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The Truth about Television Narration with THOM PINTO!

The Truth About TV Narration: A Candid Discussion with Thom Pinto

We had one of our favorite guests on the show, Thom Pinto. He was the very first coach last season for our coaching episodes. Thom is a fantastic coach with a wealth of knowledge. Today, we're diving into the truth about TV narration. It's not as easy as it looks! So, grab your favorite drink and join us for this insightful discussion. Thom has a vast amount of experience, particularly in TV narration, and he's here to share his insights with us.

Getting to Know Thom

Thom has coached across various genres, including promo, commercial, and narration. However, about 75% of his coaching is now focused on TV narration. He also provides audition reviews, helping professionals fine-tune their submissions and break through booking plateaus.

The Reality of TV Narration

Thom emphasizes that while there is more TV narration work than ever before, it's still a highly competitive field. While there are some who make TV narration their primary source of income, it's not the norm. It's more like a "working stiff" scenario where you need multiple projects running concurrently to make a substantial income.

The Logistics of TV Narration

Unlike long-running animation series, TV narration often involves shorter projects, like documentaries or one-off specials. Thom explains that a typical session for a one-hour show with significant narration can take about an hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes, including breaks.

How to Get Hired

Thom shared several anecdotes about voice actors who landed TV narration gigs through auditions, private auditions, and even web presence. Luck plays a part, but having a strong demo and being visible online can increase your chances of getting noticed.

Here are Thom’s key auditioning tips:

  1. Quality Over Quantity: Thom emphasizes the importance of focusing on the quality of auditions rather than the quantity. He believes that each audition should be given ample time and attention to ensure it meets the highest standards.

  2. Understanding the Script: Thom stresses the necessity of thoroughly understanding the script. This includes comprehending the tone, style, and target audience. He encourages voice actors to analyze the script's context and the client's needs before recording.

  3. Authenticity and Naturalness: Authenticity is crucial in Thom's strategy. He advises voice actors to bring a natural and believable quality to their readings, avoiding overly theatrical or exaggerated performances. The goal is to sound relatable and genuine.

  4. Connection with the Copy: Thom believes that connecting emotionally with the copy is essential. Voice actors should find a personal connection or emotional hook in the script that allows them to deliver a more engaging and compelling performance.

  5. Variety in Reads: He suggests providing a variety of reads when submitting auditions. This means experimenting with different tones, pacing, and emotional deliveries to showcase versatility and give casting directors options to choose from.

  6. Technical Precision: Thom highlights the importance of technical precision in auditions. This includes clear diction, proper pacing, and appropriate emphasis on key words or phrases. Ensuring that the recording quality is professional and free from technical issues is also critical.

  7. Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Thom offers audition coaching where he reviews and provides feedback on auditions for voice actors who are seeking to improve their skills. This feedback is tailored to help actors understand their strengths and areas for improvement, leading to more effective auditions.

  8. Tailoring to the Role: Each audition should be tailored to the specific role being sought. Thom advises against using a one-size-fits-all approach and instead recommends customizing each audition to fit the unique requirements of the job.

More Key Takeaways

  1. Networking and Relationships: Thom hinted at the importance of networking and relationships in the industry. He mentioned how some of his clients were referred to him by others, highlighting the value of personal connections and word-of-mouth referrals.

  2. Diversifying Your Skill Set: While emphasizing the competitiveness and limited nature of full-time TV narration work, Thom suggested that aspiring narrators should view TV narration as part of their skill set, not their sole source of income. Diversifying into other areas of voice work, such as commercial, promo, or animation, can help sustain a voiceover career.

  3. Taking Breaks and Managing Time: Tom talked about the importance of taking breaks during recording sessions to maintain focus and avoid fatigue. He also discussed the need for time management and not rushing through auditions, emphasizing the value of quality over quantity.

Parting Thoughts

While TV narration can be lucrative, it's not the easiest field to break into full-time. However, with persistence, a solid demo, and a bit of luck, you can carve out a successful career in this competitive industry.

Be sure to catch Part 2 of this episode, where we go more in-depth on TV Narration!