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Interview with an Alien: Behind the Scenes of ‘Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth’

March 27, 2025 by Debbie Grattan

No matter what some horror flicks may depict, not every extra-terrestrial creature is out to conquer the Earth. In fact, some aliens pay us a visit to learn more about our planet – while helping our kids do the same.

Such is the case for the one-eyed purple alien Teek, the star of “Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth.” This five-part animated series connects Teek with NOAA climate scientist Tom Di Liberto as the two delve into the ocean’s influence on our planet’s weather and climate.

Available for free on the NOAA website, the series is designed for students in fourth to sixth grades. Each animated video comes with downloadable lesson plans for teachers to use in the classroom.

It’s not just the educational and entertainment value that make this series special, either. The two-year project is close to our hearts because my daughter Natalie Rarick is the voice of Teek.

As a 23-year-old voice over artist who already has years of experience, Natalie was an ideal fit for the role. (And I’m not just saying that because I’m her mom…or her manager!)

Natalie says:

“They wanted Teek to be a young-sounding character, while also having a lot of range and being highly directable. So, they wanted a child sound without actually casting a child — which is kind of my specialty!”

‘Teek and Tom’ Fun Tidbits

We wanted to share some fun behind-the-scenes tidbits that made working on this project absolutely out of this world.

Alien Roles Are Popular

Teek is actually the second animated alien character Natalie has recently played. She was the voice of Axis in an e-learning program designed to teach grammar rules and English. While Axis stayed solely in world of animation, Teek gets to interact with live-action actors.

Since Teek is working on an alien class project about the planet Earth, each “Teek and Tom” episode is also jam-packed with tons of information – including a few fun facts even adults may not know.

Natalie says:

“This series is a unique and creative way to teach about Earth’s weather, ocean, and climate, and is as entertaining as it is educational. It also talks about how special Earth’s unique geography and weather systems are – Teek had to come all the way across the galaxy to find it, and there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the universe!”

Project Was a True Collaboration

Not only is portraying a character more creative than recording straight-up narration or commercial work, but it was a true collaborative process. Natalie worked side-by-side with the writing and the animation teams for each episode.

The process went like this:

Animators gave Natale their storyboards to portray Teek’s emotions and movements (such as lounging on a space couch or pulling a heavy object)
Natalie recorded her performance, based on info from the storyboards
Animation team incorporated Natalie’s emotion, tone and pacing into the final visuals

Natalie says:

“That kind of collaboration is one of my favorite things to do as VO talent!”

Alien Boy Scout Was the Blueprint

Natalie has been doing voice overs since she was a kid, and child voices remain her most successful market. She also works with kids in her day to-day life, as a teaching artist, giving her tons of references to pull from.

Once she was cast as Teek, there were several tweaks made to the character. Teek started as a boy alien, then became a girl alien, until the team finally settled on a non-binary alien.

Natalie’s versatility and experience let them experiment with several approaches before landing on a style with which they most connected.

Teek fits very comfortably into her Child / Character and Animation voice profile, though their journey took them all throughout the range of Natalie’s voice! In general, children’s voices sound more androgynous than adults, as young boys and girls both have higher pitched voices. For Natalie, boy voices command a slightly lower pitch, more rasp, and a more nasal sound. Girl voices, however, sit higher on her soft palate, and generally sound “sweeter.” While each character is unique, she often pulls inspiration from animation that she enjoys — including Aang from “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

Natalie says:

“Teek is also a highly enthusiastic and playful, but also very caring and curious little alien, so I portrayed them as very high-energy but still believable. When recording, I liked to picture Teek like a green alien Boy Scout – with the uniform and everything!”

Marshmallows Brought Out the Best

Once the sound of Teek’s voice was pegged down, it was time for Natalie to develop the character’s personality. She says Teek’s personality came through the most during some of the lines relating to food.

Natalie says:

“Teek LOVES eating marshmallows, and the more we recorded lines about how much Teek loved food, the more the writers kept adding! I think that quirk of Teek being a tween who loves sweets made them very relatable to kid audiences who might be watching this show.”

Aliens Move Apartments – But Still Sound the Same

The biggest challenge with the role was recording some of the pickups out of context. The project took two years to complete, with a lot of changes to the script along the way. It’s imperative to make the pickups fit smoothly with the rest of the audio. This requires finding the exact emotion, tone and placement of the voice as in the original recording.

Natalie had also moved to a new apartment during the project, so her studio sound had to perfectly match her old studio as well. Two years for a project of this scope is not surprising.

Natalie says:

“Animation of that scale takes quite a long time! And voiceover is actually one of the quicker parts of the process. They say that, for really polished animation, it takes about a week of work to complete 6 seconds of visuals. Of course, for VO artists, it takes about 30 seconds to complete 6 seconds!”

The Best Part of the Project

The most enjoyable aspect of many projects is seeing pieces of the finished product as you go along. This was definitely the case for Natalie with “Teek and Tom.”

Natalie says:

“With the final few episodes still left to record, I remember seeing the ‘Intro’ for the first time and feeling so gratified and excited to hear my voice finally paired with Teek in a polished animation. Once a project is completed and polished like that, I can almost forget it’s me! That voice belonged to Teek now.”

Hear Teek in action in Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth. Learn more about Natalie on her website at NatalieRarick.com.

Does a VO Artist Have to Believe in What They’re Selling to Sell It?

August 26, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

With buzz phrases like “bring your whole self to work” and social media posts that showcase everything from controversial opinions to private details on, say, hernia operations, the lines between professional and personal lives are becoming increasingly blurred.

So blurry, in fact, that I was recently asked an interesting question I wanted to address:

Does a voice artist have to believe in what they’re selling to sell it?

The question comes with a short answer that speaks to the very core of what acting is. But it also comes with a longer answer that addresses more complex issues lurking beneath the surface, such as:

What happens if a job goes against your values?
What if your friends, family members, inner circles or the mainstream disagrees?
Can you and/or should you keep your professional and personal life separate?
Aren’t we meant to express our individuality in everything we do?

We’ll touch on those more complex topics down the line. Let’s start with the short answer to the question about whether or not you need to believe in what you’re selling to sell it. And of course, this is just my personal opinion, and not any endorsement for what others may wish to do.

The Short Answer

The short answer is no. Good acting is being able to make the audience believe you, whether you’re personally on board with the product, service, client mindset or character or not. This applies whether you’re selling children’s toys or depicting an evil villain.

In fact, we could say that actors who receive death threats due to the unlikable characters they portray may be generating some of the most believable acting out there.

Even if those actors are wildly different than the characters they play, they’ve tapped into what acting is all about. It’s the ability to use the tools to portray things that may not be part of your personal experience. The same holds fast with voice over work for advertising.

There are a lot of things that we are not personally connected to, have not used or may never use. But that doesn’t mean we can’t effectively take on the job and make believe we’re fully on board. Yet there may be times when we aren’t willing to.

Drawing the Line on Jobs We Take

The lines are going to be different for everyone, based on what aligns morally or personally with our own set of beliefs. But like most things, the lines are not always cut and dry – or a definitive yes or no when it comes to taking on work.

Sometimes you may not even know enough about product, service or company to know if it’s something you believe in it or not. It would be impossible to take the time to research every single thing we do to make sure that it aligns 100% with our way of thinking.

Although it’s a bit easier today to get a feel for the general consensus around a general product or philosophy – such as climate change or big pharma – there are still smaller things within those bigger groups. Those smaller things may be something that we can support, even if we don’t support the larger philosophy.

And even if we’re not fully on board with a certain viewpoint – particularly political ones – that doesn’t mean we are always unwilling or unable to do the job.

I do have a political viewpoint that is my personal viewpoint, but I have voiced for another team. Oftentimes it’s another team that’s in a down-ballot race or in a smaller area, or maybe the copy used is not as inflammatory as some of the things you might find in a national election for a high-ticket candidate.

Years ago, when political viewpoint wasn’t such a differentiating factor, we didn’t even know the difference between that proposition or this particular candidate’s platforms. Now people seem to be much more informed. It can present in a way where you do have to make a choice on what candidate, company or cause you are willing to have your voice attached to.

In my experience, that choice can be most effectively made when I keep four key concepts as my guides:

Emotional Intelligence
Integrity
Workplace Intelligence
Common Sense

Emotional Intelligence

In short, emotional intelligence (EI) is our ability to manage our own emotions while also understanding the emotions of those around us. Strengthening our emotional intelligence means paying attention to:

What we’re feeling
How we express, manage and regulate what we’re feeling
What motivates us
Empathy for those around us
Social interactions and skills

When used as a guide in both home and work situations, emotional intelligence can enhance all relationships while helping us understand ourselves and others.

While I can relate to the viewpoints of my family members and friends, I don’t always agree with them. That’s likely the case with most families. And I would, and have, absolutely taken on jobs with which I knew they disagreed.

Does everyone always agree 100% with their partner? Their husband, wife, child, adult child, or longtime friends?

We are all individual with our own individual set of beliefs. While we tend to group together with people with whom we have some shared beliefs and commonality, we don’t have to agree with everybody on every level. We never will. So I’m not going to consult with my friends or family before I take a job.

Because my husband is also a partner in my business, I might run some things past him just to get his input to see if I’m in integrity with what I’m doing.

Integrity

Integrity to me means being honest and true to myself. For instance, if I were asked to voice for a political candidate to which I was diametrically opposed, I would have to say no – no matter what the price.

I would do the same for any company, product or service that I felt was negatively affecting or harming people or causing distress.

Workplace Intelligence

Workplace intelligence is a term I’m using to describe the most effective mindset for working…And that’s remembering we come to work, well, to work. The workplace was not designed to be an arena for activism, arguments, political debates or railing against the injustices of the company. If that’s the case, go work for a different company.

There may be jobs where we have to hold our noses to get the work done. I don’t look at that as a sign of weakness, but one of maturity. So is establishing criteria for jobs you would or would not take.

Money is a big factor when it comes to taking on jobs – but again, no amount of money would be enough to make me voice something I really oppose.

Working with people I trust is another factor. I have a lot of repeat clients, and I’m more apt to say yes to jobs from trusted people that I’ve worked with before… Even if their viewpoint is different than mine.

I work with people on both sides of the political spectrum, and I’m personally involved with them. I have relationships with people and they don’t know where I stand on certain issues. They probably think I’m with them – but maybe I’m not. Here’s where good acting can also come in! I am not trying to deceive anyone, but there is sometimes a way of saying (or not saying) something that is a way of protecting my personal beliefs and also not disrespecting theirs.

In these cases, I’m still able, willing and glad to do the job, which is showing up for work to work.

Common Sense

Common sense is also a great guide, particularly when it comes to knowing when to keep our mouths shut. Especially on social media, I try not to post controversial things because I am a business owner. I’m a name and a product; a company that I don’t want perceived as leaning one way or another.

Letting my personal beliefs be known may offset someone who then wouldn’t hire me for something non-political. Perhaps they’d say, “Oh, I don’t agree with her choice for a president, so I’m not going to hire her to voice my job for my food item.”

Sadly, that can be the case. So I do have to be careful about my brand and not polarizing.

I tend to be fairly opinionated and fairly vocal, but I try not to be when working with clients. Sometimes I really have to practice restraint so I don’t let a comment slide that can be taken the wrong way in a session. You just never know who is listening and who is going to be offended, especially these days. But that’s just my viewpoint.

I do know other voice talent who are very vocal in their political positions, regardless if it runs the risk of making people not want to hire them. That is their choice. Some people feel they have to speak out, and more power to them if they feel strongly about that.

We do have freedom of speech, after all. But in my opinion, just because we are free to say anything we wish doesn’t mean we are obliged to. Discernment is one of my very good friends.

The Bottom Line: Suggestions Going Forward

Everybody has their own set of individual beliefs, no matter what they’re doing. Voice actors are hired to represent a company, a brand, a philosophy, a product or service – whatever it is.

If you feel like they can do a job, even if it is not in alignment with your personal beliefs, and you are OK with doing that – then more power to you. That’s great. We all have to make our own choices, and (nearly) every choice is valid.

I wouldn’t demonize somebody who takes money from a side they don’t like if they have a good reason for it. Making money and keeping your livelihood alive is a pretty good reason. So I don’t begrudge anybody for maybe having to hold their nose when they’re doing something that they may disagree with… Or being nice in a session and not speaking out with their own opinions.

Didn’t Mom always say, “If you don’t have anything nice to say…don’t say anything at all.” Good advice still.

But, there are places where it’s a matter of drawing the line. Each individual situation presents a choice for the artist to figure out. Do I want to put my voice on this or not? Will people hear my voice on this and associate me in a way that may be negative for them? What are the benefits versus the detriments of taking a particular job?

Just because good actors can believably sell anything does not necessarily mean they have to. The decision is ours. And it may be made a bit more easily with emotional intelligence, integrity, workplace intelligence and common sense as our guides.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with New Animated Show ‘MechWest’ (Featuring Mother-Daughter Voice Over Team)

April 11, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

Mech West branding for mother daughter voice over interview — Mech West Featuring Mother Daughter Voice Over Team

Who doesn’t love a good Western? OK, we’ll admit the typical Western may not be everyone’s cup of, say, homemade whiskey. But the new animated series “MechWest” is definitely not typical.

“MechWest” is an enchanting cartoon world where robots, known as mechs, meet the Wild West. While the mechs are generally treated (and mis-treated) by everyone as mere hunks of metal, that’s not the case for the story’s hero Pearl West. She sees beyond their steely exterior, which prompts the most intriguing events to unfold… especially when she meets a special mech named Six.

The delightful concept is just one of a whole saddlebag full of reasons to fall in love with “MechWest.” Here come several others:

It Features a Mother Daughter Voice Over Team

And we’re thrilled about it! The mother and daughter characters in “MechWest” are voiced by myself and my daughter Natalie Rarick. Not only do we have the pleasure of working together on the series, but we were able to share a bit of our background and experience with the show in two local Michiana news outlets.

Check out our interview on ABC57 by clicking here.

Here is an image of two characters played in MechWest from the Mother Daughter Voice Over Team — Shot from MechWech – Mother Daughter Voice Over Team

Take a peek at our interview on Experience Michiana WNIT (PBS affiliate) by clicking here.

Image from the new animation 'MechWest' representing the Mother Daughter Voice Over Team — Still from MechWest – Mother Daughter Voice Over Team article

While we don’t want to give all the details away, we will share a few more tidbits highlighting additional things to love about “MechWest.”

It Has a Behind-the-Scenes Michiana Angle

My family and I have lived in Michiana for years. When show producers asked if I knew any voice actors ideal for the role of the father, another Michiana local came to mind. He got the part. (Get more details in the above interviews.)

Created by Father Son Production Team Voiced by Mother Daughter Voice Over Team

As if the local angle wasn’t notable enough, the series is also a family affair. Father and son created it. (More details in the above interviews.)

The Hero is Adorable

Main character Pearl West is not the type of hero who reins in stampedes or leaps tall buildings in a single bound. She’s actually a bit dorky and anxious. But that’s what makes her relatable, while her compassion makes her loveable.

Learn more about Pearl West as well as Natalie’s take on playing the part:

It Was Funded by Enthusiasm

“MechWest” met its Kickstarter self-funding goal well before the deadline. That means people were definitely excited about the show. Self-funding also means the producers, writers and other crew members get to retain creative freedom – while serving up free viewing of the indie animated Western on YouTube.

Check out the first episode here:

Animated Alt Western Creating Instant Fans

This show has been in the making for several years, and the interviews tell you why. If you become an instant fan, let the “MechWest” crew know by showing your support.

Like and subscribe to the YouTube channel here
Visit the MechWest website here

Hope you enjoy the show as much as we have so far – and ride happily off into the “MechWest” sunset.

The Art of A Voice Actors Branding

February 16, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

In the highly competitive field of voice acting, establishing a strong personal brand is not just an option—it’s a necessity. A voice actors branding encompasses their identity, values, and the unique qualities they bring to the table. Here’s how vital components like a professional voiceover reel, exceptional talent, and cohesive branding elements play a crucial role in setting a voice actor apart. Before we move on, you want to present yourself in the best light possible and this is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd. We are all human, and that means we all want to make genuine connections.

The Cornerstone: The Voice Actors Reel

A top-notch voiceover reel is the cornerstone of a voice actor’s brand. It’s the first impression potential clients get, showcasing your range, versatility, and skill. Investing in high-quality recordings that highlight your best work is essential. This reel not only demonstrates your talent but also your commitment to professionalism and quality. This is your trump card for establishing representation with an agent. In latter days reels do not book a lot of work, but they do get you representation.

Foundation in Training and Skill

Exceptional talent is founded on rigorous training and skill development. Continuous learning and refinement of your craft are what elevate you from an amateur to a professional. This dedication to excellence should be a key message in your branding, resonating with clients who seek the best in the business. As voice performers, we should always be looking to develop in this area. Perhaps you are embarking on an area that you have not ventured into before, that’s great! but maybe take a class to help you on your way. Even if it is the same work you have always done, make sure you are staying up to date with the latest trends and practicing your talent. This is key to maintaining a high standard.

The Visual Aspect: Voice Actor Headshots

Even though voice actors aren’t seen in their performances, a professional headshot is a critical branding tool. It adds a personal touch, allowing clients to connect with the person behind the voice. This visual element should reflect your professional persona and be consistent with the overall tone of your branding. We all like to put a face to a name, but we also like to put a face to a voice. As you develop in your voiceover career there is a good chance you may find yourself at a networking event be it for a conference or an award ceremony. Knowing what someone looks like in this scenario is a big help.

Professional Voice Actors Websites

An excellent website is the digital gateway to your brand, offering clients an easy and intuitive way to explore your work, understand your services, and contact you. Your site should be aesthetically pleasing, mobile-friendly, and aligned with your brand’s visual and tonal elements. It’s an extension of your reel and headshot, providing a fuller picture of who you are as a professional. Consistency is key in branding. Ensure your e-signature, website, business cards, and any other branding materials carry the same visual style and message. This uniformity strengthens your brand identity, making you more memorable and professional in the eyes of potential clients.

A Voice Actors Branding Wrapped Up

In the world of voice acting, your brand is your promise—a promise of quality, professionalism, and unique talent. Every element, from your voiceover reel to your website, plays a pivotal role in communicating this promise. By investing in these aspects and ensuring consistency across your branding, you set the stage for a successful and distinguished career in voice acting. Staying up-to-date and current in the industry will help you to grow as a voice actor and maintain a high status with regular clients.

The Art of Voice Actors Branding by Debbie Grattan

A Voiceover Demo That Stands Out

January 31, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

In the competitive world of voice acting, having a voiceover demo that stands out is crucial. It’s your auditory business card, your portfolio, and often your first impression. But what makes a good voiceover reel, and how do different types of demos, like commercial and video game demos, serve unique purposes? Well, to answer these questions we need to dig into the subject a bit more and define what good looks like against one’s own personal budget.

The Essence of a Good Voiceover Demo

A top-notch voiceover reel is more than just a collection of your best work; it’s a showcase of your versatility, range, and unique vocal qualities. The key elements of a good reel include, firstly: Clarity and Quality (High audio quality is non-negotiable. Your voice should be crystal clear without any background noise). Next up we have: Range and Versatility (Display a variety of styles and tones to demonstrate your range. This could include different emotions, paces, and character types). Third on our list is: Brevity and Impact (Keep it short and sweet, typically around 60-90 seconds, ensuring each clip makes a strong impact. Then to finish up our list we have: Relevance: (Tailor your reel to your target market. If you’re aiming for commercial work, your reel should reflect this).

Commercial vs. Video Game Demos: Understanding the Differences

To break this down we have to look at the purpose, content, and focus for each demo. Starting with the purpose, commercials are designed to showcase how your voice can sell a product or service whereas video games demonstrate the ability to bring a character to life. With content, commercials include snippets of potential advertisements and are very conversational, whereas video games feature characters, heavy emotions, and often action-packed scenarios. Then with focus, we have clarity, reliability, and connection for commercials whilst in video games we see versatility, character portrayal, emotional depth, and consistency.

Having both commercial and video game demos is crucial because they serve different purposes and target different segments of the voiceover industry. A diverse portfolio opens up more opportunities and showcases your adaptability as a voice actor. This truth is transferable to all sectors of the voiceover industry be it audiobooks, anime, or IVR.

Voiceover Demo Summary

A well-crafted voiceover reel is an indispensable tool for any voice actor. It should be a reflection of your best work, versatility, and uniqueness. Whether it’s a commercial, video game demo, or another genre, each serves a specific purpose and demonstrates different aspects of your voice-acting abilities. With strategic planning and smart investment, you can create a reel that stands out, even on a budget. In the ever-evolving field of voice acting, your voiceover reel is the key to unlocking new opportunities. The top tip to close is to not cut corners with practicing or go for a poor producer due to budget. It is better to save up a bit longer and walk away with gold than to cheap out on day one and walk away with trash.

A Voiceover Demo That Stands Out by Debbie Grattan

The Voiceover Industry in 2024

January 22, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

The voiceover industry in 2024 is going to be exciting. Until now, it has always been a dynamic field, adapting and evolving with technological advances and changing market demands. As we step into 2024, it’s crucial to look ahead and anticipate the trends and transformations that will shape the voiceover landscape. Covering AI and the synthetic voices, looking at new media and trends, exploring the global market and the industry network, and learning what’s to come are just a few subjects we can cover in this article.

The Rise of AI and Synthetic Voices

One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the advent of AI and synthetic voices. In 2024, we can expect these technologies to become more sophisticated, offering even more realistic and human-like voice options. However, this doesn’t necessarily spell doom for human voice actors. Instead, it presents a new realm of opportunities where the art of voiceover can merge with technology, creating new avenues for creativity and innovation.

Increased Demand in Emerging Media in 2024

Emerging media platforms, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are becoming more mainstream. Voiceover artists can expect a surge in demand for immersive and interactive voice work. This shift calls for versatility and adaptability in performance, as voice actors will need to bring life to more dynamic and diverse characters and scenarios.

The trend of home studios, which gained momentum during the pandemic, will continue to grow in 2024. Voiceover artists will invest more in creating professional-grade home studios, allowing for greater flexibility and the ability to work with clients globally. This shift also emphasizes the importance of sound engineering skills and understanding the technical aspects of voice recording.

Globalization of the Voiceover Industry

The voiceover industry is becoming increasingly global. In 2024, artists should be prepared to cater to a diverse range of clients and audiences. This includes not only adapting to different languages and accents but also understanding cultural nuances that can impact voiceover work. There’s a growing demand for authentic and diverse voices that reflect the world’s diversity. This trend is about more than just different accents or languages; it’s about bringing genuine, relatable voices to the forefront. Voiceover artists who can bring unique perspectives and authenticity to their work will find themselves in high demand.

Continued Importance of Networking and Personal Branding

Even as technology advances, the fundamentals of networking and personal branding remain crucial. Building a strong personal brand and cultivating a professional network will continue to be essential strategies for voiceover artists looking to thrive in 2024. Consumer behaviors and preferences are constantly evolving, and voiceover artists must adapt accordingly. This means staying updated on the latest trends in advertising, entertainment, and media consumption, ensuring that their skills and offerings remain relevant and in demand.

Voiceover Industry in 2024

Lastly, the importance of continuous learning cannot be overstated. Whether it’s mastering new software, understanding the nuances of different voiceover genres, or keeping up with industry best practices, ongoing education will be key to success in the voiceover industry in 2024. The voiceover industry in 2024 will be marked by technological advancements, emerging media platforms, and a global, inclusive market. Success in this dynamic environment will require adaptability, continuous learning, and a keen understanding of both the art and business of voiceover. For those willing to embrace these changes, the future looks bright and filled with opportunities.

VERSATILE

EXPERIENCED

PROFESSIONAL