10 Questions with ... Joe Cipriano

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

DEMO:

Web:
www.joeciprianoconsulting.com
www.freshdemos.net

Joe Cipriano is one of America's premiere voice over artists, representing the country's top television networks, TV shows and movies for more than 30 years. He is best known as the signature voice of the Fox Network for 25 years, CBS Network for 20 years and his voice continues to represent some of TV's biggest shows. He is the recipient of the Don LaFontaine Legacy Award, which is awarded based on character, longevity, talent, professionalism and a passion for giving back to the voice over community. He and his wife Ann have written the book, "Living On Air - Adventures in Broadcasting," A humorous tale of the characters he met during his journey from radio into voice over.

1) Where can you currently be heard?

I'm currently the announcer on Deal or No Deal with Howie Mandel. I did the original run on NBC back in 2005 to 2007 and was asked back when CNBC recreated new shows this year. I'm also the announcer on Hollywood Game Night with Jane Lynch on NBC, America's Got Talent, and I voice promos for cable and broadcast networks. I'm also the imaging voice for many radio stations in the US and Canada.

2) How did you get your start? What was the first voiceover job that you landed?

My first really BIG voice over gig was the movie trailer and TV commercials for Fast Times at Ridgemont High in 1982. I became the voice of the Fox Network in 1988 and did that for 25 years. I was actually "discovered" by Fox executives when I happened to be filling in for Big Ron O'Brien on KIIS-FM one afternoon in 1988. That stroke of luck turned out to be a life changer.

3) What's the most unique project that you've been involved with?

I love doing Live Announcing. I've been the announcer for multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards and other event TV. I was just the halftime announcer for Superbowl 53 last month.

4) What's the most challenging project that you've been involved with?

Staying relevant and current. Voice Over is not a profession where you can rely on what you did 10 years ago. You have to be a student of the art and continue to learn and grow and change with the trends.

5) Tech Set-Up... what kind of mics/processing/software/plug-ins, etc. are you using?

Oh man! I'm not a fan of answering this question because truthfully, the equipment doesn't matter. It's what you do before your voice hits any audio equipment. I use two microphones depending on the circumstance...a Neumann U87 and a Sennheiser 416. I have two studios, one in LA and one on the East Coast. In both studios I use the UA Apollo Twin Solo as my interface and I record on ProTools. I use Source Connect and ipDTL for connectivity for live sessions.

6) Who are your mentors?

There have been so many and I've been very lucky to meet people who have helped me every step of the way. I try to do the same for others who are looking to move their careers forward. I talk about many mentors in our book, but Don LaFontaine, Danny Dark, Ron Scalera and a DJ by the name of Jerry Wolf come to mind.

7) What is your favorite part of the job?

Doing something different every day. Today I worked on Deal or No Deal, projects for REELZ Network, HGTV and several radio stations. Doing promos and "reading to picture" is by far my favorite type of work because it requires that great skill so many of us learned in radio...TIMING. Timing is so important when doing promos, in-show announcing for game shows etc. Radio was the best background for me in helping to find success in voice over.

8) What is the most challenging part of the job?

It's really not challenging per say, but what I do requires being available anywhere, anytime. I can't tell you how many times I've made plans to do something, even if it's going out to dinner and while in the car driving there, getting a phone call from my agent saying, "so and so needs you for a quick session in 15 minutes." I'm very lucky because my wife Ann is also a broadcaster. She and I met at NBC in Washington, DC when she was a newsriter on WRC-AM and I was a DJ on WKYS-FM. We both understand the business and that makes all the difference in the world. We're a team.

9) What other voice talents do you have the most respect for?

I have respect for anyone who chooses to enter this very challenging business. It takes great resolve and dedication to find success in a career that has so much rejection and uncertainty. I truly believe that the person who is most persistent and has a great deal of determination will always win out.

10) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I'm a lefty but I play golf and tennis right handed and I never learned how to swim.

What ringtone do you have on your cell?

"Beyond The Sea" by Bobby Darin.

What's the best sweeper/liner you've ever heard?

"Lock it in and rip the knob off."