EP53 - VOICE ARTIST AND CREATIVE AUDIO PRODUCER - Helen Quigley

Podcasts, audio drama, recording, editing, mixing, Helen does it all! And is in the studio judging us! Helen’s voice is YouTube famous because she narrates a school sex education film - in the style Julie Andrews reads 50 Shades of Grey! Helen does amazing on-hold message voices and you have probably been told by her that your call is important to the company. Also the English voice of petrol pumps in Spain. Having a signature voice. What are VO (Voice Over) Sessions like? Is Artificial Intelligence for voice overs affecting the industry? Stock phrases and concatenation. Tom Baker, Toast of London and Irish sat nav voices. Helen’s professional voice journey started with Hospital Radio, Restricted License Radio Stations and then on local radio with live traffic reports (A LOSE MONKEY ON THE M4! SWANS ON THE M25!) - then onto continuity at Paramount Comedy Channel. Continuity is a live person to tell you what is happening, what’s next, and to be on standby if anything goes wrong. Helen got into production, setting up mics, writing scripts and recording audio. Helen started podcasting with Robin Ince in 2006 (OG!) establishing the ‘...Shambles’ brand. Setting up a home studio - starting with the downstairs toilet! Sound effects on The Archers - and complaints about cold water pouring for tea. Home recording with celebs during COVID. The origins of the aubergine emoji. AI can’t replicate niche Northern voices yet! The art of directing voice talent in a studio without bruising egos. The voice work market is currently very saturated with a lot of people going for the same work, and some of the work going to AI. But you can still get started by recording a demo reel at home. Voice acting for computer games. Working (and laughing) with Greg Davies on continuity for Paramount. Helen finds out she is a Webby Nominee. Mixing and editing dialogue. Monkey hangers! Making Rylan Clark cats-eyes for Chelmsford. Producing ‘The Menopause Monologues’ podcast. When is the best time of day to record a VO? 11am. Dolphin noises!HQ Voice WebsiteHQ Voice on InstagramAre You Creative? recorded by Adam at Lawker Media, Chelmsford, ESSEXEdited by Nick HearneArtwork by Alpaca AntennaDon't forget to like, subscribe, share and all the good stuff.Follow our Instagram for latest news and behind the scenes photos  Send comments, questions, or suggestions for fascinating creative people in Essex give us a shout on our Instagram Thanks to NGDA for their support