High Notes Melissa Thom

On this episode of HIGH NOTES, we talk to award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Marverine Cole. Over the last 21 years, Marverine has worked as a reporter, producer and news anchor for the majority of Britain's most watched and listened to broadcasters, including Sky News, 5 News, Talk TV, Classic FM, 5 Live and BBC Radio 4. Marverine is one of only 10 Black British women to have ever presented national and international news bulletins in the UK during the last 40 years. She is currently best known as a newsreader for ITV's Good Morning Britain.
We also talk to Marverine about her experience training as a VO with BRAVA, politics and grassroots democracy, her advice to those breaking into the industry today and her new podcast, The Trouble with Politics, which was recently recommended by The Independent as one of the top 6 podcasts to listen to in 2024.
Marverine Cole: https://marverinecole.co.uk/
We are Black Journos: https://weareblackjournos.org/
Luck Be a Lady Tonight: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mqmyt
Black Girls Don’t Cry: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b9zfws
Marverine Cole & David Harewood talk about Black British Mental Health: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/black-british-mental-health-matters-with-marverine/id1645113032?i=1000586923149
Her Media Diary: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/her-media-diary/id1549480567
The Trouble with Politics: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-trouble-with-politics/id1736397883
00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast
00:51 Guest Introduction: Marverine Cole
02:14 Marverine's Early Inspirations and First Steps in Radio
08:57 Transition to Television
15:07 Challenges and Achievements in Media
21:43 Mental Health and Resilience in Journalism
30:16 Exploring Voiceover Work
34:10 Launching The Trouble with Politics Podcast
39:59 Advice for Aspiring Media Professionals
42:20 Conclusion and Farewell


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In this episode, we talk to Adele Cutting - a respected sound designer, audio and voice director and in the video game industry. Adele's extensive portfolio includes work on both blockbuster titles and indie games. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including Adele's journey into the gaming industry, the evolution of women's roles and casting processes for video games. Adele also shares insights on the importance of natural performances in gaming, the potential impact of AI and offers advice for voice actors looking to succeed in a competitive industry.
00:00 Welcome to High Nets: The Voice Industry Unveiled
00:52 Spotlight on Adele Cutting: A Trailblazer in Game Audio
02:02 Adele's Journey: From Musical Theatre to Video Game Soundscapes
06:32 Breaking Barriers: Women's Evolving Role in Gaming
13:28 The Art of Sound Design and Voice Direction in Video Games
19:39 Casting Voices: The Search for Authenticity and Talent
24:43 The Casting Process and Budget Considerations
25:18 The Long Game of Voice Acting
26:35 The Reality of Social Media Influence in Casting
28:21 Trends and Changes in the Gaming Industry
30:55 The Impact of AI on Voice Acting
34:13 Real-Life Directing Experiences and Challenges
38:32 Training and Professionalism in Voice Acting
46:15 Final Thoughts and Future-Proofing Advice
Read the transcript here...

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In this episode, we talk to award-winning producer, photographer, screenwriter, game and audiobook director, Daniel Jewel.
With extensive experience in leading AAA game projects and directing high-profile audiobooks, Daniel shares invaluable insights from his musical childhood through to his journey into film and then voice directing. He discusses the importance of failure, adapting to challenges, and the intricacies of working with voice actors across various platforms. This episode also explores Daniel's approach to casting and the significance of respecting NDAs, as well as practical advice for aspiring voice actors aiming to make their mark in the industry.
More about Daniel https://www.danieljewelfilm.com/
00:00 Welcome to High Notes: The Art and Business of Voice
00:52 Spotlight on Daniel: A Voice Directing Virtuoso
02:18 Daniel's Creative Journey: From Childhood to the Big Screen
04:59 The Liberal Arts Advantage in Filmmaking
07:06 First Steps and Lessons in Directing
09:29 Navigating Creative Control and Editorial Influence
13:49 Cultural Narratives and Middle Eastern Connections
17:41 Transitioning to Game Directing: A New Arena
19:32 Directing Voice Casts in Video Games: Insights and Experiences
19:44 The Creative Process and Collaboration in Voice Acting
21:52 Transitioning to Audiobook Directing: A New Chapter
24:00 Skills and Attributes for Success in Voice Acting
29:46 Navigating the Industry: Advice for Voice Actors
32:00 Creating Your Own Path: Resilience and Adaptability
39:08 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors
Read the transcript here...


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In conversation with Talent Agent, Natalie Edwards.
In this Women in Games special, we sit down with Natalie Edwards, Talent Agent and Head of Voiceover Division at Excellent Talent, based here in the UK.
Natalie talks to us about her career and her extensive work with games in particular. We also discuss important issues, including representation and diversity in the industry, as well as what talent agents look for when signing new VO artists.
https://excellenttalent.com/
So settle in, and let's hit those high notes, with Natalie Edwards.
00:00 Welcome to High Notes: The Art and Business of Voice
00:52 Special Guest: Natalie Edwards on Voiceover in Gaming
01:58 Natalie's Journey into Voiceover Agency
04:07 What Makes a Great Voiceover Artist?
05:53 The Importance of Training and Audition Tips
08:35 Diving Deep into Voiceover Demos
09:55 Casting Insights and the State of VO in Gaming
11:41 Addressing Diversity in Voiceover Casting
21:40 The Role of Agents and Navigating the Industry
25:07 Embracing Technology and Future-Proofing Your VO Career
28:18 Key Attributes for a Long-Term Career in VO
30:49 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude


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Shakespeare's Women with Actor & Writer, Lorien Haynes
On HIGH NOTES Episode 4, Melissa talks to writer, actor, and artist, Lorien Haynes. From a teenager seeking an escape from her shyness and early experiences of abuse to living and working in America, Lorien's career has involved voiceover work, drama, screenwriting, and drawing. Throughout her work, especially in her recent play ‘Shakespeare's Women', which premiered at The Globe, London earlier this year, she addresses important social issues like domestic abuse, immigration, and sexual assault.
Lorien's work gives a voice to individuals who often remain unheard, representing experiences not as narratives of victimhood, but instead as nuanced portraits that include humour, love, and strength. The interview also discusses collaborative efforts in Shakespeare’s Women and its potential future development, and her incredibly important partnership with Refuge - a charity that provides support for survivors of abuse.
About the 'Shakespeare's Women' play 

Shakespeare’s Women Go Fund Me
America.2 Podcast

00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast
00:51 Interview with Lorian Haynes
01:42 Lorian's Journey into Acting and Writing
06:19 Lorian's Experience in America
13:04 Lorian's Voice Acting Career
18:21 Lorian's Work on Shakespeare's Women
23:28 Shakespeare's Women in Modern Context
24:01 The Inspiration Behind the Play
25:14 Character Dynamics and Storylines
27:37 The Importance of Humor in Serious Topics
28:09 The Impact of the Play on the Audience
28:51 Personal Experiences and the Influence on Writing
31:20 The Struggle of Discussing Abuse
35:08 The Collaboration with Jude Kelly
37:24 Future Plans for the Play
41:36 The Importance of Support from Organizations
45:09 The Success of the Play and Fundraising for Refuge
46:51 Closing Remarks

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In this episode of the High Notes podcast, BRAVA master characters coach, Elaine Clark, joins us all the way from San Francisco and talks about her extensive experience in the industry. From starting as a theatre major in college, she then got into advertising and copywriting before moving into Silicon Valley and delving into the corporate world. Her career took a significant turn with the emergence of the video game industry, where she took on various roles from casting and directing to producing and audio engineering. Elaine values her early involvement in the industry and finds satisfaction in identifying potential in her voice-acting students, helping to solve casting problems in the industry. Elaine also talks us through what to expect from the Characters Foundation 6 Week course here at BRAVA.
A Women in Games Special.
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Episode guide
00:03 Introduction to the Podcast
00:52 Special Guest: Elaine Clark - Master Characters Coach
01:44 Elaine's Journey in the Voice Industry
03:51 The Evolution of Voice Acting in Gaming
05:31 The Business Side of Voice Acting
10:26 Elaine's Experiences in Voice Acting for Games
12:13 The Six Week Characters Foundation Course at BRAVA
14:36 Final Thoughts and Goodbye

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