Latest news with #AudioPublishersAssociation


Hans India
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
The Unseen Power
In an era of booming digital content, the 'unseen' profession of voice-over artistry is emerging as a lucrative and dynamic career path, offering ample opportunities for talented individuals. Often termed voice acting, this craft brings stories to life without ever being seen, requiring a melodious voice, mastery of modulation, proficiency in languages, and a flair for multilingual communication. 'Your voice may be the base for livelihood!' says Madhuravani, a research student at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, emphasising the potential of this unique art form. A growing industry with diverse roles Referring to the growing importance of this particular art form, Madhuravani says that voice-over plays a pivotal role in narrating story backgrounds and presenting narratives effectively across various media. From traditional radio to modern broadcast platforms, background voices are in immense demand. The post-COVID surge of OTT platforms has particularly opened new avenues for dubbing artists, creating a wealth of opportunities. Voice-over effectively bridges the gap between visuals and storytelling, making it indispensable in media production. Highlighting the qualities of the artist, she said that a skilled voice-over artist must possess vocal clarity and control over breathing. 'Regular practice, including deep breathing exercises and warm-up routines, is crucial for enhancing voice quality. Precision in pronunciation, clear speech, and familiarity with different accents are also vital for those aiming at carving a niche in this field. Unfortunately, it's disheartening to note that some of the voice-over artists are not concentrating on diction.' On its growing importance, Madhuravani divides voice-over roles broadly into six categories—News or Story Narration, Commercial Advertisements, Public Service Announcements and Government Campaigns, Animation Industry, Movies, Serials, Translated Films, and Web Series, Radio and Podcast voice-overs. Beyond these, interactive voice-over roles are prevalent in customer service sectors. This vast domain is not just a niche but a multi-crore industry. According to the Audio Publishers Association and global market statistics, the industry generates around $4.5 billion annually worldwide, with India's share valued at hundreds of crores each year. Depending on the project, a talented voice-over artist can earn between Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000 per project, with an average earning of approximately Rs 1,000 per hour. ' Digital transformation fuels demand India's rapid digital transformation has significantly boosted the demand for voice-over artists. With millions of smart phones providing easy access to diverse content, countless opportunities have emerged for artists, ranging from full-time positions to flexible freelance gigs. The growing popularity of YouTube channels has further increased project availability, enabling many voice-over artists to work from home studios. Leading media houses, film industries, and advertising agencies are constantly seeking distinctive, captivating voices that leave a lasting impression. Young talents with unique voice modulation and strong narration skills can transform this into a highly lucrative career. The enduring quality of vocal cords, even as artist ages, underscores the timeless nature of this skill. 'Many celebrities are our rivals in this profession. For instance, actors Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, Raviteja and others lent their voices in many movies giving added value to the content,' Madhuravani smiles. For aspiring artists, numerous training institutions and online platforms offer specialised courses providing both theoretical and practical knowledge. Building skills and expanding professional networks are essential for success in this burgeoning field, she pointed out. The post-pandemic era, especially with the remarkable surge in the OTT industry, marks a 'golden era' for voice-over artists. With cinema halls temporarily shut, OTT platforms became a primary source of entertainment, recording a 30 percent global growth in 2020. In India, subscriber numbers grew by 65 percent, with web series and multilingual content significantly amplifying the demand for dubbing artists, solidifying their importance. 'So, if you have a unique voice, sharpen your skills, and step into the world of voice-over artistry – it may change your life with golden opportunities,' concludes Madhuravani, inviting aspiring artists to explore this vibrant industry.


Express Tribune
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Stephen King to narrate ‘Hansel and Gretel' retelling
Stephen King is bringing his voice and signature storytelling to a haunting new retelling of Hansel and Gretel. The acclaimed horror author will narrate the audiobook version of the classic tale, reimagined with eerie artwork by the late Maurice Sendak, best known for Where the Wild Things Are. The audiobook and print editions will be released on September 2. King, 77, says he was inspired by Sendak's illustrations, which were originally designed for a stage adaptation of the Hansel and Gretel opera in the 1990s. 'Two of his pictures in particular spoke to me,' King shared. 'One was of the wicked witch on her broom with a bag of kidnapped children riding behind her; the other was of the infamous candy house becoming a terrible face.' In this version, King leans into the darker, more psychological aspects of the Brothers Grimm tale, staying true to its roots while adding his signature twist. 'To me, it was the essence of this story and, really, all fairy tales: a sunny exterior, a dark and terrible centre, brave and resourceful children,' he explained. 'In a way, I have been writing about kids like Hansel and Gretel for much of my life.' Sendak's illustrations, paired with King's narration, promise to breathe new life into the centuries-old story, giving it fresh relevance and a deeply sinister tone. The Maurice Sendak Foundation's executive director Lynn Caponera praised the audiobook, calling King's reading 'captivating and thrilling.' Known for more than 60 novels, King received the Audio Publishers Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. His latest book, Never Flinch, was published in May. The illustrated edition of Hansel and Gretel is available now for preorder.

Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Call her an audio book star. Streisand's 'My Name Is Barbra' named audio book of the year
NEW YORK (AP) — Barbra Streisand, star of stage, screen and song, has triumphed in another medium: audio books. The Audio Publishers Association has given Streisand and her memoir 'My Name is Barbra' the Audie Award for audio book of the year and for best audio memoir. Streisand herself narrated the 1,000-page book that covers her extraordinary life and career. Other winners announced Tuesday include best work of humor to Kate McKinnon 's 'The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science,' narrated by McKinnon and Emily Lynne; Whoopi Goldberg 's self-narrated 'Bits and Pieces' for best narration; best audio short stories to Stephen King 's 'You Like it Darker,' narrated by Will Patton and King; and best literary fiction to Percival Everett's 'James,' narrated by Dominic Hoffman.


Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Call her an audio book star. Streisand's ‘My Name Is Barbra' named audio book of the year
NEW YORK (AP) — star of stage, screen and song, has triumphed in another medium: audio books. The Audio Publishers Association has given Streisand and her memoir 'My Name is Barbra' the Audie Award for audio book of the year and for best audio memoir. Streisand herself narrated the 1,000-page book that covers her extraordinary life and career. Other winners announced Tuesday include best work of humor to Kate McKinnon 's 'The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science,' narrated by McKinnon and Emily Lynne; Whoopi Goldberg 's self-narrated 'Bits and Pieces' for best narration; best audio short stories to Stephen King 's 'You Like it Darker,' narrated by Will Patton and King; and best literary fiction to Percival Everett's 'James,' narrated by Dominic Hoffman.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Heinemann Audiobook Humans Who Teach by Shamari Reid Recognized as Audie Award Finalist
PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heinemann today announced that the audiobook version of Humans Who Teach: A Guide for Centering Love, Justice, and Liberation in Schools, written and narrated by Shamari Reid, has been named a finalist for the Audie Award in the business/personal development category. Other finalists in the category include Women Money Power by Josie Cox and And Then We Rise by Common. The Audie Awards®, presented by the Audio Publishers Association, is the premier awards program in the United States recognizing distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. Shamari Reid is an assistant professor of justice and belonging in education at New York University and the creator and host of the Heinemann podcast series Water for Teachers. Humans Who Teach is his first book, a guidebook for educators about how to center their own humanity to create more joyful, welcoming and equitable classrooms for their students while also prioritizing living lives full of peace, love and joy. "I am so honored to have received this nomination from the Audio Publishers Association," said Reid. "We poured our hearts into recording an audiobook that would help teachers to heal, and having our work and the humanity of teachers recognized brings me great joy." "We're delighted that the Audio Publishers Association has recognized Shamari Reid's important work," said Maggie DeMont, general manager of Heinemann. "Humans Who Teach shines a much-needed spotlight on the professionalism and humanity of educators, offering a blueprint for how teachers can care for themselves while creating authentic and meaningful classroom experiences for their students." Audie Awards winners in each category will be announced at the 2025 Audies Gala in New York City on March 4, 2025. For more information about Heinemann Audiobooks, please visit About HeinemannHeinemann is a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for educators, kindergarten through college. Heinemann supports the professionalism and compassion of teachers as they help children become literate, empathetic, knowledgeable citizens. Heinemann authors are exemplary educators eager to support the practice of other teachers through books, videos, workshops, online courses and most recently through explicit teaching materials. Heinemann is dedicated to teachers. Discover the path to lifelong professional learning at Media Contact:Erika McCaffreyCommunications View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Heinemann