After more than 25 years at the firm, Judith embarked on an entirely different career: voiceover acting. Now working across corporate narration, commercials and character projects, Judith reflects on her time at the firm, the realities of building a creative career from scratch, and why it's never too late to try something new.
What is your fondest memory/memories of your time with the firm?
Given that I was at the firm for over 25 years (1984 – 2009), this is a difficult one. There are lots! However, the occasions that spring to mind most often when I think back are the Birmingham/Midlands events. I cannot resist an internal smile or giggle every time I think back to the “AGMs” that were staged at the International Convention Centre. There would be the serious stuff at the start, of course. But that was soon overshadowed by the hilarious parody sketches that had everyone in stitches. It’s always good to see lawyers laughing at themselves! At the same time, there was this palpable undercurrent of excitement in anticipation of the secret star guest that was to follow. We had the pleasure of the company of Lily Savage, Ricky Gervais, Julian Clary and Jack Dee, to name but a few.
You then shifted gear entirely into voiceover acting. How did that come about?
Life as a partner in an international law firm is not exactly a bundle of laughs! The stress, demands and deadlines over a prolonged period can take a huge toll. So, in 2019 I made the conscious decision to take a position that would free up time to explore interests outside the corporate world.
Based in London at the time, I enrolled on all sorts of weird and wonderful courses at City Lit. Eventually I tried Radio Acting, which led to Voiceover for Beginners. I was hooked immediately!
Voiceover acting, drama, or fulfilling a long-held ambition – none of those was the driver. I simply wanted to experience something completely different from the corporate world I'd spent virtually all my adult life in.
After investing in the equipment and setting up a home studio, I began one-to-one coaching in early 2021. My first demo reels and website followed in late 2022. The learning certainly didn't stop there. Voiceover is an industry in which continuous training is essential, particularly because styles and trends are constantly evolving.
For those unfamiliar with the profession, what does a typical week in the life of a voiceover artist look like?
A significant proportion is spent on business development – even for an established voiceover actor. This can be made up of online or in-person networking, emails, etc. As lawyers, we are all used to this, to a greater or lesser extent. But it feels very different when you are a sole entrepreneur! And it demands an element of research as well as an element of creativity. The sources of inspiration are wide and varied. And the potential client base is international.
Next, in terms of demands on my time, is auditioning. Auditions are a bit like buses. Some days they seem to take over, other days there may be only a couple – or none at all. Each one needs individual thought, sometimes some research, and always alternative takes and editing.
Live directed sessions are always exciting and interesting. These days, they are usually online rather than in the studio, but some clients demand in the studio. Either way, they always result in diary juggling to fit around the client demands, often at very short notice.
I have weekly coaching and quarterly mentoring. There's also plenty of daily chat in voiceover WhatsApp groups, as well as practice sessions on Zoom a couple of evenings each month. Voiceover is an amazingly collaborative and sociable world to be part of.
You've worked across a variety of projects, from corporate narration to commercials and character work. Is there a particular project that stands out as especially memorable or rewarding, and why?
There are two projects that spring to mind, one of which is my very first online live directed session for a corporate video that was to be played to clients in presentations and live on the website. Fortunately, my coaching prepared me well. The session was with the end client only – a big global brand - no recording studio or agent involved. So I had to appear confident and knowledgeable. It was both memorable and rewarding. Imposter syndrome is an understatement!
The other project that stands out was my first national TV commercial campaign. It was also an online live direction but with a professional studio audio engineer and several others, including people from the advertising agency and the end client. One rarely gets told in advance who will be on the call and you are not always introduced to them all. But, as is not unusual in these situations, most of them like to have their say, sometimes conflicting. One naturally wants to talk about it to others after the event but mostly these projects are covered by NDAs, so you can’t!
Are there any skills or experiences from your time as a solicitor that unexpectedly helped you in your voiceover career?
Yes – even more than I expected in terms of the “soft” skills, such as being proactive, organised, staying calm under pressure, managing clients, listening, business development and contributing to meetings – so lots!
A long-standing corporate background can also be invaluable, depending on the client or project. I'm certainly not fazed by reading contracts or raising points on them, and familiarity with technical and legal language in scripts can be a real advantage when voicing. Even then, some terminology and pronunciation differ in other markets, particularly the US.
Looking back on your own career journey, what advice would you give to alumni who may be considering a significant career change or pursuing a long-held passion?
Go for it! Jump in with both feet. Step out of the character everyone has known for years! Life is for living and you'll never know unless you try.
Finding something like voiceover, where there is no "sell-by" date and voices of all ages are welcome, certainly helps. I also found it encouraging to join an industry where so many people had already made successful career changes of their own, so I have never felt like an outsider. www.judithgershonvoiceover.com
Pictured: Judith’s home studio recording booth and a glamorous Lily Savage presenting her with an award at an Annual General Meeting.