David Johnston is a director at RED Facilities Ltd, where he has worked for 25 years. We asked David, from Edinburgh, to tell us about life in front of the mic.
Being a voiceover artist is a bit different. How did you get into this industry?
I was working in a recording studio and the booked voiceover hadn’t turned up so I had a go and the rest is history.
Before working in the studio, I was a musician, apprentice printer, dishwasher, waiter, and barman. I wasn’t very good at any of them so it was an easy decision to make the career change. I always wanted to work in the studio and with audio — I love the atmosphere and the equipment and the people.
I hadn’t a clue what I wanted to do when I left school but running a studio and being a voiceover artist has turned out to be the best fit.
What sort of training or qualifications did you need for the job?
I don’t have any training but I’ve kept my eyes and ears open and listened to people I like and respect. I’ve also made some big mistakes along the way and I have a great business partner which helps when things get scary. The dishwashing experience has helped too!
Is there such a thing as a typical day working as a voiceover artist?
Every day is different. This morning I’ve been voicing a posh character for an American video game, recorded a national UK car commercial, taken some bookings for the studio (we also produce the sound for TV, cinema, radio and web commercials) and read a swimming pool announcement.
In the afternoon I’ll be connecting up with a client in the Middle East for a shopping centre presentation and in between there are usually some radio ads to record. I’ll also usually audition for up to 10-20 potential jobs throughout the day, as well as helping out with the studio admin and, yes, wash some dishes too...
What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in this industry?
Don’t think you can necessarily make a full-time job out of voiceovers straight away — it takes time for people to trust you. But if you really want to do it, have a go.
Listen to the great voices and work out how they do it, while developing your own style. And be nice to people. As Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson says, “Be the first in, last out and the hardest-working person in the room.” Or something like that.
What are your future plans?
I’ve always wanted to be the speaking clock but, hey, one day at a time
Find out more at www.redfacilities.com
