"I pursue my dreams with backup from the most supportive people."

It’s a daunting task to discover if the world values your lifetime-learned skills or not.

I entered the voiceover arts when I was twelve years old. I started with school announcements, moved on to Journalism Broadcasting, then utilized my talents as a Radio Operator in the Canadian Armed Forces. Although I yearned to do more, I thought, well, at least I get to use my voice!

For decades, I dreamt of executing my plan to create cartoon shows, be the voice of one of the main characters, and then publish a comic book.

Those dreams coalesced in 2006 at the Transformer Convention in Toronto, Ontario, during an impromptu “fun audition.”  To my utter amazement, I got called back to the stage three times after receiving a standing ovation for voicing my version of the 1986 Transformers film character UNICRON! This experience encouraged and strengthened my resolve to keep going.

After twenty-four years of skill-building, from reciting school announcements to experiencing a standing ovation for a live voice performance, I thought, “If only the bullies could see me now.” That’s when the spark in my voiceover soul ignited.

With no coaching and zero understanding of the voiceover business intricacies, I moved to the west coast of Canada in pursuit of my dreams. Unfortunately, I made countless mistakes, got knocked down, then relentlessly got back up and went at it again.

I searched for help and discovered Debbie Munroe. Even with her great coaching, I made more mistakes but got back up and stayed at it. 

Over the past sixteen years, the Voiceover Culture supported my voiceover pursuits. Their advice supplied the building blocks I needed to consistently recover and try again after every rejection or unexpected challenge.

Didn’t land a gig? No sweat, you may have impressed the casting team for another gig.

Got the gig? Wonderful! Now give your best expression of the character to help your castmates play off your skills to bring out the team’s best performance.

I’ve recently worked on National commercials, dubbing Japanese Anime and was nominated for a Voice Arts Award for writing. But I’m not done yet, no sir, not by a long shot. Because in the end, thankfully, I pursue my dreams with backup from the most supportive people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. To me, that is the true essence of VO Culture.

Voice Actor, Comic Book Publisher.

Ian Fults