I hope you’ve been keeping well on that end. We’re officially into summer – celebrating Canada Day (July 1st – 1867) and our stateside friends cheering Independence Day (July 4th – 1776).
(Ed note: Apparently, it’s best to wait until the kids are done school before you establish your nation).
Here’s to a safe & happy long holiday weekend with friends & family on both sides of the border. Happy birthday to us & U.S.!
In the meantime, I’d like to share some highlights from recent weeks that had us setting off fireworks in the studio. We should really control our excitement. We now have to build a new studio. What a great excuse to take a few weeks off July 9 – August 3.
Enjoy your summer. Stay cool!
A Ridge of High Definition Moves In
I have always been proud of my association with Canada’s national weather channel,The Weather Network.
Although it’s been close to a decade since I stood in front of imaginary weather maps incorporating the magic of green screen technology as an on-camera presenter (1998-2003), these days my connection with the meteorological media outlet continues via voice over to introduce everything from The Pollen Report to the Long Range Forecast…”brought to you by…”
Like all television broadcasters The Weather Network is transitioning to High Definition TV. TWN utilizes YouTube as an additional medium to get the HD word out on the street. I am privileged to deliver the word:
The Weather Network HD Promo – Rory O’Shea Voiceover
Supplying voice over for The Weather Network is somewhat easier than choreographing a cross-Canada long range forecast in front of a map (that’s not really there) with various time-sensitive weather Watches & Warnings in specific regions – without a script – while a digital clock off-camera counts down from 5-minutes & 50-seconds to 00:00. And it should make sense. And be accurate. But have fun. And don’t forget the sunscreen.
Colonversation: Getting to the Bottom of a Narration
Recordingmedical and pharmaceutical narration is a challenging and enjoyable voice over specialty that has led me through virtually every realm of medicine, anatomy, technological innovation, new procedures & exciting product launches over the years.
I don headphones in lieu of a stethoscope & read scripts rather than write them – yet it is certainly one of the nobler niches of my job.
While there is rarely an opportunity for levity when delivering serious and sensitive content I will get the occasional presentation that tests the reflexes of the ol’ funny bone.
This project arrived withColonversation.cafor the Colon Cancer Screening Test. It’s a public service announcement that’s slightly, wait for it…tongue-in-cheek. I’m channeling the tutorial narrators heard back in the 1950s…bottoms up!
A recent gig required my grittier vocal delivery to mimic theChrysler 200 television spotthat debuted during this year’s Super Bowl.
The corporate video (for a financial firm) was to mirror the look & feel, not to mention the sound, of the popular automobile ad.
I’m a big fan of that car spot because it’s simply one of the coolest commercials ever: the imagery, the automobile it was subtly suggesting you purchase, Detroit, Eminem and…that gravely voice over! So I thought I’d audition for a kick.
I was selected as the voice talent. Even though it was a creative mimic I was impressed how the video turned out. I was also happy with my contribution. (Ed: although pretty certain it won’t air at next Super Bowl).
