INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
Hello! I am Phil Doane located in Arlington, Texas, which is basically between Dallas and Fort Worth. Though I began my voiceover career in 2021, I have been out of the booth for the past three or so years, being heavily involved as a parent volunteer with my twin boys high school marching band activities. Now that they have graduated high school, I am looking forward to getting back on track with my voice over endeavors.
2. PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.
I got the idea of voiceover when I was the teacher in the Learning Lab where I interacted with students who received special accommodations with assignments and testing. This could be individual one on one time with the student, or they needed a small quiet area to work, so they would come to my room. Some students would take tests with “Oral Accomodation” so I would record the test - reading questions and answers - on an old iPod then give it to the student when they arrived in my room to take their exam.
3. WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?
I got the idea of voiceover when I was the teacher in the Learning Lab where I interacted with students who received special accommodations with assignments and testing. This could be individual one on one time with the student, or they needed a small quite area to work, so they would come to my room. Some students would take tests with “Oral Accomodation” so I would record the test - reading questions and answers - on an old iPod then give it to the student when they arrived in my room.
4. PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.
I would have to say this is when I attend my first One Voice Conference. I was brand new to voice over and I saw an ad on Facebook for a voiceover conference in Dallas. When I attended the first event on Friday it was very mind blowing that there is this huge of a voice over community I didn't know existed! As I met both speakers and fellow attendees, it was very inspiring as it brought my creative side back to life which had been buried for so many years.
5. PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.
There are a couple of challenges I face, and they go hand-in-hand. First is comparing myself to others, which therefore leads to affecting my confidence. How I face these challenges is remembering what they say in the Voiceover community about how everyone's voice is unique, and the fact that there is no other voice like mine. Similar to how no two fingerprints are the same, my voice is very unique only to me. When I keep this in mind, it keeps my focus on me not on any other Voice Artist in their achievements because of their voice, and it does boost my confidence allowing me to do my best during that moment while I’m recording in the booth.
6. JAPAN IS KNOWN FOR SO MANY GREAT ICONIC VOICE OVER PEOPLE, SUCH AS CHARACTERS FROM ANIME OR MOVIES AND DUBBED TV SHOWS. WHO IS SOMEONE INSPIRATIONAL THAT YOU ADMIRE IN THIS INDUSTRY?
I apologize that I am not very knowledgeable of Japanese voice over actors, so I can not accurately answer this question.
7. IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?
There are a few projects that I am partial to because I know the cast and think it would be a really great experience to team up and work with them. One project is The Dad Bod of Destiny by Jason Lettingham, second would be Leo Brawn Demon Hunter by Jason Beard, and Partial Veil by Allison Cossit. All of these are with binging!
8. PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.
Since I am getting back into the swing of things I am focusing on commercials, e-learning, audiobooks, and audio dramas! I am really excited to get my creative side going again.
9. PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.
It’s the birthplace of the entertainment world! It’s where it all began and is influencing other cities that are blossoming in the entertainment arena. I lived for two years in California - one year in Northern California in the East Bay area, and the second year in Southern California, specifically Studio City, then Van Nuys. When in SoCal, it was so cool to be near all the famous places in the entertainment world - Hollywood Walk of Fame, Capitol Records building, and visiting the clubs on the Sunset Strip was really cool! The other aspect of living near Hollywood is going about your day and you randomly cross paths with a famous actor or musician. These made for some really cool memories!
There are a number of characteristics that make a good voice actor. First is talent. This is foundational. The voice actor needs to show they understand the script and bring it to life. They also need to be able to read it with multiple emotions and inflections. Second would be a professional and “easy to work with” approach in the recording session. The voice actor is hired by the client, and they have to provide the client and the directors are looking for in regards to how they bring the script to life. This also helps when the voice actor collaborates by offering ideas that easily fit into the flow of the session and keeps it moving in the right direction.
10. WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?
My top three would be Jordan Reynolds, Michael Scott, and Kyle Hebert.
11. WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?
There are a number of characteristics that make a good voice actor. First is talent. This is foundational. The voice actor needs to show they understand the script and bring it to life. They also need to be able to read it with multiple emotions and inflections. Second would be a professional and “easy to work with” approach in the recording session. The voice actor is hired by the client, and they have to provide the client and the directors are looking for in regards to how they bring the script to life. This also helps when the voice actor collaborates by offering ideas that easily fit into the flow of the session and keeps it moving in the right direction.
12. NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?
Basically, my career has been working alone, but I do find value if others are with me to give me positive feedback or confirmation on the direction I’m going with the script or a character.
13. WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?
I don’t have a specialty genre that I focus on. I’m spreading across commercials, audiobooks, e-learning, and would enjoy stepping into audio dramas.
14. WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?
Right now, since I’m returning to being active in Voiceover, a typical day is working on foundational techniques regarding the voice and script analysis, recording auditions, and studying marketing skills.
15. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?
First I would recommend doing research to find a coach that you click with and dive into coaching. They can also guide you for the next items of a recording space and equipment. While you are coaching, you will want to look at equipment such as a microphone, interface, and recording software. You will also need to create a space / studio to do your recording. There are many inexpensive methods for the person just starting into voiceover where it does not break the bank. Treat this like a farmer…you have to be patient with planting seeds before you see real fruit to harvest. Be patient with yourself in the beginning.
16. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?
I believe the most important skill for a Voice Actor to have is an easy to work with and professional attitude. If a Voice Actor is humble, gracious, easy to work with and can contribute to the direction of the project, it makes the session really enjoyable and can lead to the client wanting to use the voice actor on future projects. Remember, the client chose you for the project, you are working for the client… they are not working for you.
17. YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?
What’s gonna be next for me is to get back into coaching and sharpen my skills, so hopefully land something at the end of this year or start gaining momentum for 2026.
18. CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?
One project that I am happy to get back to recording for is The Birthday Fairy Project which you can find on all social platforms. The Birthday Fairy Project shines a light on the lives lost to gun violence in the United States by recognizing the birthday of each victim.
19. IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?
My website is www.https://www.phildoanevoiceover.com
My email is pcdoanev0@gmail.com
20. ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS ?
Thank you for supporting Fusion magazine by reading this article and getting familiar with talented artists in the entertainment field! I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss how I can provide voice over needs for your next project…contact me!
