Ask Us Anything: Heller & Baarns-Audiobook/VO Tech Experts - Tue-July 9, 2024)

Education

Introduction

Introduction

Welcome to a special midyear insights edition with Johnny Heller and Don Baarns. This session is meant to provide foundational tools and insights from Johnny and Don, focusing on their backstories, experiences, and the art of audiobook narration. Along the way, viewers and listeners are encouraged to ask questions to learn more about the industry.

The Journey of Don Baarns

Don grew up in Detroit, starting his career as a musician with a deep interest in recording. He was taught by professionals who had worked with Motown, which ultimately guided him into the world of engineering and voiceover. His journey involved learning to listen critically and understand recording nuances deeply.

The Commencement of Johnny Heller

Johnny Heller, originally a professional actor and comedian, ventured into audiobooks around 1991. Initially, he took on roles suitable for his energetic and youthful voice, gradually making a name for himself. He emphasizes that audiobook work is a facet of acting and that preparation through acting skills is crucial.

Coaching and Continuous Learning

Both Johnny and Don emphasize the importance of continuous learning and coaching. They advise aspiring narrators to study acting, take workshops, and invest in coaching to improve their performance continuously.

Retreat and Workshop Insights

Johnny shared the genesis of the New England Narrator Retreat, designed to foster community and skill-building. The retreat invites industry professionals and offers sessions beneficial for both novice and experienced narrators. Don and Johnny both highlight the value of attending workshops for networking and improving one’s craft.

Practical Tips on Recording and Equipment

Questions were addressed about the technical aspects of recording, such as managing equipment on the road, using software effectively, and maintaining sound quality. Real-life tips and scenarios were provided, showcasing how professional narrators handle recording challenges even when traveling.

They discussed emerging audiobook trends, with genres like romance, LitRPG, and non-fiction how-tos seeing significant growth. They stressed the importance of understanding market demands and tailoring one's skills accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Johnny and Don reiterated the value of taking breaks and keeping oneself healthy to maintain productivity. They invited everyone to stay engaged, continue learning, and reach out for guidance when needed.

Keywords

  • Audiobook narration
  • Voiceover tips
  • Workshop insights
  • Audiobook genres
  • Technical recording advice
  • Coaching and continuous learning

FAQs

Q: How did Don Baarns get started in the recording industry? A: Don began his career in Detroit, influenced by professionals who had worked with Motown. He combined his passion for music with technical skills, leading him into recording and voiceover work.

Q: What was Johnny Heller's initial experience in audiobooks? A: Johnny started in the early '90s, leveraging his background in acting and comedy. He initially focused on energetic and youthful roles, which matched the demand at the time.

Q: Why is acting training important for audiobook narration? A: Audiobook narration is a form of acting. Substantial acting training helps narrators understand characters and deliver more expressive and engaging performances.

Q: What genres are currently trending in audiobooks? A: Romance, LitRPG, and non-fiction how-tos are currently popular and seeing significant growth in the audiobook market.

Q: How can one manage recording quality when traveling? A: Using a combination of portable recording equipment, like a good USB microphone, and creative noise reduction techniques (e.g., using ironing boards and extra blankets to create makeshift studios) can help maintain quality on the road.

Q: What is the New England Narrator Retreat? A: It's a retreat designed to bring together professional narrators and coaches for skill-building and networking, with a focus on community and personal interaction.