TV In-show Narration with Carin Gilfry
Our group photo after the session (Carin is in white)
If you’re interested in performing this genre, approach production companies. This work is mostly NU. Producers move around so connect with them on LinkedIn.
ACM sends Carin the most auditions (she gets 3 a month).
True crime is formulaic.
Networks: TLC, ID, Lifetime, Oxygen
Documentary: History, National Geographic, Animal Planet
Pay is $1k-$3k per episode NU, with 8 to 30 episodes per season. Sometimes you get a session fee and a pickup fee. Sometimes you get a flat rate per episode including pickups because there’s a lot of rewrites.
You’ll work on 5 episodes at a time.
Audition Tips
Understand the feel of the show
What is your role? Observer, part of story as a character, and what is your feeling about what’s happening onscreen. As the narrator, you move the story forward and give context.
Look up the show, and network to get familiar
Make a choice and let it go!
Script Structure
For a 1-hour show, a story is in 6 acts or 3. Each act ends with a cliffhanger.
Exposition - Get to know the characters on the show and the background. Then a DEEP TEASE (promo for whole episode).
Discovery - The problem or conflict is presented.
False resolution - Use your acting chops to pretend they know the suspect.
Discovery of the resolution
Resolution
Wrap-up
In scripts, pay attention to how punctuation may trail off into a sound on tape (SOT).
Recording sessions
2 hours, recording in your home
Split files
Multiple takes
If directed, use Source Connect
Ask for a pronunciation guide
Fast turnaround times, within a few days
Always read the whole script before you start