Behind the Scenes of Voiceover Casting with Steve Pogatch from Pandora
From Audio Engineer to Casting Director Extraordinaire
Let’s dive into Steve's journey from audio engineer to casting director extraordinaire. Over his eight-plus years at Pandora, Steve's title has evolved from audio producer to senior manager of voiceover operations. Despite not being the initial goal, Steve found himself gravitating towards casting, ultimately curating a roster of over 260 talents from around the globe.
Voice Talent Do's and Don'ts
Alright, fellow voice actors, let's see a few ideas about what Steve thinks makes a standout voice talent:
Confidence and Self-Direction: Talents should be able to self-direct confidently, especially since most castings are done via email.
Conversational and Casual Tone: Emphasis on conversational, sincere, and warm reads, interrupting the listener's music flow in a personal way.
Varied Reads: Provide different takes, with the third take being a wildcard or improv, allowing for versatility in casting.
Communication: Maintain good communication, acknowledge receipt of requests, and clarify any uncertainties promptly.
Strong Finish: Ensure sentences end with strong consonants, avoiding tapering off at the end.
And here are some of his don’ts:
Carbon Copy Takes: Avoid providing identical takes, as it limits options for the casting team.
Poor Editing: If not skilled, avoid over-editing recordings (e.g., removing breaths, cutting off consonants).
Lack of Engagement: Maintain engagement throughout the script, avoiding a monotone or disinterested delivery.
Watch our whole episode for more of his tips!
Adapting to Trends in Voiceover
It's essential to stay ahead of the curve. Steve shares insights into the shift towards more engaging, conversational reads. Gone are the days of traditional radio announcer reads—now, it's all about authenticity and relatability, tailored to the listener's experience on platforms like Pandora.
Shift Towards Realistic and Engaging Ads: There has been a move away from overly scripted and formulaic ads towards more authentic and engaging content. This trend was exemplified by the "we're all in this together" approach seen in many ads, which became somewhat overused and predictable.
Preference for Conversational Reads: There's a growing preference for conversational and casual reads over traditional announcer-style deliveries. Advertisers aim to connect with listeners on a personal level, mimicking a gentle interruption rather than a forceful announcement.
Adaptation to Changing Audience Preferences: Advertisers are adapting their approaches to reflect changes in audience preferences and behaviors. This might involve tailoring ad content to specific platforms or demographics, such as adjusting tone and style for different radio stations on Pandora.
Navigating the World of Multilingual Voiceover
Diversity matters, folks! Steve discusses the importance of representing a wide range of accents and languages in voice casting.
There's a concerted effort to promote diversity and representation in voiceover work. Steve mentioned initiatives like Stand for Sonic Diversity, which encourages agencies and casting directors to ensure their rosters are diverse and inclusive.
With the increasing globalization of markets, there's a growing demand for bilingual voice talent who can cater to diverse language-speaking audiences.
From Spanish to Argentinian accents, Pandora strives to create a diverse and inclusive platform that resonates with listeners worldwide.
Our chat with Steve Pogatch has been nothing short of enlightening. Whether you're a seasoned voice actor or just starting out, Steve's insights offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of voice casting at Pandora Radio.
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