playful lilt of a child, the warmth of a comforting confidante – these are the hallmarks of a skilled human actor that AI currently struggles to replicate. This “heart” factor could become the differentiating factor, ensuring human actors remain irreplaceable for emotionally charged roles and high-budget productions.

**Shifting Roles, Not Replaced Jobs:**
Instead of a zero-sum game, AI could reshape the role of voice actors. AI tools could handle repetitive tasks like reading basic instructions or product descriptions, freeing up human actors for more creative and emotionally demanding roles. AI could also provide real-time feedback and coaching, assisting actors in refining their performances.

**A Symphony of Innovation:**
The most optimistic scenario envisions a future where AI and human actors collaborate seamlessly. Imagine an AI generating various vocal options for a character, then the actor choosing and adding their own unique inflections and emotional interpretation. This hybrid approach could unlock new creative possibilities, enriching the storytelling experience.
The future of voice acting is likely to be a blend of human and machine talent. While AI might handle certain tasks, it’s unlikely to fully replace the artistry and emotional depth of human performers. The key lies in finding a harmonious blend, where technology augments human talent, creating a richer and more diverse soundscape for our ears to enjoy.

As AI voices continue to evolve, the questions remain: Will audiences readily accept synthetic actors? Will the industry adapt to incorporate this new technology? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the future of voice acting promises to be a fascinating and unpredictable journey.

~~~ A2: ~~~

Will AI Steal the Show? The Future of Voice Acting in a Machine-Made World

The human voice, once a pinnacle of storytelling, is facing a new competitor: artificial intelligence. While some fear a robot takeover of the airwaves, others see a revolution in the making. So, will AI silence the voices of flesh-and-blood actors, or will it usher in a golden age of sonic storytelling?

**The Rise of the Voice Bots:**
AI-powered voice generators are already creating realistic, expressive voices for commercials, audiobooks, and even video games. These synthetic actors offer advantages: they’re cheaper, faster, and can work 24/7. For low-budget projects or repetitive tasks, they’re a tempting alternative.

**But Can a Machine Capture the Soul?**
Human voice actors bring more than just words to the table. They infuse their performances with emotion, nuance, and improvisation – qualities that remain elusive for even the most sophisticated AI. Consider the emotional depth of a veteran actor voicing an animated character, or the subtle humor in a commercial delivered with perfect timing. These are the hallmarks of human artistry that AI still struggles to replicate.

**The Future: Collaboration, Not Competition:**
The most likely scenario is not a robot uprising, but a fusion of human and machine. AI could handle the grunt work, freeing up actors to focus on the creative aspects. Imagine an AI generating different voice options for a character, then the actor choosing and refining the one that best embodies the role. This collaboration could lead to even more nuanced and expressive performances.

**Beyond the Studio:**
AI could also open new doors for voice actors. Imagine personalized audiobooks narrated by your favorite actor, or interactive games where you converse with AI-powered characters voiced by real actors. These possibilities expand the reach of voice acting and create new avenues for income.

The future of voice acting is not a binary choice between humans and machines. It’s about embracing the unique strengths of both, using AI to enhance human creativity and storytelling. While AI may change the landscape of the industry, it’s unlikely to silence the voices that have captivated audiences for centuries. The future of voice acting is not about who takes the stage, but about how we use technology to tell even more powerful stories.

~~~ A3: ~~~

The Future of Voices: AI’s Impact on the Voice Acting Industry

The world of voice acting is on the cusp of a dramatic shift, driven by the ever-evolving power of artificial intelligence (AI). While some see AI as a threat, poised to replace human actors entirely, others envision a future where AI and human talent synergistically shape the sound of our stories.

**The Rise of the Machines:**
One of the most immediate impacts of AI is the creation of incredibly realistic synthetic voices. These voices can mimic human voices with stunning accuracy, even capturing subtle nuances like emotion and inflection. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields like e-learning, audiobooks, and even animation, where AI-powered characters could deliver believable performances.

**Human-AI Collaboration:**
However, experts believe that AI won’t replace human actors entirely. Instead, it is likely to become a powerful tool, assisting actors in their craft. AI could handle repetitive tasks like lip-syncing or generating multiple voice options, freeing up actors to focus on the creative aspects of performance. Additionally, AI-powered feedback systems could help actors refine their delivery and hone their skills.

**New Frontiers in Storytelling:**
The possibilities extend beyond mere imitation. AI could open up entirely new avenues for storytelling, allowing for the creation of voices that are impossible for humans to produce, like those of aliens or mythical creatures. This could lead to a surge in immersive experiences, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

**Challenges and Opportunities:**
Despite the exciting possibilities, the rise of AI also presents challenges. Ethical concerns surround issues like ownership of voice data and the potential for job displacement. Additionally, ensuring that AI-generated voices are diverse and inclusive will be crucial.

However, the voice acting industry has a long history of adapting to new technologies. With careful planning and collaboration, AI can become a valuable asset, not a threat. By embracing this technology, the industry can create even more captivating stories and reach wider audiences than ever before.

**The future of voice acting is a symphony waiting to be composed, with both humans and AI contributing their unique instruments. It’s a future filled with possibilities, and the stage is set for a truly remarkable performance.**

So, my fellow humans… what do you think of the above answers? There’s a bit of promise and a bit of doom. Only time will tell…

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Match Game: VO!

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Match Game: VO!


Voice Matching for Voice Acting


Match Game: VO!
In one day last week, I auditioned for 5 different voice match roles. Here’s some useful info about voice matching and how I handle these auditions…

What is Voice Matching?
Voice Matching is when a voice actor is hired to provide the voice of a prior role that was originally performed by another actor. It requires a special set of impersonation skills, and is normally cast via an audition. With celebrities or iconic characters, the studios will usually want an exact (or close as possible) match. Historical figures may or may not have an audio reference. For others, they may only want the general range and feel of the character.

When is Voice Matching used?
There are many scenarios where voice matching may be called for. The original actor may have other commitments or be ill. The project may be for recording a scratch track (later to be voiced by the original actor). With historical voices or for actors who have passed away, the needs run from filling in some missing lines, to recreating a voice from history. Another possibility is that the original actor was in a movie version, and doesn’t want to reprise his role for a game or series. And of course sometimes the studios may have financial or other issues with given actors.

Who have you voice matched for VO projects, Joe?
Here’s a partial list of some of my past voice matching jobs: Steve Martin, Harrison Ford, Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Ronald Reagan, Adolf Hitler, Elvis Presley, Colonel Sanders, Patrick Stewart, Sean Connery, Leonardo Da Vinci, James Madison, HAL 9000, FDR, Warren Buffett, Jeffrey Tambor, Bryan Cranston, Charles Babbage, Steve Jobs, Werner Herzog, Max Headroom, Chris O’Dowd, WWII veteran voices, and voices from The Alamo.

Each of these voice match impressions took time to develop. And for every one that I’ve used on a project, there are dozens more that I’ve got in reserve. It’s a constant process of learning and creating.

What does it take as a voice actor to do matching?
As with most things, it takes lots of practice. You’ll also have to get used to all of the intricacies of your own voice. For me, training in singing and improv were the most useful. Everyone’s voice and ears are different. Some will be more successful than others at this. Each accent, character or impression can take weeks, months or years to perfect. Don’t be daunted. Baby steps. Start with voices that are already similar to your own. Sometimes, I’ll even combine several voices I’m comfortable with to get a new one. Get feedback from other voice actors, coaches or mentors. With time, everyone can extend the range of their vocal capabilities. And if you don’t end up with a spot-on impression, you may still end up with a great character voice to use on future projects.

A Real World Example: Vincent Price
In my prior post, “Price of Horror” (click to read), I go into some of the details about the process of replicating the voice of Vincent Price. The upshot was that it landed me an audition and a real job further down the line. This has happened to me several times, including a job for “This American Life” on NPR – you can read about that in “Comedy To Cash” (click to read).

It pays to work on your craft, even if there’s no audition or job at stake right now. You may be creating something you’ll need for the future. Better to have more tools in your toolbox.

Your Take?
Have you done Voice Matching for projects? Impressions of celebrities? Accents? Funny characters?

Let me know your views on this topic in the comments below!

Happy voicing!
Joe

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Joe J Thomas Interview by Chris Mayek

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Joe J Thomas Interview by Chris Mayek

Had a great time being interviewed by the affable Chris Mayek!

We talked about my start in acting and my roles in Anime, Games, and even live action dubs.

Watch it below, and be sure to check out his other awesome interviews on YouTube…

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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How The Grimch Stopped Sessions

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How The Grimch Stopped Sessions


A Xmas Tale for all of the Voice Actors in VO-Ville 😉

—— Script ——
~~~
How The Grimch Stopped Sessions
A Xmas Tale for all of the Voice Actors in VO-Ville 😉
~~~
News Anchor (fade in): …and I’m your anchor Joe J Thomas wishing you a Happy Christmas 1966. Be sure to stay tuned for our new special, up next on participating stations.
(station id): CBS presents this program in color.
Announcer (music under):
How The Grimch Stopped Sessions
Brought to you by the fine cheese food like products of Krapf.
If you think it kinda might taste like cheese, it’s probably Krapf.
Singers: K.R.A.P.F.!
Narrator:
All the VOs down in VO-Ville liked sessions a lot
But the Grimch, who lived just outside VO-Ville, did not
To look at the Grimch you’d see such a sight
He spells it with an “M” to avoid copyright
Everything one and two that he ventures to do
Makes ear-splitting sounds from wig to wazoo.
One wish would make the VOs day such a joy
A nice quiet time to record with their toys
They talk to their Neumann, Sennheiser and Rode
From their foam padded mass vinyl boxes enclosed
They speak to producers and clients and such
Who direct them and coach them and pay them so much
But the Grimch doesn’t like any of this
He listens, or not, then says with a hiss
“These sessions are all a big bother and fuss”
“I’ll make so much noise that those VOs will all cuss!”
He turns on his bamhammer, blowwinder and boomer
Starts up his highscreamer, sireener, and vroomzoomer
The Grimch has noisewhiners that pierce through the heads
Of all the quiet VOs still sleeping in beds
Song:
You’re a loud one, Mr Grimch.
You’re a noisy woisey fool
You’ve got blowy, go-ey gadgets and a load of bangy tools, Mr Grimch!
Living next door to you is a 24 hour construction zone!
Narrator:
The Grimch did his worst, then turned for a look
The VOs hadn’t stopped, with new jobs that they’d booked
And a new thought appeared in his loud Grimchy head
Perhaps instead of such clatter there’s something better instead.
Maybe a rake or a broom would be nicer than blowing…
Then the Grimch said “Nah!” and continued his mowing!
(music to fade out)
—— fin! ——

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Career Vampires

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Career Vampires

They skulk in the shadows… sucking the very life blood from your fledgling VO career.

Your time, money and energy… are theirs to consume.

But this is a tale with a twist: You give them all of these, willingly.

Who are these “Career Vampires”?

Even though they disguise themselves, they will mesmerize you into spending more money, giving more time, wasting your vital energy.

How can you avoid these monsters and save your career?

Do the work.
Research each one before you waste your precious resources.
Ask some trusted friends in the industry.
If you have a coach or mentor, they can help you too.
And always weigh what you’re getting out of the deal.
Everyone is different – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to crafting your career.

Without further ado, BEWARE!!! Horrors lurk below:

The Three Wraiths: Conventions, Classes, Coaches

Each of these wily wraiths will lure you with promises of easy money, contests, prizes, fame and followers. There are a lot of good ones mixed in with a few bad ones. But it only takes one to set you back in your plans. False hope is the bait for their trap… your money is what they hunger for!

Sirens of Social Media (FrankenBook, InstaGolem, TweetZilla)

Like the labyrinth of old, social media sirens will draw you in. Stealing your time. Filling your mind with misinformation. Distracting you from the real work that needs to be done to build the foundation needed for a career. Cast them aside! Or, if you have the strength, be very selective where you roam. Despair lines the cold stone walls of this maddening maze.

Zombies of Your Mind

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. Overconfidence and self-doubt are two sides of the same devil’s coin. One will lead you to believe you already know the way forward. The other will cause you to freeze in a downward spiral. We’ve all had these thoughts from time-to-time. Pause… Breathe… Take the hand of a trusted comrade when you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Video Ghouls

There’s a trap waiting for you… The idea that the internet can teach you anything! Sure, you can find video tutorials and binge watch until your eyes glaze over. But are you really learning what you need? There is no substitute for real-world experience. Go outside. Get involved with a theatre, improv troupe, or choir. These types of productions will teach you things you can never learn by simply watching videos non-stop. How to be directed. Working with others. Building real characters instead of funny voices. Acting and reacting with other actors. Feeling the audience reaction and feedback. Only the light of day can banish the dark reaches of the Video Ghouls!

Have you encountered any of these?
Perhaps you’ve run into some I haven’t mentioned here.
Help me to warn others with a career saving comment below!

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Is This Scalpel Good For Brain Surgery?

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Is This Scalpel Good For Brain Surgery?

(When questions and answers go awry…)

I often find myself frustrated by many of the questions and answers posted about Voice Acting on online forums.

What’s this got to do with Scalpels and Brain Surgery? Everything!

There are 4 parts to what I consider a good, helpful Q+A:

  • The person asking the question (background, experience, etc.)
  • The person answering (background, experience, etc.)
  • The question itself (researched, specific, unambiguous, etc.)
  • The answer (takes into account all of the above and addresses the issues, possibly raising new questions)

Based on these 4 parts, here are some general thoughts on how we can all do better asking and answering questions (based on the “Scalpels for Brain Surgery” example):

  • Before you ask a question, do some research.
    Many of the questions being asked have been asked and answered. Try searching professional forums on the topic you’re interested in. Look for instructional videos or reviews. Ask a trusted teacher or a professional in the industry. A side benefit of this may mean that you’ll find other answers to questions you hadn’t even considered.
  • Give people some background before asking the question.
    It’s impossible to answer a question if you don’t know who you’re speaking to, or what their experience is. For our Scalpels example, are they a med student? Practicing doctor? Surgeon? Or just an interested non-medical person? Knowing this will make it easier for people to give helpful answers.
  • Be as specific as possible when asking for advice.
    I’ve seen newbies and pros make the same mistake: broad, non-specific questions. Try to narrow down the question before posting it. If you’re not sure how to narrow it, that may mean you don’t know what you’re really after. In that case, go back and do some more digging and research. If you ask a wide open question, you’re likely to get a wide range of useless answers.
  • Find out who you’re talking to.
    This is really important for both the person asking the question (see “Background” above), and for the person answering. After all, if you’re a qualified brain surgeon looking for a real answer about scalpels, you probably don’t want the advice of a med student, veterinarian, or failed top-chef contestant. Beware of newbies answering other newbie questions!
  • Don’t answer questions if you’re not qualified.
    Lots of people are more than willing to jump in with their opinion on any topic posted online. This doesn’t mean they’re qualified to answer. I know it’s difficult, but try to know the limits of your own knowledge. Too much misleading and downright horrible information is being shared as if it’s the truth. Before answering, ask yourself how much you really know about the question being asked. If the answer is “I watched a YouTube once about Do-It-Yourself Brain Surgery”, maybe you should sit this one out…

BTW, this advice is a follow-up to a prior post:
Advice on Advice

So, can we all do better? Yes!

Will we? That’s up to you…

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Authentic AI Voices

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Authentic AI Voices


(random thoughts from a voice actor)

If you’re a voice actor, I’ll wager you’ve read or been a part of a discussion about AI Voices taking our jobs. Or one about casting for “Authentic” voices for a gig. What follows is some of my thoughts on both topics.

“Authentic” (and other meaningless words)
So, what exactly does “Authentic” mean to you when you see it in a casting notice? The people casting obviously have a reason to ask for “Authentic”. Sometimes it may be that the intended audience is from a particular region and they want to ensure it sounds right to them. Other times, the character is written for a particular ethnicity or sexual preference, etc.

But does that really *mean* anything?!?!? I’m in my 50’s, of Lebanese descent, and was raised in the Midwest. Does this mean I can only play Lebanese guys in their 50’s who are from Cleveland? I worked with a Japanese guy who was raised in Mexico and has a Mexican accent, and a South African who went to school in the UK and has a perfect RP dialect. Are they only limited to their ethnicity or to their childhood accents? And what about anyone with a multi-cultural origin or upbringing?

What is the point of acting? To fully inhabit a character, with all their traits, mannerisms, quirks, etc. To be believable to the audience. For me, that includes the vocal qualities like accent, tone, emotion, etc.

Bottom Line: as a voice actor, who isn’t seen on camera, I should be able to be cast for any role that I can convincingly portray. And so should everyone else.

For those who bring up the very real issue of under-representation for a particular group, I’d say that stems from a lack of opportunity. From the writing, to the casting, and even the funding for projects, whole groups are excluded from even auditioning.

Second Bottom Line: Leveling the playing field means being more inclusive, not less. More opportunity for all, not limiting who can play what. (Shakespeare, anyone? Hamilton?)

AI VOICES (COMING TO STEAL YOUR JOBS!)
AI voices have definitely improved in the 15 years that I’ve been a professional voice actor. They are now good enough to take some of the less demanding jobs. Ones that are just straight information. Phone system prompts. Tech manuals for vision impaired. Voices on trains.

As we move forward into the future, it’s inevitable that AI voices will be doing more VO work. But how much? Will they eventually replace us entirely? I don’t think so. For roles in animation, games, audio books, commercials, etc., where a human voice with emotion and the ability to interpret the subtleties of human interaction in the script is needed, AI will have trouble being believable.

Bottom Line: If you’re doing work that could easily be replaced by an AI voice, now’s a good time to improve your acting skills and make a move to a different genre of VO.

To be honest, I’ve heard my share of really bad Voice Acting… by humans. I don’t know how they got the job in the first place, but if the client sees that AI is cheaper and better, then that’s where they’ll go.

Second Bottom Line: Don’t suck at your job.

Authentic AI Voices
Authentic AI VO Voice Acting

I know AI will eventually replace me as a Voice Actor… but the real question is: Will it have the correct skin color, ethnic origin, religious affiliation, gender designation and sexual preference for the role?

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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How Business Is Done: William Lee

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How Business Is Done: William Lee

If you want to know how real business gets done, here’s a great example.

William Lee is a filmmaker in Ohio who’s been producing his own movies since before I met him in the 1980’s. He’s worked hard to build a network of actors, crew, distribution, etc. He’s a one-man production company. And even teaches filmmaking and has a William Lee Film Tribute released by The American Genre Film Archive. By any measure, he’s a self-made bona fide success story. And 30+ years since our last project, he’s still teaching me how real business is done.

We’ve been in touch over the years, but never had a good fit for his projects. On an upcoming film, William had an idea that he thought my voice would work for. Here’s how the process played out:

  • He sent me a message asking if I’d be interested, along with some sample copy.
  • I sent back some takes for him to choose from.
  • He liked one read in particular and wanted to hire me.
  • I gave him my rate – no beefs, negotiation or whining.
  • I recorded and sent the audio.
  • We agreed on a payment method.
  • He paid me.
  • ~ Fin ~

This. This is how Business is done. Professional. Efficient. Simple.

No Drama.

It’s easy to find people on both sides of the camera who aren’t this professional.

But it’s the true pros that are the ones you’ll want to keep as clients.

For more information on William Lee and his films, visit: Cinema Lexzikon Productions

William Lee: Filmmaker

William Lee: Filmmaker

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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I Am Not Don LaFontaine!

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I Am Not Don LaFontaine!


(parody of “I am I, Don Quixote” from Man of La Mancha)

What’s your Impossible Dream for VO?

Here’s a song about mine:

Audio version:

      I Am Not Don LaFontaine! (Joe J Thomas)

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Working at Joe’s Dump

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Working at Joe’s Dump

Here’s a bit of a peek behind the curtain about Working at Joe’s Dump.

I keep a Google doc with all of my ideas for new posts. Once I’ve actually gotten around to using an idea, I move it over to a completed document. They’re both getting pretty long after all these years.

The reason I mention it is because it’s a great way to stay creative. Whenever I hit a snag in one project, I just look to see what random ideas I’ve had in the past. Sometimes I’ll feel like completing one of those instead.

Right now, I’ve got 3 or 4 songs in the works, some ideas for business posts, poetry and graphics notions, video ideas, etc.

Once you start writing down ideas, the process becomes much easier… and a bit addictive.

So, when I feel overwhelmed or under pressure, it’s time to take a break.

Listen to your muse – sometime she’s saying “Take some time off”.

You’ll come back refreshed and ready to create.

… at least that’s how it works for me 😉

Cheers,
Joe

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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