Meet George Washington III
I'm excited to introduce a truly remarkable guest, George Washington III. George is an incredibly talented and multi-faceted individual, and we'll be diving into his journey and insights.
A Diverse Background
George began his career as a voice major at Northwestern University, though he quickly transitioned into the IT field. His journey took an interesting turn when he was asked to host on-camera videos for a company in Charlotte, North Carolina. This opportunity led him to explore voiceover work, starting in 2002. His initial voiceover demo cost him just $300, a modest investment that launched a significant career.
George is a jack-of-all-trades in the voiceover industry, having done everything from commercials to corporate videos. He even served as a part-time traffic host, guiding people through the bustling streets of Charlotte early in the morning. Despite his wide-ranging voiceover work, George doesn't venture much into audiobooks anymore.
The Opera Connection
Apart from voiceover, George has an extensive background in opera. He sang with Opera Carolina for 12 years, took a decade-long break, and recently returned to perform in productions like "I Dream," a contemporary opera about Martin Luther King, and "Porgy and Bess." Opera offers George a unique way to express himself and keep his vocal skills sharp.
Navigating Voiceover as an African-American
One of the key topics we discussed was George's experience as an African-American in the voiceover industry. George shared a memorable story from his first voiceover job, where he was asked to "sound more black." This request highlighted the common practice of code-switching, where individuals adjust their speech patterns to meet the expectations of different audiences.
George explained that code-switching is a valuable skill, especially for African-Americans in various professional settings. He encourages his students to see it as a power they can harness. This adaptability has been crucial for George and many others in navigating professional environments that often have unspoken biases.
Progress and Challenges in Diversity
George noted that the voiceover industry has made significant strides in diversity, especially since the pandemic. There is a growing awareness and effort to include voices that reflect diverse backgrounds. This shift benefits not only voice actors of color but also women, who are increasingly being cast in roles traditionally dominated by men, such as sports and automotive commercials.
However, George emphasized that true progress requires more people of color and women in decision-making positions. He called for greater empathy and understanding, urging everyone to consider different perspectives and experiences.
The Importance of Accurate Representation
One of the challenges in the voiceover industry is the use of vague and sometimes problematic terms like "urban" to describe certain voice qualities. George advocates for more precise and respectful language when casting for diverse voices. He believes that specifying the desired accent or regional background can lead to better and more accurate casting choices.
George Washington III's journey in the voiceover industry is a testament to his versatility and talent. From IT to opera, from commercials to coaching, George's story is one of resilience and adaptability. His insights into the challenges and progress in diversity within the industry provide valuable lessons for all of us.
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