There is nothing that excites me more than seeing Jonathan Frakes. Yes, that’s Riker from Star Trek: Next Gen, but it’s also Jonathan Frakes from Beyond Belief. My best friend and I used to sit in bed and watch Beyond Belief while eating Chicken Biscuits with squeeze cheese. We were slightly obsessed. Not with just the show and Jonathan Frakes, but also with narrator Don Lafontaine and the research work of author Robert Tralins. This was our A-Team.
The series was created by Lynn Lehman, whose only other credit was an acting role in 1976’s Guardian of the Wilderness. The show was like a mysterious puzzle for the audience. Each episode presented a collection of short stories, ranging from paranormal encounters to bizarre coincidences. Viewers were treated to tales of kids being total dicks, like pulling pranks that bordered on the supernatural, or the haunting ghost of a...
The series was created by Lynn Lehman, whose only other credit was an acting role in 1976’s Guardian of the Wilderness. The show was like a mysterious puzzle for the audience. Each episode presented a collection of short stories, ranging from paranormal encounters to bizarre coincidences. Viewers were treated to tales of kids being total dicks, like pulling pranks that bordered on the supernatural, or the haunting ghost of a...
- 4/30/2024
- by Niki Minter
- JoBlo.com
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Movie: "In a World..."
Where You Can Stream It: Hulu
The Pitch: Remember all of those movie trailers from the '90s that start with a deep, luscious male voice describing what the film will be about? If so, you're no stranger to the popular phrase "in a world...." That opener was made famous by legendary voice actor Don Lafontaine who recorded over 5,000 movie trailers and hundreds of thousands of commercials and...
The post The Daily Stream: In A World Speaks Volumes To The Lack Of Female Representation in Voice Work appeared first on /Film.
The Movie: "In a World..."
Where You Can Stream It: Hulu
The Pitch: Remember all of those movie trailers from the '90s that start with a deep, luscious male voice describing what the film will be about? If so, you're no stranger to the popular phrase "in a world...." That opener was made famous by legendary voice actor Don Lafontaine who recorded over 5,000 movie trailers and hundreds of thousands of commercials and...
The post The Daily Stream: In A World Speaks Volumes To The Lack Of Female Representation in Voice Work appeared first on /Film.
- 12/9/2021
- by Marisa Mirabal
- Slash Film
Creative agency Aspect’s Throwback Thursday Facebook postings of its past work offer a fascinating historical document. They not only showcase highlights from the company’s 40 years in the movie-trailer business such as “Men in Black,” “Misery” and “Wayne’s World,” they’re also a reminder of how much the medium has changed since the days when the sonorous and instantly recognizable voice of narrator Don Lafontaine graced thousands of trailers, promos and ads.
Then and now, Aspect reigns as one of the top trailer houses in Hollywood. Back in the old days, it had a reputation as the go-to place for comedies. But, today, it prides itself on its ability to work on projects of any genre, from “Ready Player One,” “Hell Fest” and HBO’s “Westworld” to “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again,” as well as every platform, from the big screen to smartphones.
Aspect’s reel can be seen here: https://wdrv.
Then and now, Aspect reigns as one of the top trailer houses in Hollywood. Back in the old days, it had a reputation as the go-to place for comedies. But, today, it prides itself on its ability to work on projects of any genre, from “Ready Player One,” “Hell Fest” and HBO’s “Westworld” to “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again,” as well as every platform, from the big screen to smartphones.
Aspect’s reel can be seen here: https://wdrv.
- 8/23/2018
- by Todd Longwell
- Variety Film + TV
Stephen Garrett is the owner of Jump Cut, a marketing company that specializes in making trailers and posters for independent, foreign-language, and documentary cinema. He is also the former film editor of Time Out New York and has written for Slate, Esquire, and Rolling Stone, among other outlets.
“On this day. In this time. At this moment.” And you thought commemorative Summit coins were flashy! The new trailer for President Donald Trump’s meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un just dropped, and it’s a doozy.
Banal sloganeering slathered over a litany of overfamiliar footage! Tense piano notes giving way to a furious volley of synthesized sturm und drang followed by cascades of cautious but hopeful uplift! Internationally recognizable boldface names! And it’s not a Marvel movie?
Okay, okay—complex global diplomacy isn’t usually reduced to the kind of propagandistic oversimplification best left to Hollywood. And the...
“On this day. In this time. At this moment.” And you thought commemorative Summit coins were flashy! The new trailer for President Donald Trump’s meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un just dropped, and it’s a doozy.
Banal sloganeering slathered over a litany of overfamiliar footage! Tense piano notes giving way to a furious volley of synthesized sturm und drang followed by cascades of cautious but hopeful uplift! Internationally recognizable boldface names! And it’s not a Marvel movie?
Okay, okay—complex global diplomacy isn’t usually reduced to the kind of propagandistic oversimplification best left to Hollywood. And the...
- 6/13/2018
- by Stephen Garrett
- Indiewire
Some horror movie monsters instantly achieve iconic status and proceed to slash, mutilate and maim their way through an ever-increasing stack of sequels until the inevitable jump-the-shark moment when they’re shelved (until it’s time for a gritty, dark reboot).
Others … well, others don’t quite get that chance. For every Michael Myers, there’s a dozen wannabes stalking the shadows of lesser-known horror films, just trying their hardest to scare people. They fail miserably, of course, but where would we be as a civilization without the likes of …
Evil Trees in The Triffids
They’re trees. And they...
Others … well, others don’t quite get that chance. For every Michael Myers, there’s a dozen wannabes stalking the shadows of lesser-known horror films, just trying their hardest to scare people. They fail miserably, of course, but where would we be as a civilization without the likes of …
Evil Trees in The Triffids
They’re trees. And they...
- 10/7/2017
- by Alex Heigl
- PEOPLE.com
Ryan Lambie Aug 1, 2017
There are multiple Noomi Rapaces in the forthcoming sci-fi thriller, What Happened To Monday. Here's the new trailer...
If the sci-fi thriller What Happened To Monday had come out in the 80s, its trailer would have written itself. "In a world... where having more than one child is banned... one couple dared to have septuplets..." (You have to imagine all that read out in the gruff voice of 80s Trailer Voiceover Guy, Don Lafontaine).
See related American Horror Story renewed for seasons 8 and 9 American Horror Story: Roanoke might be its best season yet American Horror Story season 6: Roanoke Chapter 10 Ryan Murphy: celebrating a showrunner who never holds back
Whatever Happened To Monday is the latest in a bewildering line of films and TV shows funded by Netflix, and it looks like a lot of fun. It's set in a gloomy future where, yes, it's illegal...
There are multiple Noomi Rapaces in the forthcoming sci-fi thriller, What Happened To Monday. Here's the new trailer...
If the sci-fi thriller What Happened To Monday had come out in the 80s, its trailer would have written itself. "In a world... where having more than one child is banned... one couple dared to have septuplets..." (You have to imagine all that read out in the gruff voice of 80s Trailer Voiceover Guy, Don Lafontaine).
See related American Horror Story renewed for seasons 8 and 9 American Horror Story: Roanoke might be its best season yet American Horror Story season 6: Roanoke Chapter 10 Ryan Murphy: celebrating a showrunner who never holds back
Whatever Happened To Monday is the latest in a bewildering line of films and TV shows funded by Netflix, and it looks like a lot of fun. It's set in a gloomy future where, yes, it's illegal...
- 8/1/2017
- Den of Geek
It’s ugly, it’s violent, it’s graphic novelist Frank Miller’s nasty vision through and through. Scream Factory’s Collector’s Edition brings out the amazing backstory of the production of this stop-motion- intensive first sequel to RoboCop. Druglord Caine is a menace, but we’re just as appalled by the film’s vivid depiction of a greater terror: Predatory Privatization.
RoboCop 2
Blu-ray
Shout! Factory / Scream Factory
1990 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 117 min. / Collector’s Edition / Street Date March 21, 2011 / 34.93
Starring: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O’Herlihy, Robert DoQui, Tom Noonan, Gabriel Damon, Belinda Bauer, Felton Perry.
Cinematography: Mark Irwin
Production Design: Peter Jamison
Original Music: Leonard Rosenman
Special Effects: Phil Tippett, Rob Bottin, Peter Kuran, Rocco Gioffre.
Written by Frank Miller, Walon Green from characters created by Edward Neumeier, Michael Miner
Produced by Jon Davison
Directed by Irvin Kershner
I wish I could say that 1990’s RoboCop 2 has been...
RoboCop 2
Blu-ray
Shout! Factory / Scream Factory
1990 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 117 min. / Collector’s Edition / Street Date March 21, 2011 / 34.93
Starring: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O’Herlihy, Robert DoQui, Tom Noonan, Gabriel Damon, Belinda Bauer, Felton Perry.
Cinematography: Mark Irwin
Production Design: Peter Jamison
Original Music: Leonard Rosenman
Special Effects: Phil Tippett, Rob Bottin, Peter Kuran, Rocco Gioffre.
Written by Frank Miller, Walon Green from characters created by Edward Neumeier, Michael Miner
Produced by Jon Davison
Directed by Irvin Kershner
I wish I could say that 1990’s RoboCop 2 has been...
- 3/12/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
At the bitter end of a ten-year slide into ever-cheaper productions, The Cannon Group sends stars David Bradley (a nice guy), Steve James (everyone's favorite) and Marjoe Gortner (a stiff) to South Africa for an anemic entry in this series. Cannon is considered a 'fun' subject this year because of those funny documentaries that came out. Savant cut the trailer for this particular picture, so takes the opportunity to talk about the wild life and times in the Cannon trailer department. American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt Blu-ray Olive Films 19 / B&W / 2:35 1:85 widescreen / 1:37 flat Academy / 90 min. / Street Date August 16, 2016 / available through the Olive Films website / 29.98 Starring David Bradley, Steve James, Marjoe Gortner, Michele Chan,Yehuda Efroni, Alan Swerdlow. Cinematography George Bartels Film Editor Michael J. Duthie Original Music George S. Clinton Written by Gary Conway from characters by Avi Kleinberger & Gideon Amir Produced by Harry Alan Towers Directed...
- 8/30/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Ann Turner's The Lost Swimmer.
The Dressmaker's Sue Maslin will produce The Lost Swimmer, adapted from Ann Turner's novel by the author herself, with script development funding from Screen Australia.
Published by Simon and Schuster in June 2015 and immediately optioned by Film Art Media, The Lost Swimmer is described as "a tense psychological thriller about the secrets in a marriage and the consequences of love and trust.".
The novel's central character is Rebecca Wilding, an archaeology professor who fears her husband Stephen is having an affair.
After she is accused of serious fraud in the workplace, Rebecca leaves with Stephen for Greece, Italy and Paris, where she can uncover the conspiracy against her and hopefully rekindle her relationship..
But on the idyllic Amalfi coast, Stephen goes swimming and doesn.t come back. Rebecca falls under suspicion for his murder. As Don Lafontaine would have put it: Rebecca...
The Dressmaker's Sue Maslin will produce The Lost Swimmer, adapted from Ann Turner's novel by the author herself, with script development funding from Screen Australia.
Published by Simon and Schuster in June 2015 and immediately optioned by Film Art Media, The Lost Swimmer is described as "a tense psychological thriller about the secrets in a marriage and the consequences of love and trust.".
The novel's central character is Rebecca Wilding, an archaeology professor who fears her husband Stephen is having an affair.
After she is accused of serious fraud in the workplace, Rebecca leaves with Stephen for Greece, Italy and Paris, where she can uncover the conspiracy against her and hopefully rekindle her relationship..
But on the idyllic Amalfi coast, Stephen goes swimming and doesn.t come back. Rebecca falls under suspicion for his murder. As Don Lafontaine would have put it: Rebecca...
- 7/4/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Occasionally in my nightmares, I hear a phrase I once heard in real life. The phrase has haunted me to this day, and I hope to never hear it outside of my dreams again:
"Bat Card. Never leave home without it."
Cornball jokes were just one of the curses of '90s cinema. We also had the awful quality of VHS, and Blockbuster stores where we had to drive and get a movie to watch as opposed to streaming. On the flip side we also had Don Lafontaine, and while his imitators are decent, none compare to the original.
This ScreenCrush tribute to Batman v Superman if it were made in the '90s embraces all of this, and I love it for it.
"Bat Card. Never leave home without it."
Cornball jokes were just one of the curses of '90s cinema. We also had the awful quality of VHS, and Blockbuster stores where we had to drive and get a movie to watch as opposed to streaming. On the flip side we also had Don Lafontaine, and while his imitators are decent, none compare to the original.
This ScreenCrush tribute to Batman v Superman if it were made in the '90s embraces all of this, and I love it for it.
- 3/21/2016
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
With the final film in The Hunger Games franchise coming out, Vulture released a video that shows us what the franchise would have been like if it was produced back in 1992. It has a very fun retro VHS look and feel to it, and the voiceover narration is perfection because it was done by “In a World” voiceover artist Don Lafontaine. You’ll definitely recognize the voice when you hear it! It was such a nice little touch to the video. It was created by Louis Plamondon, aka Sleepy Skunk, and if you grew up in the 90s, then you’re gonna enjoy it.
- 11/17/2015
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Blockbuster movies have changed a hell of a lot in the last 20 years - but I'm not just talking about visual effects and plots that reflect our modern world. The advertising for these movies was extremely different too, and big differences can easily be spotted looking at old trailers online. But what if a modern blockbuster like, say, Joss Whedon's The Avengers: Age of Ultron had come out in 1995? Well, the previews may have looked something like this: This fun little edit, rather bluntly titled "If Avengers: Age of Ultron Came Out In 1995," comes to us courtesy of the folks over at New York Magazine, and anyone who lived through the 1990s will probably see this as a fairly accurate representation of what movie trailers looked like back then. They nailed pretty much everything from the Don Lafontaine-like voice-over, to the 90-degree turning blockletters revealing the stars of...
- 4/8/2015
- cinemablend.com
In a world where audiobooks, movie trailers, animation, and commercial spots saturate the airwaves, the demand for talented voice actors has reached an all-time high. Yet the coaches and workshops necessary to perfect the craft—plus the studio time to record—can come at a high price. Which is why when voice actor Don Lafontaine passed away in 2008, the Los Angeles branch of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation sought to create a free-of-charge professional and educational lab as a resource for voice actors in his memory with the Don Lafontaine Voiceover Lab, which opened in 2010. Costing half a million dollars and consisting of a small solo recording booth, a state-of-the-art main booth, and a classroom, the facility is a place for voice actors to commune, learn technique, rehearse, receive feedback, master equipment and software, and even record auditions for demos. In May 2014, New York followed suit, simultaneously opening a SAG...
- 3/18/2015
- backstage.com
Short films usually don't land distribution deals even if they have a successful run on the festival circuit. Seed&Spark wants to change that. The crowdfunding and digital distribution platform has partnered with Wisconsin's Flyway Film Festival for a shorts competition. The submissions window runs from now until June 15. As part of the partnership, Seed&Spark will create a Flyway channel on the Seed&Spark website to stream the top five short films. From that pool, two winners will be picked for additional rewards and honors. Details are available here. Weird Stories: A Short Film ShowcaseRIOT La: Downtown IndependentJan. 16 at 11 p.m.251 S. Main St., Los AngelesTickets $5. Live Read of "Goodfellas"Bing Theater at LACMAJan. 22 at 7:30 pm5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los AngelesTicket details here. Don Lafontaine Voiceover Lab OrientationSAG FoundationJan. 23 at 9:45 a.m.5757 Wilshire Blvd., Mezzanine 103, Los AngelesRegister here. Free Short Film Festival in North HollywoodFox and HoundsJan. 25 at 4 p.
- 1/16/2015
- backstage.com
Actors needing to fine tune their Twitter and Facebook pages can get some help next Tuesday when Social Media Week Los Angeles kicks off. Early-bird passes run from $95-$250 and offer varying levels of access. But that’s not the only reason to brave the L.A. traffic. Here are four other events actors can put on their calendars. Film Independent’s Know Your Crew Sep. 23 at 7:30 pm 9911 W Pico Blvd. 11th Floor, Los Angeles Free for Film Independent members only (get tickets) SAG Foundation’s La Conversations presents "Stalker" Screening followed by a Q&A with Maggie Q and Dylan McDermott Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. SAG Foundation Actors Center 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles Free parking validation provided. Free for union performers. RSVP here. SAG Foundation’s Don Lafontaine Voice-Over Lab presents Client-Agency Relations in the Digital Age Sept. 23 from 7-9:30pm SAG Foundation - Don Lafontaine Voice-Over Lab 5757 Wilshire Blvd.
- 9/18/2014
- backstage.com
The star of “Airplane!” will captain the SAG Foundation’s annual poker tournament, which is set to take place Aug. 23 at Museum of Flying in Santa Monica. Money raised from the annual Poker Classic goes to support the Don Lafontaine Voice-Over Lab. "I once went up to Don Lafontaine to say hello and he said, 'Oh! I did the "Airplane!" trailer.' So we had worked together and I didn't even know. Boy, he was remarkable," Robert Hays said. "It's so wonderful to have the Don Lafontaine Voice-Over Lab at the SAG Foundation, where voice artists can learn the craft, polish the craft, and make their own work. It’s also remarkable." Paul Pape, who co-founded the Lab, said the late Lafontaine, who was famous for his trailer voiceovers and using the phrase "in a world," would be “pleased” with Hays’ selection as host. “Especially when we run the 'Airplane!
- 6/26/2014
- backstage.com
Gravity has scooped the top accolade at the Golden Trailer Awards.
The film's 'Detached' preview clip won both Best of Show Prize and Best Thriller at the annual awards ceremony, held at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills on Friday (May 30).
Celebrating its 15th year, the Golden Trailer Awards is dedicated to feature film previews. Set up by Evelyn Brady-Watters and Monica Brady, the prizegiving recognises the best in worldwide motion picture marketing.
Actor Jay Mohr hosted the ceremony while presenters included Neal McDonough, Zach McGowan, Tito Ortiz, Karina Smirnoff and Los Angeles Lakers player Nick Young.
A full list of winners can be found below:
Best Action
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Best Animation/Family
Frozen 'Forces First Ped'
Best Comedy
Bad Words 'Red Band Trailer'
Best Documentary
Blackfish
Best Drama
The Weinstein Company
Best Fantasy Adventure
Maleficent 'Dream'
Best Horror
The Conjuring 'Case'
Best Independent Trailer
Dallas Buyers Club...
The film's 'Detached' preview clip won both Best of Show Prize and Best Thriller at the annual awards ceremony, held at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills on Friday (May 30).
Celebrating its 15th year, the Golden Trailer Awards is dedicated to feature film previews. Set up by Evelyn Brady-Watters and Monica Brady, the prizegiving recognises the best in worldwide motion picture marketing.
Actor Jay Mohr hosted the ceremony while presenters included Neal McDonough, Zach McGowan, Tito Ortiz, Karina Smirnoff and Los Angeles Lakers player Nick Young.
A full list of winners can be found below:
Best Action
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Best Animation/Family
Frozen 'Forces First Ped'
Best Comedy
Bad Words 'Red Band Trailer'
Best Documentary
Blackfish
Best Drama
The Weinstein Company
Best Fantasy Adventure
Maleficent 'Dream'
Best Horror
The Conjuring 'Case'
Best Independent Trailer
Dallas Buyers Club...
- 5/31/2014
- Digital Spy
The 15th annual Golden Trailer Awards were held in Beverly Hills on Friday night, celebrating the best previews of the past year and secretly everyone’s favorite part about going to the movies.
Warner Brothers was the big winner of the night taking home 15 awards total including being named Best of Show for the trailer “Detached” of the Oscar-winning film Gravity. Other winners include Frozen for Best Animation/Family trailer, Dallas Buyers Club for Best Independent Trailer and Godzilla for Best Summer Blockbuster trailer. The Golden Trailer Awards were started in 1999 by Evelyn Brady-Watters and Monica Brady. “The Golden Trailer Awards...
Warner Brothers was the big winner of the night taking home 15 awards total including being named Best of Show for the trailer “Detached” of the Oscar-winning film Gravity. Other winners include Frozen for Best Animation/Family trailer, Dallas Buyers Club for Best Independent Trailer and Godzilla for Best Summer Blockbuster trailer. The Golden Trailer Awards were started in 1999 by Evelyn Brady-Watters and Monica Brady. “The Golden Trailer Awards...
- 5/31/2014
- by Jake Perlman
- EW - Inside Movies
This fan edited trailer, "Legends," by Marc Dominic Rienzo, was originally intended to be released in 2007 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Star Wars. It assumes the extended universe books as the basis for two new trilogies. Seven years later it's finally complete with a voiceover by the late Don Lafontaine. The trailer makes full use of all the video games and fan made movies over the last 7 years to create something truly epic.
From Marc Dominic Rienzo via Geeks Are Sexy:
Originally planned to be finished in 2007 for the Star Wars 30th Anniversary, this edit went uncompleted for years. Now with Episode VII coming out, it had seemed pointless to finish. But in honor of the great, late Don Lafontaine donlafontaine.com/ who provided an Amazing voice over, I had to get this out there even though it’s a bit rough around the edges. I could not let “The Voice” go unheard.
From Marc Dominic Rienzo via Geeks Are Sexy:
Originally planned to be finished in 2007 for the Star Wars 30th Anniversary, this edit went uncompleted for years. Now with Episode VII coming out, it had seemed pointless to finish. But in honor of the great, late Don Lafontaine donlafontaine.com/ who provided an Amazing voice over, I had to get this out there even though it’s a bit rough around the edges. I could not let “The Voice” go unheard.
- 5/28/2014
- by Free Reyes
- GeekTyrant
Wow, this is cool. The folks at Filmmaker Iq have put together a fascinating 15-minute video history of the best bit of movies: the trailers (click through for more supporting material). There's material on the very earliest trailers (100 years old last year, apparently), the more experimental trailers of the '60s (yes, everything really was experimental then) including an amazing one for “Dr. Strangelove,” and the rise of modern blockbuster trailers—which, just like the modern blockbuster itself, date back to Steven Spielberg's “Jaws.” It also takes us right up to the latest in trailer technology, the “Inception” braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhm, and gives a shout-out to Don Lafontaine, one of the most recognizable trailer voices around: but not, sadly, to the other Mr “In A World...”, Hal Douglas, who passed away recently. Nevertheless, check it out—it's great. [via No Film School]...
- 3/26/2014
- by Ben Brock
- The Playlist
FilmmakerIQ is back with another great look into film history, this time focusing on the history of the movie trailer. Dating back to the first, simple trailers in 1913, to the introduction of the National Screen Service in 1919 as they started cutting trailers without studio permission to they point they had contracts with theater owners and a virtual monopoly on film marketing from the 1920s to the '60s. The video below focuses on trailers for Casablanca, Psycho and Stanley Kubrick's cutting of the trailer for Dr. Strangelove, up to the introduction of the blockbuster with Steven Spielberg's Jaws, the first film to use the wide release strategy, forever changing the cinematic landscape into what we recognize today, represented here with the trailer for Christopher Nolan's Inception. I've included the 15 minute FilmmakerIQ video below along with the trailers included in the video as well as a short video...
- 3/24/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Legendary voice-over artist Hal Douglas, whose sonorous delivery starred in trailers for thousands of movies and documentaries, has died, his family said Thursday. Douglas, who was 89, died March 7 at his home in northern Virginia with his wife Ruth and daughter Sarah at his side, the family said in a written statement. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010. While Douglas could probably walk down any street in the U.S. unrecognized, his voice was unmistakably a star. He was among the top voice-over artists of a generation, creating a career based on a rich baritone speaking voice that ranged from biblically epic to theatrically cheesy.
- 3/13/2014
- by Associated Press
- PEOPLE.com
The film industry lost a significant voice today, literally, as recording artist and trailer-voiceover icon Hal Douglas died at his home in Virginia. He was 89. The NY Times reports that Douglas died from complications related to pancreatic cancer. It doesn.t make much sense to us to tell you about Douglas right off the bat. It.s better if you hear him, at his best. This is Douglas playing off of his unusual job, recording a trailer for Jerry Seinfeld.s hysterical documentary, Comedian. It captures the essence of Douglas, beautifully: "Ah, no .In a world, Jack.." That.s very funny. It.s also one of what the Times reports as "thousands" of trailers Douglas narrated for movie studios over the years. Douglas once was considered one of the three "go-to talents" when you needed a trailer narrated (alongside the late Don Lafontaine, who died in 2008, and Don Morrow). A...
- 3/13/2014
- cinemablend.com
It's been six years since iconic movie trailer voice over artist Don Lafontaine passed away, and now that niche in the entertainment industry has lost another great. Hal Douglas has passed away at age 89 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Along with Lafontaine and Don Morrow, Douglas was one of the top three movie trailer voice over artists in the industry. The man lent his voice to trailers for Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Con-Air and Lethal Weapon, but also dabbled in comedy with contributions to the trailers for Coneheads and Meet the Parents. We could list his work all day, but it's better if you listen. Here's a demo reel of some of the work Hal Douglas did, and you'll recognize his voice immediately: And over 10 years ago, Mr. Douglas actually got in front of the camera for this clever movie trailer for Jerry Seinfeld's stand-up comedy documentary Comedian, where...
- 3/13/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Voiceover artist Hal Douglas, whose gravelly baritone is likely recognized by movie fans after the thousands of trailers he narrated, has died, according to a report. Douglas died due to complications of pancreatic cancer, his daughter Sarah told the New York Times, which added that Douglas died Friday at his home in Lovettsville, Va. He was 89. Video: Jimmy Kimmel Transforms Popular YouTube Hits Into Dramatic Movie Trailers Douglas was one of the top two or three go-to voiceover talents for trailers, The Times reported, along with Don Lafontaine, who died in 2008, and Don Morrow, the voice of
read more...
read more...
- 3/13/2014
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Voiceover artist Hal Douglas has died at the age of 89.
Douglas was known to millions around the world as the voice of numerous blockbuster movie trailers, narrating promos for films including Forrest Gump, Meet the Parents, Philadelphia and Lethal Weapon.
Douglas died on Friday (March 7) at his Virginia home as a result of complications from pancreatic cancer, his daughter Sarah told the New York Times.
Born in Connecticut in 1924, Douglas trained as a pilot and served in the navy during World War II. He then trained as an actor, starting his radio career in the 1950s before moving into voiceover work full-time.
Based in New York and later Virginia rather than Hollywood, he lent his distinctive voice to countless movie trailers, documentaries and promos for TV networks.
Douglas made a rare appearance on screen in a trailer for the Jerry Seinfeld documentary Comedian playing Jack, a voiceover artist who can only speak in trailer clichés,...
Douglas was known to millions around the world as the voice of numerous blockbuster movie trailers, narrating promos for films including Forrest Gump, Meet the Parents, Philadelphia and Lethal Weapon.
Douglas died on Friday (March 7) at his Virginia home as a result of complications from pancreatic cancer, his daughter Sarah told the New York Times.
Born in Connecticut in 1924, Douglas trained as a pilot and served in the navy during World War II. He then trained as an actor, starting his radio career in the 1950s before moving into voiceover work full-time.
Based in New York and later Virginia rather than Hollywood, he lent his distinctive voice to countless movie trailers, documentaries and promos for TV networks.
Douglas made a rare appearance on screen in a trailer for the Jerry Seinfeld documentary Comedian playing Jack, a voiceover artist who can only speak in trailer clichés,...
- 3/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Iconic voice behind multiple film promos - who became famous for the phrase 'In a world …' has died
• Hal Douglas - six of the best trailers from the voiceover king
Hal Douglas, whose gravelly tones graced famous trailers for films such as Forrest Gump, Philadelphia and Lethal Weapon, has died. He was 89.
Douglas's daughter Sarah told the New York Times her father passed away following complications from pancreatic cancer. He was known as one of a top trio of trailer voiceover artists - the late Don Lafontaine and Don Morrow, voice of the Titanic trailer were the others - who came close to monopolising the industry for decades with catchphrases such as "In a world … ".
"The fact is, my voice has been out there," Douglas told the Times in 2009. "And it hangs out there. You sit down in the theatre and sometimes in three out of four trailers I'd be on them.
• Hal Douglas - six of the best trailers from the voiceover king
Hal Douglas, whose gravelly tones graced famous trailers for films such as Forrest Gump, Philadelphia and Lethal Weapon, has died. He was 89.
Douglas's daughter Sarah told the New York Times her father passed away following complications from pancreatic cancer. He was known as one of a top trio of trailer voiceover artists - the late Don Lafontaine and Don Morrow, voice of the Titanic trailer were the others - who came close to monopolising the industry for decades with catchphrases such as "In a world … ".
"The fact is, my voice has been out there," Douglas told the Times in 2009. "And it hangs out there. You sit down in the theatre and sometimes in three out of four trailers I'd be on them.
- 3/13/2014
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Voice-over artist Hal Douglas died of complications from pancreatic cancer on March 7. He was 89.
Hal Douglas Dies
Douglas’ daughter Sarah Douglas, an actor, confirmed her father’s passing to The New York Times. He passed away at his home in Lovettsville, Va.
Douglas lent his voice-over talents to trailers for Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, Meet the Parents and Lethal Weapon among others, according to TMZ. The movie trailers he worked on number into the thousands. Douglas was a master at changing up his voice to provide appropriate voice-overs for a wide variety of movies – from dramatic and action-packed films to the more comedic and light-hearted.
In 2002, he notably appeared in the trailer for Jerry Seinfeld’s documentary Comedian, engaging in a bit of wordplay rife with clichés as he attempted to provide the trailer’s voice-over.
Among his contemporaries, Douglas counted the late Don Lafontaine and Titanic trailer voice-over artist Don Morrow.
Hal Douglas Dies
Douglas’ daughter Sarah Douglas, an actor, confirmed her father’s passing to The New York Times. He passed away at his home in Lovettsville, Va.
Douglas lent his voice-over talents to trailers for Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, Meet the Parents and Lethal Weapon among others, according to TMZ. The movie trailers he worked on number into the thousands. Douglas was a master at changing up his voice to provide appropriate voice-overs for a wide variety of movies – from dramatic and action-packed films to the more comedic and light-hearted.
In 2002, he notably appeared in the trailer for Jerry Seinfeld’s documentary Comedian, engaging in a bit of wordplay rife with clichés as he attempted to provide the trailer’s voice-over.
Among his contemporaries, Douglas counted the late Don Lafontaine and Titanic trailer voice-over artist Don Morrow.
- 3/13/2014
- Uinterview
Lake Bell, the lead actress, writer and director of In A World… has done her due diligence in Hollywood, with supporting roles in awful romantic comedies like What Happens in Vegas, It’s Complicated and No Strings Attached. Like many other lesser-known comedic actresses, she’s been confined to the corner of the screen in many of her projects, playing second fiddle to bigger stars. And so, it’s refreshing to see Bell finally striking out with a film that’s both astute and audacious, as well as entirely her own.
For Bell, it must have been a terrifying and exhilarating challenge, crafting a starring vehicle for herself that could play to all her strengths while also standing on its own two feet as a feature film. That In A World… succeeds both as a vibrant introduction to Bell’s comedic voice and as one of the best independent comedies...
For Bell, it must have been a terrifying and exhilarating challenge, crafting a starring vehicle for herself that could play to all her strengths while also standing on its own two feet as a feature film. That In A World… succeeds both as a vibrant introduction to Bell’s comedic voice and as one of the best independent comedies...
- 1/24/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
In A World…
Written and directed by Lake Bell
USA, 2013
In A World… tells the story of Carol Solomon (Lake Bell), a struggling young voice coach who lives in the shadows of her acknowledged “king of voiceovers” father, Sam Soto (Fred Melamed). Sam kicks Carol out of his house so he can live alone with his new girlfriend, the 30-year-old Jamie (Alexandra Holden). Meanwhile, a new film series, The Amazon Games, plans to revive the classic “In a world where…” style of film trailers (made famous by the late Don Lafontaine). Soto bows out to give his heir a shot, but after Carol provides a temp track, the executive producer of the film is intrigued, and suddenly Carol finds herself in a world where daughter is pitted against father.
Unfortunately, the film surveys the idea of being a witty and empowering chant for young women trying to make it in...
Written and directed by Lake Bell
USA, 2013
In A World… tells the story of Carol Solomon (Lake Bell), a struggling young voice coach who lives in the shadows of her acknowledged “king of voiceovers” father, Sam Soto (Fred Melamed). Sam kicks Carol out of his house so he can live alone with his new girlfriend, the 30-year-old Jamie (Alexandra Holden). Meanwhile, a new film series, The Amazon Games, plans to revive the classic “In a world where…” style of film trailers (made famous by the late Don Lafontaine). Soto bows out to give his heir a shot, but after Carol provides a temp track, the executive producer of the film is intrigued, and suddenly Carol finds herself in a world where daughter is pitted against father.
Unfortunately, the film surveys the idea of being a witty and empowering chant for young women trying to make it in...
- 1/22/2014
- by Christopher Clemente
- SoundOnSight
The most heart- and hearth-warming holiday offering on Netflix? That’d be the streaming site’s Fireplace for Your Home, a classic that’s tailor-made for anyone who wants all the joy of a crackling blaze without the fear of possibly condemning Santa to a fiery death. (Or, you know, people who don’t have a fireplace.) There are even two “episodes” available — original flavor “Crackling Fireplace” and “Crackling Yule Log Fireplace,” which is set to seasonal tunes like “Deck the Halls.”
Somehow still not sold? Then I suggest feasting your eyes on these newly-released DVD-style Fireplace, extras, starting with...
Somehow still not sold? Then I suggest feasting your eyes on these newly-released DVD-style Fireplace, extras, starting with...
- 12/18/2013
- by Hillary Busis
- EW.com - PopWatch
Lake Bell directs and stars in this snappy satire of the world of voiceover artists
Closer to the snarky satire of Thank You for Smoking than the back-slapping of Soapdish, this snappy treat tickles up belly laughs from the golden larynx of the entertainment industry, as it delves into the strangely competitive world of the voiceover artist. Writer, director and rising star Lake Bell plays voice-coach and wannabe Vo star Carol, struggling to escape from the jowly shadow of her father, a pitch-perfect portrait of pomposity from the mighty Fred Melamed.
With former "voice of God" Don Lafontaine now holding forth in heaven itself, a string of increasingly throaty growlers line up to snag the trailer for the forthcoming Amazon Games "quadrilogy" – a return to the kind of "epic cinema" for which only the titular ad-line (once Lafontaine's trademark) will do. Working with insider knowledge, but without descending to smug self-referentiality,...
Closer to the snarky satire of Thank You for Smoking than the back-slapping of Soapdish, this snappy treat tickles up belly laughs from the golden larynx of the entertainment industry, as it delves into the strangely competitive world of the voiceover artist. Writer, director and rising star Lake Bell plays voice-coach and wannabe Vo star Carol, struggling to escape from the jowly shadow of her father, a pitch-perfect portrait of pomposity from the mighty Fred Melamed.
With former "voice of God" Don Lafontaine now holding forth in heaven itself, a string of increasingly throaty growlers line up to snag the trailer for the forthcoming Amazon Games "quadrilogy" – a return to the kind of "epic cinema" for which only the titular ad-line (once Lafontaine's trademark) will do. Working with insider knowledge, but without descending to smug self-referentiality,...
- 9/14/2013
- by Mark Kermode
- The Guardian - Film News
★★★☆☆ Lake Bell's directorial debut In a World (2013), named after the auspicious phrase heard in bombastic film trailers, is a smart indie comedy about the voiceover community on the fringes of Hollywood. The director's take on a world unfamiliar to even the most ardent of film fans may be ultimately inconsequential, but it's a sharp and witty calling card for Bell. While the arcs are familiar, the supporting cast are all adroit comics, helping to create a warm, collegiate feel. Bell herself also plays the lead and pitches her performance somewhere between the screwball heroines of the 1930s and the oddball quirk of Zooey Deschanel.
In a World follows scatterbrained vocal coach Carol's (Bell) attempts to become a first-rate voiceover artist like her self-satisfied father Sam (Fred Melamed). After the death of voiceover king Don Lafontaine, the man who coined the film's titular phrase, Sam and a handful of colleagues,...
In a World follows scatterbrained vocal coach Carol's (Bell) attempts to become a first-rate voiceover artist like her self-satisfied father Sam (Fred Melamed). After the death of voiceover king Don Lafontaine, the man who coined the film's titular phrase, Sam and a handful of colleagues,...
- 9/11/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Review by Barbie Snitzer
In A World... where a movie without an iota of CGI nor a hint of being the dawn of a new franchise, a movie absent ticket-buying inducing sunshine-y shots of Los Angeles west of Highland Avenue, a movie that was written, directed, and stars a female (!), a movie, that, despite this barefaced aberration, is given a wide theatrical release- in this world, these would be the clever opening remarks worked over an entire summer by a female cinema studies professor at a Midwestern liberal arts college.
This famous introductory phrase of movie trailers has conditioned moviegoers to know, when they hear it, the world being described is fictional. Think about it: if it were real, we would hear “in this world” and since we already know we live in this world, “A” world must, therefore, be an imagined world.
But, Omg!! Guess what? The world I...
In A World... where a movie without an iota of CGI nor a hint of being the dawn of a new franchise, a movie absent ticket-buying inducing sunshine-y shots of Los Angeles west of Highland Avenue, a movie that was written, directed, and stars a female (!), a movie, that, despite this barefaced aberration, is given a wide theatrical release- in this world, these would be the clever opening remarks worked over an entire summer by a female cinema studies professor at a Midwestern liberal arts college.
This famous introductory phrase of movie trailers has conditioned moviegoers to know, when they hear it, the world being described is fictional. Think about it: if it were real, we would hear “in this world” and since we already know we live in this world, “A” world must, therefore, be an imagined world.
But, Omg!! Guess what? The world I...
- 8/23/2013
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Los Angeles — Film fans everywhere can identify that movie-trailer voice: A booming baritone that entices viewers with cryptic explanations of the latest upcoming epic.
The business behind such voice work is the backdrop of Lake Bell's new film, "In A World...," of which she is writer, director and star.
Real voice-over artists – the men and women who've spent years invisibly announcing the latest Taco Bell temptation, the promise of Firestone tires or upcoming Lifetime programs – say it's good to watch their profession being acknowledged on screen, even if the portrayal isn't perfect.
"It was fun to have that be a thing – that voice-over even got mentioned," said actor Steve Staley after seeing the film. "It was great to see our field get screen time in a realistic way," added Staley, who gives voice to cartoon and video-game characters and commercials.
The film, which expands to more theaters on Friday,...
The business behind such voice work is the backdrop of Lake Bell's new film, "In A World...," of which she is writer, director and star.
Real voice-over artists – the men and women who've spent years invisibly announcing the latest Taco Bell temptation, the promise of Firestone tires or upcoming Lifetime programs – say it's good to watch their profession being acknowledged on screen, even if the portrayal isn't perfect.
"It was fun to have that be a thing – that voice-over even got mentioned," said actor Steve Staley after seeing the film. "It was great to see our field get screen time in a realistic way," added Staley, who gives voice to cartoon and video-game characters and commercials.
The film, which expands to more theaters on Friday,...
- 8/16/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
In A World …
Directed by: Lake Bell
Cast: Lake Bell, Fred Melamed, Ken Marino, Demetri Martin, Michaela Watkins, Rob Corddry, Geena Davis
Running Time: 1 hr 32 mins
Rating: R
Release Date: August 16, 2013 (Chicago)
Plot: A rising female voice-over artist (Bell) competes against two lead male voice-over kings (Melamed and Marino) for a shot at voicing a pivotal movie trailer.
Who’S It For? Tired of showbiz comedies about white male problems? You might want to take a look at this one …
Overall
It would surprise no viewer of In A World … if it were revealed that this story was originally about filmmakers, as opposed to its focus of voice-over artists. With its on-the-nose statement about “Who’s ready to be heard?” as its coda, this is a film about the waves of female filmmakers who really need to keep on keepin’ on, for the sake of eventually someday tipping the gender...
Directed by: Lake Bell
Cast: Lake Bell, Fred Melamed, Ken Marino, Demetri Martin, Michaela Watkins, Rob Corddry, Geena Davis
Running Time: 1 hr 32 mins
Rating: R
Release Date: August 16, 2013 (Chicago)
Plot: A rising female voice-over artist (Bell) competes against two lead male voice-over kings (Melamed and Marino) for a shot at voicing a pivotal movie trailer.
Who’S It For? Tired of showbiz comedies about white male problems? You might want to take a look at this one …
Overall
It would surprise no viewer of In A World … if it were revealed that this story was originally about filmmakers, as opposed to its focus of voice-over artists. With its on-the-nose statement about “Who’s ready to be heard?” as its coda, this is a film about the waves of female filmmakers who really need to keep on keepin’ on, for the sake of eventually someday tipping the gender...
- 8/16/2013
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
"In a world..."
Three words that have become, for better or worse, part of the fabric of movie trailers, designed to get audiences prepped for the impending apocalypse, adventure, atrocity, with speaker-rattling vocals that demand your attention.
It's perhaps taken for granted that these words are spoken by a man, since voice-over titan Don Lafontaine coined the term in the '70s, effectively shutting women out of the industry and promoting one type of authoritative voice.
But Lake Bell is going to change that. At least in her movie.
Bell (It's Complicated, What Happens in Vegas, "How to Make It In America,") wrote, stars in and directed In A World... taking her life-long fixation with the power and possibility of speech and turning it into a look at the niche world inhabited by key players keen to keep it a boys'-only club.
We recently spoke to Bell over the phone...
Three words that have become, for better or worse, part of the fabric of movie trailers, designed to get audiences prepped for the impending apocalypse, adventure, atrocity, with speaker-rattling vocals that demand your attention.
It's perhaps taken for granted that these words are spoken by a man, since voice-over titan Don Lafontaine coined the term in the '70s, effectively shutting women out of the industry and promoting one type of authoritative voice.
But Lake Bell is going to change that. At least in her movie.
Bell (It's Complicated, What Happens in Vegas, "How to Make It In America,") wrote, stars in and directed In A World... taking her life-long fixation with the power and possibility of speech and turning it into a look at the niche world inhabited by key players keen to keep it a boys'-only club.
We recently spoke to Bell over the phone...
- 8/14/2013
- by Andrea Miller
- Cineplex
Voice-over acting is a timeless art that has existed for decades. The late great Don Lafontaine’s God-like voice is cemented in the minds of anyone who has ever heard a movie trailer in the latter half of the 20th century. His famous line “In a world…” is one of American pop culture’s greatest gems. His art has been imitated time and time again though few people have come close to duplicating his talent. The new indie comedy by Lake Bell, In a World…, takes the viewer on a fascinating and often amusing look into the cutthroat world of voice-over acting.
Carol (Lake Bell) is a vocal coach and daughter of voice-over legend Sam Sotto (Fred Melamed). Things are moving along for Carol but not at the pace she so desires, that is until she manages to book two major voice-over gigs. With a fresh female voice in a male-dominated industry,...
Carol (Lake Bell) is a vocal coach and daughter of voice-over legend Sam Sotto (Fred Melamed). Things are moving along for Carol but not at the pace she so desires, that is until she manages to book two major voice-over gigs. With a fresh female voice in a male-dominated industry,...
- 8/9/2013
- by Randall Unger
- JustPressPlay.net
Plot: Carol (Lake Bell) is a vocal coach who just happens to be the daughter of a legendary voice-over artist (Fred Melamed). When the decision is made to resurrect the late Don Lafontaine.s .In A World.. trademark, the race is on as to who will follow in his footsteps. Despite competition from her father, and a new, narcissistic voice-over king (Ken Marino) Carol finds herself smack-dab in the middle of the race to become the new go-to guy (or girl) for trailers. Review: Lake Bell is an...
- 8/9/2013
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Editor’s note: Allison’s review of In a World originally ran during this year’s Laff, but we’re re-posting it now as the film opens in limited theatrical release this weekend. Children naturally grow up wanting to be like their parents, and some actually do. Children of actors becoming actors, children of musicians becoming musicians, and I’m sure there are some children of accountants who become accountants. (Okay, maybe not that last one.) Carol (Lake Bell) wants to be a voice over actor, but not because her father, famous voice over actor Sam (Fred Melamed) is one, but because she understand the power of voice. Carol spends her days as a vocal coach (boasting Eva Longoria as one of her clients) and logging various accents into her archive of voices. Carol is kooky and a bit awkward (her outfits alone can tell you that), but she is also sweet and honest, in...
- 8/8/2013
- by Allison Loring
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
You don't have to go to the movies to know the phrase "In a world..." It's the voice-of-doom cliche from a hundred movie trailers, from thrillers -- "In a world ruled by zombies ..." -- to comedies -- "In a world where even zombies need love ..."
The most famous purveyor of that line was Hollywood voice-over artist Don Lafontaine, who died in 2008. "In a World ..." is an indie comedy set in that world of golden-voiced professionals, men and a lone woman jockeying to be the one who gets to "own" that phrase and rule that little corner of the movie biz.
Actress-turned-writer / director Lake Bell ("No Strings Attached," "What Happens in Vegas") may be condemned to best-friend roles in mainstream films. But she takes charge here with an amusing, simple, get in-make your funny point-get out comedy about the cinema's ultimate acting specialists.
That's not what Carol (Bell) is. She does voice work,...
The most famous purveyor of that line was Hollywood voice-over artist Don Lafontaine, who died in 2008. "In a World ..." is an indie comedy set in that world of golden-voiced professionals, men and a lone woman jockeying to be the one who gets to "own" that phrase and rule that little corner of the movie biz.
Actress-turned-writer / director Lake Bell ("No Strings Attached," "What Happens in Vegas") may be condemned to best-friend roles in mainstream films. But she takes charge here with an amusing, simple, get in-make your funny point-get out comedy about the cinema's ultimate acting specialists.
That's not what Carol (Bell) is. She does voice work,...
- 8/8/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
In a world where…wait, no. I can’t really start this review with “in a world,” can I? I imagine literally every review is going to read the same way – wait, I already did. Shit. Whatever, guess I’ll have to embrace it. What’s that? Yes, I know there’s a delete key – but I’ve come too far already.
In a world where female voice-over artists struggle to join the boy’s club such a profession has become, one heroic woman plans to stand up and let her majestic voice be heard. That woman is played by the funny and talented Lake Bell, who also serves as both writer (she won Best Screenplay at 2013′s Sundance Film Festival) and director for her first feature film In A World…, which features a who’s who of comedic talent and popular off-screen voices. Didn’t know the voice-over game was such a big deal?...
In a world where female voice-over artists struggle to join the boy’s club such a profession has become, one heroic woman plans to stand up and let her majestic voice be heard. That woman is played by the funny and talented Lake Bell, who also serves as both writer (she won Best Screenplay at 2013′s Sundance Film Festival) and director for her first feature film In A World…, which features a who’s who of comedic talent and popular off-screen voices. Didn’t know the voice-over game was such a big deal?...
- 8/6/2013
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
It’s impossible to read the title of Lake Bell’s feature directorial debut In a World… without mimicking the iconic voice of Don Lafontaine, the godfather of movie trailers. While trailers have moved from in-theater events to online exclusives, Bell says in our short-attention span culture they serve as a way to get people excited and engaged.
“A good trailer is a good trailer, there’s no arguing that, whether you’ve seen it online, whether you’ve seen it in the theater,” Bell told EW from the set of the upcoming comedy Million Dollar Arm. “We culturally are...
“A good trailer is a good trailer, there’s no arguing that, whether you’ve seen it online, whether you’ve seen it in the theater,” Bell told EW from the set of the upcoming comedy Million Dollar Arm. “We culturally are...
- 6/21/2013
- by Laura Hertzfeld
- EW - Inside Movies
In a world... where female writers are scarce and female writer/directors even more so, Lake Bell has done both with panache in her feature debut, “In A World...” That the film itself is a meta-commentary on the persistent and open sexism in Hollywood is even more impressive. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s funny to boot. “In A World...” takes place within the cottage industry of voice over artists in Hollywood, with Bell starring as Carol Solomon, the daughter of Sam Sotto (Fred Melamed), a legendary voice over artist. All of the artists live in the shadow of Don La Fontaine, as evidenced by the opening credits faux newsreel about his death. An aspiring voice over artist herself, Carol makes a living as an accent and vocal coach, though she longs for the big leagues. While Sam cares about Carol, he’s also egotistical and selfish, and...
- 6/18/2013
- by Katie Walsh
- The Playlist
Mark Hamill, best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy, will receive the Don Lafontaine Legacy Award during PromaxBDA's 2013 conference, set for June 18-20 in Los Angeles. Hamill, who also is known as the voice of the Joker for the animated Batman series, will accept the honor June 20 at the PromaxBDA Promotion, Marketing and Design Awards Ceremony. Comedian Jay Mohr will host the ceremony. Photos: 'Star Wars' Actors: Then and Now “Mark Hamill is one of the most iconic names in Hollywood," says Jonathan Block-Verk, president and CEO of PromaxBDA International.
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- 5/23/2013
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After a miserable few months of suffering a pallid and grey smothering of inclement weather it seems altogether fitting that as the furtive golden orb peeks beyond the dissipating clouds the Sundance Film Festival returns to London. Now in it’s second year fans of alternative and independent cinema descend upon Greenwich’s O2 entertainment complex to enjoy a slightly more leftfield blend of fiction and non-fiction cinema, music and debate, conducted over four days of screenings, panels, live discussions and workshops. This is the first international deployment of Robert Redford’s Utah birthed Us champion of non-studio decreed film culture, a fertile ground of inspiration and innovation where the likes of Steven Soderbergh, Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith (to name just three) fumbled their first sweet kisses of wider media exposure. Almost three decades hence and the festival is still regarded as one of the most important platforms of film culture in the world,...
- 4/27/2013
- by John
- SoundOnSight
Over the years, voice-overs in trailers have largely been substituted for flashes of capitalised text and droning horns as a means of pressing the imprint of a film on one’s memory. As with most things that die out quietly with the passage of time, we probably took the sounds of Don Lafontaine’s throaty tones far too much for granted. The death of this particular trend is understandable given each blockbuster franchise’s preference to retain insular identities (while ironically mimicking each other). In 2013, to hear a proposition such as Lafontaine’s overlaying a high-octane action teaser would surely raise viewers’ eyebrows and slouched backs.
In a World… posits the unlikely scenario of this trend’s resurrection and the whirlwind effect it has on a close-knit group of Hollywood players, each vying to be the new voice of the multiplex. Vocal coach Carol Solomon (Lake Bell, also writer and...
In a World… posits the unlikely scenario of this trend’s resurrection and the whirlwind effect it has on a close-knit group of Hollywood players, each vying to be the new voice of the multiplex. Vocal coach Carol Solomon (Lake Bell, also writer and...
- 4/27/2013
- by Ed Doyle
- SoundOnSight
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Winner of this year’s Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award: U.S. Dramatic, In A World… is the writer-director debut of actress Lake Bell, best known for her work on TV shows Boston Legal and How to Make It in America. Tackling the super-niche subject of competitive, neurotic voice-over artists, Bell’s telling musings on creative industries and her uniquely quirky sense of humour ensure this is a real hoot for viewers inclined to bite down on the strange subject matter.
Opening with a credits montage featuring clips of legendary late trailer voice-over God Don Lafontaine, the film notes quite rightly that movie trailers have not been the same since his passing five years ago. A replacement, someone to voice every new epic movie trailer, is being sought, and it has come down to three people – egotistical upstart Gustav (Ken Marino), the new King of voice-overs, Sam...
Winner of this year’s Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award: U.S. Dramatic, In A World… is the writer-director debut of actress Lake Bell, best known for her work on TV shows Boston Legal and How to Make It in America. Tackling the super-niche subject of competitive, neurotic voice-over artists, Bell’s telling musings on creative industries and her uniquely quirky sense of humour ensure this is a real hoot for viewers inclined to bite down on the strange subject matter.
Opening with a credits montage featuring clips of legendary late trailer voice-over God Don Lafontaine, the film notes quite rightly that movie trailers have not been the same since his passing five years ago. A replacement, someone to voice every new epic movie trailer, is being sought, and it has come down to three people – egotistical upstart Gustav (Ken Marino), the new King of voice-overs, Sam...
- 4/26/2013
- by Shaun Munro
- Obsessed with Film
‘Les Misérables’ Soundtrack signed by Cast, ‘Life of Pi’ Poster signed by Director Ang Lee Still Available in SAG Awards® Auction. Select items from the SAG Awards® Ceremony Auction benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation?s Children?s Literacy and Emergency Assistance programs are still available online on the SAG Awards Auction website. The items will be available until tomorrow, Friday, February 8, at 6 p.m. Pt. Up for bids: ‘Les Miserables’ soundtrack signed by Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne and Director Tom Hooper ‘Life of Pi’ package: “The Making of Life of Pi” book and movie poster signed by Director Ang Lee Champagne Taittinger 6L bottle signed by 19th Annual SAG Awards recipients ‘Chocolate Me!’ children’s book and T-Shirt (Size M) Signed by author Taye Diggs Two bottles of Mercury Geyserville Alexander Valley Wines: 2008 Messenger and 2005 Rocket 6L bottle of Justin Vineyard’s Isosceles Proceeds from the SAG Awards Ceremony...
- 2/7/2013
- by hnblog@hollywoodnews.com (Hollywood News Team)
- Hollywoodnews.com
The Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Audible.com, a leading producer and distributor of audiobooks, are teaming up to offer unique educational and employment opportunities for selected voiceover artists.SAG-aftra members nationwide are eligible to record and submit a five-minute audio audition for the chance to earn a 13-week narrating contract with Audible. The submission deadline has just been extended until 6 p.m. Pst on Thursday, Jan. 31, “due to considerable interest,” the SAG Foundation announced Jan. 29.Audible will ultimately hire four voiceover artists—two males and two females—from 20 finalists, who will be chosen by the company’s producers.The SAG Foundation’s new partnership with Audible.com is intended to educate and train guild members about the craft of voice acting, in preparation for the opportunity to work for Audible Studios, the company’s production division.Twenty voice actors will be invited to participate in a training course at...
- 1/30/2013
- backstage.com
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