It’s been a strange year, as everyone keeps telling us. And I suppose they’re right about that! But how has the pandemic affected the world that I inhabit – that of voice over?
Mostly positively, to be honest (although I am not of course suggesting that that’s a cause for celebration!).
Audiobooks, for example, have shown an increase in take-up. This may be because people have had more time at home and have generally found a bit more time on their hands. Or maybe it’s because they have not been able to get to the shops to buy books, so they have decided to try something new which is instantly available online. Why not try an audiobook for yourself – free of charge – by requesting a free download via this website?
There has also been an increase in the number and range of voice-over projects required by business. Quite a few have had a Covid flavour to them, – for example, training videos telling staff about new health and safety arrangements as a result of the pandemic, or adverts promoting new products and services that are pandemic-related, or affected in some way by the so-called ‘new normal’.
But whilst there has been an increase in the amount of voice over work available, more competition for that work has emerged. That may be because more people are having to change their job and so are looking for something that they can do from home. But it is just as likely to be because theatres have been closed for a year and therefore many actors have had to diversify in order to continue to make a living. With the right equipment and some talent, voice acting can be done from home and you don’t have to worry about the fact that you may not have had a haircut for months!
So, all in all, the past year has been a positive one for the voice over profession. But that’s no cause for celebration! Like most people, our profession wants the ‘old normal’ to return as soon as it is safe to do so!
Cheers, Andy.