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Voiceovers are disembodied voices used in radio, film, theater, and commercials for narration, commentary, and character dialogue. They can be provided by specialized actors or established characters. Voiceovers are commonly used in film noir, educational programs, and animated films. Skilled voice actors can become famous, and mainstream actors may guest star as voice actors.
Voiceovers are a disembodied voice that is used as an instrument in radio, film, theater, and commercials. They have a range of functions, from educational storytelling to a vehicle for plot information. In some cases, the voice is provided by a character established by the performance, and in other cases it is performed by a specialized actor who focuses his career on his voice. Most people are familiar with the basic concept, as it is such a common device in performance media.
Often, a voice-over is used to provide narration. Many educational films provide a voice-over narrator who explains what is happening or provides interesting facts. This allows viewers to focus on the events on screen without being distracted by a visible actor. Commercials also use this technique, with a voice extolling the advertised product while its myriad delights are displayed on screen.
As a printing device, this device can be used in a number of ways. In some cases, it is provided by a third-party narrator, as was the case with the stage manager in Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. The narrator provides information and commentary on what is happening without being directly involved, establishing background facts for audience members. A voice-over can also be dubbed by a character, who can provide commentary on the scenes they are in, as well as discuss events for which they are not present. The tactic of digressions and direct comments to the public is very old. Shakespeare, for example, regularly included commentaries of his characters for the public.
Certain styles of film and radio are strongly associated with voiceovers. In film noir, for example, narration by a main character or a third party is extremely common, as seen in countless films that open with a grave voice that paints a terrible picture. Many educational programs also use them to convey information. Animated films also use the technique to give their characters a voice.
A skilled voice actor can sometimes become quite famous, as is the case with the announcer at many American movie premieres. While most people don’t know his name, which happens to be Don LaFontaine, his voice was immediately familiar to many before his death in 2008. Other mainstream actors may agree to guest star as voice actors, as is often the case in movies animated voice cast who are best known for their screen work.
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