She’s one talented lady ~ Helen Metella
Helen Metella
We first had the opportunity to work with Helen during one of our weekend workshops in Edmonton, Alberta Canada a few years ago. I remember thinking she was a very gifted voice talent and hoped I’d get the chance to work with her again. Well, I got my wish when Helen came to San Diego recently to produce her first commercial demo with us. We had a blast as she created some very interesting and entertaining characters! Listen to her demo HERE.
Q. What caught your interest in Voice Acting? What other career(s) have you had? I’ve done a bazillion different jobs over my career. The short list (honest!) being radio DJ, copywriter, record company flack, rock critic, newspaper reporter, magazine editor, TV story editor and TV director. Along the way, I also took acting classes at infrequent intervals, but realized that on that front, I simply don’t have the “look” that will see me to success. So voice acting puts to work many of my interests—and fulfills a wish to make my work feel more like play.
Q. In what part of the world do you live?
A. I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Q. With whom have you studied?
A. I started studying voice acting with the terrific Deb Munro, back when she still lived in Alberta. She made it possible for me to learn from James Alburger and Penny Abshire, as well as from Bob Bergen and Tom Logan, who she brought in in for workshops.
Q. What convinced you to produce your demo with Jim & Penny at VoiceActing, LLC?
A.I learned a ton from Jim and Penny over their weekend workshop. I was impressed with the quality of their teaching, plus their down-to-earth helpfulness via materials such as Jim’s e-book on home studio assembly and their conference-call seminars. I’d also heard the demos that Jim has produced and knew right away that I wanted to benefit from all that expertise. It just took a few years before I could commit the time and money.
Q. What has been your highlight VO experience?
A. Working with Jim and Penny was not only extremely gratifying in terms of results, it was a great education. Penny showed me that one smart and viable way to develop new characters is by constantly clipping great ad copy from magazines and playing around with it. In addition to giving me ultra-precise direction, advice on my range, on visualization and letter combos that I need to be particularly conscious of nailing, Jim very generously shared some expert tips on editing for my voice.
Q. In contrast, what has been a tough experience that taught you a lot?
A. Long before I started taking voice acting classes I did some occasional work voicing commercials for a local studio. I landed the gig because I’d had radio experience. But it was daunting the day that the director asked for “a different character on the next read,” and I truly didn’t understand how to execute what he wanted. That taught me that I needed to find classes and learn more about the craft.
Q. Describe one or two things that have helped you the most.
A. Jim and Penny’s system of ABCs keeps me grounded when I break down a script. Additionally, the two things I always, always hear commanding me (in Deb Munro’s voice) are; 1) do vocal exercises each day and, 2) when interacting with anyone in a creative, stress-filled situation, “always choose love.”
Q. Do you think breaking into VO will be an easy process?
A. No, I’m certain that it won’t be. Jim writes that it takes 40 to 60 auditions for every job you land and I’m sure he’s not exaggerating. But hey, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
Q. Do you think it is for everyone with a “great voice”?
A. No. You also need a tough skin, a marketing plan and endless perseverance.
Q. Will you be attending VOICE 2010?
A. I was on my way to attend the first VOICE when I got a job at a magazine and had to pass. I have been planning to attend a subsequent conference ever since. It’s a good goal and I’m working toward it now.