Talent Interview: Matilda Novak On Audiobooks

Friday 16 July 2010 - Filed under All Posts + Interviews

Matilda Novak recorded her first audio book, Jhumpa LaHiri’s Pulitzer
Prize-winning collection of short stories “Interpreter of Maladies”
in 2000. Since then she has recorded other works of both fiction and
non-fiction. She also records in nearly every other facet of the voice
over industry. http://voice123.com/matildanovak

For you, what are the best and worst aspects of audiobook work?

My favorite thing about audiobook work is getting to play everyone, including people who in other genres I’d never be cast as (all the men, women, old, young…you get it). The worst thing is, these days some companies want to have the reader produce everything, so it would be a zillion times more work, for less pay.

After doing my homework, I like to focus entirely on my performance. I still love it when I can go into a studio and let someone else worry about everything not connected to that.

What qualities does a voice actor need to possess to be successful in audiobook work?

You should definitely know if you have the stamina for this kind of work – recording for long sessions – not everyone does. And of course, you need to be able to create and sustain characters for the duration of the book.

Any other thoughts?

Non-fiction is “easier” in that you’re not dealing with characters, but it’s still a completely different animal in terms of voiceover.  Stamina is important.  Being able to create and sustain interest for the listener is key.

Whatever the subject matter, be interested. If you’re not, that will come across.

2010-07-16  »  JohnMatthewVO