This is Cary Grant; a major motion picture star from the last millennium. Although most people in our present millennium recognize who he is, if for no other reason than for his distinctive manor and looks on screen. Ah, but there's also that unmistakable Cary Grant sound...his voice. It, in fact could single-handedly single him out as the most imitated person ever...aside from maybe Christopher Walkin.
In recent years there hasn't been too much call for the man. Except recently I was given an assignment for a quasi sound-a-like of a vintage docu-mecial announcer that had an unmistakable Cary Grant ring to it.
You know, I actually haven't really shared this with the client yet, but I have a feeling they may not know who Cary Grant is or was. I think they could be Gen-Z-ers. I did make a reference to the announcer in the docu-mercial sounding like Mr. Grant. Come to think of it, not sure if there was any come back on that or not. Just took it for Granted they did too (excuse the obvious).
Click here to link to the lady in the mirror as we listen to a 1950ish announcer guide us through the (:60 sec) course of modern hand-baggery. See if you don't hear through the huckstering, a Grant stylization peeking out now & then? Without re-thinking it to much, what if the 50's vo was trying to imitate Cary while doing his shtick. Who cares, right. We needed to pull off the tempo and the mimic.
Does Ai do it...hummm. Not according to the review on The Odyssey, not the latest movie, predicted to be this summers Blockbuster, with Matt Damon, who's doing his do diligence to promote The Odyssey on every talk show.
No, it's the Homer dude alright, but it's The Odyssey audiobook version, narrated by Sir Michael Caine. Feel the segue rounding the corner. Well, in point of fact, it's actually an Ai version of Michael's voice reading the words. And according to a quick look at the level of - Comments like this one; "With the passion of a Garmin" he may have wanted to of read it himself. So, that kind of observation can be a guideline to this voice development. Not Cary Grant per se, insomuch that it has a distinction of 'class' maybe. Addison DeWitt comes to mind. I think for us voice actors, what's more concerning is what Sir Michael did legally before signing any contracts. That was to "TradeMark" his own voice.
However, because a voice is considered a "non-visual" or sound mark, the overall cost usually reaches $1,500 to $4,500+ once you factor in specialized legal representation and evidence. How's that penny ante ditty comin' along now?
Just how exactly will a voice like Cary's enhance the client's: Oil & Gaz product (a super bag...a super bag for kids.) Did someone say - through sarcasm!
Our director wanted to impress the eyeballs and eardrums of kids. And she had a vision and a pretty good illustration of what she wanted in the 50's style voice over. She thought using a vintage voice with modern forward visuals would do the trick. Especially, amongst today's bunch of Zzzz's where a bit of sarcasm wouldn't be lost. This is great, she said "a bag designed ready to fit all your favorite items, objects or toys or gadgets inside." This bag is ready to go with you - anywhere you went to go. BTW, I'm told it's a bag that can't be destroyed and a very duty-purpose bag. It fits into many compartments, so it's a storage solution that is very practical. Plus, it's multi-designed for the beach, the cinema, etc...and it's also a school bag [where the sarcasm part fits in] that's guaranteed for 5 yrs.
Stefan Nadelman {Our bestie & Tinseltown's resident visual artist and master animator} has performed his inimitable magic once again as Director of Animation on the documentary; Dernsie: The Amazing Life of Bruce Dern.
The lowdown from IMDb is [as it's barely a Landing Page yet] it's a close look at Bruce Dern's-tireless, uncompromising perseverance that defines both his tumultuous life and lasting Hollywood career. A constant runner on and off screen.
As you'll see from the IMDb 'cast' drop down menu, it's a real who's who in these here hills. All tributizing the likes of this fellow Freeman Lowell Aka Bruce Dern. From Laura his daughter to Billy Bob, W. Goggins, Patty Genkins and throw in some Walter Hill and a little Quinten while your at it...to name a few.
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