MVO: The Voice-Over Guys’ Johnny George is almost as well known for his love of Skyline Chili as he is for his thriving voice-over career. But if you ask CBS, Disney or Rolls Royce, they’ll tell you that, to them, Johnny is all about the voice!
VOICE-OVER IS A PRETTY UNIQUE CAREER CHOICE – HOW DID YOU GET STARTED JOHHNY?
I was previously either the Production Director or Creative Services Director at a number of stations in Indianapolis for over 35 years. During my time, I was asked to do spots to run on other stations and after awhile, it became quite lucrative for me to develop a part-time voice career. I also saw the opportunity to attend workshops and expand my talent during that time so I was always trying to up my game and learn all I could looking toward the future. I finally built a full studio at home about 15 years before I went full time as I am now.
WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WERE THERE ANY VOICE-OVER TALENTS WHO INFLUENCED YOU OR WHO YOU ADMIRED? WHY/HOW?
Oh yes, I was a fan of Gary Owens, Casey Kasam, Bill Windell, Don LaFontaine and others. I always thought it would be cool to do that and during school, I was MC for Variety Shows, Beauty Pageants, plays, etc. That really wet my appetite as I was growing up.
WITH WHICH BRANDS WOULD PEOPLE MOST ASSOCIATE YOUR VOICE?
I’m currently the national voice of J.D. Byrider, a Buy Here-PayHere franchise across the US. I’ve also been the national voice for Sylvan Leaning Centers, One Water, Thomasville Furniture, Beall’s, Campbell Soup, The Hoosier Lottery, The Kentucky Lottery & Georgia Lottery. I’ve been on Madden ’06, played Stan Lee on “Spiderman & Friends”, Character voice for several small children toys and Disney Learning games. (Plus a multitude of auto spots in regions where I compete with myself on the same brand, but my vocal variety affords me the pleasure to do so)
WHERE WAS/IS THE MOST UNIQUE PLACE SOMEONE WOULD HEAR YOUR VOICE?
My sister and husband were in the US Army and stationed in Bamburg, Germany. At her going away party, she remarked that she wouldn’t miss hearing me on the radio or TV since she’d be halfway around the world. Little did she know, one day while sunning on her patio there in Germany, one of my PSA’s came on the air on the American Forces Radio Network promoting Join The Army. She about fell off her feet and started laughing. “I can’t even escape over here without hearing Johnny!” Additionally, I am the voice of the training course for all new employees at the Bahrain International Airport. One of my traveling friends heard it while on business over there in the airport. 😉
IF YOU HAD TO PICK YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF VOICE-OVER PROJECT, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
I love doing Explainer Video voiceovers. I get to inject my personality into the read and it’s more gratifying than reading straight copy. Also developing voices for Talking Toys is always fun. I have several of them as souvenirs in my studio.
WHAT BOOK THAT YOU’VE READ REALLY HELPED SHAPE YOUR LIFE, EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY? HOW?
Besides PLAYBOY? Actually, one of my favorites has been, “The Pursuit of WOW” by Tom Peters. Also, “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spenser Johnson was a really good book to make you think about being indecisive and looking for success. And currently, I’m reading Joe Cipriano’s book, Living On Air. I find it fascinating and an easy read as told by Joe regarding his life & career. Priceless.