Jim Kennelly Shares His Perspective on the Voiceover Industry and AI Synthetic Voices (Episode 177)
Welcome Jim Kennelly
Jim is the founder of Lotas Productions which is based in New York City. Lotas Productions provides international voiceover casting, auditions, virtual direction, audio production, and talent payment services to clients all over the world.
Jim is passionate about emerging technology because it helps create diverse ways for connecting people.
How Did Jim Get Started in the Voice Industry?
Initially, Jim was a location sound man and got to travel to various destinations all over the world. This gave him an appreciation that people are all the same globally, and they have the same problems. Then, when Jim wanted to stop traveling and focus on having a family, he took a studio job in New York City.
Jim had started bringing his global ideas to the voiceover industry in the early 1980s and in the middle of 1985 is when he really got involved day to day in the voice world.
What Types of Changes Has Jim Seen in the Voiceover Industry?
Jim shared that speed of delivery (supply chain) is the one constant change he has seen. Jim also feels that emerging technology is there to support you. He believes that people should dream about it, learn about it, and then go make it happen, and people should not be afraid to fail or make mistakes.
What is Jim’s Take on AI Synthetic Voices?
Jim believes that it is going to have a great impact and that there will be two standalone industries. Those two standalone industries are the voiceover industry and an AI division. Jim said that it is important to build bridges between these two groups of people.
What is Jim’s Take from Voiceover Artists in Terms of the AI?
Jim shared that the conversation is a mixed bag, some people are optimistic, and some people are negative. Some people fear that their careers may change or go away; although Jim shared that he does not feel that way. Jim believes in forming relationships with others in the voice industry such as The Open Voice Network, and companies such as Vocal ID, to partner and grow together.
Jim is very optimistic about AI and feels that it is going to be a 10-year explosion of learning and success. He shared that there are lots of conversations going on behind the scenes that are designed to support voice actors.
How Will the Way Contracts Are Executed for Voiceover Artists Be Handled?
Jim shared that when he negotiates for synthetic voice contracts, his team is aware of reselling, they do not let that get in the agreement, and they are very specific on the usage.
Education is the Key in This Early Space
Jim believes that in the beginning it takes patience, and patience creates trust. Once trust is built up, then you can get back to speed and make things happen faster. That is when success comes.
Are a Lot of People Requesting AI Voices?
Jim shared that most people are in the exploration stage at this moment. They are curious to hear the quality of the samples.
The Opportunity Lies in the Origin of the Voice Dub
Jim mentioned that it is no longer just about translation, but it is now more about the locality. They will be able to make commercials and bring them down to local zip codes. Jim shared those customers want a variety of ideas and a diversity of voice.
Connect with Jim Kennelly and Lotas Productions
Lotas Productions website
Lotas Productions LinkedIn
Jim Kennelly LinkedIn
Lotas Productions Instagram
Lotas Productions Twitter
Thank You to the Sponsors of The Voice Den:
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