What was your first taster of voice over work?

A business presentation in-front of the board directors at The Science Museum, London.

What has been your favourite voice over job to date and why?

My favourite has to be the opera (spoken, not singing) I recorded last year – The Divorce of Giles & Demelza. This was a challenging part (I played the husband), as it required much more than a characterful read of the script. I had to read the part with real pathos and emotion – even coming close to tears in parts, on-demand (not because I didn’t like the work). A very recent recording for a high street supermarket was quite difficult, as it had to be read in the style of W.H. Auden – quite fast-paced, but with rhythmic intonation. As always, rehearsing until you do it in your sleep is the only way to be prepared in-front of the mic.

If you had to pick one style which you feel represents you best what would it be?

Narrative. With an informative or dramatic tone. Audiobooks are ideal, as are narrated radio plays and story-telling for children’s books.

Have you been involved in anything interesting lately?

The opera – The Divorce of Giles & Demelza I recorded last year was a very interesting challenge.

Any advice for aspiring voice overs?

Don’t let anyone else in the industry tell you that you can’t do it – and avoid the prima-donnas like the plague.
There are people in this business who will help and encourage newcomers, but many more won’t – and a few of those will prey on the nervous newbie.
Be sure you REALLY want to do it, before you invest a penny – but, if you REALLY do, then give it everything you’ve got and you’ll be proud that you did.

Anything else you would like to let us know?

Uncle Karl is available Monday to Friday, between the hours of 08:00 and 22:00 every week of the year except 8th September and 11th December … as these are my wife’s and my son’s birthdays, respectively.
Anyone who calls to waste my time gets everything they deserve, without exception.

Otherwise, it’s all good and I’m busy … which is always nice.

 To hear more of Karl’s voice click here!