In ep 176 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Matt Coles joins Sam and Mark to talk about how good writing and good direction can get the perfect read whatever kind of voice actor you are. We look at what happens when a script points one way, but then takes a sharp deviation, and how to make a choice in an audiobook script about an accent. Our wildcards include Warldorf and Statler from the Muppets, a giraffe being picky about leaves and a marathon runner exhausted at the end of the race, plus we muse about a good single malt, snotty scrambled eggs, and meeting Patrick Stewart aka Captain Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Our VO question this week is all about how you differentiate between characters in an animation or a game if you're playing three different roles that could sound quite similar!
Get involved! Have you got a Wildcard suggestion that we should try or an idea for the show? Send it to us via Mark or Sam's social media or email it directly to podcast@britishvoiceover.co.uk
Script 1
Dogs often dream...
In fact, they experience similar stages of dreaming to humans - including rapid eye movement (REM), (the stage of dreaming we tend to remember). Twitches and paw movements are just some of the ways you can spot a dreaming dog. Even more amazing? Harvard experts suggest that your dog is quite likely to be dreaming about… you. Aww.
Script 2
If he could have assimilated the speaker’s words, he might have described the accent that flavoured them as a sort of “jovial cockney.”
It was jovial, but it wasn’t cockney.
“Please forgive my intrusion. One wonders why your blinds are all the way open in a neighbourhood with such abundant foot traffic,” the voice from the window said. “My name is Lonesome Johnny. Indeed, I should have said so at the onset. Only a villain arrives with a purpose and neglects to introduce themselves, and though I am devilishly handsome, I am no villain!”
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About our guest:
Matt’s an award-nominated English voiceover artist with a seriously versatile sound. Originally from the South and now based in the Midlands, he blends a clean RP tone with a natural, down-to-earth edge. He works across everything from commercials to gaming and character work, recording from his own pro studio. He’s also built a following of over 25k on TikTok, where he shows off his range and personality.
Matt's Website
@mattcolesvoiceovers on Instagram
Matt's Facebook page
Matt on YouTube
Resources: Click here for the Wildcard Generator and don't forget to think of an action your character can be doing!
About your hosts:
With over 40 years representing major international clients such as Google, Emirates and HSBC; Mark Ryes has been trusted to be the voice for some of the world’s biggest brands. If your business needs a fresh voice to represent you, then make it Mark's British voice. As a voiceover, TV presenter, podcaster or product demonstrator - Mark makes your brand truly sparkle!
Mark's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/britishvoiceovermark
Elegantly British with an intelligent, warm and seductive voice, Samantha Boffin helps creatives and production companies create great audio that really connects with their audience. BBC-trained and with over 20 years of broadcast experience on both sides of the mic, she's created award-winning promos, narration and commercials for companies all around the globe, including the BBC, Sky, Games Workshop, John Lewis, Audible and Penguin Random House.
Samantha's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/samanthaboffin
UK