“There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” Oscar Wilde
I’m thrilled to have been nominated in this year’s OneVoice Awards, in no less than 4 categories: Best Radio Promo, Best Radio Drama, Best Demo and Best Female Voiceover.
Having only been back from California for a few months, it’s been a busy old time skilling up at Bristol Old Vic, securing new clients and repeat business, and building a new studio; so getting nominated for these awards is a really lovely thing amidst the craziness of real life.
People make the world go round
Best of all has been the work I’ve done and the people I’ve met. Voicing for Late Night Tales (my favourite record label) has been an absolute joy, and takes me back to my early days in radio in Brighton, when I worked for Surf 107.2 by day, and the basement door at The Jazz Rooms by night. After that — a stint working for Feetfirst Records; a subsidiary label of Leo Records, run by Leo Feigin who released music by Sun Ra and Alice Coltrane, famous for their experimental style and cosmic philosophy. Jazz, funk and soul will forever be in my bones and make up so many of my musical memories, so I’ll always have a soft spot for independent record labels, music shows and sultry voiced promos.
Next nomination on the list: radio drama and my work on ‘Turning Misty’ with friend and writer, Ben Krushkov. I played Dame Clarissa Morgan Butler, Director General, MI5 — on a clean up mission, trying to ensure that the security service she’s in charge of isn’t brought into further disrepute. Playing this character was a real treat. Roping in my friend, colleague and seasoned actor, Chris Donnelly— and seeing him in action, was a great example of learning from the experts.
Mothership Connection
Nomination for best demo up next. I worked with industry legend, Elaine Clark, in San Francisco on this one. The thing I love about Elaine is that she got my drift from the minute we met. I’m not one for hanging about; I love chit chat, but only when it’s relevant. It was Elaine who led me to my first U.S agent at Stars, The Agency, and who worked with me to produce my most recent commercial demo. A woman after my own heart, she is talented, stacked with knowledge and doesn’t stand any nonsense. She is now a good friend and I would implore anyone interested in voice work in San Francisco to seek her out.
Places and Spaces
And finally, the grand all-rounder nomination for best female voiceover. Lovely to be up for this, but as with all awards, it’s about learning on the job, the places you visit, the people you meet and the friends you make. And I’m grateful for all of them, on both sides of the Atlantic.