One of the hardest aspects of being a voiceover, and often not even contemplated by those entering the industry, is the loneliness that comes with the job. It’s not all flitting between Soho studios, and chatting to directors and studio engineers between sessions.
Voice Over Isolation.
For many, it’s working from a home studio, on a daily basis, dealing with work arriving by email. In essence, standing in a box the size of a cupboard, talking to yourself, for hours at a time, where the only voice you hear is your own.
So, when the opportunity arises to meet other voiceover artists, socialise, discuss and of course eat and drink, you’d think what’s not to like?
The word “Vox” gives me the shivers. Shivers of excitement and nervousness. I’ve been aware of the event for many years. It’s the one where all the professional voiceover artists get together with leading industry producers and creatives to have a fantastic night. As a key industry event it holds a certain amount of awe. Shivers of excitement because it would be great to be there. Shivers of nervousness because of that nagging feeling of ‘imposter syndrome’ that many people feel as they push themselves in new and challenging directions. Particularly in creativity and the arts, where subjective opinion defines how good you are.
Vox is the pinnacle of standing in a room with your professional peers and letting them look you up and down. So, when it’s your first time attending, it comes with a certain amount of trepidation.
A Warm Welcome.
I needn’t have worried. It was one of the easiest and most welcoming, professional events I have ever attended. People were genuinely pleased to see you, have a friendly chat, share ideas, and have a good time. Clearly, there are people there who have known each other for decades, but they were still welcoming to newbies joining the club. It was like a family get together.
There had been a little controversy this year, as Vox was being steered in another direction. But, after some mis-steps a few months back, it changed hands. Vox “came home” to new ownership with Peter Dickson (one of the original founders) and Hugh Edwards of Gravy For The Brain. At very short notice, they brought it back to its roots and staged a fantastic weekend for all.
I can’t wait for next year. But, for now… back in my box.
VOX is an annual voiceover event, held together with The VOX Awards. https://voxevents.co.uk/
Tony Collins Fogarty
British Voice Over Artist and Actor.
Tony Collins Fogarty is a British Voice-Over Artist, with a background in broadcast and training as an actor. His radio career began in 1988. He has been a full-time voice over artist since 2012. Commercially, he is best known as the brand voice of Tripadvisor, playing their spokesperson (owl) in their TV campaigns in the US, Canada and the UK.