What Happened to the Mid-Atlantic Accent?

Often referred to as a “strange” or “odd-sounding” way of speaking, many people seem to be unaware of the Mid-Atlantic accent. However, this classic accent played a large role in early American Cinema, and its use goes much further. In fact, the Mid-Atlantic accent, also known as Transatlantic, dates back to the early 1900s primarily acquired by the American upper class and American actors.

So, what makes this accent stand out from the rest? The Mid-Atlantic accent is a cultivated way of speaking. In other words, the accent didn’t derive from a specific location, nor did it arise naturally. It features a conscious blend of American and British English and favors neither. What, then, caused the accent to gain popularity and become so widely used? Take a look with Creative Media Design in New York City.

Origins of the Mid-Atlantic Accent

While the Mid-Atlantic accent didn’t arise naturally, it was cultivated into American Cinema, as well as the American upper class. In terms of cinema, many acting schools in the early 1900s taught the accent as a standard, which is why countless films, newsreels, and radio shows up to the 1940s feature voices with the Transatlantic accent. Because the accent has since faded and decreased in popularity, we often see the question, “Why do people in old movies talk weird?”

However, “weird” doesn’t do the accent any justice, as it was actually used by elite cultures like the aforementioned upper class and political figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt. Similarly, many other figures outside the entertainment industry were known for using the Mid-Atlantic accent, including William McKinley, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Carrie Fisher. Though use of the accent dropped significantly after World War II, some well-known figures have adapted it in more recent years, such as musician and producer Mark Ronson.

Mid-Atlantic Accent: Well-Known Voices

While we’ve mentioned several big names who’ve adopted the Mid-Atlantic accent, there are several actors who will be remembered for their perfect practice of the accent. The first name that comes to mind is Katherine Hepburn, of course. Though consciously adopted, Hepburn’s accent was loved by many, as were the accents of the familiar faces to follow. Check out our list of well-known voices, both old and new, who perfected this elegant accent:

• Kate Winslet (in Titanic)

• Mark Hamill (as the Joker)

• Harry Shearer (various characters in The Simpsons)

• Brad Friedel

• Orson Welles

• Elizabeth Taylor

Still Popular Today

Adopted by the British and Americans, the Mid-Atlantic accent was cultivated to be understood by both, which may have impacted its initial popularity in cinema. Whichever the case, the accent is still used to some degree today and is seemingly growing in popularity, as it’s again becoming sought after for various media productions.

If you’re interested in finding a Mid-Atlantic accent for your next production, check out Creative Media Design’s voice talent! On our site, you can sample a variety of accents. Plus, you can always call us at 212-213-9420 for assistance in choosing the right talent.

Getting the Right Radio Mix

When it comes to mixing spots for the radio, there are a number of factors that come into play in achieving the perfect sound. These factors are important in your overall sound too, as you’ll want your spot to sound its best to attract listeners and stand out from the crowd. From balance to clarity, attaining the perfect mix for radio is important, and it’s not an easy task.

A poorly mixed spot may be noticed by listeners as a bad commercial, ultimately affecting the reception of your message and negatively affecting sales. To achieve success on the air you need to mix like the pros, and while your spot may sound great when played back on your own device, that may not be the case when played over the airwaves.

What to Avoid

Often times when you’re seeking that great sound in your mix, inserting significant amounts of processing such as compression and EQ don’t result in a better sounding spot. Additionally, layers and layers of sound effects may reduce the clarity and impact of your mix and ultimately create a muddy sound when played on the radio. Mixing for the radio presents a variety of things to both include and avoid. Some of these factors may include:

• Excessive Compression: Radio stations often add compression to your completed track, resulting in a distorted sound. Generally, too much compression does not translate well to radio.

• Cluttered Sound Effects: The overuse of sound effects on a spot can present problems when played over the radio. ‘Less is More’ is a rule that definitely applies here. Use sound effects selectively, making sure that each sound effect adds to the overall story.

• Balance: It’s a good idea to create multiple mixes to test your levels. Mix your spot a few different ways and play it back on various speakers to see which mix translates the best.

• Panning: Avoid any extreme panning. You don’t know the quality of the listener’s playback system—one side of their speakers could be out. Also, listeners in their automobiles may not hear something panned to the opposite side from where they are sitting.

In addition to the tips above, other factors that come into play when achieving the perfect mix include the right amount of brightness, and refraining from the overuse of EQ. Dynamic range is also a key factor in radio mixing. Give your track different peaks of sound throughout, as dynamic range is defined as the range of volume of different elements in your audio. Don’t forget that silence can be as effective as loud sound!

Things to Keep in Mind

As you work on the perfect sound for radio, you’ll want to consider the variables that play a part in the reception of your radio track. For instance, your audience may be listening through low-quality speakers. So, while your track may sound fantastic through your high-end audio equipment, the listener could be hearing something completely different. Using cheap speakers or headphones as reference monitors, you can ensure your track sounds great through a variety of outputs. Ensure your track has the right sound by mixing at a lower level to correctly hear all parts.

Additionally, your radio track should sound great from the start. An awesome sound effect that ‘pops’ right at the beginning of your spot can immediately draw your listener in. Make sure you keep the voice overs prominent and clear, you need to be able to understand everything that is being spoken. Don’t let a loud music track distract from the voice message.

Leave it to the Pros

A great sounding radio mix isn’t easily obtained. For those who struggle for a perfect sound, Creative Media Design offers radio mixing and sound design to help your track stand out from the crowd. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you and take a look at our range of services for all of your audio needs.

Why Audio is Important to Your Video

Many different variables go into creating a high quality video. Whether it’s a personal project, a TV spot, or a web video, the most often repeated mistake is focusing on video quality over audio quality. In fact, audio quality is just as important, if not more important, than video quality.

We have all turned on the TV only to have one channel’s audio a split second behind the video. This is frustrating and can cause viewers to quit watching almost immediately. Older TV shows didn’t have the technology or crystal clear picture quality we have today, but they were able to sync up a good audio recording and we still watch the reruns today. Why? Because audio can play a more significant role in regard to your project’s overall quality than a stellar video alone would.

Many beginners start out by purchasing an expensive camera to ensure their video quality is top of the line, but they rarely spring for the same high-end equipment when it comes to their audio needs. In reality, a video clip can have flaws, like pixelation or blurriness, yet the final product can still be a quality production if it has crystal clear sound. If the audio, however, is distorted, muted, or out of sync it can distract the viewer from even the best quality video.

There are many reasons why audio has a greater impact on the overall quality of a video than the actual video quality. For example, videos are an art form and minor quality errors can actually improve the video by giving it an artistic feel. This is not the same for audio such as voice over and dialog, which will frustrate the viewer if they have to pay extra attention to try and understand what is being said.

Because videos can be more abstract, any video of moderate quality will have the ability to pull the viewer in. If the audio is off, on the other hand, it will leave the viewer confused, and odds are they won’t remain interested for very long.

If you are interested in some of our voice talent actors for a voice over, you can view their work samples here. If you are ready to get started, you can contact us here for details on your project so we can get started.

Top 5: Best Voice Actors

Voice over plays a major role in media and finding the right voice affects how a commercial product, lifestyle brand, film or TV show is perceived by its audience. A voice over’s delivery might even be successful in altering a production’s overall impact. Additionally, casting and directing the perfect voice is crucial in creating quality content. From radio commercials to the silver screen, voice over is a great tool and vehicle to draw in an audience and create a unique, personal experience.  

In the world of film and TV, there are many voice over actors and actresses who stand out from the rest. Maybe you heard the perfect comedic tone, experienced a sentimental feeling or got pumped for an upcoming event. Whichever the case, the prominent voices to follow have had a major impact on the film and TV industry, and have become household names.

From Seth MacFarlane’s range of cartoon voices to Christopher Walken’s distinct cadence and delivery, there are many characteristics that define a memorable voice. In front of the camera or behind the mic, these prolific voices are some of the best voice actors around.

• Morgan Freeman: Currently, Morgan can guide you to your next destination on Waze, but this iconic actor has played the role of God in other instances as well. From heavyweight brands like VISA and NFL to countless film, narrations and TV promos, his velvet voice is unmistakable.

• Sigourney Weaver – Most often cast in roles of great strength and stature, Sigourney’s resonant voice can be heard over the beautiful landscapes of Planet Earth and a variety of big-name animated films like Avatar and WALL-E.

• Jon Hamm – Luxury meets smooth and sexy with Jon voicing the Mercedes Benz campaign, but his voice roles also extend to the deep and daring. You can hear his voice on American Airlines commercials and in a number of animated feature films.

• John Krasinski – Mr. Krasinski may persuade you to buy car insurance while he takes a break from lending his voice to Carnival Cruise Lines. The goofy Office star even works with big names like Kodak, Puma, and AppleTV.

• Wanda Sykes - Aside from her comical Applebee's ad and starring in multiple Gain Detergent commercials, Wanda’s sarcastic and striking voice even makes an appearance in big screen animations like Ice Age: Collision Course.

Suffice to say, the importance of casting well-known voice over actors for commercials is clear. We may know them from the big screen, but when we hear their voices promoting a brand or lifestyle it brings a heightened level of credibility to the messaging. And who are we kidding—advertisers know it, too!

If you’re producing a commercial or narrative of your own and need a distinct, authentic voice for your brand, contact CMD today. We’ll cast the voice over talent to best suit your brand, budget and messaging.

Strengthening Your Script

“The name is Bond…James Bond.”

“I’ll be back.”  

“Luke, I am your father.”

These are just a few of the most memorable lines in movie history, and someone wrote these lines! A talented scriptwriter can make lasting impressions on generations to come, a decent scriptwriter can fashion a few laughs, and a lousy scriptwriter can tank a big budget production.

Thankfully, CMD has you covered on the writing front. Our staff can effortlessly adapt your ideas onto paper, and create text that targets your specific audience. We understand that developing the right message is directly linked to how well the product or production is received. Whether starting from scratch, or just touching up a few lines, CMD is at your service.

Benefits of a Strong Script

Let’s think of the script as the ‘blueprint’ of the project. If there’s a problem with the blueprint, there’s inevitably going to be a problem with the finished product. That’s why writing a strong and cohesive script is essential to making sure your audience understands your message. Here are a few benefits of strong script writing:

• Audience Reception – Evoking emotion is one of the main reasons for creating a script in the first place. A focused script will help evoke the intended emotion from the audience.
• Appealing Content – Not only do you hope your audience will react in a certain way to the content, you also want the content to appeal to the audience. Attract your viewers with a strong narrative.
• Good Flow – Cohesiveness is your friend. Make sure to have content that flows in an organized sequence, which will allow the audience to understand the story sans any headaches.

Let Us Help

Writing a powerful script isn’t easy. It’s crucial, though, in making sure your content appeals to the right audience, and that your message is heard. Leave the hard work to us at CMD. Find out more on our website and check out our other services, too, for your media needs.

Finding The Perfect Tone

Finding the perfect music track is a crucial step in the production process. Music evokes emotion in the audience, which is directly controlled by the producer who selected the track.

Whether the audience should laugh, cry, or scream for more, this can all be affected by the music selected. Different types of music evoke different types of emotions; part of how the audience reacts to the message depends on the music selected, and often times that can be critical in achieving the right overall effect.

Things to Consider

When deciding which music track to use in your production, there are a few things to keep in mind. We’ve already noted the relationship between emotion and music. Now, here are a few tips to when choosing the perfect tracks:

• Be wary of digital instruments - Though technology can produce some amazing sounds, digital instruments can quite often sound, well, digital. Make sure to listen to the real thing and its digital counterpart before making a final selection.

• Choose the right structure - You've been searching stock music sites for hours, and finally found the perfect sound. But does it keep up with the video? Or is it too fast in comparison with the video tempo? Video transitions and music tracks should coincide, so make sure to give a final look before signing off. 

• Keep it in the background - Make sure the final music track doesn’t distract your audience from the content. A great song that is turned up too loud can easily pull viewers’ attention away from what they should actually be paying attention to.

• Intro and Outro - Choosing a track for the intro and outro of your production sets the tone for the entire piece. This prepares the audience for what’s to come, and leaves them with the right feeling when the credits roll.

Where to Look

There are so many websites out there that offer tons of music options. Royalty free music is license free, which allows you to use a music track at no cost for an indefinite amount of time. There are also licensed music tracks, which typically allow you to use a track for a certain price for a certain amount of time. Whether royalty-free or licensed, make sure you understand the legal limits of your track before putting it in your production. 

For all your music search needs, look no further than CMD. We can search royalty free music, licensed music, sound effects, and even compose an entirely original piece. We’ll make sure that your creative direction is produced and mixed to perfection with all the right tools. Our services feature sound design, original music, and mixing. Browse our website to find the perfect service for you, or contact us today.

Effectiveness of Voice Overs

Not only do voice overs provide narration to a variety of audio and video productions, they also alter the effectiveness of content and provoke thought and emotion in viewers and listeners. The power of voice overs offers an effective way to peak the interest in a certain audience and spread information. The impact of media is heavily affected by voice-overs, as they draw in consumers and deliver important messages.

How We’re Affected by Voice Overs 

Whether driving in our cars, at the movies, or our favorite TV shows, we as consumers are affected by voice-overs every day. Content like radio commercials and movie trailers specifically use voice overs to attract specific audiences. A trailer for an action movie may use a deep and solemn voice to elicit excitement over the new film while a radio commercial may use a hip and catchy voice to peak interest with the omission of visual stimulation.

No matter the medium, voice overs serve as necessary audible markers to get a message to the audience. With the digital age we live in, the importance of an effective voice over is significant. That’s why we at CMD offer a variety of fantastic voice over services in New York City and across the world to suit your media needs.

Do They Work On You?

Take a second to think about how you’ve been affected by the voice in media. Think about your favorite animated show. Do you have a favorite character? Do you like their voice? Chances are you’re favorite character not only retains traits you like but also has a voice that you find appealing. Now think about the last radio commercial you listened to. Within seconds, you decide whether to tune in or change the station, and a big part of that is the voice used.

On a daily basis, we are drawn in or turned off by the voices in media. Whether we like the sound of a certain voice or not, voice overs evoke emotion. They may excite us over a movie or product, or cause concern over societal issues. Either way, each and every one of us has been swayed to feel one way or another by voice overs.