What’s the Deal With Promos?
Promos aren’t your run-of-the-mill ads. Think of them as a network’s personal handshake with its audience (but, you know, cooler). They don’t just shout, “Look at this show!”—they also whisper, “This is who we are.” It’s part hype, part personality, all wrapped up in a slick little package. The voice actor? That’s the secret sauce. A promo isn’t just about reading a script; it’s about giving the network and the show their own vibe. That’s why it takes a real pro to make the magic happen.
Bringing True Crime to Life (Without Actually Solving a Case)
True crime is a vibe, plain and simple. It’s the shadowy corners, the “wait, what just happened?” twists, and the eerie tension that gives you chills. And guess what? The voiceover has to match that energy. No pressure, right? The trick is to sound like you’re telling a story around a campfire, but one where everyone’s leaning in, hanging on your every word. It’s not just about drama—it’s about making people feel like they’re stepping into the suspense themselves. The best voice actors don’t just read a script; they grab you by the ears (nicely, of course) and pull you in.
Cracking the Case: The Voice Actor’s Approach
Here’s the thing: a great true crime promo starts with a little homework. Voice actors don’t just show up and wing it—they study the script like it’s the last page of a whodunit. What’s the mood? Where’s the big twist? What’s going to make people sit up and say, “I need to watch this”? Once they’ve nailed the vibe, it’s all about delivery. A well-placed pause here, a little tension there—it’s the kind of stuff that turns a good promo into a “shut up, this looks amazing” moment. And yeah, every word matters. The right voice actor makes sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle, turning even the smallest line into a hook.
Why True Crime Promos Work
Promos aren’t just commercials—they’re the opening act for a show. They’re there to grab attention, set the tone, and make people need to tune in. The right voice can make or break that connection, which is why true crime promos lean on voice actors who get it. When it comes to this genre, there’s no room for fluff. You need someone who knows how to dial up the suspense, keep it cool, and leave just enough mystery hanging in the air to keep folks intrigued. The best voices turn a promo into an invitation—one you definitely don’t want to decline.
Wrapping It All Up
True crime promos are all about the balance: enough suspense to get people hooked, but not so much that it gives the whole game away. Voice actors bring that balance to life, turning scripts into mini-stories that leave viewers itching to watch. It’s a skill, no doubt about it, and the best in the biz make it look (and sound) easy. So, next time you hear that dramatic voice teasing a can’t-miss episode, take a second to appreciate the person behind it. They’re not just reading—they’re setting the stage for an entire show. Let’s be clear, without them, true crime wouldn’t be half as thrilling.
True Crime Promos by Alan Shires
Voice Actor