Matt Michalski- Voice Over Work (June 2021)

Issue Fourteen- June 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

All voices are born unique. However, there is more than meets the ear when it comes to hiring the perfect voice actor. Here is the ultimate guide article which includes a perfect reference to this industry, as well explained and guided by professional, Matt Michalski.

What got you started with voice acting? Why so?

“Well, that’s a great question! And I’m sure it’s a question that many people ask voice-over actors, artists, or those who start a new career, and that type of thing.

I’m a professional sound engineer, this includes a lot of tech work. I do a lot of different things, and wear a lot of different hats, depending on what’s needed. So, I was doing live sound work, and on occasion, I would get saddled with what is known as doing a ‘VOG’ read, or also known as ‘voice of god reads’. Generally, I tend to do more corporate work for sound gigs, for places like convention centers, conventions, etc., which is more steady work and pays quite well. I still do live band work, for example.

As I mentioned, I was working on ‘voice of god reads’, when I did one, which was done to announce a very famous NFL football player, whose name is ‘Orlando Pace’. I introduced him through this ‘voice of god read’ announcement, and immediately, people would say, “You have an amazing voice, you should be a voice-over artist!”

I’ve been doing this kind of work and announcing for almost 20 years, introducing executives, introducing people before they go to speak, those types of things, before a convention for example. Not to mention I have been a professional musician for 36, I’ve always sung in bands, and also introduced bands, for example.”

How has Covid affected your work and craft? In a positive, or in a negative way?

“Another great question.

Honestly, my voice-over career has shot through the roof as a result of the Covid pandemic, because I was forced to learn a new craft very quickly. I studied and was coached by 3 different coaches. I’m always going to take coaching because that is one of the most important aspects of being a voice-over artist. This is because you always need to know what the current reads are, and how to inflect or how to do certain things…

To be honest, it really was a blessing for me solely in that specific way. It forced me. I couldn’t do audio work, and I couldn’t do music work. Therefore, I had to shift and do something different. So, I started doing voice-over work, and it’s been quite fruitful. To answer your question, it has affected my work positively. Obviously, the pandemic itself is very negative.”

When you get your script ready, and begin working, what three words describe your excitement to narrate and get things done? Why those words?

“Once again, great question!

I ask three questions on every script, and they are kind of generalized. Who, Who, and why. What I usually do since those three words are so general, is try and attach some other with each one of the statements.

The first question I ask whenever I receive a script is, “Who am I?” So who am I in that script? What is my character? What perspective am I coming from? Am I an employee, a salesperson, or the company’s president? Am I a scientist, or some sort of character? In a play, or a videogame, or in some other story?

The second thing I ask is, “Who am I talking to?” So, who am I talking to is the second word or phrase, that describes my excitement to narrate. So who is my audience? Who am I talking to? Am I talking to a customer or a potential customer? Am I talking to an associate or an employee for a particular corporation? Am I teaching them something in an E-learning capacity or some long-form narration to inform? Am I talking to a potential bank customer, who is looking for a home loan?

And then, “Why am I talking to them?” Why am I speaking to them as a voice-over artist? Why has that individual corporation or institution hired me to speak to them? Usually, that question is self-explanatory, and it’s usually to sell something, or its to inform, or to educate. Or entertain, even!”

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What does voice acting mean to you, and why should people contact/enlist your services? Why is this true? Is there an emotional or logical-based factor to this?

“This is a good question too. Some so many people do amazing voice-over work. What I would say to a potential customer or a potential client is to listen to my demos, (available at https://mattmichalskivo.com/) and if you can hear your message with my voice, then I think it would be a great idea if we could have a conversation, about getting you a voice-over, with my voice. Everyone’s voice is unique. Everyone has a unique voice. It’s being able to tap into that unique voice and then putting on a hat, or a character shell so to speak, and that’s why you should hire someone like me. I’m also very very good at the audio aspect of the voice-over business. I also have 20+ years of experience as a salesperson with retail, wholesale, and at the corporate level, selling to customers, businesses, and top executives. So I can talk to anybody, really.

I think the emotional component would be because you want to hear me bring my emotional presence and my humanization to your copy and voice-over read. Like I’ve said, I’m very easy to work with, and I’m an excellent business person, and I keep my word.”

Where can people find your work or information to ask about your voice acting services? Why should we?

“I mentioned my website. That is probably the best way to get a hold of me. You can see my demos there and contact me via the information on the site. I also have a Facebook page.

Remember, if you want my voice on your copy, and if you think my voice is appropriate for your project, and what your trying to do and project, then I would be honored to voice your content.”

What kinds of preparations take place before and after you are done narrating a script? How do you plan and organize yourself? How does a job well done come together for a client?

“I warm up every day, very similar to a singer’s warmups. I do vocal exercises every morning, I do a lot of yoga and stretching, and when I have time, I do go to the gym, swim, and do weights. I also play disc golf. After a job is well done, I proofread my script, to not miss anything, or make any mistakes. I markup the script, italicize, make corrections, etc. A job well done is very subjective and depends on a lot of factors.

There have been times when I have completed a job on the first take. There have been times when I have had to do revisions, which I’m more than okay with. I will give multiple takes..”

Is there anything else you would like to add?

“I’m grateful for this opportunity within the context of this publication. I am very privileged to be able to do this art form and feel quite comfortable in the studio. To help my clients get exactly what they want out of the copy and to humanize and to perform and get the product they want out to the airwaves, whichever those airwaves might be.”