Callum Hughes and Georgia Harris Interview

Behind the Mic: Callum Hughes and Georgia Harris on Crafting Voice Reels and Navigating the Booming World of Audio Storytelling.

We spoke with Callum, a seasoned musician and voice actor, and Georgia, a director and sound designer, about their new project supporting voice actors. With extensive experience across audiobooks, video games, theatre, and audio production, the duo have combined their skills to create bespoke voice reels that help performers break into the industry.

What sparked the idea to start working on voice reels together, and why did it feel like the right moment to launch the project?

We’re both artists who maintain multiple strings to our bow, and it all started with my writing a few test scripts for Callum during another project. We’ve got various projects planned together, all of which have roots in audio recording and music, and we felt that our respective skills really supported each other in doing this together. Voice acting is really having a moment, and there’s so many artists like us who want to break into the world without the tools to do so. We wanted to create a really solid ‘starter pack’ for voice actors that works for them but is accessibly priced - so often the costs of things like this feel prohibitive to a lot of freelance artists and we felt we could offer something to fill that gap. 

Callum, you have recorded everything from audiobooks to video games. How has that range of work shaped your understanding of what makes a compelling voice performance?
I find the range of skills required for voice work utterly fascinating, and it can be so much fun!  However, many people overlook certain qualities that employers love, such as consistency, making it easy for the editor (especially when recording remotely) and how to approach a recording session professionally.   I’ve picked up so many tricks and tips over the years when it comes to how to look after your voice, how to voice mouth clicks, pops, sibilance and how to transfer traditional theatre training for use in the studio. Often - it’s not about the talent - but the technique!  And that’s where I can help!

Georgia, you come from a background in directing and sound design in theatre. How does that live storytelling experience translate into the world of voice recording?
Throughout my work, I’ve always found sound in general to be an access point to making art and storytelling. I’ve often done my own sound design with directing projects as a way to expand and fill out a world for an audience, and sound is often my first step to breaking into a new creative project. As such, I feel really at home working with voice recording as a medium, as it’s always been a huge part of my own practice. I think I have a really good handle on the delicacy of voice acting, where an audience is relying on only one sense to access the story - whether that’s a 10-second soundbite advertising peanut butter, or a full audiobook! 

Many actors are curious about voice work but are not always sure where to start. What advice would you give performers who are looking to break into the field?
The key to breaking into this already competitive industry really starts with having a kick-ass voice reel.  You need to be able to show -  in just a few minutes - what your strengths are, where your talents lie - and that you can deliver a clean, editable sound file and at the same time - grab the listener’s attention!  

 I would also be specific about what agents and producers you’re writing to.  Look for gaps on people’s books and target those agents specifically - if you offer something different to what they already have - then you’re already well on your way to getting that first job.  

 I would also suggest targeting people who make stuff that you actually enjoy.  Genres that you’re familiar with, subjects that you care about or have lived experience of.  Producers are always looking for authenticity - to introduce them to who you really are.  It also makes the work much more fun when it’s enjoyable to you personally and/or something you care about.  

When creating a reel with an actor, how do you work out what material will best showcase their voice and personality?
I send all my clients a questionnaire where they are encouraged to tell me about themselves. Everything is covered from ‘Where did you grow up?’ to ‘What’s your favourite food?  Then, Georgia and I set about writing bespoke scripts that celebrate the artist uniquely, and playing to their strengths - whether that be accents, languages, special interests or geographical connections.  Then, on the day of recording, I’ll go through the scripts with the actor, asking for their input - tweaking as we go, and offering tips for direction before we even step into the booth.  

Audio storytelling is having a real moment, from audiobooks to podcasts and games. Why do you think voice work has become such an exciting space for performers right now?
Having worked in all these fields myself as a performer for some time, I can say that I believe the way technology has developed allows consumers to find their niche interests much more easily.  The internet and streaming services have offered not just a place to find the content you are specifically interested in, but also a place to share those interests and find community online.  This is, of course, a wonderful thing; however, with the rise of AI in voice-production (and other areas of the industry), that very authenticity that made audiobooks and podcasts successful is under threat.  People don't want ‘generic’ - they want to find their tribe - and that’s why having a voice-reel that reflects who you are is more important than ever before.  

For more information, follow @Hughesharrissound/www.callumpatrickhughes.com/voice and join them on their journey in audio storytelling.