Voice Acting and AI (Google Bard)

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Voice Acting and AI (Google Bard)

Opinions on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Voice Acting have come from many different angles. The clients, the talent, agents, ad agencies, etc.

But we haven’t heard from AI itself.

So I tasked Google’s AI (Bard) to give three varying opinions on the topic…


Bard Task: Write a news article about the future impact of artificial intelligence on the voice acting industry.


~~~ A1: ~~~

The Future of Voices: Can AI Harmony Blend with Human Heart?

The velvety tones of Morgan Freeman narrating your audiobook might one day come courtesy not of the Hollywood legend himself, but of a sophisticated algorithm. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly redefining the landscape of voice acting, prompting both excitement and trepidation in the industry. So, what does the future hold for human voice actors in the age of the digital voice?

**The Rise of the Vocal Synthesizers:**
AI-powered voice generators are already creating eerily realistic human-like voices. These synthetic performers can deliver scripts in multiple languages and accents, offering creators unprecedented flexibility and efficiency. For smaller projects or quick turnarounds, AI voices could become the go-to choice, potentially displacing human actors from certain sectors.

**The Human Advantage:**
However, AI voices lack the nuances of human emotion and the improvisational skills crucial for complex narrative storytelling. The subtle tremor in a hero’s voice as they face danger, the playful lilt of a child, the warmth of a comforting confidante – these are the hallmarks of a skilled human actor that AI currently struggles to replicate. This “heart” factor could become the differentiating factor, ensuring human actors remain irreplaceable for emotionally charged roles and high-budget productions.

**Shifting Roles, Not Replaced Jobs:**
Instead of a zero-sum game, AI could reshape the role of voice actors. AI tools could handle repetitive tasks like reading basic instructions or product descriptions, freeing up human actors for more creative and emotionally demanding roles. AI could also provide real-time feedback and coaching, assisting actors in refining their performances.

**A Symphony of Innovation:**
The most optimistic scenario envisions a future where AI and human actors collaborate seamlessly. Imagine an AI generating various vocal options for a character, then the actor choosing and adding their own unique inflections and emotional interpretation. This hybrid approach could unlock new creative possibilities, enriching the storytelling experience.
The future of voice acting is likely to be a blend of human and machine talent. While AI might handle certain tasks, it’s unlikely to fully replace the artistry and emotional depth of human performers. The key lies in finding a harmonious blend, where technology augments human talent, creating a richer and more diverse soundscape for our ears to enjoy.

As AI voices continue to evolve, the questions remain: Will audiences readily accept synthetic actors? Will the industry adapt to incorporate this new technology? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the future of voice acting promises to be a fascinating and unpredictable journey.


~~~ A2: ~~~

Will AI Steal the Show? The Future of Voice Acting in a Machine-Made World

The human voice, once a pinnacle of storytelling, is facing a new competitor: artificial intelligence. While some fear a robot takeover of the airwaves, others see a revolution in the making. So, will AI silence the voices of flesh-and-blood actors, or will it usher in a golden age of sonic storytelling?

**The Rise of the Voice Bots:**
AI-powered voice generators are already creating realistic, expressive voices for commercials, audiobooks, and even video games. These synthetic actors offer advantages: they’re cheaper, faster, and can work 24/7. For low-budget projects or repetitive tasks, they’re a tempting alternative.

**But Can a Machine Capture the Soul?**
Human voice actors bring more than just words to the table. They infuse their performances with emotion, nuance, and improvisation – qualities that remain elusive for even the most sophisticated AI. Consider the emotional depth of a veteran actor voicing an animated character, or the subtle humor in a commercial delivered with perfect timing. These are the hallmarks of human artistry that AI still struggles to replicate.

**The Future: Collaboration, Not Competition:**
The most likely scenario is not a robot uprising, but a fusion of human and machine. AI could handle the grunt work, freeing up actors to focus on the creative aspects. Imagine an AI generating different voice options for a character, then the actor choosing and refining the one that best embodies the role. This collaboration could lead to even more nuanced and expressive performances.

**Beyond the Studio:**
AI could also open new doors for voice actors. Imagine personalized audiobooks narrated by your favorite actor, or interactive games where you converse with AI-powered characters voiced by real actors. These possibilities expand the reach of voice acting and create new avenues for income.

The future of voice acting is not a binary choice between humans and machines. It’s about embracing the unique strengths of both, using AI to enhance human creativity and storytelling. While AI may change the landscape of the industry, it’s unlikely to silence the voices that have captivated audiences for centuries. The future of voice acting is not about who takes the stage, but about how we use technology to tell even more powerful stories.


~~~ A3: ~~~

The Future of Voices: AI’s Impact on the Voice Acting Industry

The world of voice acting is on the cusp of a dramatic shift, driven by the ever-evolving power of artificial intelligence (AI). While some see AI as a threat, poised to replace human actors entirely, others envision a future where AI and human talent synergistically shape the sound of our stories.

**The Rise of the Machines:**
One of the most immediate impacts of AI is the creation of incredibly realistic synthetic voices. These voices can mimic human voices with stunning accuracy, even capturing subtle nuances like emotion and inflection. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields like e-learning, audiobooks, and even animation, where AI-powered characters could deliver believable performances.

**Human-AI Collaboration:**
However, experts believe that AI won’t replace human actors entirely. Instead, it is likely to become a powerful tool, assisting actors in their craft. AI could handle repetitive tasks like lip-syncing or generating multiple voice options, freeing up actors to focus on the creative aspects of performance. Additionally, AI-powered feedback systems could help actors refine their delivery and hone their skills.

**New Frontiers in Storytelling:**
The possibilities extend beyond mere imitation. AI could open up entirely new avenues for storytelling, allowing for the creation of voices that are impossible for humans to produce, like those of aliens or mythical creatures. This could lead to a surge in immersive experiences, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

**Challenges and Opportunities:**
Despite the exciting possibilities, the rise of AI also presents challenges. Ethical concerns surround issues like ownership of voice data and the potential for job displacement. Additionally, ensuring that AI-generated voices are diverse and inclusive will be crucial.

However, the voice acting industry has a long history of adapting to new technologies. With careful planning and collaboration, AI can become a valuable asset, not a threat. By embracing this technology, the industry can create even more captivating stories and reach wider audiences than ever before.

**The future of voice acting is a symphony waiting to be composed, with both humans and AI contributing their unique instruments. It’s a future filled with possibilities, and the stage is set for a truly remarkable performance.**


So, my fellow humans… what do you think of the above answers? There’s a bit of promise and a bit of doom. Only time will tell…

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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How The Grimch Stopped Sessions

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How The Grimch Stopped Sessions


A Xmas Tale for all of the Voice Actors in VO-Ville 😉

—— Script ——
~~~
How The Grimch Stopped Sessions
A Xmas Tale for all of the Voice Actors in VO-Ville 😉
~~~
News Anchor (fade in): …and I’m your anchor Joe J Thomas wishing you a Happy Christmas 1966. Be sure to stay tuned for our new special, up next on participating stations.
(station id): CBS presents this program in color.
Announcer (music under):
How The Grimch Stopped Sessions
Brought to you by the fine cheese food like products of Krapf.
If you think it kinda might taste like cheese, it’s probably Krapf.
Singers: K.R.A.P.F.!
Narrator:
All the VOs down in VO-Ville liked sessions a lot
But the Grimch, who lived just outside VO-Ville, did not
To look at the Grimch you’d see such a sight
He spells it with an “M” to avoid copyright
Everything one and two that he ventures to do
Makes ear-splitting sounds from wig to wazoo.
One wish would make the VOs day such a joy
A nice quiet time to record with their toys
They talk to their Neumann, Sennheiser and Rode
From their foam padded mass vinyl boxes enclosed
They speak to producers and clients and such
Who direct them and coach them and pay them so much
But the Grimch doesn’t like any of this
He listens, or not, then says with a hiss
“These sessions are all a big bother and fuss”
“I’ll make so much noise that those VOs will all cuss!”
He turns on his bamhammer, blowwinder and boomer
Starts up his highscreamer, sireener, and vroomzoomer
The Grimch has noisewhiners that pierce through the heads
Of all the quiet VOs still sleeping in beds
Song:
You’re a loud one, Mr Grimch.
You’re a noisy woisey fool
You’ve got blowy, go-ey gadgets and a load of bangy tools, Mr Grimch!
Living next door to you is a 24 hour construction zone!
Narrator:
The Grimch did his worst, then turned for a look
The VOs hadn’t stopped, with new jobs that they’d booked
And a new thought appeared in his loud Grimchy head
Perhaps instead of such clatter there’s something better instead.
Maybe a rake or a broom would be nicer than blowing…
Then the Grimch said “Nah!” and continued his mowing!
(music to fade out)
—— fin! ——

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Have You Killed Me?

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Have You Killed Me?


(parody of “Have You Seen Her?” by the Chi-Lites)

The life of a video game voice actor isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

There’s a lot of dying… then there’s more dying…

So, with all the games you’ve played… Have you killed me?

Audio:

      Have You Killed Me? (Joe J Thomas)

Available on The FuMP at:
Click to buy or listen on The FuMP!

Video:

Copyright 2021, Joe J Thomas, Joe’s Dump, JoesDump.com
All Rights Reserved.
Not a Quinn-Martin Production.

~~~ Lyrics ~~~
“Have You Killed Me?”
Parody: of “Have You Seen Her?” by the Chi-Lites
By Joe J Thomas

Ah…ah…ah…ah…ah…ah… Ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…
One year ago today, I was hired to play a part
My job as a voice actor, talkin’ to a mic, recording in the dark
Doin’ a character in a video game, the one the children play
For me, it was just another gig, but they play that shit every day
They all follow me online, They seem to know my name
I get likes and comments, But it still doesn’t ease my pain
There’s no way I can beat ‘em, They’ll play ‘til their brains are fried
I keep sayin’ I’ll win someday, Seems I’m just not qualified
Oh, they chase me down for my treasure hoard. Crack me on my skull like it was a gourd
Have you killed me? Tell me why’d you kill me?
Yeah they fight in groups on their tv screens. Isn’t fair when it’s one against a team.
Have you killed me? Tell me why’d you kill me?
Why, oh why did you have to stab me with a sword?
Oh…oh…oh…oh…oh…: I’ve been used for gamers’ entertainment
And I lost, baby, I lost!
ow, ow, ow… ow, ow, ow… ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow ow…
Have you killed me? Tell me why’d you kill me? [Tell me why’d you kill me?]
ow, ow, ow… ow, ow, ow… ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow ow…
Have you killed me? Tell me why’d you kill me? [Tell me why’d you kill me?]
Oh you cast a spell with your mystic art, Then you plunged a dagger in my heart
Have you killed me? Tell me why’d you kill me?
Yeah they slay me from the dusk till dawn, Don’t they know in this game that I just respawn
Have you killed me? Tell me why’d you kill me?
Why, oh why did you have to set my head aflame? Oh, no!
Oh…oh…oh…oh…oh…: I’ve been shot, and stabbed and hit with boulders
And I lost, baby, I lost!
ow, ow, ow… ow, ow, ow… ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow ow…
Have you killed me? Tell me why’d you kill me? [Tell me why’d you kill me?]
ow, ow, ow… ow, ow, ow… ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow ow…
Have you killed me? Tell me why’d you kill me? [Tell me why’d you kill me?]
As another game comes to an end, I’m lookin’ for a potion or somethin’
Anything that would put me on the mend, With all the powers I have, hmm
I’m still a wounded man, You know it’s funny
Here I thought the bosses were the ones in command
3X: Have you killed me? Tell me why’d you kill me? [Tell me why’d you kill me?]
— original lyrics —
“Have You Seen Her” by the Chi-Lites
2X: Ah…ah…ah…ah…ah…ah… Ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…
One month ago today, I was happy as a lark
But now I go for walks, To the movies, maybe to the park
I have a seat on the same old bench, To watch the children play, huh
You know tomorrow is their future, But for me just another day
They all gather ’round me, huh, They seem to know my name
We laugh, tell a few jokes, But it still doesn’t ease my pain
I know I can’t hide from a memory, Though day after day I’ve tried
I keep sayin’ she’ll be back, But today again I’ve lied
Oh, I see her face everywhere I go, On the street and even at the picture show
Have you seen her, Tell me have you seen her
Oh, I hear her voice as the cold winds blow, In the sweet music on my radio
Have you seen her, Tell me have you seen her
Why, oh, why: Did she have to leave and go away?
Oh…oh…oh…oh…oh…: I’ve been used to havin’ someone to lean on
And I’m lost, baby, I’m lost
Oh, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo; Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Have you seen her; Tell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]
Oh, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo; Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Have you seen her; Tell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]
Oh, she left her kiss upon my lips, But left that break within my heart
Have you seen her, Tell me have you seen her
Oh, I see her hand reaching out to me, Only she can set me free
Have you seen her, Tell me have you seen her
Why, oh, why; Did she have to leave and go away
Oh…oh…oh…oh…oh…, I’ve been used to havin’ someone to lean on
And I’m lost, baby, I’m lost
Oh, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Have you seen her
Tell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]
As another day comes to an end, I’m lookin’ for a letter or somethin’
Anything that she would send, With all the people I know, hmm
I’m still a lonely man, You know it’s funny
I thought I had her in the palm of my hand
Have you seen her; Tell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]
Oh (Oh, yeah…eah…eah…), doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
6X: Have you seen her – Tell me have you seen her (with echos)

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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The IMDb 100 Club

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The IMDb 100 Club

My IMDb listing stands at 99 credits.

Joe J Thomas - IMDB 99 - JoeActor
Joe’s IMDb Listing (click here to see)

I may pass 100 this year.

Now, those of you who know me might recall that I’m not very hot on awards.
So let’s call this a Milestone instead.

Rituals and Milestones. Rites of Passage.

Although it doesn’t change how I pursue my career, it is nice to see some measure of real-world progress.

What are your personal Milestones?

What things in your career help you to appreciate the strides and progress you’ve made?

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Singing Impressions

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Singing Impressions


A new demo from Joe J Thomas

13 Voices in 60 Seconds: Singing Impressions by Joe J Thomas

… and the LP Audio Version for those that want to hear more:

      Joe_J_Thomas-Singing_Impressions(long)

More information at: JoeActor.com
Singer: Joe J Thomas
Audio Producer: Mike Finkel
Voice Coach: Charles Ion

Copyright Joe J Thomas (JoeActor.com) 2016
All Rights Reserved
Not a Quinn-Martin Production

How This Demo Came To Be…

As a bit of background, I’ve been singing for several decades. Musical theatre, choir, stage performances with bands… Even traveled with an Elvis impersonator. All of it laid a great foundation. However, it had been a while since my last public performance. Most of my singing now is in the car or for the occasional animation audition.

So, I’d decided to brush up on my singing early in the year, and sought out a new vocal coach. Turns out there is a great guy who teaches at a local college and also gives private lessons.

After getting some of the cobwebs off and learning some new techniques, it was time to put my training to work.

In early August, 2016, I started working with my voice coach and an audio producer on the tracks for the finished demo. The idea had been rattling around in my head for quite some time, and I was already adept at several singing impressions. My voice coach was crucial in getting me to find the right placement for each singer and song.

I recorded a full or partial take of each song (vocal only), and sent the voice track and backing track to the audio producer. We’d also worked together in the past, so he was familiar with my voice and able to give precise feedback on what needed to be tweaked.

Once the base tracks were in a rough edit phase, I enlisted the ears of my wife, and several of my good friends. Each of their feedback went into my decision on which tracks made the final cut.

The last step was for my audio producer to assemble the tracks into a balanced, finished demo.

As a side benefit, I also picked up a lot of new knowledge and techniques.

Now… On to the next challenge!

See you in the booth,
Joe

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Singing For VO

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Singing for Voice Over

Singing offers a lot of tangible advantages to anyone in Voice Acting.
For those of you who sing, I know I’m preaching to the choir! (rim shot)

But how long has it been since you’ve had a refresher?
And if you’re in VO and don’t sing, why not?

Although I’ve been in many musicals, sung with choral groups, and even performed musical improv, it had been a few years since I really sang.

Time for a tune-up!
I recently started taking lessons with a new teacher, and it’s given me a renewed sense of confidence in my vocal abilities.

Here are just a few of the areas singing can help with:

  • Tone:
    The pitch of your voice… high, medium, low (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone Bass)
  • Breathing:
    Proper breathing allows you to better control your sound.
  • Timing:
    Learning musical rhythm can help in setting your pace for both segments of the copy and for the overall read.
  • Vocal Placement:
    Chest voice, Head voice, Throat, etc. Placement is especially useful in creating characters and accents.
  • Core Support and Strengthening:
    A strong core is related to your breathing, and can give you more power and energy in your voice.
  • Volume Control:
    Knowing when to sing soft is just as important as being able to belt out a tune. Having a solid control of your volume takes practice.
  • Conveying Emotion:
    Even in a language you may not understand, songs can elicit a great deal of emotion. Learning how to deliver that to your audience is directly applicable to VO work.
  • Communication of Ideas:
    Clear communication is another win for any voice work. Knowing how to form your words and phrases so that they convey ideas is the core of it all.

My friend Marc Cashman even has a chapter in his book “V-Oh! Tips, Tricks, Tools and Techniques to Start and Sustain Your Voiceover Career” dedicated to the concept of “Finding the Music in Copy”. Here’s a short excerpt:

“Copy or text is musical. It has ebb and flow and different keys. It has sharps, flats, rests, words that are held, chopped off, high or low, soft or loud, all the same emphasis or wild ups and downs, with dynamics and crescendos. Copy reads (or plays) like a story/song, with a beginning, middle and end.”

(Marc’s book is available on Amazon, or click here to order an autographed copy)

Sometimes, I’ll even sing the copy just to get a different feel for the way it flows.

Do you sing? If so, how long has it been since you performed or had lessons? It might be time for a refresher to tune-up your instrument!

To close, here’s a number that I’ve been working on.
It’s called “I Won’t Send Roses” from the musical “Mack and Mabel” – Enjoy!

      I Won't Send Roses (Joe J Thomas)

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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How Do I Get Into Voice Over?

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How Do I Get Into Voice Over?

We hear it all the time… It seems like a simple enough question, but in truth it may as well say “How do I build a house?”

The answer depends on many things, including:

  • Who’s asking the question?
  • What genre of VO are they pursuing?
  • Do they have prior skills?

Here’s three possible scenarios:

Scenario 1: Albert
Background: Professional name screen actor in movies and tv. Would like to get into animated features.
Advice: Ask your agent or manager to start focusing on VO. Take some classes in mic technique if needed.

Scenario 2: Betty
Background: Was in radio for years, now retired. Wants to get into narration.
Advice: Take some acting or improv classes, along with coaching for a more natural VO delivery. Get a VO demo made when ready, and find an agent to represent you.

Scenario 3: Charles
Background: No prior acting experience, but can do some voices. Loves anime and would like to be an ADR VO.
Advice: Start with the basics. Take acting, improv and singing. Learn to build fully-fleshed characters, not just voices. Then move on to VO classes and find a trusted coach. They can lead you from there.

Too often, we rush into answering the question “How Do I Get Into VO?” without considering who’s asking or what they mean. In order for the advice to be truly useful, it must be targeted to the person asking the question.

In many ways, this is related to a prior post that you may also wish to read:
Joe’s Dump – Advice on Advice

So, next time you hear this question, maybe take a step back and consider before answering. It could be much more valuable to the person who’s asking.

Cheers,
Joe

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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Five Star VO

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Five Star VO

Ten years ago, my career in VO got a boost of NASA proportions.

Through the kindness of a VP at Disney and five amazing animation stars, I landed my first agent.

Here’s the scoop!

Five Star VO JoeActor.com

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Sounds Familiar

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Sounds Familiar

a short poem by Joe J Thomas

Barking out orders to infantrymen
Clucking like a chicken
Asking questions in Klingon

A sixty year old teacher in South Africa
A teenage Russian
The British voice in museums

A fight with Superman
The leader of the X-Men
A nameless evil from the pit

My job.
My voice.
What’s next?

 

All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com

 

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