Neil Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book” Wins Audiobook of the Year
June 2, 2009
Author and narrator Neil Gaiman was awarded the coveted “Audiobook of the Year” Audie Award in New York City this passed Friday night for his audiobook, “The Graveyard Book”.
Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place-he’s the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians’ time as well as their timely ghostly teachings-like the ability to Fade. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead? And then there are things like ghouls that aren’t really one thing or the other.
This chilling tale is Neil Gaiman’s first full-length novel for middle-grade readers since the internationally bestselling and universally acclaimed Coraline. Like Coraline, this book is sure to enchant and surprise young readers as well as Neil Gaiman’s legion of adult fans.
Source: Voices.com / NeilGaiman.com
Star Trek Actors Heat Up The Screen With Hot Voices
May 26, 2009
Have you seen the most recent Star Trek movie? If you have, chances are you noticed dashing good looks, the almost eerily similarities between the original cast and their younger counterparts, and their updated starship, but did you hear anything of note in particular?
The new cast of J.J. Abrams Star Trek is filled to the brim with outstanding talent that not only look the part and act the part, they sound the part.
Voice has become one of the more important elements in casting on-camera roles of late, demonstrated by the vocal qualities cast in leading roles, for example, Chris Pine’s exuberant take on James T. Kirk, Zachary Quinto’s amazing work as Spock, an adventurous dialect switch for Simon Pegg’s Scotty, and the dead-on Bones McCoy voice performed by New Zealander, Karl Urban.
Canadian actor Bruce Greenwood, who played Captain Christopher Pike, was also a hit. His voice was splendid in the trailers when used and gave a warm, authoritative presence to the film in a fatherly way.
Quinto, using his voice talent for more than just the film, recorded the Star Trek movie novel adaptation written by Alan Dean Foster, based on Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman’s screenplay, an 8.5 hour long audiobook.
Suffice to say, attention to casting where voices are concerned in film has come a long way, baby!
Source: VOX Daily
Vote for Your Favorite Game Show Announcer
April 21, 2009
What’s a game show without an announcer?
A contest is going on right now where people can vote for the favorite game show announcer, among other categories, in the 2009 Game Show Awards.
The list includes announcers whose presences have made a significant impact on the program they are working for, ranging from inter-generational favorites to newer shows airing within the last decade.
Announcers on the list include:
Joe Cipriano, Deal or No Deal
Rich Fields, The Price is Right
Johnny Gilbert, Jeopardy!
Charlie O’Donnell, Wheel of Fortune
Burton Richardson, Family Feud
Mark Thompson, Don’t Forget the Lyrics!
To vote for your favorite announcer, make sure that you visit this link:
Source: Ron Levine
Michael J. Schoen Narrates “Tide of Tears”
March 26, 2009
Voice artist Michael J. Schoen narrated the documentary “Tide of Tears: The Collapse of the Cajun Coast”, a film that was featured as part of the New York International Film and Video Festival.
As the documentary’s website indicates, Tide of Tears isn’t just another documentary on Louisiana’s land loss. Tide of Tears is the one story that has not yet been told. Once called “the promised land”, South Louisiana is a now a land of broken dreams, a place where faith is fading fast. The dire consequences of what may be the greatest man-made disaster in America.
As the wetland washes away, so does the true charm of the region… the Cajun culture. A way of life that has survived more than three hundred years, as distinct and colorful as the landscape itself.
Directed by Stephanie Kovac, and filmed in high definition, Tide of Tears is an in-depth look at a culture teetering on the edge of extinction and a somber expose of what America stands to lose if nothing is done to save it.
To learn more about this documentary, visit:
Source: Michael J. Schoen
Grammys Announcer Heather Halley Interviewed at Voices.com
February 20, 2009
If you watched the 51st Annual Grammy awards this year, you heard the voice of Heather Halley, a voice that has received numerous compliments from people inside and outside of the voice over industry.
Among other things, Heather acknowledges how important the voice over community is and gives a heartfelt account of what it is like to be an announcer at an awards show.
To read the interview, visit the VOX Daily blog at Voices.com:
Interview with Heather Halley, Voice of the 51st Grammy Awards
Source: VOX Daily
Johnny Depp to Narrate Documentary on The Doors
February 13, 2009
Hollywood actor Johnny Depp is set to narrate a documentary entitled “When You’re Strange”, a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of a famous American rock band from the 1960s, The Doors.
Although its vocalist, Jim Morrison, died of a drug overdose (1971) eventually splitting the band up in 1973, The Doors continue to occupy their own niche within popular culture and endure to a degree through their music and Hollywood films, including the movie “The Doors” which starred Val Kilmer as Morrison in 1991.
The film which received positive reviews at the Sundance film festival, originally narrated by Tom DiCillo, is sure to reach new heights with Depp’s participation and devoted fanbase. DiCillo hopes that Depp’s narration will be added in time for the film’s screening at the South By Southwest festival in March.
Source: Tom DiCillo’s Blog
Dave Fennoy Announcing at 40th NAACP Image Awards
February 12, 2009
Announcer Dave Fennoy will be the voice of the 40th NAACP Image Awards broadcast from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium, Thursday, Feb. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.
The 40th NAACP Image Awards show coincides with the NAACP’s 100th anniversary and will kick off the organization’s year-long centennial celebration.
Making appearances at the 40th NAACP Image Awards are Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder and will.i.am who will be joined by Angela Bassett, Rosario Dawson, Omar Epps, Louis Gossett Jr., Hill Harper, Randy Jackson, Sanaa Lathan, Mo’Nique, Nate Parker, Tracee Ellis Ross and Cicely Tyson.
Founded on February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization.
Dave Fennoy has one of the most recognized voices in Los Angeles. He has been the spokesvoice for numerous commercial campaigns, including McDonalds, Corona Beer, KFC, Toyota, Chrysler, and ATT.
Fennoy has also narrated programs for National Geographic and Discovery Channel, voiced promos for ABC, CBS, the WB, Fox, Showtime, Starz, the Disney Channel and been the show voice for several TV programs including Late Night with Gregg Kinnear, The Billboard Music Awards, Cedric the Entertainer Presents, and the NAACP Image Awards. Every Saturday night Fennoy introduces Showtime at the Apollo. His voice can also be heard on several cartoons and CD Rom games.
Source: Dave Fennoy re: announcing; event information source Monsters and Critics
Image: DaveFennoy.com
Shanmao and Jimi Cartoon Pilot Released
February 4, 2009
The pilot episode entitled “Magic Water” of the cartoon “Shanmao and Jimi”, featuring the voices of Keith O’Brien, LindZ Reiss, Melissa S. Malone, Chip Joel and Sarah Pesek, is soon to be released.
Shanmao and Jimi travel through time to wonderful worlds in search of the alphabet diamonds in order to save their friends.
Did I mention that they’re a brave lot?
The voice cast, with many members listed on Voices.com, are very excited to share this news and hope that you’ll show your support.
Shanmao and Jimi Voice Cast:
Shanmao voiced by Keith O’Brien
Jimi voiced by LindZ Reiss
Guli voiced by Chip Joel
Doula voiced by Melissa S. Malone
Narration provided by Sarah Pesek
To learn more about the cartoon and watch the promo, visit http://www.shanmaojimi.com/
Source: Chip Joel
Voting is Open For Unofficial Jimmy Fallon Announcer Nominees
January 29, 2009
Who should win the unofficial Jimmy Fallon announcer bragging rights?
Over 80 professional voice talents threw their proverbial hats into the ring, leaving ten men standing as contenders, including in no particular order:
Lee Gordon, Robert Hantson, Joey D Williams, Scott Larson, Allen Scofield, Tony Pasquale, Bill Elder, Mike Elmore, George Robinson, and Bruce Miles.
Peter O’Connell has opened the floodgates to voters to submit their top 3 choices for who they think should win the honor.
The winner will be announced in the voxmarketising podcast coming up in the near future.
For more information and to vote, visit the official voting page on audioconnell.com.
Source: Peter O’Connell
D3Publisher Announces Voice Talent for Video game Based on LAIKA and Focus Features’ Coraline
January 15, 2009
D3Publisher announced today that the Coraline videogame, based on LAIKA’s exciting new movie – the first-ever stop-motion animated feature to be made in 3-D – will feature the voice talents of Dakota Fanning, Keith David, and Robert Bailey Jr. All three actors will reprise their onscreen voiced roles of Coraline Jones (Fanning), Cat (David) and Wybie Lovat (Bailey Jr.). The Coraline videogame will ship to North American retail stores for the Wii™ system, Nintendo DS™ and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system on January 27, 2009 to coincide with Focus Features’ nationwide domestic release of the movie on February 6, 2009, in both 3-D and non-3-D theaters.
The only videogame based on the upcoming movie, the Coraline videogame will let players take on the role of the adventurous heroine Coraline and interact with the wondrous characters from the movie while navigating the scheming Other Mother’s web of deceit in a fantastical adventure through two distinct and interactive worlds. Coraline will allow players to explore and interact with such immersive 3-D environments from the movie as the Pink Palace, its nooks and crannies and apartments, and the unpredictable Other World. Players will engage in unique mini-games and adventures with Coraline’s faithful friends, Wybie and Cat, as they collect items that will unlock the mysteries of the Other World.
Coraline for Wii and the PlayStation 2 system is developed by Papaya Studios and is rated “E 10+” (Everyone 10 and up – Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes) by the ESRB. Coraline for Nintendo DS is developed by Art Co. Ltd., and is rated “E” (Everyone – Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes) by the ESRB.
For more information on the game, please visit: www.CoralineTheGame.com.
About Coraline (the movie)
Combining the visionary imaginations of two premier fantasists, director/screenwriter Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas) and author Neil Gaiman (Sandman), Coraline is a wondrous and thrilling, fun and suspenseful adventure that honors and redefines two moviemaking traditions. It is a stop-motion animated feature – and, as the first one to be conceived and photographed in stereoscopic 3-D, unlike anything moviegoers have ever experienced before. The movie opens in theaters everywhere on February 6.
Coraline Jones is a girl of 11 who is feisty, curious, and adventurous beyond her years. She and her parents have just relocated from Michigan to Oregon. She uncovers a secret door in the house. Walking through the door and then venturing through an eerie passageway, she discovers an alternate version of her life and existence. On the surface, this parallel reality is similar to her real life – only much better. But when her wondrously off-kilter, fantastical visit turns dangerous, Coraline musters all of her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family. For more information, please visit www.Coraline.com.
About Focus Features (Domestic Distributor)
Focus Features (www.filminfocus.com) exists to produce, acquire and distribute original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world that deliver global commercial success. The company’s Oscar-winning films have included Brokeback Mountain, The Pianist, Lost in Translation, The Constant Gardener, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Motorcycle Diaries, and Atonement.
About Universal Pictures International (International Distributor)
Universal Pictures markets and distributes films internationally through Universal Pictures International (UPI), which officially began doing business on January 1, 2007. In the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, German-speaking Switzerland, Benelux, Russia, Australia, Mexico and France, UPI directly markets and distributes movies through our local offices, creating campaigns and release strategies that respond to the culture and market behavior of those territories. In other parts of the world, Universal distributes through Paramount’s local offices as it transitions out of formerly shared UIP model. In some smaller territories we continue to work through UIP on theatrical distribution.
About LAIKA, Inc.
LAIKA, Inc. (www.laika.com) is the Portland-based entertainment and media company specializing in animated feature films, television commercials, music videos, broadcast graphics and short films. It is a dynamic community of filmmakers, designers and animators fueled by the vision of its owner and Chairman, Philip H. Knight, co-founder and Chairman of Nike, Inc.
About Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group
Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group (UPDPG) is responsible for global digital product development, production, licensing, distribution, and growth strategy for the extensive catalogue of Universal’s properties across new and emerging digital platforms, including mobile, video game consoles, personal computers, and other portable devices. With a worldwide mandate to help shape the digital future of Universal Pictures, the Group has offices in Universal City, California; London, England; and Tokyo, Japan.
Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group is a unit of Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Universal Pictures is a division, and Focus Features is part, of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.
About D3Publisher
D3Publisher, a subsidiary of D3, Inc., is a leading interactive entertainment publisher and distributor for licensed and original titles for personal computers, major console platforms and handheld systems. D3Publisher has operations in the U.S., U.K., and Japan. The company also owns development studio Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., and its technology platform, Vicious Engine. Recent releases have included Dark Sector®, Dead Head Fred®, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords®, and Ben 10™: Protector of Earth. For more information about D3Publisher, please visit: www.d3publisher.com.
Dark Sector® is a registered trademark of Digital Extremes. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. All rights reserved.
Source: BusinessWire.com
Image source CoralineTheGame.com
