Voicing Political Spots

Larry Maizlish · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008, 15:08 (GMT) Post subject: Voicing Political Spots

Each Political season we are asked to provide voices for several political uses. These normally include state propositions and measures, along with some individual politician campaign spots.

Several talents have a rule that they do not voice political spots that may conflict with the talents’ personal views. I agree with this approach. This approach really applies to life in general, not just the VO business. One should never do things that are against or contrary to their personal beliefs.

I am curious as to one aspect of this. Maybe some talents can share their thoughts on this: A good percentage of talents do not voice ANY political scripts, regardless of what it may be for, against, or promoting. These talents do not even approach any political jobs whatsoever. What is the reasoning for this?

Of course, talents are free to provide voices for whatever they choose. I am just curious as to why many talents rule out this entire field of voiceover.

Thanks for your comments.

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

interesting topic, this....
I've always been confounded by principled VO refusals. I mean, if one can blithely and enthusiastically voice assurances that this condom is better than that one, or Puppy Chow tastes better than Kibbles and Bits, why the political barrier?
Or religious ones, for that matter.

Personally, I'm a voice slut. For pay, I'll voice anything for anybody.
That's what I do.

(I might draw the line, however, at a low-paying gig offered by, let's say, the Kid-Kicking Cabal.)

Vice On!

Caryn Clark · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 1000

Maybe those folks are anarchists?

Just kidding.

I really don't have an answer for you Larry. I can relate to Robert in that I too am somewhat of a voice slut for most things... I do have some standards though. Political spots, however, I'm a bit more rigid - I only voice spots for my party line. Granted, I don't get a lot of 'em b/c of my young sound, but I have been asked to do a couple.

September Day Leach · **Voice Talent** Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 1526

I'll voice most anything that comes my way. After all, you can't have "voice" without "vice" Wink

Seriously though, as long as the ad doesn't slam other cultures, creeds and religions, I'm mostly okay with it. Copy that has a lot of fire and brimstone or is just hateful, I usually pass on because who needs that? I like to see political copy that talks more about what the candidate or party would do to make things better and not just sling mud, but who wouldn't? I have actively passed on spots that I know are giving false stats or are not giving the full story. For example, the Fair Tax. I had a group ask me to voice a spot saying a candidate supported a 23% tax increase but failed to mention that would also wipe out income tax completely and do away with the IRS. I refused and I'm sure someone else voiced it and that's cool. This is, after all, a job, but having a few set standards for yourself, I think, is a little like choosing what to wear to the workplace. I'm a black v-neck, jeans, and Converse girl myself; can dress it up if need be, but wouldn't be caught dead in pink Smile

I do think it helps to come to the party with an open mind though...in all situations.

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

I agree with September's view on this. There is just some stuff out there that is just abhorrent hate-mongering, and outright lying.

Everyone will find their own parameters. I certainly would not make a blanket policy of not doing politicals -- it really does depend on the content and tone.

Others might avoid them because they don't want to alienate existing or potential clients who may strongly disagree with what they've voiced. Especially those who have a very distinctive voice that might be recognizable easily.

Brice Lewis · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008, 16:34 (GMT) Post subject:

There could be several reasons why people choose not to voice politicals. First, most politicals I hear are looking for a specific "type"; with males, authoritarian, aggressive; females, usually mom (yeah, I know that's sexism, but from what I've heard in thirty years in radio, I'm right).

Some folks may choose not to voice political spots, because they are afraid that it might hurt their non-political work, particularly if the spots are in their home market. I know that one station I worked at barred us from political spots (other than disclaimers saying "paid for by...") because it could imply the station supported the candidate or party, thus pissing off the other candidate or party, and possibly the owners of businesses that supported the other candidate or party. By keeping apolitical, you avoid alienating clients.

Others may choose to avoid political spots because they don't want to have to turn down business from candidates or parties for political reasons, since those same people looking to book you also may be booking that dog food commercial next week, and could possible hold it against you. Likely? Not very. But possible.

As to those who hold the opinion, "hey, I'm a slut. I'll voice anything for money." As much as I'd like to agree with you on this one, I can't. Oh, I'm a slut, too. I'm not choosy about anything else. I've auditioned for both religious spots and promos for porn channels. But, political spots are another animal. I really feel that if I can influence someone to vote a particular way through the power of my voice, then I can't support just anyone; that would be the same as ME voting for just anyone. Therefore, I will only voice political spots for candidates and issues that jibe with my political views. If I wouldn't vote for the clown, then I can't work for the clown.

Michael J. Schoen · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 198

Great topic, Larry...
I agree with the notion that you are paid to voice something, it doesn't mean you are agreeing with it.
We'd have little left on the plate if we took that attitude.
But doing political spots can be kind of an icky part of the business... but since it conflicts with other things that I do --
I will not seek political VO's, if asked I will not audition, if booked I will not serve.
(Nobody's knocking down my door demanding I do this anyway!!!)
I have done the non-paritsan intro:
"The following is a paid political advertisement..."

I'm Michael Schoen and I approved this savvy post.

Allen Brown · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008, 17:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Here's an article I wrote about voicing politicals in 2002. It echoes much of what's been said above. Thought I'd share it since my VO blog is no more.
Allen
----------------------

Cigarette smoke curls around the light fixture above my grandmother's kitchen table. On the table there are some playing cards, the Sunday paper, ash trays and a few bottles of Oertle's 92 beer. Around the table are my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. I'm only passing through to get a Coke. But, I can tell tempers are flaring a little. I hear names like "Roosevelt", "Nixon", "Ike", "Kennedy". I hear words like, well . . . never mind those words. But, I could feel the tension and I could see the tight jaws. My family did NOT seem happy.

They were talking politics. They were talking politics with a vigor and venom now reserved for cable TV and talk radio. I didn't understand it. But I knew it made me sad and uncomfortable to see my family at odds with one another.

I guess that's why I've tended to avoid discussions about politics and religion. I figure there's about a 50/50 chance that the person to which I'm speaking disagrees strongly with my views on either of those subjects. Why take the risk? "How's the weather?" (There, THAT'S safe!)

But, as a voiceover artist, there's a VERY good chance that you will be asked to voice a political spot. This presents a dilemma for many of us.

I know there are some VO folks out there for whom it's no dilemma at all. They simply say "Hey, I'm a (party affiliation goes here.) I will NOT use my voice to help the (sworn enemy party goes here.)" That makes the decision simple.

But, if you're like me, you sometimes don't vote a straight party ticket. And, If you KNOW there are great leaders and total idiots running on BOTH tickets, you might find yourself having to do some serious gut-checking if you're asked to voice a political ad. Especially if it's a real mud-slinger.

For the uninitiated, you should know that political ads can be great money. First, because politicians pay right up front. They've become used to this because the broadcast stations require payment in full before they can air their spots. Why? Well, it was discovered long ago that if a politician lost, and he or she still owed you money for advertising, that you'd stand a better chance of getting blood out of a turnip. This "pay-as-you-go" system migrated into the related area of production, to our benefit. We voice a spot. We walk out with a check. Sweet.

Second reason pol ads are good money? Because they are always being re-recorded. Candidate A calls Candidate B a scoundrel and Candidate B can't wait to answer the charge. This tit-for-tat can go on for weeks. You are in and out of the studio and spots are flying out of the door daily . . . sometimes hourly, in some hot campaigns.

Now the downside. Remember that "50/50 chance" of ticking someone off I mentioned earlier? OK, imagine this scenario: Your best client, Billy Bob of "Billy Bob's Boot Bargains" is a staunch democrat. A fact that you never knew. Billy Bob's driving along one day and hears that familiar voice that's on ALL of his commercials (your voice) speaking on behalf of a (gasp) republican. Billy Bob is ticked.

Another point to consider is that the public at large recognizes your voice, too. If they remember you as the person who was slinging the mud against their favorite candidate or issue last November, then you've diluted your effectiveness and your ability to move products. People hold political grudges.

Some of us joke about it and laugh about being "voice-whores". (There's a comforting description!) Others say, "Hey, I'm just a messenger. I can't be held responsible." I've got news for you. They DO kill the messenger.

But, if you're going to do politicals, as I do for both parties, here are some tips:

Make sure you know EXACTLY where the spots are going to air. If you are a TV news image voice this is ESPECIALLY important.

Weigh the risk against the benefit. If you have never done any spots in Davenport, Iowa and the odds are you never will do any spots there, why not go ahead with a political? Low risk.

Don't do a spot against an issue that is close to your heart. It will eat at you. I've lost a few friends and relatives to lung cancer, so I wrestled with myself about voicing some non-broadcast work for a tobacco company. I eased my guilt a little by donating the talent fee to Hospice.

Make sure you get paid at the time of the session or, at the least, before the election.

Allen Brown

John Zadikian · **Voice Talent** Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 42

I agree with the lovely and talented September, although I'm sure she looks a lot better in a black V-neck and jeans than I do Smile

John Zadikian

Caryn Clark · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 1000

Allen, that is a great piece!!! Excellent.

John Bigl · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Aug 2005 Posts: 905

thank you, Allen. that was beyond excellent...

i prefer to apply my principals as often as possible, but, it is said that principals are for the well fed so, i just may consider one of those "low risk" gigs..

also, the term "voice-whores" is very appropriate.... whores charge, sluts do it for free... heh, that was naughty Wink

Be Well

Deby Cedars · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1482

When I worked years ago at an oldies radio station I did an over the top Rodeo Commercial to raise money for a Sheriff's run for more years in office. In general I just don't even get asked to do this sort of thing though.

In my recent class with Bob Bergen, he said he did not do political work because even if he liked the candidate.....what if that person then disappointed him later on.

I think there is a fear of "your guy" not living up to your expectations..... Basically getting it wrong... I know personally I don't put bumper stickers on my car for that reason or, even the reason that who wants to be associated with the "loser" even if it's a loser that you believed in and voted for.

Most of the reasons I haven't auditioned HERE for political stuff... is that I can't do a good impersonation of Hillary... (I can get the attitude but not the age).....Also most political scripts I've read here are dull and boring and do not require any ACTING.

If I really wanted to pursue it I would have to probably make up something about being a student and having my candidate care about college education....even that sounds pretty predictable though.... Confused

O

OH AND IF YOU EVER AUDITION FOR THE LEAD IN STEEL MAGNOLIA'S IT'S A PERFECT TIME & PLACE TO WEAR PINK TO AN AUDITION...."to everything turn turn turn...there is season turn turn turn ....and a time to every purpose (or clothing) under heaven....

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008, 20:49 (GMT) Post subject:

I find it difficult to read anything dishonest, illogical or so stupid that I can't get through it without laughing. So that rules out most political ads.

J.S. Gilbert

I think that there is a larger group of individuals who would accept the assignment of voicing a political advertisement than the "polled" grooup of talent seems to represent.

This lies in understanding "cognitive dissonance", which basically accounts for the fact that when polled, audiences in general will deny going to adult websites and yet the imperical analytical data suggests that 35% of the sites that are vfisited in any given day are adult.

In short, tell people the politically correct answer or what they want to hear.

AS someone who has voiced, cast and produced political advertisements, I have found there to be little issue with any part of what I have been asked to do, not has professional talent represented by agents refused to read in any great numbers. An occasional one or two here.

There are over 4,000 people signed up to Voice 123 and probably less than 200 that actually respond to anything on Savvy. While the voices of any of these people are certainly valid, they in no way can be said to be representative of the entire population of Savvy. IN particular, you will find that the nature of the internet is such that very few people will respond openly on any forum with an unpopular opinion.

Many say I'm crazy for offering my uniqe brand of advice. I believe it has probably hurt my chances for obtaining work in certain areas. It would appear that many who offer up "sunshine and lollipop" posts seem to find themselves receiving private invites to audition. Given the nature of the internet, and with experts like Bill Tancer replacing the 80 - 20% rule on the internet with 1-9-90 rule.

1% of those on the internet create, 9% interact and 90% lurk, one has no way of knowing how many talent hirers are lurking and reading these posts and formulating opinions that have little to do with anybody's abilities at the microphone.

Or perhaps they may wrongly think that they can't afford a certain actor or perhaps that underpaying actors to make extra profit is the way to go.

Apparently for many of the folks hiring hiring talent, including perhaps you too Mr. Maizlish, Starkist is preferring Tunas with good taste vs. tunas that taste good.

By the way, I have been the voice behind John Chiang for California State Controller and a bunch of propositions and other candidates.

In keeping track of my personal record, in the past two years, I have voiced for 41 candidates and props nationwide and 32 passed, were elected or re-elected. So it would seem that any political spot J.S. Gilbert does v.o. would have a 78% chance of winning.

September Day Leach · **Voice Talent** Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 1526