Podcast Summary:

A VO's Journey: Voiceover and More Voice Over
Host: Anthony Pica
Episode 273: "Pick Your Voice Over Niche"
Date: May 28, 2024

Episode Overview

In this episode, Anthony Pica delves into the crucial topic of finding and developing your unique voice over niche. Drawing on his extensive experience as a voice actor, coach, and teacher, Anthony discusses industry expectations, the value of classic and modern voice styles, and the importance of proactive self-development. The episode is aimed primarily at new and aspiring voice actors looking to make informed decisions about the trajectory of their career.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. You Decide Your Path

• Speaker: Anthony Pica | [04:04]
• Summary: Anthony begins by emphasizing personal agency in a voice actor’s journey. While feedback is valuable, only you can ultimately define your capabilities and goals.
• Quote:

  “No one else is going to be able to tell you that you can’t do something—you can do it.” (04:09, Anthony Pica)

2. Classic Voice Over Archetypes Are Still Alive

• Speaker: Anthony Pica | [06:40–13:30]

• Summary: Despite shifting trends toward conversational reads, classic voice over styles haven’t disappeared. Referencing documentary narration, movie trailers, true crime, sports, and automotive ads, Anthony points out how "wise," “gravelly,” or “announcer” voices remain relevant.

  • Key examples include Morgan Freeman and David Attenborough for documentaries, Don LaFontaine and Brent Allen Hagel for movie trailers.
  • Industry nostalgia and audience expectations sustain these archetypes.

• Quote:

  “Don’t think... that any of these things have died. These voice styles have not died... If you are good at that announcer style, we still use announcers.” (11:44, Anthony Pica)

3. Trends: Conversational Versus Stylized Reads

• Speaker: Anthony Pica | [13:31–16:10]

• Summary: The trend toward “conversational” reads is now so integrated it's like “Google”—pervasive and expected. It originated from a broader shift in acting toward naturalism. However, stylized and genre-specific performances (announcer, trailer, wisdom, etc.) are not obsolete.

• Quote:

  “Conversational voice acting... it’s become kind of like Google... It’s become more than just an idea—a way we all try to voice act.” (14:32, Anthony Pica)

4. Matching Enjoyment and Aptitude to Your Niche

• Speaker: Anthony Pica | [17:15–21:10]

• Summary:

  • Identify what voice over genres truly excite you (e.g., video games, commercials, documentaries).
  • Honestly assess if your current voice and skillset fit the requirements of those genres.
  • Many new voice actors are drawn to video games and animation, but every area requires meeting specific stylistic and vocal expectations.

• Quote:

  “There’s two parts to this... Do you enjoy doing a certain thing most? Second, does your voice actually fit it?” (18:28, Anthony Pica)

5. Building and Crafting Your Own Style

• Speaker: Anthony Pica | [22:00–27:10]

• Summary:

  • Some actors arrive with a range of voices due to years of play and experimentation.
  • For most, creating a “money-making” voice style requires conscious practice and development.
  • Impersonation, archetype, and stereotype voices are crafted from observation and repetition—not simply discovered.

• Quote:

  “The most important part here is that so often people, voice actors, they’re not willing to admit that they have not built the style yet that’s probably going to make them a crap ton of money... you need to work on creating it.” (26:10, Anthony Pica)

• Quote:

  “You need to find your voice. Well, it assumes that it was lost... No—a lot of times what we’re saying is, we need to craft your voice style.” (27:06, Anthony Pica)

6. The Power of Nostalgia and Industry Stereotypes

• Speaker: Anthony Pica | [12:30–15:00]

• Summary:

  • “Announcer” or “classic” voicing styles remain in demand, in part due to the power of nostalgia and long-standing industry archetypes.
  • Consumers and clients often gravitate toward voices that evoke a memory or established expectation.

• Quote:

  “Nostalgia is very big. We like to hear things that remind us of something...” (15:19, Anthony Pica)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On the durability of genres:

  “Movie trailers... have not changed that much... They still use voice actors who have that voice style.” (10:40)

• Industry realism:

  “There are a lot of voice actors who still utilize these styles and are paid for them.” (15:35)

• Self-doubt and creation:

  “It’s not been created by them yet... You’ve got to create it. You’ve got to take who you are, what you’ve done, and turn it into something.” (26:28)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:04] — Defining your own path in voice over
• [06:40-13:30] — The continuing relevance of classic voice styles (documentaries, trailers, announcers)
• [13:31-16:10] — The rise and expectations of the conversational read
• [17:15-21:10] — How to choose your preferred and practical niche
• [22:00-27:10] — The necessity of building (not just “finding”) your unique, valuable voice style

Tone and Closing

Anthony’s tone throughout is encouraging, pragmatic, and passionate. He balances the realities of industry expectations with optimism about personal growth and agency—reminding listeners that carving out a niche is both a journey of self-discovery and skill-building.

If you’re a new or aspiring voice actor, this episode is a masterclass on niche discovery, skill acquisition, and honest self-assessment in the VO industry.