Anne Ganguzza sits down with Rolf Veldman, CEO of Voice123, for a riveting discussion on navigating pay-to-play platforms amidst the shifts brought on by disruptive technology. Anne and Rolf go in-depth on pay to plays, social media, and the opportunities and challenges that voice professionals need to navigate. They discuss the complex algorithms that dictate audition opportunities on platforms like Voice123 and the balancing act to make it fair for the different levels of subscribers. As more companies test the validity of AI and synthetic voices, Rolf discusses Voice123's strategic partnerships with specialized companies, highlighting their commitment to protecting voice actors' work through digital fingerprinting. This episode tackles AI and pay to plays with advice on how to grow your business as technology evolves
About Rolf Veldman
CEO of Voice123, Rolf Veldman, is a historian who enjoys turning great ideas into great businesses. He leads a diverse, globally-remote team of achievers who are pushing the boundaries of the voice over industry. Based in the Netherlands, Rolf loves strategy board games, traveling, cycling, and pottering about in his garden next to a national park near the German border.
Chapter Summaries
(00:01) Voiceover Industry Trends and Evolution
Voice123 CEO Rolf Veldman discusses the evolving voiceover industry, influenced by social media and online platforms for talent discovery.
(11:32) Understanding Voiceover Industry Algorithms
Voice actors work directly with clients through the creative process on Voice123, balancing membership tiers and global reach.
(19:36) Marketing Strategies for Voice Actors
Marketing challenges for voice actors include building relationships, understanding platforms, and exploring multiple methods.
(22:32) Protecting Voice Actors in AI Era
Voice123 partners with AI companies to enhance creativity and relationships, while implementing a digital fingerprinting system to protect voice actors' work.
(28:06) AI Integration for Voice Actors
Voice123 offers voice actors control and monetization of their AI voices, if they choose to utilize them, with security measures and a focus on adapting to industry trends and future integration.
Top 10 Takeaways
Quick-share concepts from today’s episode:
Evolving Industry Landscape: The voiceover industry is experiencing rapid changes, primarily driven by the growth of audio advertising and the influx of new talent. Staying relevant in a social media-driven world is crucial for both businesses and voice actors.
Impact of Social Media: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are reshaping talent discovery, offering both opportunities and challenges for voice actors. Trends that once lasted months now change weekly, influenced by what's popular on social media.
Role of Algorithms: Algorithms on platforms like Voice123 play a significant role in determining audition opportunities. They are designed to balance membership tiers and performance scores, although there are inherent challenges in capturing accurate client feedback.
Marketing Strategies: Voice actors need to be strategic in marketing their services. Building long-term relationships with clients and understanding the unique ecosystems of various casting platforms are essential for success.
AI and Synthetic Voices: The integration of AI in the industry presents both challenges and opportunities. Voice123 is focusing on strategic partnerships to protect voice actors' work and explore new monetization avenues for synthetic voices.
Client Relationships: Successful voice actors excel in guiding clients creatively and managing relationships. Consistent communication and professionalism can turn one-time clients into repeat customers.
Importance of Versatility: As more companies seek consistent voices for their brands, voice actors must be versatile, offering a range of services beyond traditional commercial work to remain competitive.
Membership Decisions: Choosing the right membership tier on platforms like Voice123 is crucial. Factors like market competitiveness and individual goals should guide this decision.
Protecting Voice Work: Digital fingerprinting and other security measures are being implemented to protect voice actors' work in the AI era, ensuring authenticity and preventing unauthorized use.
Future Opportunities: The future of voiceover is promising for those willing to embrace technological advancements. By staying informed and adaptable, voice actors can ensure their continued relevance and security in the industry.
Referenced in this Episode
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