Guy Harris - Voice Artist - Helping you take the next step in radio
Guy Harris is the voice of 1000’s of commercials on Radio & TV in the UK and worldwide. Guy is one of the UK’s busiest voice artists, providing voices for TV & Radio, Toys, Ring Tones, Video Games, E-Learning, In Store and On Hold systems as well as presenting weekend breakfast on Real Radio in Yorkshire. You can visit Guy’s personal website here
How did you become a voice over artist?
I used to mimic teachers at school and my doctor too, then realised I was able to copy people so I felt I had a talent for it. However it was only a few years ago when I thought I should try and make some money from it and gave it a go.
Where will I have heard your voice?
It might be easier to say where you haven’t ha ha. Every tv channel, Strictly come dancing TV ads, most of the Jamster ones, Harvest Chewy Bars, Playmobil Ads, A few characters on the new Lego Harry Potter Game on X Box and PS3. In Asda, Homebase, HSBC, Game, Ikea, CO OP, on most radio stations around the UK. Lots in the middle East and all over Europe too. Shall I stop now???
What are the main stresses and pressures of your job?
None at all. How can I get stressed when people pay me to use silly voices?. I have had my fair share of stress over the years but now, I am very lucky to have put that behind me.
Obviously a good voice is required to become a voice over artist but is it possible to train the voice and if so how?
A good voice is essential, but an understanding of how to lift the words of the page is most important. Any one can read but it’s about bringing the words to life too.
And do you practice with your voice too?
Well, because I get to do it everyday up to 20 sessions a day sometimes, I am always practicing. I do have random conversations with myself alone in the car whilst driving
Who are the best people to listen and learn from?
Anyone and everyone. But be yourself too
How competitive is it in broadcasting for a voice over artist?
Very these days. Lots of people think that just because they have a good voice and a mic they can do it. To make a real success though you need to give it your all and do it full time.
Is it essential to have your own studio, ISDN, recording equipment etc to become a voice over?
Absolutely. You have to be available
If somebody has a good voice and they think they have what it takes, how are they best going about getting work and starting out?
Get a demo made and play it to some producers. Don’t spend too long on a demo as in the real world you will often be require to pick up a script and nail it in 2 takes. With demos, people can spend all day making one and when it comes to a session where a client is sat in paying for the studio by the hour, you don’t have time to keep doing it over and over with out your client/producer getting fed up and using someone else.
What would be your main tips for somebody wishing to do what you do?
Ask yourself… can you give everything up to take a gamble on hoping the phone rings? Can you work well under tight time constraints? Can you also wait over 3 or more months to get paid and survive? (some do honestly take a while)