Inside the World of Described Video: A Voice Actor’s Niche You’ve Never Considered with Cynthia DePando

Most voice actors focus on commercial, corporate, or video game work — but what about the niches almost nobody is talking about? Today’s episode takes you deep inside one of the most overlooked, underserved, and surprisingly meaningful genres in voice over: described video (also known as audio description).

Joining Marc is award-winning voice actor Cynthia De Pando, who has carved out a successful career in this highly specialized niche, narrating projects for Netflix, major films like Wicked, animated features, and more.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What described video actually is (and what it is not)

• How the craft works — timing, tone, storytelling, rules, and restrictions

• Why dubbing studios are often the entry point

• Why this genre is growing fast thanks to legal accessibility mandates

• What makes it creatively challenging and rewarding

• How actors can position themselves for opportunities

• Why AI can’t simply replace this work

• The surprising places described video shows up beyond film & TV

Cynthia also shares unexpected insights into:

• Describing action scenes vs. quiet atmospheric moments

• Why animated films (like Trolls) can be harder than horror movies

• How described video is used by sighted people, language learners, and multitaskers

• The intense timing required to stay “invisible” while still telling the story

This episode is a must-listen for voice actors looking for niches where fewer people compete — and where the work genuinely makes a difference.

🖱️ Cynthia De Pando Website - https://cynthiadepando.com 🖱️ Cynthia De Pando Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cynthiadepandoofficial 🖱️ Cynthia De Pando TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@cynthiadepandoofficial

🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

Voice over can be a lonely business. We spend our days in booths, often on our own, only seeing the outside world through social media notifications and email threads. B

ut success rarely happens in isolation. It happens when we’re pushed, directly or indirectly, by the people around us.

In this episode, Marc shares the honest story behind a question that’s been fueling his own business lately: Who’s pushing you?

From watching Mike Pongracz and Matt Fogarty dominate the commercial breaks during the World Series, to working with coach Brad Hyland, to being challenged by colleagues like Samantha Damiano and inspired by speakers like Rider and Kelly Moscinski… Marc reveals the people who have pushed him to level up. Even when the push stung a little.

You’ll hear how:

• Inspiration from peers can become a powerful motivator

• Coaches, colleagues, and even casual acquaintances can challenge your growth

• Being open to the push leads to new opportunities

• Complacency creeps in when we stop being challenged

• Success is often tied to who you give permission to push you

This episode is a mindset reset every working voice actor needs.

🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

Whether you’re prepping for holiday bookings or staying mobile between gigs, travel-recording as a voice actor doesn’t have to be messy.

In this episode, Marc Scott sits down with Jay Preston to uncover how he and his wife log months on the road, set up portable “pillow-fort” booths, and still deliver broadcast-quality voice work from hotels, cars, Airbnbs, and highways.

Learn how to:

• Build a mobile VO booth using blankets, frames & sound blankets

• Use tools like Source Connect 4 and reliable hotspots to connect from anywhere

• Match your home-studio sound when you’re recording on the go

• Choose the right gear for travel (microphones, interface, headsets)

• Avoid common pitfalls (echo rooms, hotel closets, unexpected hookup issues)

Whether you travel frequently or just want a robust backup mobile recording setup, this episode gives you actionable tips to stay working no matter where you are.

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

For years, Voices.com has been one of the most polarizing platforms in the voice over industry. Some voice actors swear by it. Others swear at it.

In this episode of Everyday VOpreneur, Marc Scott sits down with voice actor, coach, and Top Talent on Voices.com, Gina Scarpa, for an honest, no-holds-barred conversation about what the platform is really like in 2025.

They dig into the controversial history, talk transparently about commissions and “managed services,” and explore what’s changed—plus what still needs work. Gina also shares actionable strategies for optimizing your profile, mastering the algorithm, and landing more auditions.

If you’ve written off Voices.com in the past… it might be time to take another look.

You’ll learn:

• The truth behind the “managed services” controversy

• How Voices.com’s current algorithm actually works

• Why optimization matters more than luck

• How to stand out in search and book direct invites

• What really drives success (and failure) on P2P sites

Check out Gina's Courses Here - https://courses.ginascarpa.com/ref/marcscott

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

Most voice actors dream about performing in a video game — but few imagine themselves as the monster.

In this episode, Marc Scott sits down with Sébastien Croteau, founder of The Monster Factory, who’s brought to life hundreds of creatures across franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, and Genshin Impact.

Sébastien explains the art of vocal stunt performance, how to train for vocal distortion safely, and the anatomy behind creating believable screams, roars, and grunts that won’t destroy your voice.

You’ll discover:

• How Sébastien built a niche in creature voice acting

• What “vocal stunt performance” really means

• How to warm up, cool down, and protect your voice

• Why most games still use libraries — and how that’s changing

🖱️ The Monster Factory Website - https://themonster-factory.com 🖱️ Sébastien Croteau IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1494970 🖱️ Sébastien Croteau on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sebastiencroteau4 🖱️ Monster Factory on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/LaFabriquedeMonstres

🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

It’s go-time in the fourth quarter! In this episode, Marc Scott breaks down the four key areas voice actors need to focus on to finish the year strong and build momentum for January.

You’ll learn how to:

• Expand your pipeline through consistent outreach

• Turn prospects into clients with effective follow-up

• Stay visible and top of mind using social media

• Use reflection to measure what’s working and what’s not

If you’ve struggled to keep your marketing consistent or you’re ready to make the most of the final 90 days of the year, this episode will help you refocus, simplify, and take action.

🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

If you’ve been sending in auditions and hearing nothing but crickets, this episode is for you.

Veteran casting director Mary Lynn Wissner joins Marc Scott to break down what casting pros are really listening for—and what causes them to hit delete in the first five seconds.

Mary Lynn has spent more than three decades casting voice over talent for top brands like Disney, DreamWorks, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, and History Channel.

In this conversation, she shares audition red flags, commercial trends, and the new rules of self-direction in a world shaped by TikTok, influencers, and even AI.

You’ll learn:

• What makes or breaks an audition

• Why a pretty voice isn’t enough anymore

• How acting and “pre-life” bring authenticity

• What casting directors actually control

• The growing impact of UGC on reads

• Advice for VO talent with a radio background

🖱️ Mary Lynn Wissner Website - https://voicesvoicecasting.com 🖱️ VO Pros - https://thevopros.com 🖱️ Voices Voice Casting on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/voicesvoicecasting

🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

How do you go from your very first voice over audition to booking more than 150 game credits AND get multiple award nominations and award wins?

In this episode of the Everyday VOpreneur Podcast, Ian Russell pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed in video game VO.

Together, Marc and Ian dig into:

• Why indie games can lead to big career breakthroughs

• How awards and nominations create credibility with developers

• The mindset and daily hustle that sustain long-term success

• The importance of improv, intuition, and acting instincts

• What every VO should know about building relationships in gaming

This isn’t theory — it’s the truth about the grind, the hustle, and the opportunities in video game voice acting.

🖱️ Ian Russell Website - https://www.ianrussellvoice.com 🖱️ Ian Russell on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebritishvoice 🖱️ Ian Russell on X - https://x.com/LockePayday 🖱️ Ian Russell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianrussellthebritishvoice 🖱️ Ian Russell on IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8358149/

🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free