Interview with a Voiceover - Paul Jamieson
When/Why/How did you get into VO work?
I was working in radio as a presenter until the BBC came knocking and asked if I fancied becoming a Presentation Announcer/Director at BBC Scotland in Glasgow; just over a year introducing Eastenders, I defected to ITV to become one of the first ITV1 Network Continuity Announcers. I dabbled a bit doing other stuff while being full-time employed by ITV and after five and a bit years became a freelancer and quickly picked up Setanta Sports, Discovery Networks Europe and then ITV (again).
What do you sound like?
I’ve been told I’m a cheaper sounding John Hannah (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Rebus)… I suppose there are worse things to be compared to.
What was the weirdest gig you’ve ever done?
Two immediately come to mind, on the Friday I was the voice of an air conditioner for an air conditioning company and their in-house video. On the Saturday, I was the voiceover for Miss Great Britain 2006… Not the worst job I’ve ever had to do I must admit!
What would be your ideal brief?
Something that I can test myself and isn’t necessarily in my comfort zone - that said, I do like those briefs as well.
What’s your poison?
Guinness… If a pub doesn’t have it, I’m stumped at the bar!
What don’t you leave home without?
My iPhone!
Do you scream during football matches or shout at your children?
Roar and sing at football matches… And the way Celtic have been playing these past two years, there’s been more of the former. I never book jobs the following day after a Celtic v Rangers match or a big Champions League tie… The Guinness helps soothe my throat though!
What makes you laugh / cry?
Most comedy makes me chuckle, though I do love seeing something that makes me laugh so much that my sides hurt.
Who do you enjoy working with or have you worked with recently?
I always like meeting new producers and engineers, and I’ve been very lucky to work with some real crackers in particular at ITV, Setanta and Discovery.
If you suddenly lost your voice, what would you do for a living?
I’d do nearly anything to make ends meet… Though I’d maybe try and get back into radio management, either that or become a train or bus driver… Always fancied that for some reason!
