What’s New? w/ BO BARKER is part of a series in which MVO: The Voice-Over Guys’ checks-in with one of our male voiceover talents to learn more about a recent media project he has voiced. Here’s what Bo shared with us.
1. You mentioned a really cool voiceover project in your recent MVO: The Voiceover Guys update. Can you talk about who the project was for and where it was heard or seen?
I recently was approached directly to voice a national Introduction/product launch spot for the new 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R motorcycle, considered the flagship of the Kawasaki performance line. Different versions of the spot are currently online and airing on select broadcast network and cable television venues.
2. What made the media production’s content interesting from your perspective?
KAWASAKI retained FUSE Interactive, a full-service Los Angeles area advertising agency to conceptualize and create the spot which featured a lot of dynamic performance footage of the ZX-10R being put through its paces on the track by Jonathan Rea, 4-time World SuperBike Champion. FUSE implemented high-end aerial drone footage and freeze-frame closeups of the Ninja to illustrate particular strengths and features. My Voice performance had to be measured in a way as to “frame up” the unique premium nature of the Ninja, yet do so with enough restraint so as to let the compelling imagery do the “talking”.
3. As the voice talent in the media project, were there any technical or performance challenges during this voiceover recording session?
I work from my home-based studio here in the Midwest, which meant that this project, (as with most of my work) was completed by working with FUSE’s creative team via a remote-session. FUSE had three team members on the connection working from two different locations in the Los Angeles area. The day of the session, my location was under a Tornado Warning, with strong winds and rain pelting my house. An internet-based service that I often use to connect with clients was not working as normal, so we resorted to an “old fashioned” directed session over speakerphone! From a performance angle… all three team members had some significantly varied ideas about performance direction, so at the end of the nearly 2-hour session, the client had lots of different material to work with. Given that I was just days removed from an unexpected hospital stay a few days prior, it was a challenge to my stamina.. but we got it done!
4. Is there anything else you would like us to know about this voiceover project?
Whenever a global client of the stature of Kawasaki seeks you out and engages you to voice for their brand, it is not only an honor, but a responsibility. When you do this sort of work day in and day out, you are really focused on your own performance, approach, etc. but we are just one spoke in the “wheel” of a client’s creative vision. When one considers all of the work from different perspectives that goes into creating a spot like this… and seeing how the final piece came together. It reminds me that technical, performance or even health challenges, aside… I am truly blessed to be able to do what I do as a Voice Actor, and to play a role in helping bring a client’s vision to fruition.
ABOUT MALE VOICEOVER TALENT ROBERT “BO” BARKER
Bo Barker is a Emmy© and other industry award-winning professional voice talent with what has been described as “that familiar voice with a unique tone”. He has voiced for some of the most recognized brands in the marketplace, as well as for leading Hollywood movie studios and content producers.
Respected industry leaders have called Bo a distinctive “signature voice” that resonates with the listener… as a result his voice has been found in varied venues around the globe.
He can credibly present the ubiquitous movie trailer or network promo voice. His sound and style provides a rich depth that has been called upon to represent established brands for major market commercial campaigns well as national product and DVD-feature releases. He can offer diverse read styles that conjure up true vocal portraits from varied settings ranging from the “deep south” all the way to a British-flavored performance.
Overall, Bo Barker can can vary from “knowledgeable and warm” for narration, to “cool, smooth and compelling ” for professional and corporate presentations. Despite his notable sound, Bo can capably be the “real, normal guy” as well. And he’s not afraid to evoke quirky, memorable character voices that remain believable.
Bo also offers an identifiable and influential radio station imaging voice for a wide array of formats from Classic Rock to Classical Music ….from Easy Listening to Today’s Country Hits. You may just be convinced that you have heard him somewhere before!
From his connected and equipped studio in the Midwestern USA, Bo has worked hand in hand with known creative forces in the major markets as well as with small business owners looking to bring their own promotional media and marketing goals to fruition.
No matter what your particular project might be, Bo can help sculpt the right approach for you. If you want to bring a unique, effective “voice to your vision”, Bo Barker can help make the difference!