{"id":3041,"date":"2018-08-09T19:00:41","date_gmt":"2018-08-10T00:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/?p=3041"},"modified":"2025-10-27T07:02:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T12:02:38","slug":"john-stretton-the-one-stop-shop-voice-talent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/john-stretton-the-one-stop-shop-voice-talent\/","title":{"rendered":"John Stretton, the One-Stop-Shop Voice Talent"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Versatile Australian voice over <strong>John Stretton<\/strong> is what clients would call the \u201cone-stop-shop\u201d talent. In his over 18 years of experience he has done a wide-range of characters and voices for film, animation, radio, television, video games, corporate, and more.<\/p>\n<p>In The Voice Realm, John is one of the top talents tapped by producers and agents for their corporate explainer and e-learning videos. We spoke with John for him to share some tips that has helped him be a success in the category. In addition, it is always lovely to hear what an experience talent like John enjoys about the voice over industry.<\/p>\n<!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('video');<\/script><![endif]-->\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist wp-video-playlist wp-playlist-light\">\n\t\t<video controls=\"controls\" preload=\"none\" width=\"698\"\n\t\t height=\"393\"\t><\/video>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-next\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wp-playlist-prev\"><\/div>\n\t<noscript>\n\t<ol>\n\t\t<li><a href='https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/REDENERGY_15_V03_A-HD.mp4'>REDENERGY_15_V03_A-HD<\/a><\/li>\t<\/ol>\n\t<\/noscript>\n\t<script type=\"application\/json\" class=\"wp-playlist-script\">{\"type\":\"video\",\"tracklist\":false,\"tracknumbers\":true,\"images\":true,\"artists\":true,\"tracks\":[{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thevoicerealm.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/08\\\/REDENERGY_15_V03_A-HD.mp4\",\"type\":\"video\\\/mp4\",\"title\":\"REDENERGY_15_V03_A-HD\",\"caption\":\"\",\"description\":\"\",\"meta\":{\"length_formatted\":\"0:15\"},\"dimensions\":{\"original\":{\"width\":1280,\"height\":720},\"resized\":{\"width\":698,\"height\":393}},\"image\":{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thevoicerealm.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-includes\\\/images\\\/media\\\/video.png\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64},\"thumb\":{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thevoicerealm.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-includes\\\/images\\\/media\\\/video.png\",\"width\":48,\"height\":64}}]}<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\t\n<h3><strong>What preparations do you do before doing a voice over for an explainer video?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>It\u2019s always important to confirm the client\u2019s chosen spoken delivery style for the voice over. I always like to give my client a choice of at least 2-3 different spoken deliveries. This shows diversity of my voice and also gives us both a style to use as a base. This way I find that, 80% of the time, a live REC session (with remote direction) is not usually necessary.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Make sure there are no timing restrictions. I like to make sure that my delivery can fit into the client\u2019s timeline \u2013 without going over time.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Always pre-read the script, before setting foot in the booth. Familiarity with a script saves time, and means less pickups.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>What about for e-learning videos, is your preparation the same with explainers?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>With the previous points also in mind:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Is the project the same voice all the way through? Or, are there characters that will interact as well?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Is the intended audience Children? Adults? Teenagers? Business People? Tradespeople?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Does the client want a straight narration \u2013 authoritative, for example?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Or, relaxed and casual, or fun and engaging?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Would the client like one of my Australian, UK\/British, or American accents?<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/John-Stretton-Booth.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-3046 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/John-Stretton-Booth-169x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/John-Stretton-Booth-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/John-Stretton-Booth.jpg 337w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px\" \/><\/a>What&#8217;s the best way to equip your studio to make it suitable for doing e-learning videos?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>My Studio is equipped with a Rode NT2A, through Behringer (rack mounted) processors \u2013 to eliminate background noise and distortion. Giving me top quality audio.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>My VO Booth is completely sound-proofed, and is equipped with Skype Cam, Patch bay, Monitor\/prompter and a soft LED light which is mounted behind and above my head \u2013 plenty of light with no glare or discomfort.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Many of the scripts that I receive will have the storyboard (or animation stills) attached. So, I have a Monitor\/prompter attached to my VO booth that I can use to easily and quickly scroll through massive amounts of pages \u2013 where referring to the pictures are helpful or necessary. Reading from the screen, instead of a script, also means that I can save on printing, and that I can always, instantly, have the most recent script version ready to go!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>From your experience, what do you think are the elements needed to make a great e-learning video?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><em>An understanding of WHO the intended audience is?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>To be able to take-on or take an interest in the subject matter yourself \u2013 which comes through in the read.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>BE that voice over, or play that role.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Be enthused!<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How do you develop your own version of a voice character?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>It all starts with reading the brief. That initial information in the casting call. The more detailed information a client gives in their post or their direction comments \u2013 the more I love them for it! Give a few (or more) relevant samples in the audition file to show you have range, flexibility and imagination!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>And, then, after the client feedback \u2013 build on that. Ask more questions if you need to.<br \/>\nFor more complex recording projects, offer to have the client on a live Skype session as you record the VO for them \u2013 to ensure they get what they would like.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/John-Stretton-Studio.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3044 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/John-Stretton-Studio-1024x705.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/John-Stretton-Studio.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/John-Stretton-Studio-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/John-Stretton-Studio-768x529.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>What\u2019s the most memorable voice over project you have done so far? Is there a role or work you still dream to do?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>Absolutely! I have had a small taste of animation voice overs \u2013 and I want more! I\u2019d love to be a featured voice or main character in an animation feature! I\u2019ve done ADR, and I know it\u2019s hard work, but I think that the experience and the thrill of being a character would be awesome!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>And nothing compares to my very first VO booking ever! It was for a 30 sec TVC voice over for a Stock and Cattle Company in Tamworth (Regional Australia). I was very nervous, and it was all new to me. I did about 7 takes I think \u2013 in a corporate Style, with a bit of Aussie bloke thrown in. I thought I had blown it, because I couldn\u2019t get it first try, but they said they were amazed by my adaptability and that I took direction really well. They paid me 90 bucks, and booked me on a regular basis! <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>That was 18 years ago, and now I am in my own Studio and pushing out lots of different jobs, every day for clients all over the world. From ads, movie and book trailers, web explainers, real estate, e-learning \u2013 even live voice overs at awards ceremonies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>I love my work!&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Speaking of loving the work, what do you enjoy the most about the industry?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>I love that I get to be creative with my voice and my audio production.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Every day has a new flavour added, a new challenge \u2013 new voice delivery to be created. I love talking with different clients and people from different countries. I love learning how different people do things different ways. There is always something new to learn! After working for myself for over 18 years, I love it!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How about your experience with The Voice Realm, how has it been?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em>I\u2019ve worked with a lot of online agents and agencies over the years, but The Voice Realm really does look after their&nbsp;talent. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>I love the security of working through the site. I love prompt payment. There\u2019s 24\/7 online chat assistance, staffed by friendly, helpful team members who know their stuff!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>The Voice Realm has fixed rates for job types, and they vet all the&nbsp;talent&nbsp;to make sure that&nbsp;talent&nbsp;have the same high quality standard of audio (as well as voice ability). This is great, because when we apply for a job, it\u2019s never a bidding war (like on other sites). Every application\/audition is going for the same rate of payment for that job, and you get listened to and assessed on your suitability for the project \u2013 not the cheapest price!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>My favourite quote (by Benjamin Franklin) is: \u201cThe bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>From voicing in their local radio and television to producing in his own studio, and working for national and international clients, John has indeed gone a long way. What makes him a success today is not just because his amazing talent and versatility, but also his sheer love for his craft.<\/p>\n<p>Listen to more of <strong>John Stretton<\/strong>\u2019s work by visiting his profile at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/talent\/John.Stretton\">TheVoiceRealm.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; Versatile Australian voice over John Stretton is what clients would call the \u201cone-stop-shop\u201d talent. In his over 18 years of experience he has&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[274,45],"tags":[493,314,251,492,296,89],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3041"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3041"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3041\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4697,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3041\/revisions\/4697"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3045"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3041"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3041"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevoicerealm.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3041"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}