Monday, June 17, 2013

In a world, a movie set in the world of Hollywood voice-over talent


It is well known that voice-overs for film previews have been almost exclusively performed by men. Don LaFontaine, American voice actor famous for recording more than 5,000 film trailers,  and hundred of thousands of TV advertisements, video game trailers, became known for his “In a world….” phrase, he poked fun of his cliche phrase at various events, including the Geico commercial.

In A World, three words genetically, male oriented, and not uttered by a woman in a movie trailer. Until now, where Lake Bell makes her writing-directing debut, as well as leads the cast in.... “In A World” the winner of Best Screenplay at Sundance.

This upcoming movie is all about an actress trying to make it in the voiceover business. Motivated by her father, the king of movie-trailer voice-overs, to pursue her aspirations of becoming a voiceover star with all of the trials and tribulations that come with her career. She sets out to change the voice of a generation.

The title somewhat  refers to the intro that begins so many trailers for movies set in the future. The man who has undoubtedly uttered these words more than anyone else was Don LaFontaine, who over the past 25 years cemented his position as the “King of Voice-overs.”  Aside from his continuing work in the trailer industry, he has also been the voice of NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox and UPN, in addition to TNT, TBS and the Cartoon Network. Based on contracts signed, he has the distinction of being perhaps the single busiest actor in the history of SAG. In September 1st, 2008,  La Fontaine died at the age of 68 following complications from a collapsed lung. 

Offering an amusing peek into a seldom-visited corner of showbiz, this movie could kick up some theatrical returns with judicious handling and the help of smartly nurtured word-of-mouth.


In  a World opens in limited release on August 9.


No comments:

Post a Comment