Some time ago I got a call from my voiceover agent about an audition for Jameson Whiskey. I’ve auditioned for many voiceovers over the years and you quickly learn that there’s a small circle of actors who do A LOT of the work out there in this field. I am not one of these actors. For some reason, despite constant attempts, I hadn’t been able to crack the nut.
All the same, undaunted, in I go, into a small unassuming booth to read the copy for this new spot. I do it, I leave, I think nothing of it (after a while, with auditions, you can sometimes forget that you can actually get the job). A few days later I get word that I got the gig. My first real foot in the door in this world (and I’ve been doing this for a while!). One of the things that worked in my favor was the necessity to use a slight Irish accent. I’ve worked on many versions of the Irish accent from Belfast to Dublin with some tweaks in between, so I felt fairly comfortable doing it. Served me well in this case.
When you start doing voiceovers for a particular product, it’s usually a one-time thing. I didn’t realize that Jamesons was starting up a new, grand ad campaign—incredible mini-movies that are quite beautiful and humorous as well (they’ve gone on to become award winners). See for yourself with their first spot, “The Great Storm”:
Two spots later, I’m lucky to still be heard on these incredible ads. Now, I’m Irish so perhaps I’m biased, but I’m pretty sure there’s not a better whiskey out there. (See my Voiceover page to watch all the ads (via YouTube) on my site.)
And while this isn’t Jameson related per se, I feel compelled to include this song in honor of the alcohol that gives me voice.