News from Live Oak Media

Occasionally we like to respond to frequently asked questions about audio book production. Since we often get asked about what it takes to be a narrator, we decided to invite one of our favorite duos, the husband-and-wife team of Jason Harris and Peter Pamela Rose to answer for us. They collaborated on two hilarious books by Diane de Groat and two more are due out later this month. (More information here.)

Live Oak Media: How is audio book narrating different from your other acting work?
Jason Harris: For me, the beauty of audiobook narrating is that you can really create all aspects of the story, as opposed to playing just one character in a show or film and be in the hands of the director and editor. In audiobook narrating, you get to create the mood, the character's voices and intentions, and paint the entire picture in real time. I find there is real joy in the simple telling of a story.
Peter Pamela Rose: Since I am only doing voice work (as opposed to in front of the camera and on the stage) audio books are a longer form for me. Usually I am touting the virtues of some product in a 30 second spot.

LOM: What kind of preparation do you have to do?
PPR: Jason and I listened to the first two audio books we did (Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet and Jingle Bells, Homework Smells) to make sure that we matched the voices and then read the books out loud trying out different voices. We bounce ideas off of each other and most of the time make each other laugh.
JH: Preparation for me is essentially reading the entire book over and getting the mood and feel for it. Then choosing a style and voices for all the characters so I'm not searching for them in the studio. In longer audiobooks with a lot of narration I may mark some sections that could become tricky after hours of reading - putting brackets around certain phrasing, highlighting certain words and such.

LOM: What is the biggest challenge with narrating?
JH & PPR: Keeping your energy up and being consistent. This is more of a problem in longer books, but it can also be in picture books with a lot of characters, and when it's an ongoing series it could be tricky making sure the voices truly fit the picture as drawn and stay consistent.

LOM: How do you work with the producer/director?
PPR: With a lot of laughter. These characters are cute and Jason is naturally a VERY funny guy so he keeps everyone cracking up. It is a very free flowing relationship -- Arnie (Cardillo, producer) and Rory (Young, engineer) give us ideas and we give them ideas. Whichever works best is the one that you hear in the final production. It's a lot of fun recording with Live Oak.
JH: The fun thing about working with Arnie and Rory is they are very much a part of the process, chiming in over the speakers with comments and notes, often very funny ones. The whole experience then becomes more fun, lively, and full of laughs...oh and hopefully the work is good too!

LOM: How do you like reading with your spouse?
PPR: It's the best.
JH: I love reading with Peter. It makes the day seem even less like work than it normally does. It feels more like we're just doing a fun activity together...go to the zoo, the park...or the studio! We also like to crack each other up and be creative together so the time really just flies by.

LOM: How does it compare to reading alone?
JH: Reading alone is more of a zen-like experience, especially on long books. It feels like a form of meditation. Reading with Peter is more like being at a mini-party and telling a story to the guests - even if those guests are a little younger than we are.
PPR: It's not as much fun. I don't laugh as much.

LOM: You do so many voices - any favorites?
PPR: Patty is my favorite character and voice - she's such a know it all!
JH: I don't really have a favorite voice. I'm excited if the voice really seems to fit the character and exudes personality. When that happens it is much easier to stay consistent and keep the energy up because I really feel personally in sync with the character and his - OR her - feelings.