Podcast Summary: Everyday VOpreneur® with Marc Scott

Episode: What Makes a Great Storyteller? Thom Pinto Talks Documentary and Docuseries Narration

Date: March 26, 2026
Guest: Thom Pinto (Veteran Documentary Narrator, Coach)
Host: Marc Scott

Overview

In this insightful episode, Marc Scott welcomes renowned documentary and docuseries narrator Thom Pinto. Together, they explore what really makes a great storyteller in the world of documentary narration. The conversation delves deep into the evolution of narration styles, the impact of network branding, the nuanced skills required for narration, and practical tips for VOpreneurs aiming to succeed in the documentary genre. Thom shares wisdom from decades of experience, provides actionable advice for aspiring narrators, and highlights the importance of authenticity, visualization, research, and emotional connection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defining a Great Storyteller

• Trust and Authenticity:

  • “A storyteller has to take a leap of faith … and to find the things that he or she believes would be interesting to the audience and lean into it, not worry about overdoing.” — Thom (01:34)
  • Marc and Thom agree: authenticity and giving your unique "special sauce" matter more than trying to fit everyone’s expectations.

• Expressiveness Across Genres:

  • Expressiveness varies by genre, and strict “don’t be too announcer-y” feedback often stifles genuine storytelling.
  • “Why should a storyteller be less expressive now than a storyteller was maybe a quarter-century ago?” — Thom (02:30)

• Celebrity Example:

  • Paul Giamatti’s animated storytelling feels natural “because we know it’s authentically him.” — Thom (03:20)

2. The Evolution of Storytelling & Network Branding

• Changing Styles:

  • Different cable networks (Discovery, Nat Geo, A&E, TLC) evolved narration to compete with PBS, adding more “color” or personality to stand out.
  • “They need a higher give-a-factor in what they're doing in order to stand out.” — Thom (04:35)

• Visuals vs. Narration:

  • “If I'm starting to fall asleep a little bit, then that narrator is not doing their job … many people will endure a so-so narrator because they're captivated by the visuals.” — Thom (05:15)

• Brand Alignment:

  • Researching the production company and channel is key; each has its own narrative “brand.”
  • “The eighth consideration [when developing as a storyteller] is knowledge of the network or streaming service.” — Thom (07:13)
  • “Familiarity of the brand is important. And boy, brands are evolving.” — Thom (07:30)

Notable Quote

“Is part of the job for a voice actor … figuring out which brand of storytelling aligns with their own brand?” — Marc (06:22)

3. Research & Preparation: Matching Your Storytelling

• Personal Brand Fit:

  • Knowing where your style fits (PBS, A&E, Discovery, etc.) increases booking chances.
  • “The intersection between what you're capable of doing … and what they're asking for is probably your highest probability of booking.” — Thom (13:44)

• Practical Research Tips:

  • Watch shows from networks you want to work with, even buy episodes if needed, and study narrative trends and differences.

4. Visualization: The Secret Ingredient

• Seeing the Story:

  • Visualization — the ability to see the scenes as you read — separates great narrators.
  • “When someone is speaking and they totally get that … that's what makes me go, ‘Ah, he or she has it.’” — Thom (14:57)
  • Calls out exemplary narrators: Jeff Daniels (“excellent phrasing”), Angela Bassett (“you can sense the tension of that leopard…”).

• Balancing with Visuals:

  • “Let the pictures do the talking. If the pictures aren’t good, then you gotta give it a little more love. It's a sliding scale.” — Thom (17:45)

• Practical Application:

  • Take time before reading the script to visualize the content; it enhances delivery authenticity and emotional nuance.

5. Audio & Music: Anchoring Performance

• Using Background Tracks:
  • The music bed dramatically influences narrator mood and read.
  • “I've done reads thinking, ‘This is the sound that's going to be underneath it’ … and a totally different read comes out.” — Marc (21:00)
  • Thom recommends actors set their own mood with music before auditioning.

6. Emotional Connection, Even Without Direct Experience

• Curiosity Drives Engagement:
  • Don’t need to have lived every experience; instead, “lean into what we don’t know and we can learn.”
  • “I think documentary people … we’re usually learning something new. And … as storytellers, [we] stand out when we embrace sharing something new and different that we've just discovered.” — Thom (26:58)

7. Influences & Storytelling Heroes

• Narration Inspirations:
  • Peter Falk taught Thom the “power in the pause”:
    • “There's power in the pause because we don't want to leave our audience behind.” — Thom (29:54)
  • Also names Peter Coyote, Robert Redford, Peter Thomas, and Bill Curtis as inspirations for phrasing, emotional restraint, and structure.

8. Mistakes Narrators Make

• Over-correcting to Understated:

  • Many try so hard to avoid “too much” that they under-deliver, especially if already understated in nature.
  • “Everyone needs to know their zero … If you're already an understated individual and you see something that says understated storyteller, just be you.” — Thom (34:41)

• Auditioning Without Visuals:

  • “In the audition process, we probably have to give a little more variety than maybe what we actually do in the session.” — Thom (35:45)
  • Look for pivots, “but” factors, and cliffhangers in scripts.

9. The Importance of Consuming the Genre

• You Must Watch Documentaries:
  • “You absolutely have to. You can't live in a vacuum on this.” — Thom (39:16)
  • Practical tip: “Turn down the volume, put on closed captioning, and read along to see how stories and narration are constructed.” (40:25–41:00)

10. Story Structure in Documentary Narration

• Typical Structure:
  • Most hour-long shows: cold open/tease (slightly more promo-esque), then five or six “acts” with their own purpose and focus.
  • Understanding each act’s role gives you context for emotional/tonal shifts, making reads more intuitive and specific.
  • “Structure is actually your friend in TV narration.” — Thom (45:00)
  • Practical process: Look for act transitions, what each act is about, and pivot your read accordingly.

11. Professionalism & Working With Producers

• Successful Narrators:

  • Patience, takes direction, gives multiple options, and thinks visually even when working without picture.
  • “It isn’t about flawless delivery. It’s about being patient with the process … and thinking visually.” — Thom (49:10)
  • Directors often reference visuals for tone guidance: “We’re going to be slowly panning into the forest, so if you can give me an eerie forest feel...”

• Industry Realities:

  • Building a documentary career is slow and competitive; producers commonly want custom auditions, not demo reels.
  • Self-promotion (especially on LinkedIn) with original narration content is increasingly valuable.
  • “You have a captive audience. It’s yours to lose if you bore them.” — Thom (55:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Branding & Fitting In:
  • “Figuring out which brand of storytelling aligns with their own brand … is part of it.” — Marc (06:22)
• On Visualization:
  • “Visualization … the ability to see the story you’re telling, when someone totally gets that — that’s what makes me go, ‘ah, they have it.’” — Thom (14:57)
• On Emotional Engagement:
  • “We lean into what we don’t know and we can learn. I think, as humans and as storytellers, that’s where we really stand out.” — Thom (26:55)
• On Mistakes:
  • “Everyone needs to know their zero … If you’re already an understated individual … just be you.” — Thom (34:41)
• On Consumption of Genre:
  • “You absolutely have to [watch documentaries]. You can’t live in a vacuum on this.” — Thom (39:16)
• On Structure:
  • “Structure is actually your friend in TV narration … each act does have a purpose.” — Thom (45:00)
• On Audience:
  • “You have a captive audience. It’s yours to lose if you bore them.” — Thom (55:15)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Defining a Great Storyteller: 01:22–03:34
• Evolution and Trend of Storytelling (Brands & Channels): 03:56–07:13
• Researching Trends & Network Fits: 07:13–11:45
• Visualization as Core Skill: 14:34–18:11
• Using Music & Audio to Shape Reads: 20:58–24:17
• Connecting Without Lived Experience: 25:30–27:42
• Influences and Narration Heroes: 29:12–33:49
• Common Mistakes in Storytelling: 34:41–37:59
• Why You Must Watch Documentaries: 39:16–41:23
• Understanding Documentary Structure: 42:15–47:41
• Traits of In-Demand Narrators: 49:08–50:57
• Industry Realities and Self-Marketing: 51:56–55:15
• Thom’s Coaching & Upcoming Course: 57:40–60:00

Finale and Practical Takeaways

For VOpreneurs and Aspiring Narrators:

• Be authentic, understand your “brand,” and align it to networks and genres you love.
• Visualize each scene — see the story, don’t just read the words.
• Research production companies, watch documentaries, note how narration shifts by network and subject.
• Use emotional connection and curiosity even without direct personal experience.
• Embrace structure; understand the purpose of each segment of the script.
• When auditioning, add more nuance than you might in the session — your voice is competing without visuals or music.
• Regularly produce and share original storytelling samples, especially on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Patient professionalism, flexibility, and respect for the process are highly valued by producers and directors.

Final Words from Thom Pinto:

“Lean into it. You have a captive audience … it’s yours to lose if you bore them.” (55:15)
“Structure is actually your friend in TV narration.” (45:00)

Connect with Thom Pinto for coaching or updates on his upcoming documentary narration course:

• thompinto.com
• (Contact info and course updates at website)

Find more actionable advice and podcast episodes:

• Everyday VOpreneur® Podcast Archive

“Keep sharing those wonderful little educational, serene, humane posts that you do with your voice … especially in a world of chaos.” — Thom Pinto to Marc Scott (60:29)

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