The Voiceover Gurus Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Ep 147 – The Global Market with Voice Talent Serge De Marre

Welcome back to the Voice Over Gurus podcast! In this episode, host Linda Bruno sits down with Serge De Marre, a seasoned voice actor originally from Belgium, to discuss the highs and lows of the voiceover industry.

Serge shares his journey from starting in local Belgian radio to becoming a national radio host, and eventually moving to the United States. He delves into the technical challenges and cultural differences he faced, and how he transitioned into full-time voiceover work, including his recent success with a U.S. commercial campaign for Tubi.

Linda and Serge also explore the differences between European and American voiceover markets, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the importance of building strong client relationships. They touch on the significance of having a professional website and the benefits of hiring a web designer.

Tune in to hear Serge's inspiring story and gain valuable insights into navigating the voiceover world across different continents.

About Serge:

Modern. Global. Bilingual. Serge De Marre is a voice actor and voice-over artist who speaks both English and Flemish fluently, with over 20 years of experience. His contemporary, clear voice with international influences appeals to audiences from all over the world. Think fresh, smooth, cheerful, reliable, youthful.

Serge is a well-known and award-nominated voice in Belgium and the Netherlands with both his English and Flemish work. With his unique international accent, he is also on the rise in the rest of the world. He has lived in Antwerp, Washington DC, Houston, Los Angeles, Dallas and Budapest. His extensive experience with different cultures and customs can be heard in his worldly voice.

He has worked for big names such as Domino's Pizza, Axe, Google, Disney, Audi, Exxon Mobil, LG, Mentos, Pringles, Danone, Knex, Qatar Airways and Siemens. That is an impressive client list of international companies, but Serge also likes to work with smaller, local brands. For all projects, big or small, you can expect a fast response time and superior quality recordings. 

Visit Serges’ Website: https://www.sergedemarre.com/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

In this engaging episode, Linda Bruno shifts the spotlight to three talented women in voiceover. Our discussion features three remarkable voiceover artists: Carrie Farris from Austin, Texas, Barb Lyon from Batavia, Illinois, and Gwen Poynor from Salt Lake City. Each shares their unique journey, from early beginnings to current successes, highlighting the ups and downs of the industry.

Gwen delves into her extensive background, starting as a child, the challenges of re-entering the industry, and the evolution of technology. Barb reflects on her career transition from broadcasting to full-time voiceover, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and consistency. Carrie discusses her path from radio to voiceover, focusing on the significance of finding one's niche and the joy of acting through dubbing and other genres.

Our conversation also touches on the common misconceptions about entering the voiceover field, the importance of quality equipment, and the need for continuous self-improvement. We wrap up with personal anecdotes, advice for newcomers, and a mutual appreciation for the supportive community within the voiceover industry.

Don't miss this episode that celebrates the resilience and creativity of women in voiceover!

About Carrie Farris:

Carrie is your go-to voice from commercials to video games. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business and Spanish, infusing her work with a global perspective and linguistic finesse. Operating as a non-union freelance professional, Carrie has voiced commercials, promos, audiobooks, movie trailers, video dub for tv/ film, Kid YouTube Channels and so much more. Top clients: Target, Spotify, Frozen Way Video Games, Moody Publishing, Elf Cosmetics, H&M Spring Collection and the list goes on. Visit www.carriefarris.com

About Barb Lyon:

Barb caught the voice over bug in High School when she narrated a video for the school board. So she attended North Central College and filled many roles at 89.1 WONC. She then went to work at a small production company where she eventually joined the talent roster, and began voicing spots for her husband's radio station on the side. In 2012 Barb joined the casting sites and started pursuing voice over in earnest. In 2016 Barb left that full time job and began working in voice over 100%. Now she finds a somewhat surprising home in eLearning and corporate narration voice over. Barb has coached with everyone from our very own Linda Bruno & Alyssa Jayson, to David Rosenthal and Mary Lynn Wissner. In 2023 she was honored to be a SOVAS nominee in the category of eLearning.

About Gwen Poynor:

Gwen's voice is approachable, elegant, rich, and inviting. Having been cast in TV, radio, and print ads at a young age, she loved being behind the mic and in front of a camera and teleprompter.  After a decade in marketing at a Hospital and as a Recruiter, she raised her family and then decided to get back into VO and on-camera work in 2021. She's voiced medical, corporate and industrial videos; announced Award Winners (and more!) at Events, Fundraisers and Conferences and voiced local and regional ads on TV, Radio and TikTok.   

Visit GwenVoiceover.com

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Episode 136 – From Trinidad to MIA with Vanessa James

Celebrating Black History Month featuring Vanessa James.

On this episode of The Voiceover Gurus Podcast, Vanessa James, a multicultural entrepreneur, shares her experiences in various media genres. She has a successful career as a bilingual voice actor, radio host, TV host, radio DJ, and event planner in Miami. Her events include the Woman of Impact Dinner, VJMedia Mixology, and Food, Wine & Fete. In this episode, she talks about her story, inspirations, and what motivates her to be amazing every day.

About Vanessa James Media:

Vanessa James Media is a multimedia company that champions authenticity, diversity, and creativity. Specializing in voiceover, on-camera and event hosting, and content creation, the company has been a beacon for creative collaboration, spirited storytelling, and innovative brand synergies in the media landscape. Founded by Vanessa James, known as "the voice you hear everywhere,” a sought-after, seasoned multicultural voice-over actress, who has lent her voice and talents to some of the world's most iconic brands, Vanessa’s captivating voice can be heard on television and radio stations nationwide, and in the bustling yellow cabs of New York City on the iconic 103.5 KTU, as well as over 30 radio stations. Vanessa has voiced campaigns for PGA Tour, The CW Network, Netflix, Amazon, IHeartMedia, and Macy's. In 2023, she was tapped by Reach TV Network, to host their Business Traveler show, highlighting the best hotels, destinations, and inspiring travel content. Vanessa is also the voice behind the CW Network's "All American Homecoming,” Infiniti Motors' campaign, and WAZE GPS voice for their global Women's History Month celebration. She is currently represented by Atlas Talent Agency NYC. 

Vanessa is also a champion for diversity and inclusion, entrepreneurship, and creative collaboration through her three signature annual events. VJMedia Mixology, a signature event for connection among brands, influencers, trailblazers, and innovators. The Women of Impact Series, an intimate yearly gathering celebrating female entrepreneurs and multicultural creatives and Food, Wine, and Fete, a first-of-its-kind all-inclusive Soca experience in Miami, celebrating Caribbean culture and amplifying Caribbean chefs and cuisine. For more information, visit https://www.vanessajamesmedia.com/ or follow Vanessa James Media on Instagram at @vanessajamesmedia, X formerly Twitter, @msvanessajames, and LinkedIn.

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

In this fine episode, JJ and Linda discuss the importance of having VO friends to confide in, relate to, and break up the monotony of working home alone.

Visit their sites!

Linda Bruno

JJ Wilson Voices

Voiceover.GURU

In this episode, Linda and JJ cover 2 listener questions.  

#1 Is the Voiceover Industry seasonal? And should demos reflect that?

#2 How do you know what rates to charge for a job?

It's fun and realistic talk from two VO Veterans perspectives. 

LindaBruno.com

JJWilsonVO.com

Linda Bruno and JJ Wilson talk frankly about Text To Speech technology and the possible realities we may all face. And of course, casual chat about the business itself and advice on what you can do to get better at the craft. 

JJ Wilson's Website

Linda Bruno's Website

The Voiceover Gurus Website

Linda chats with her friend, Barb Lyon about Branding yourself for the VO world. They discuss the informative and helpful book by Celia Siegal, "Voiceover Achiever", and Barbs' personal experience with rebranding herself.

Check out Barbs' Site here: Barb Lyon

Get more info on Celia's book here:  Voiceover Achiever

In this enlightening edition of The Voiceover Gurus podcast, JJ and Linda discuss sessions that didn't go as planned. As well as various studio setups they've created over the years.

Voiceover.guru

VO Veterans, JJ Wilson, and Linda Bruno answer a listeners question. What would they tell their younger selves about the Voiceover Industry? Join us, as they answer that age-old question!

Visit www.Voiceover.Guru for info on lessons and online classes.

In this go-round, JJ and Linda discuss our new reality and how it's affecting being a Voice Actor.

Visit The Voiceover Gurus  for more information on our Online Coaching