Happy May, Voiceover Achievers! This month has been a busy one here and out in the world. After two years of looming uncertainty, the 75th Annual Cannes Film Festival is in full swing. Reserved for industry professionals, the festival is a celebration of film and creativity hosted in a beautiful resort town on the French Riviera.
At CSM, we have a soft spot for all things French. In fact, we consider ourselves to be francophiles– we admire the food, the language, and especially the culture. So, when the Cannes Film Festival starts up every year, we take notice.
The Festival is a grand display of something that you as voice actors achieve every day– to help tell stories that are powerful, funny, serious, moving, and thought-provoking. For so many reasons, being a voice actor is one of the best and most creative-facing jobs in the world; you get to harness your creativity and use it to spark joy and inspiration in others.
As creative people, we speak in stories– it’s a language that’s familiar to us. We understand the nuances between personal stories, sales stories, and business stories, but we know that the elements that make them up are the same.
In these stories, there are two important figures– the first is known as the Hero or the person who has to overcome conflict and trial. Heroes can be any size or shape, but they all aim to overcome. Whether they’re saving the galaxy from destruction or bringing knowledge to a dystopian reality, the hero will be faced with a problem and must find the will to conquer it. From Star Wars to Harry Potter to the Moana, we see that the hero is one of the most essential characters in successful storytelling.
The second figure, the light, is equally as important to the story. The light is the person who helps the hero overcome the obstacles or get what they want. The light is to Obi-Wan Kenobi as the hero is to Luke Skywalker.
But, we don’t have to teach you how to be a great storyteller– as a voice actor, you’ve got that down. However, we can help you be the light in your client’s stories.
Applying the Hero/Light Concept to Your VO Business
Make Your Buyer the Hero Your client has come to you for help because they need great voiceover and they can’t do it on their own. They’ve likely searched high and low for the perfect artist to meet their needs, so now is your chance to help them succeed.
Be the Light You are the only person that can help your buyer conquer their task. What they need from you is compelling voiceover, and your branding has led them to you. By providing excellent service, you’ve made your buyer the hero.
Overcome the Obstacle Together Is your client in need of a quick turnaround or edit? You’ve got things under control– tight deadlines are no match for your skills and broadcast-quality home studio.
5 Films We Love That Follow the Hero’s Journey
In the spirit of Cannes and storytelling, we’re naming five films that perfectly chronicle the Hero’s journey. We recommend watching if you’re in need of inspiration.
Star Wars – Perhaps the most popular film franchise that explores the hero’s journey, Star Wars has it all: the call to adventure, the mentor, and of course the conflict. Even if you’ve already seen them, they’re a reminder about how impactful storytelling can be.
Harry Potter – Expecto Patronum! Who doesn’t love Harry Potter? From living under the stairs to attending school at the prestigious Hogwarts, Harry crosses into an unknown world and finds trusting friends along the way. These friends, along with others, help him overcome many trials and tribulations throughout the series.
Moana– Adventurous Moana from the island Motunui sails out on an important and life-changing mission to save her people. While attempting to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti to bring prosperity back to her island, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod and heart thief, Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. It’s a must-see hero’s journey in our book.
Black Panther– After his father’s death, T’Challa returns home to Wakanda to inherit his throne. But his claim is waylaid when powerful enemies outside the country draw him out of Wakanda and lead him on an adventure that spans the globe. This film is nothing short of epic.
The Matrix – He’s a bored computer programmer by day and hacker “Neo” by night when he’s instructed to follow the white rabbit. Like any hero’s journey, it leads him to a pivotal choice: red pill or blue pill. Neo, with the help of his mentor, sees the matrix for what it truly is.
How We Can Help You Tell Your Story
All great stories have to start somewhere, and we want to help you find your story’s spark. Once you know which part of your story you want to share with the world, you’re ready to brand. A powerful brand can help connect you to buyers who need your help to tell their stories.
Branding is what we do best. We’re here to help you at every stage of brand building. Our team of branding and digital media specialists are eager to help you grow your brand and your business.
You can email Caitlin at caitlin@celiasiegel.com to get a free social media consultation and learn more about the social media and PR department or Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me to start developing your own personal brand.
Also, check out my book Voiceover Achiever to get moving on your own branding journey with my expert guidance and tried & true methodology. We can’t wait to connect with you!
–Celia Siegel
