We were lucky to catch up with Eric Horowitz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Eric with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I learned my work ethic from my dad and mom. My dad was a Realtor and owned his own office, where my mother worked as well. In fact, my whole family worked there at some point. I started there when I was 15, just helping out around the office. The ethic was I would show you how to do xyz by doing it you watch/follow, I will explain as I go. I always took the initiative with my work. When I was working on a production shoot, as a Gaffer/Grip, I always made sure I knew what the next scene was, had everything ready, and organized to get it up and running. The faster we got in and done the faster we get out and save money plus home to sleep and be with family. When I was younger, my dad told me on the way to a Flyers game a little rhyme to apply to work. Good, better, best. Never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best. Work hard and keep improving.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a voice actor from Philadelphia, and my goal one day is to have my scripted comedy podcast, I currently Produce with my close friend Rob Palmer, become a cartoon. I have always been interested in voice acting/over. I have never had a desire to be on camera. However, the idea that my voice can be any character, animal creature or alien imagined just fascinates me. On my show, Potchki Audio Chronicles, I play the lead, Lester Potchki, along with a few other characters and back ground characters. Creating and imagining the world for my cast is just invigorating. To have an open world where Rob and I can just say we are going to create our own Jewish wrestling federation for two episodes or what if our characters go to space? It is our toy box to do with as we please and let our imaginations run wild.
I enjoy being creative, there is a rush when something clicks and we start to write a new idea for our show. Going from point A to B but also figuring out how to get it to point C in the script is a fun puzzle. Moreover, you have to make it funny. My goal is if I can make Rob laugh or he makes me laugh we found something good. Besides working on Potchki I am also looking for my next voice over audition. Each audition is something new and creative and allows you to find a new character or emotion you can add to your rolodex of characters or acting style.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One of the most important qualities I have is my humor. Without it I don’t think I would be creative. I like how I can see a word/phrase or hear a word and then create something off that. It’s almost like improv which is another quality I hold dear. Thinking on the spot and just riffing with my friends or girlfriend in the middle of a store is so much fun. The looks we would get from people is so worth it. Especially if they are laughing at us. Amy, my girlfriend, and I will just create characters while cooking or shopping. This ability allows me to explore new voices and places to take these characters. Eventually I would love to put them in shows or use them for video games. Being able to make an ass of yourself in public without causing an issue, of course, is so freeing.
One of the main aspects to voice over is the ability to improv.
Like they say on Ted Lasso “Football is Life.” Well to a voice actor Improv is life.
The third quality would be encouragement from those around you. The support you get in the voice over world is amazing. There is nothing but encouragement on FB community pages like Blumvox Studios. If you need help or have a question, there are hundreds of people ready to answer. If I feel depressed or need to talk, I have my cast to go to. We can chat or zoom to encourage each other for the next audition or class. Knowing you have the support of loved ones and friends will take you far in life.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Wow, this pulldown had some good ones and I think I will cover a few here. First Steve Blum and Blumvox Studios is an online voice over class/community on FB that I joined when it was first launched. I learned a lot from Steve about being a voice actor, he is one of my mentors. From the community I learned of a few different voice over podcasts to listen too. One day I heard my current coach/mentor/friend Richard Tatum on Voice Acting Mastery hosted by Crispin Freeman. Since working with him he has taught me how to be a better voice actor. He showed me how to break down copy or script and develop a character. He has inspired me to work hard and get to where I want to be. Richard is a wonderful mentor, incredible coach and most importantly my friend. I have never taken an acting class before and when I told him that he was surprised. He said what are we doing now? Acting! Voice acting is such an incredible art form, the entire character you see and hear is just coming from your voice, unlike tv or film where you can emote. We have to bring a picture to life. Rich has helped me do that. Next, is to add more agents to my career and get more auditions which will lead to work. I also will need to expand my career by taking more classes. This takes time to nurture your skill, by working with different coaches and casting directors so you progress. Even the pros still work with coaches. Actors are always learning and evolving.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ericnhorowitz.com
- Instagram: eric_witz10
- Facebook: Eric Horowitz
- Linkedin: Eric Horowitz
- Twitter: witz10
- Other: TikTok Witzvoice
Image Credits
Amy Delosso took all the pictures she is my lovely amazing talented girlfriend.
