Today’s interview takes on an international flare. We spoke with talented British voice over pro Philip Banks about his life in the world of voice overs…
1. How long have you been in the voice over business and what got you started?
22 years, been full time for 20 years. I got started having met someone who worked at the BBC. They were producing a trail (promo) and couldn’t get the presenter to read it the way they wanted. I suggested something and was asked to try it, I did and it worked. At the time I was the Investment Director for a Swiss Merchant Bank.
2. How would you characterize your style, sound, or signature read?
Tends to be dark, very British with a hint of gravel.
3. Have you had any interesting, unique, funny or scary experiences while voicing that you can recall?
No. I’m surprisingly dull with a failing memory.
4. Do you have any heroes, mentors or others in the business that you look up to or have influenced you?
Not really, although there are a lot of very talented people who go out of their way to be helpful. It seems to me that the more successful a person is the less seriously they take themselves.
Philip Banks provides the voice over for the Utah State Fair. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KfdDnA6dzw&NR=1
5. What is the best advice you can offer people who are just getting started?
Ask the awkward questions and don’t be fooled by all the “smoke and mirrors” in this business. In VO work, largely thanks to the internet there’s far more Received Ignorance around than there is Received Wisdom.
6. What would you be doing if you were not a voiceover talent?
Making the dollar collapse and investing in Poland probably.
7. What is the most important thing you’ve learned since you started in this industry?
Every VO thinks “it’s all about them” and every VO needs to realize “it’s NEVER about them”.
8. Is there anything you would like to add?
Whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles ..to go.
‘Bovine Beauty’ Utah State Fair commercial featuring Philip Banks. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bzwz3EYduM&feature=channel_video_title
