Navigating the Voice Acting Industry with Chris Tester

Welcome to a detailed exploration of the voice acting world with our special guest, Chris Tester. Known for his extensive experience and unique approach to social media and voice acting, Chris shares his journey, insights, challenges, and strategies that have helped him thrive in this dynamic industry. Whether you’re a seasoned voice artist or a budding performer, there’s plenty to learn about marketing, branding, and the evolving role of technology in entertainment.

Voice Acting in the Age of AI

Chris Tester, an accomplished voice actor, opens up about the rapid advancements in AI technology and its implications for the industry. “I can’t wait to be replaced by AI,” he says humorously, acknowledging the looming threat AI poses. Despite the challenges, Chris urges fellow artists to stay versatile and adapt, emphasizing that it’s essential to explore how one can monetize AI versions of their voice, even as the ethical and financial frameworks around this technology evolve.

The Power of Social Media

Margaret Ashley and Anthony Rudd engage Chris in a discussion about the unexpected success he’s found through platforms like TikTok. The narrative unfolds with how a six-minute monologue by Chris from the perspective of Zeus on the internet garnered 300,000 views. “It was a fantastic piece of writing,” Chris shares, highlighting the blend of creativity and persistence required to stand out in today’s digital landscape. He advises that it’s crucial to infuse personality into social media content to resonate with audiences and to remain memorable.

Branding and Marketing Insights

Chris delves into the importance of personal branding, sharing how his playful take on traditional British imagery has evolved into something more contemporary and memorable. “I thought there was a gap in the market,” he notes, describing how his blue suit with an orange stripe represents his brand’s creativity and playfulness. He underscores the balancing act between maintaining authenticity and staying commercially appealing.

Marketing is another crucial area Chris touches on, emphasizing the importance of being consistent across various platforms. Whether through direct marketing or pay-to-play sites, Chris advocates for leveraging all available channels to ensure your voice reaches the right ears effectively.

The Ethical Landscape of Pay-to-Play

Anthony Rudd brings up the topic of pay-to-play platforms, where Chris offers a nuanced perspective. He explains how these platforms, which require a subscription fee to access audition opportunities, are crucial for some voice actors but also come with ethical considerations regarding tiers of accessibility. Chris advises experimenting with different platforms to find what suits one’s location and experience level best.

Building a Sustainable Career

Chris shares his journey from freelancing to building a robust clientele through direct marketing and social media. He stresses the importance of diversifying one’s approach, whether via traditional methods or exploring newer avenues like LinkedIn and newsletters, to maintain financial stability and professional growth. The key, he says, is to “de-risk your business” by ensuring that time spent on various activities serves multiple purposes.

In a rapidly evolving industry, Chris Tester’s insights offer a roadmap for navigating the complexities of voice acting today. His blend of humor, authenticity, and strategic thinking shines through as he underscores the importance of adaptability and persistence. Whether approaching social media with creative ingenuity, embracing new technologies cautiously, or refining personal branding, his advice is invaluable for those looking to thrive in the arts.

We thank Chris for sharing his journey and look forward to more enriching conversations in future episodes of Voice Acting Unplugged. Be sure to follow his work and learn more at naturallyrp.co.uk.

Join Margaret & Anthony next time on Voice Acting Unplugged.