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BRAD SHAW – A Journey through Wonderland
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Brad Shaw
Brad Shaw, an award-winning London voice actor, is the founder of WonderlandVO.com, a thriving voiceover training community. With over 20 years of experience, Brad works across various mediums including video games, audio drama, commercials, narration, and more. He trained as an actor at Mountview Theatre School and spent 25 years as a jobbing actor before fully embracing the world of voiceover. His voice has been described as authoritative, empathetic, intelligent, charismatic, rich, and warm—qualities that have shaped his career.
Recently, Brad played all the non-human Hexwraiths in Warhammer: Age of Sigmar – Realms of Ruin, also serving as London accent vocal coach. He brought a variety of Doctor Who characters to life for Big Finish Productions and voiced the current radio ads for London’s War of The Worlds Immersive attraction, where he recreated the panic and sound of the original radio broadcasts. Brad was also nominated at the One Voice Awards for his performance of H.P. Lovecraft’s Dagon for The Cryopod Tapes.
While Brad often works from top sound studios, he also operates independently from his pro Studiobricks booth in West London, which won The Voiceover Network’s Home Studio of the Year in 2022.
BRAD SHAW – A Journey through Wonderland
Welcome to Voice Acting Unplugged, your go-to podcast for diving deep into the art and business of voice acting. Recently, hosts Anthony Rudd and Margaret Ashley had an engaging conversation with a special guest, Brad Shaw, an inspiring actor and voiceover entrepreneur. Brad is known for his incredible work as a charity fundraiser and his dedication to the world of voice acting through the Wonderland VO initiative.
A Personal Journey of Resilience
Brad Shaw opened up about the inception of Wonderland VO, highlighting how a personal health challenge during the pandemic led to an inspiring community initiative. Diagnosed with stage three melanoma at the onset of the pandemic, Brad discovered positivity through community support. By initiating a creative project centered around the book “Alice in Wonderland,” he encouraged recordings from other voice actors to create an audiobook version, with donations going to the National Health Service.
This unique project caught the attention of prominent actors and celebrities, leading to an unexpected yet welcome wave of support from talents like Dame Harriet Walters and Michael Palin. Through this collaborative effort, Brad not only raised funds but also established a thriving community that continues to support voice actors globally.
Building a Supportive Community
Wonderland VO has become a beacon for those looking to connect and grow within the industry. Brad emphasizes the importance of having a supportive community, stating, “The whole thing is about the community and is about a community of like-minded people.” He’s dedicated to fostering an environment where voice actors can share knowledge, enthusiasm, and opportunities without being seen as competitors.
The initiative offers weekly social events and marketing hours, providing platforms for script workouts with guest directors and marketing sessions with industry coaches. Wonderland VO ensures that these resources remain accessible, often charging nothing or very little, by creating a fair exchange system where coaches promote their sessions in return for engaging with the community.
Not Just for Beginners
While Wonderland VO is an excellent space for experienced voice actors, it’s not primarily aimed at complete newcomers. Brad recognizes that there are existing programs like Gravy for the Brain and Voiceover Network, which are well-suited to guide beginners. Wonderland instead focuses on individuals who have already taken steps in their voiceover journey, providing them with advanced opportunities to grow.
Reflecting on Industry Changes and Future Trends
Brad shared his insights on the changing voiceover landscape, acknowledging that although recent years have been challenging, the future holds promise. The industry has adapted to new ways of working, such as remote sessions, a trend that is likely to continue. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and continuous learning, noting that only a few voice actors make a full-time living, underscoring the value of perseverance, coaching, and community.
Launching New Ventures
In addition to Wonderland VO, Brad is starting a mentoring service to support individuals struggling with the industry’s challenges. Through this initiative, he hopes to guide and empower voice actors, especially those dealing with the impact of rejection and the need for mental resilience.
Brad’s journey and accomplishments serve as a testament to the power of community and tenacity in the face of adversity. For those interested in learning more about Wonderland VO, or participating in its various offerings, details are readily available at wonderlandvo.com. This platform continues to offer an inclusive and enriching experience for voice actors looking to connect.
This has been a fascinating dive into the world of voiceover with Brad Shaw, showcasing the remarkable potential of individuals coming together with a shared passion. Thank you for joining us on this episode of Voice Acting Unplugged with your hosts, Anthony Rudd and Margaret Ashley. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and check out our website for updates and future episodes.
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