The Magic of PIxar: Voice Casting with Kate Hansen-Birnbaum In this episode of High Notes , Melissa chats to Kate Hansen Birnbaum, Casting Director at Pixar, whose credits include beloved animated films like Inside Out 2 , Soul , Elemental , and Luca . Kate shares her unconventional path into casting, which began at a San Francisco talent agency under the mentorship of seasoned actors. She offers a rare look inside Pixar’s intricate casting process, highlighting the value placed on authenticity,...
Jun 30, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Welcome to Season 2 of High Notes — the podcast exploring the art and business of voice. Brought to you by BRAVA https://www.brava.uk.com/ Season 2 will focus on the world of Games and Animation. This season, host, Melissa Thom, speaks with leaders across the business from Pixar, Aardman, and the world of AAA gaming. Discover how voices are cast, directed, and brought to life — from Mocap to claymation, and indie games to blockbusters. Featuring guests from Pixar, Aardman and more. Voices heard ...
Jun 13, 2025•3 min
In this episode of High Notes, we engage in a captivating conversation with Abi Longstaffe from Spotlight. Abi discusses her journey in the creative arts, from her theatrical family history to drama school and her extensive career in casting and talent management. We delve into the evolving landscape of talent and voiceover work, hear expert advice on navigating a creative career, and explore the significant roles Abi has held in various renowned organisations. Tune in for insightful anecdotes, ...
Aug 02, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode, we chat with Curtis James, an accomplished podcaster, producer, writer, and presenter. Curtis shares his inspiring journey from his early days experimenting with music to his experiences with grassroots podcasting, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the impact of social inequality on education and creativity. Curtis talks in depth about his podcast Class Divide, how it came to fruition, and its aim to close the educational attainment gap in Brighton. The conversation ...
Jul 05, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 10
High Notes: A Conversation with Sinead Garvan - From Radio to VO In this episode, we talk to Sinead Garvan, the voice behind some of the UK’s favourite radio shows and podcasts. We chat about Sinead's journey from her early days as a young narrator in school plays to her transition from radio to voiceover. Sinead shares her experience of working with celebrities like Chris Evans, Claudia Winkleman and Nick Grimshaw, takes us through some major challenges she's faced, and shares her views on the ...
Jun 21, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 9
On this episode of HIGH NOTES, we talk to award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Marverine Cole. Over the last 21 years, Marverine has worked as a reporter, producer and news anchor for the majority of Britain's most watched and listened to broadcasters, including Sky News, 5 News, Talk TV, Classic FM, 5 Live and BBC Radio 4. Marverine is one of only 10 Black British women to have ever presented national and international news bulletins in the UK during the last 40 years. She is currently bes...
Jun 12, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode, we talk to Adele Cutting - a respected sound designer, audio and voice director and in the video game industry. Adele's extensive portfolio includes work on both blockbuster titles and indie games. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including Adele's journey into the gaming industry, the evolution of women's roles and casting processes for video games. Adele also shares insights on the importance of natural performances in gaming, the potential impact of AI and offers...
May 21, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode, we talk to award-winning producer, photographer, screenwriter, game and audiobook director, Daniel Jewel. With extensive experience in leading AAA game projects and directing high-profile audiobooks, Daniel shares invaluable insights from his musical childhood through to his journey into film and then voice directing. He discusses the importance of failure, adapting to challenges, and the intricacies of working with voice actors across various platforms. This episode also explor...
May 02, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In conversation with Talent Agent, Natalie Edwards. In this Women in Games special, we sit down with Natalie Edwards, Talent Agent and Head of Voiceover Division at Excellent Talent, based here in the UK. Natalie talks to us about her career and her extensive work with games in particular. We also discuss important issues, including representation and diversity in the industry, as well as what talent agents look for when signing new VO artists. https://excellenttalent.com/ So settle in, and let'...
Apr 07, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Shakespeare's Women with Actor & Writer, Lorien Haynes On HIGH NOTES Episode 4, Melissa talks to writer, actor, and artist, Lorien Haynes. From a teenager seeking an escape from her shyness and early experiences of abuse to living and working in America, Lorien's career has involved voiceover work, drama, screenwriting, and drawing. Throughout her work, especially in her recent play ‘Shakespeare's Women', which premiered at The Globe, London earlier this year, she addresses important social ...
Mar 06, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode of the High Notes podcast, BRAVA master characters coach, Elaine Clark, joins us all the way from San Francisco and talks about her extensive experience in the industry. From starting as a theatre major in college, she then got into advertising and copywriting before moving into Silicon Valley and delving into the corporate world. Her career took a significant turn with the emergence of the video game industry, where she took on various roles from casting and directing to produci...
Feb 06, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this fascinating talk, BRAVA Founder, Melissa Thom, welcomes special guest, Sebastien Croteau, an accomplished metal vocalist and extreme voicing expert. They discuss Croteau's extensive career - his unique skills as a Tibetan, Mongolian, and Inuit throat singer - and his contribution to a huge number of video games, including the recently acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, Prince of Persia, Assassin's Creed, and more. Croteau explains how the fine control and understanding of the different parts of ...
Jan 07, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this podcast (taken from an online talk), voice acting expert, coach, and founder of BRAVA : Melissa Thom, provides an in-depth introduction to the art and business of Voiceover. She talks through the necessary skills, experience, and mindset required to take the first steps into the industry - including the importance of training, understanding budgets, marketing, and finding the right coach. She also explores different ways of securing work within the industry, such as agents, pay-to-play s...
Jan 07, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Presented by voice actor and CEO of BRAVA (Bristol Academy of Voice Acting), Melissa Thom, High Notes is a podcast featuring conversations on the art and business of voice. From Mongolian throat singing to vocal health, accents, gaming, and more, HIGH NOTES uncovers the craft behind the business. Brought to you by https://www.brava.uk.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 15, 2023•4 min
