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This exclusive interview with voice-over coach Marc Cashman was provided by our good friend Harry Legg.
It was over a decade ago that I made the transition from a radio guy to a serious VO artist. After many years behind the mic in my radio career, I still had a lot to learn when it came to agency quality VO work. It was suggested that I take voiceover classes or get some coaching…it was the best thing I ever did. I recently had an online chat with my coach in Los Angeles, Marc Cashman and I’d like to introduce him to you.
Harry: Hi Marc, thank you for joining us on the Benztown Voiceover blog. You are certainly well known in the VO world but a lot of our radio friends are meeting you here for the first time – Please share with us your background in the media and voiceover business…
Marc: I’ve been writing, casting and producing copy and music advertising for radio and television for 25 years, winning over 150 local, regional, national and international advertising awards on behalf of hundreds of ad agencies and clients across the country. And since I’ve cast and directed hundreds of top voice talents, and I’m also a voice actor, I decided that I was one of the few people on both sides of the glass who could put that unique perspective to use when teaching voice acting.
Harry: So you’re a working voice actor, too?
Marc: I’ve been named one of the Best Voices of the Year twice by AudioFile Magazine, have voiced over 100 audiobooks, and can be heard on Radio & TV spots, websites, trailers, documentaries, radio plays, videogames, animated series and e-Learning courses.
Harry: What would you say are some of the most notable differences between daily radio production VO and the VO’s performed in the agency side of the world?
Marc: I can’t imagine how frenetic it must be at some Radio stations to produce tons of spots in absolutely no time.
Writing, casting and producing Radio spots for agencies that represent clients can take a few days or a few weeks, depending on the number of people involved. Radio stations usually use on-air talent to voice their local spots, whereas I have the luxury of holding auditions and selecting the best talent available. And budgets are virtually nonexistent at Radio stations, but the spots I produce usually have pretty decent budgets.
Harry: As a longtime radio guy who has moved largely to the VO side of things, I can honestly say that the coaching I have received from you was truly the best thing I did for my career. There is so much more to VO than we typically deal with in the daily grind of radio production…Can I twist your arm to join us regularly here on the Benztown VO blog – maybe a question and answer type of column?
Marc: Harry, I’d be happy to share my knowledge with you and your audience.
Harry: Excellent – Thank You! Where can our readers contact you and send their questions?
Marc: They can reach me anytime (don’t forget to reference Benztown/Harry Legg) at [email protected].
Harry: We’ll look for your posts coming soon – Thanks again!
Marc: You’re welcome, sir!
