Podcast Summary: VOCS 082 | Coffee with Scott Brick
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Voice Over Coffee Shop
- Host: Andrew Morrison
- Guest: Scott Brick
- Release Date: March 13, 2025
1. Introduction
In episode 82 of The Voice Over Coffee Shop, host Andrew Morrison welcomes the legendary audiobook narrator and producer, Scott Brick. Renowned for his extensive work in audiobook narration, Scott has breathed life into over a thousand books across various genres, collaborating with best-selling authors like Frank Herbert, Michael Crichton, and Orson Scott Card. This episode delves into Scott's journey in the audiobook industry, his creative processes, and his entrepreneurial ventures.
2. Morning Routines and Hydration
Scott Brick begins his day with a meticulous hydration routine, a practice stemming from his past health challenges.
- Hydration Strategy: Scott emphasizes the importance of gradual hydration to avoid bloating, sharing, “I begin my day hydrating as quickly as I can” (02:00).
- Mental Preparation: To settle his mind, Scott tunes into ESPN's sports programs, describing them as “a nice kind of mindless way of getting settled into my day” (04:13).
- Relaxation Technique: Additionally, he enjoys watching episodes of The Andy Griffith Show to center himself, likening it to his version of a social morning ritual (04:43).
3. Scott Brick’s Origin Story in Audiobooks
Scott attributes his entry into the audiobook world to his friendship with Bob Westall, a college acquaintance who secured his first audition.
- First Audition: “Bob said that for, like, six months. Gosh, I really need to get you on audition” (06:37).
- Career Growth: Within three years, Scott's dedication led him to plan his days off due to increased bookings, marking his transition from writing to narration (10:23).
- Balancing Projects: Scott recounts juggling audiobook narration with screenwriting, highlighting his commitment to meeting tight deadlines: “I was like, I’m going to live a very uncomfortable two weeks” (15:11).
4. Collaboration with Orson Scott Card
Scott shares his experiences working closely with the esteemed author Orson Scott Card, including stage adaptations and scriptwriting.
- Stage Adaptation: Scott describes adapting Card's short story Clap Hands and Sing, showcasing the trust Card placed in him: “He dropped off a script in my apartment. It’s crazy meeting your heroes” (17:05).
- Creative Decisions: He emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to the original material while making necessary creative adjustments, illustrating this with a poignant moment during their collaboration (22:37).
5. Building Skills and Understanding Authorial Intent
Scott underscores the significance of extensive reading and formal training in honing his narration skills.
- Voracious Reading: “A lot of it was reading voraciously. I got to the point where I was an expert” (24:10).
- Story Analysis: He highlights the importance of breaking down stories to grasp the author’s agenda, facilitating a more authentic delivery (24:10).
- Genre Expertise: Scott's deep understanding of various genres, particularly science fiction, allows him to navigate complex narratives with ease.
6. Preparatory Process for Audiobook Recording
Scott details his streamlined preparatory process, essential for managing multiple projects efficiently.
- Research and Teamwork: He collaborates with researchers and production managers to ensure accuracy and quality, stating, “I get a manuscript. First thing I do is I work with a production manager” (29:33).
- Utilizing Resources: Scott emphasizes the necessity of having a reliable team, including researchers like George Weisberg, to handle intricate details and reduce his workload (30:56).
- Emergency Solutions: In high-pressure situations, he occasionally hires additional help to produce detailed book reports, ensuring he meets tight deadlines (31:02).
7. Delegation and Team Building
Delegation has been pivotal in Scott's ability to scale his business and maintain high productivity.
- Hiring Strategy: Scott explains how delegating tasks like website management and production logistics allowed him to focus on narration: “I repeatedly look for ways that I can delegate” (36:22).
- Support System: He credits his production manager, Gina Smith, for overseeing project timelines and coordinating with his research team, streamlining his workflow (36:39).
- Outsourcing Expertise: By collaborating with professionals like Jonathan for technical aspects, Scott ensures seamless production quality without diverting his focus from storytelling (36:39).
8. Entrepreneurial Ventures and Buying Rights
Scott discusses his entrepreneurial spirit, particularly his decision to purchase audiobook rights to beloved series.
- Thomas Covenant Series: Frustrated by the poor sales of the seventh book, Scott took the initiative to purchase the audiobook rights for the first six books to preserve the series for fans: “I bought the rights for books one through six and I filled them in” (43:55).
- Creative Control: This venture allowed Scott to maintain creative control, overseeing everything from recording to cover art, despite the significant investment and risk involved (45:36).
- Return on Investment: Although risky, Scott’s faith in the enduring popularity of the series paid off, providing him with residual income that bolstered his financial stability (50:09).
9. Differentiating Characters and Voices
In narration, Scott employs subtle techniques to distinguish between characters without relying heavily on varied accents or exaggerated voices.
- Subtle Variations: Scott maintains a consistent main character voice while introducing slight differences based on nationality and socioeconomic background: “The main character is me... every other character... it's just degrees of difference” (65:17).
- Character-Specific Techniques: For unique characters like aliens or eccentric secondary characters, he uses specific vocal strategies, such as lowering his voice or adopting a nasal tone, to convey distinct personalities without overcomplicating the listener's experience (65:17; 71:08).
- Metaphors for Storytelling: Scott likens audiobook narration to dancing with the text, where the text leads, allowing him to follow seamlessly and focus on the creative flow: “audiobook narration is a dance... let the text lead” (71:47).
10. Pandemic Impact on the Voiceover Business
Scott reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the audiobook industry, highlighting both challenges and opportunities.
- Home Studio Advantage: Having a home studio allowed Scott to continue working uninterrupted during lockdowns, a privilege not available to everyone in the industry: “I had put in a home studio when I did, because there was a ton of people who were desperate for booths like this one” (77:36).
- Shift to Remote Work: The industry’s rapid adaptation to home-based narration opened new avenues for narrators, with major publishers embracing remote work even post-pandemic: “companies that were reluctant to work with home-based narrators overwhelmingly just turned out 180 degrees” (78:16).
- Industry Changes: While some studios couldn’t survive the economic downturn, Scott notes that the industry remains thriving, albeit in a different landscape: “the industry is different... but it is still thriving” (83:43).
11. Advice to Younger Self
Looking back, Scott offers valuable advice to his younger self, emphasizing the importance of business acumen and subtlety in performance.
- Business Focus: “I would tell myself to become a businessman sooner. Just on the production side of it” (84:02).
- Performance Subtlety: He advises focusing on subtlety, drawing inspiration from silent film actors who mastered nuanced performances: “focus on subtlety... I can afford to be subtler” (87:55).
12. Conclusion and Where to Find Scott Brick
As the episode wraps up, Scott shares information on how listeners can connect with him for coaching and explore his work.
- Website and Coaching: Interested individuals can visit scottbrick.com to explore his audiobook projects and book coaching sessions. “Most people, when they want to coach with me, they go to the website” (89:24).
Notable Quotes
- Scott Brick on Hydration: “I begin my day hydrating as quickly as I can” (02:00).
- Scott on Balancing Projects: “I was like, I’m going to live a very uncomfortable two weeks” (15:11).
- Scott on Entrepreneurship: “audiobook narration is a dance... let the text lead” (71:47).
- Scott on Pandemic Adaptation: “companies that were reluctant to work with home-based narrators overwhelmingly just turned out 180 degrees” (78:16).
- Scott’s Advice to Younger Self: “I would tell myself to become a businessman sooner. Just on the production side of it” (84:02).
Final Thoughts
Scott Brick's journey is a testament to the blend of passion, perseverance, and strategic business practices that define success in the audiobook industry. From his rigorous morning routines to his entrepreneurial ventures and adaptive strategies during the pandemic, Scott exemplifies the multifaceted role of a modern voice actor. His insights not only provide inspiration but also practical guidance for aspiring voiceover artists seeking to navigate and thrive in this dynamic field.
Connect with Scott Brick:
- Website: scottbrick.com
- Coaching Services: Available through his website’s coaching section.
Follow The Voice Over Coffee Shop:
- Website: vocoffeeshop.com
- YouTube Channel: Accessible via the podcast’s main site.
- Podcast Platforms: Available on your favorite streaming platforms.