Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to DONNA GRILLO. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
DONNA, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I wanted a job where I affected people in a positive manner and helped others with their career dreams along the way. Voiceover Casting was a perfect way to help people realize their dreams and then when I started producing voiceover demos and teaching voiceover acting I realized I found my calling. I help people achieve their dreams of working in a field that is creative and fun yet seriously important for the success of the entire show. We make cartoons. We laugh a lot!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Donna Grillo Voiceover Services (donnagrillo.com) I juggle a lot of hats but I’m most focused on teaching actors how to be great voiceover (VO) actors and producing their voiceover demos. I like teaching VO acting because the focus is on the actors individual talents, what they bring to the part that makes it memorable. And when we’re producing a VO demo I really dig deep in to the actors personality so we can write scripts that reflect their sense of humor or serious acting. I don’t want them copying another actor, I want their special ideas and talents. It’s almost like a therapy session at the same time – you’re getting to be creative and encouraged to bring out those characters that are inside of you.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I’m a film buff so I can talk movies made in the ’30’s as well as current ones. That knowledge has given me a deep well to draw from.
I’m not afraid to share my ideas. The reason I became a Casting Director is because no matter where I worked I was always giving my opinion of who we should cast. My boss finally said, “you should be a casting director” and I ran with that and made it happen.
Skill up, start at the bottom if you have to, but keep the momentum going. Know your field backwards and forwards, become an asset and the “go to” person in your field. And be organized and truthful and upstanding. People trust my word, they know I don’t lie. I think the trust factor is important and I know agents, actors and producers love working with me because I can deliver a creative product in a honest way while honoring both the producer (costs) and the actors talents.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is one who is focused, inspired and not afraid to take a chance. It can take years to establish yourself as a voiceover actor so you need stamina and faith to keep you going. And you need to grow all of the time – not just study and make a demo. New characters are always needed, you don’t want to be one note.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donnagrillo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnagrillocasting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-grillo-46049410/
Image Credits
The picture of me with actor that says I am Kenough – please add to credit: Donna Grillo with Voiceover Actor Wyatt James
The one of me and guy with beard in the studio – please add: Donna Grillo recording Jack Davidson’s commercial demo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
