I was asked to provide a voiceover for an audio trail for The Wildlife Trust, telling the story of Aberkenfig's Parc Slip Colliery mine disaster in 1892. 16 pages of script, in English and Welsh, that included narration, storytelling and educational pieces... plenty to get my teeth into. On top of that, the finished audio required sound effects, to bring the story to life. A challenge!
Here's Rhys from the production company, Black Box...
"We commissioned Geraint to produce a number of clips for use on our outdoor audio devices as part of a wider project with The Wildlife Trust. After providing the scripts and direction on sound effects, he went above and beyond, not only recording an excellent voice over in both English and Welsh, but sourcing said sound effects and inserting these within the clips to create an engaging audio experience".
Is there anything more identifiably Welsh than rugby? A debate for another day, perhaps. In the meantime, here are some radio ads for the 2021 Autumn Internationals. Hear the dragon roar!
One Story, Many Voices is an innovative digital installation project, reflecting on war and conflict, and its impact on our lives today. As part of the Second World War and Holocaust Partnership Programme (funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund), The Imperial War Museums wanted to engage new audiences, and share lesser-known stories, to help visitors understand the most devastating conflict in modern history. I was very proud to have been chosen as one of the Welsh language voices for the project.
A recent Samaritans survey discovered that men in rural areas are less likely then men in urban areas to reach out for support, if they're struggling with their mental health. The aim of the Real People, Real Stories campaign, was to reach out to men in rural communities who are struggling to cope. It was good to play a small part in helping to get this important message across.
One of the best things about my work, is that I never know what's around the corner. One of the quirkiest requests I've had recently (and easily one of my favourites!), came from American games company Trisagion. "Could you please provide the character voice for a husband and father. Coincidentally he's called Geraint". Yes, of course I can. "Could you also voice the character of The Shepherd, who talks to a dead dog in heaven." YES! SIGN ME UP!!!!
The game, a supernatural tale set in Wales at the end of the Second World War, is currently in development. The female voiceover in the trailer is Noni Lewis. More on her later!
Occasionally, I'm asked to convey vitally important messages. They don't get more important than a global health emergency. As Covid-19 spread throughout the world in 2020, I was asked to voice the Welsh Government's coronavirus messaging. The National TV, Radio and social media campaign, produced by Golley Slater took a no-nonsense approach - the tone needed to be firm and authoritative.
Another important message. The Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Stay Together campaign provided practical information for young people planning their first holiday abroad with friends. After an 18-year-old died at a Spanish holiday resort, the man's family, together with St David's College, wanted to raise awareness of the dangers that may be present, the need to prepare thoroughly and the importance of staying together as a group.
One of my great passions is music, so I was thrilled to be involved with Charanga, a bilingual digital music platform, that helps children and young people discover their first musical notes. Developed in partnership between the Welsh Government, Charanga and the Welsh Local Government Association, the platform is available free of charge to all schools in Wales as a teaching and learning resource to support the National Plan for Music Education. And the video looks so good, don’t you think?
Another museum, another long list of different voices and characters! The audio guide for Torfaen Museum gives visitors the opportunity to glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in Torfaen across the centuries. As well as some straightforward narration, there was a fireman to voice, a factory worker, and the Head Groomsman at Pontypool Park House. A varied and really enjoyable project. I also produced the finished audio and the sound effects too!
For the last few years, I've been voicing Radio Cymru's station promos. They have a very wide range of programmes, from music shows, to documentaries, to sport - and each promo requires a slightly different read. Always varied, always fun!
Vastly experienced and hugely versatile, if you're looking for a female Welsh voice, then look no further than Noni Lewis at welshvoiceover.co.uk. We collaborate on a very regular basis, so if your project requires both a male and female voice, we can help! We'll happily work together to bring your ideas to life.