Additionally this year has seen television appearances - PC George Comley in The Victorian Murder Files - and commercials for brilliant people such as Greenpeace.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Thursday, December 28, 2023,
As the year draws to an end and we're in the period between Christmas and New Year where many people forget what day it is and whether or not it's socially acceptable to have cheese and Prosecco for breakfast, I am reflecting on the past twelve months.
Amongst the many things I'm proud of, there was being involved in Wonderland2, a colossal project organised by Brad Shaw that saw 175 voiceovers reading a minute section each of Alice Through The Looking Glass to raise money for Cancer Research ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Sunday, August 20, 2023,
I don’t know what the collective noun for a group of voiceover should be but I like an amplification! Or perhaps an acoustic, a cold-read or even a pick-up of voiceovers 😂
Whatever it is, there was one this weekend, at a voiceover social I organised in Bath in the southwest of England. It was fantastic to meet many talented and interesting new people as well as to catch up again with wonderful friends. By all accounts a good time was had by everyone!
Amongst other things, April 2022 saw me arriving in the 90s to interview the subject of a legendary headline, getting medical, travelling to far off planets to sport a false mandible and providing my voice for an Italian pasta chef and for a group of ads for a major electronics company.
Never let it be said that I will be typecast and here's to an equally varied May!
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Friday, March 25, 2022,
I’ve often said that I love to take on the unusual projects and that I’m not afraid of something a bit different… Well, this music video for Transatlantic duo, Ready, Steady Die! was certainly different. I got to work again with a favourite director of mine, Max Clendaniel and he even came to my neck of the woods to work with the wonderfully creative Immix Media. Max took the band’s fantastic song and seed of an idea and created a wonderful story, full of humour and surprises! It’s be... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Tuesday, February 8, 2022,
After sterling work from Max Clendaniel slotting together various clips I threw at him to make a cohesive new comedy showreel it is time to say goodbye to my old comedy reel which served me well, over a long while.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Thursday, December 16, 2021,
Having recently dipped a toe or two into various comedic roles from music videos to corporate films to Spanish tourism and even prank videos, it was a delight to receive this praise today:
“Had a look at the footage earlier, it is so unbelievably funny! You are very much the new standard for casting and we’ll definitely be in touch with more work.” Kieran Jenvey, Producer - Dirty Jack
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Tuesday, March 23, 2021,
I begin the recording of another audiobook tomorrow and I am grateful for the brilliant quality my booth has been providing this year. This new book will be produced remotely by a producer I've not worked with before, over speedy fibre broadband, using CleanFeed.
The booth has been getting a lot of use and has already paid for itself emotionally as it works its way to doing so financially!
I've recorded everything from calm breathing techniques to shouty vikings and I'm looking forward to all ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Sunday, September 27, 2020,
As I await the release to audible of my ninth and tenth audiobooks, I am reflecting on my work in this area and the pleasure it's brought me.
My favourite story to narrate has to have been Suzanne Kelman's A View Across The Rooftops, set in Amsterdam in 1941.
Some of the quotes from audible listeners are below:
"I couldn't stop listening from the very beginning. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing these characters and their anguish of living during the war to life...It deserves more than f... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Tuesday, August 25, 2020,
As work returns to pre-lockdown levels and I’m venturing out to Covid safe studios for more shoots and recordings, I wanted to share the work of the brilliant Lorentz Gullachsen from a stills and video shoot for London estate agents, Marsh and Parsons.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, February 26, 2020,
Jobs, like busses, tend to come in threes, or fours, or even fives. They just have a habit of turning up when you least expect them. So far in 2020 I will be lending my voice to various audiobooks, corporate messages (about a fictional Sausage Factory amongst other things) and my image to the back of Welsh busses.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Sunday, October 20, 2019,
I’ve been travelling to voiceover studios, making new friends and contacts and enjoying lots of varied new jobs. However, I think it’s a good time to share some of the fun I’ve had voicing Timmy in Nickelodeon’s Sunny Day. I’ve been voicing Timmy for some time now and there are plenty of episodes out there. But where better to start than “Timmy’s Big Day”! I hope you enjoy the clips out there and if you catch the show with your little ones, I’d love to know. I found out just... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Tuesday, January 8, 2019,
As we progress into 2019, I reflect on the new clients and new experiences gained in 2018, from cartoon voices on Nickelodeon's Nick Jr and characterful voices for audiobooks to presenting about cultural awareness around the world and photoshoots to appear on the back of buses!
I look forward to a 2019 filled with just as many exciting projects and new friends to be made. If you're reading this I hope we can maybe find opportunities to work together this year and make even more great memories!... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, August 15, 2018,
Recently, I've been bouncing between a couple of voiceover studios voicing the character Timmy for Nick Jr show Sunny Day and recording an audiobook with Audio Factory.
It's always fun to create new characters through just their voice and for the audiobook I've been recording, as well as narrating, there are over 30 additional characters to voice. I can't wait to share it and see what people think.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, March 7, 2018,
This year has seen various jobs and projects, with two of the most interesting ending up with me in cartoon form.
Firstly, my voice has been lent to a character who looks nothing like me! I have been voicing Timmy in Nickelodeon's new series Sunny Day as well as a few additional voices.
Sunny Day videos can be viewed here on Nick Jr's website. The show is about a group of girls and their dog who run a beauty salon and play in a band together! It's aimed at 4-7 year olds.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Sunday, November 26, 2017,
A quick post simply to show my giant face looking out over an empty Watershed cinema, Bristol, at tests being conducted ahead of a screening for Fat God Films which included their Nahemi Kodak competition entry film, in which I featured.
I just enjoy the fact that I seem to look so appalled that there is nobody there!!
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Monday, November 20, 2017,
The last couple of months have seen rehearsals for a project coming up next year as well as the usual flow of voiceover work. Additionally, I've completed a couple of filming projects where it was lovely to have been invited back to work with people again - I must have done something right the first time! I worked again with the Calling The Shots folks for Channel Four's Random Acts project in a love surreal short about the impact of everyday noises and commotion on people who perceive the worl... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Monday, August 14, 2017,
The last month has seen me involved in the first of two music videos I've been signed up to - playing an odd cult leader with misogynistic tendencies! I have always said I enjoy playing against my own character so don't be too worried. I'm greatly looking forward to the finished video as the song is a good one. I'm not allowed to tell you the name of the artist as yet, I'm afraid.
Amongst other things, I was also thrilled to be playing another comedic character for Telling Tales Films in their... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, October 19, 2016,
After a busy few months, including working away in Norway over the summer, I've been spending a lot of time in the green screen studio of the wonderful Band Films, both directing other actors and more recently in an on screen role about emotional literacy. I'm very much looking forward to the finished emotions film as it features not only a little bit of juggling (always fun!), but also multiple versions of me. I play the role of presenter and also various versions of me as wonderful caricatur... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, May 11, 2016,
A chunk of April was very enjoyably taken up for me to record with talented folk in their native language. As luck would have it I was asked to record and edit three voice actors speaking the three foreign languages I love the most: French, German and Spanish. I had already provided the voice of the English script and it was lovely to be able to help my client with direction in languages of which he had a limited understanding (and one he claimed to know nothing of at all!) at the same time a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Tuesday, March 15, 2016,
A busy February and March have left little time for blog updates. I would, however, like to share detail of a wonderful project in which I had a small involvement having still shots done for CLIC Sargent's upcoming Wig Wednesday fundraising.
Photos of me looking rather ridiculous can be seen in various places and at the Wig Shop on CLIC Sargent's site. If you spot me in some random corner of the internet or in print, do let me know!
If you don't know about the work of CLIC Sargent, here's a bri... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Sunday, January 17, 2016,
2016 has started off really well with lots of opportunities to perform and to work on the production side too. I have been sourcing actors to work with me on different projects for on-screen and live action work. Plus, I've been able to act out various roles such as a quite ridiculous TV interviewer and an even more ridiculous tree-hugger! One thing that got me thinking recently though, was how I've been able to pick up new clients and re-connect with old clients through the online world and ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, December 23, 2015,
A quick sign off for the end of 2015. I've enjoyed a busy December, travelling north and south, crying, laughing and even having a mildly psychotic episode - all in the name of the characters I played of course! I've also been behind the camera again for a lovely client, as well as being touched by some folks' generosity of spirit and riches. I'm looking forward to an exciting 2016 and to sharing some of the fruits of my labours. Merry Christmas to you and I wish you a wonderful year! Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, November 25, 2015,
A wonderful few months since the last update, with the British summer now a dim and distant memory.
I've kept busy with roles varying from multi-accented voiceovers and strangely attired photo shoots to the seriousness of playing a terminal patient. I've thoroughly enjoyed all the challenges that have been thrown at me. There was also the humorous distraction of a friend spotting my name in a local newspaper article in his favourite kebab shop and posting a photo to Facebook.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, August 5, 2015,
It may only be a local channel in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I am still very excited to have had not one but two of my short films shown on US television. With many thanks to Matt Harris-Freeth and the rest of the talented crew on both The Port and Silent Phantom. Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Saturday, April 25, 2015,
It has been a great pleasure over the last three years to be involved in three short films helmed by Matt Harris-Freeth for the Sci-Fi London 48 Hour Challenge. My parts have been great fun each time, twice have included the vital line given to show it wasn't knocked up six months ago, and my roles have varied from hologram, to doctor and an arrogant sweary PR guy. Each year, I've dived onto set for a short time, shot my scenes and then sat back and waited for the finished film. The rest of t... Continue reading ...
Recently I've been involved in casting, producing and directing some films for a corporate client. It's a great insight into all the processes that go into making any film - I'd recommend it to all actors. I've done a lot of this work before with voiceover production, but there are so many more factors to consider in film; even something as simple as organising when stuff is going to happen becomes harder when you have to get crew and cast together on the same day. - Voiceover? Simple, when is... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Tuesday, February 17, 2015,
The end of last year flew by, filled with a load of voiceover projects, some interesting corporate gigs and a short trip to Spain to flex my linguistic muscles. 2015 is shooting by rapidly too and has included those linguistics getting another work out, with German this time, for an SS officer on the BBC. This clip and others will soon be formed into a new dramatic showreel. However, there is a small hiatus, while the editor of said showreel is at the 2015 Oscars for ShortsTV. Whilst you're w... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Thursday, October 2, 2014,
September has seen me undertake several corporate role plays, filming promos and playing both a Nazi AND a British soldier from World War II, amongst other things... I also would like to share the finished film about the brilliant work of Designability in Bath, who provide wonderful Wizzybug electric wheelchairs, specifically for under fives to families who need them. A wonderful charity, who deserve all the support and donations they can get.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Sunday, August 24, 2014,
After a busy summer of short film projects, voiceover and various live acting jobs for corporates and parties, I'm looking forward to continuing through to the end of the year with a few exciting jobs lined up. During July, I was filming in Brussels for a fun commercial produced by Monodot for Hello Bank and directed by the very lovely Roderick Fenske. The results of this fun trip and shoot can be seen here. The commercial aired on TV in Belgium and was voiced in French and Dutch.
No time for a detailed update, I'm afraid. However with editing still happening on the Wizzybug promo I acted in with paralympic 100m and 200m medal winner Ben Rushgrove and the wonderful Daisy, as well as a couple of short films about to begin shooting soon, there should be more news to follow in a little while...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Tuesday, March 25, 2014,
If there actually are any actors out there who think they can rely on their agents to get them that "big break" rather than working hard on their own career in conjunction with that agent - they need to wake up! Networking is not really my style. I prefer to stay in touch with the people I like from those I meet on this journey through life. If some of them can provide me with exciting opportunities, all the better - but I have never seen the logic in staying in touch with someone purely becau... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Tuesday, February 25, 2014,
My brand spanking new comedy specific showreel has now been completed and can be viewed on this site at www.medcroft.com/showreels
There's not much more to say except take a look and if you have any comments or just want to get in touch offering me a ten-part primetime sit-com role... you can email me at alan@medcroft.com Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, January 29, 2014,
The shoot I completed last summer of a few scenarios where various characters wearing headphones decided that singing out loud was a good idea has now been used by Hewlett Packard (HP) for their Facebook app competitions on their German and Russian sites. It is planned to be used in France and the UK sometime later this year.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Friday, January 10, 2014,
2014 has already got off to a flying start and promises to continue in the same vein. My team of voiceover character actors have the luck of the Irish as I'm currently completing recordings with a number of guys and girls from the emerald isle! I'm also doing recordings with a few other familiar faces, as well as recording a lot of narration myself. I have a couple of other projects in development, including a central London corporate gig and have set the wheels in motion to re-vamp my current ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Friday, November 22, 2013,
After taking some time out at the end of October to catch some Spanish sun, November has been about staying indoors, locked away recording and editing voiceovers. As well as providing all the narration for various corporate training, I have now assembled a crack team of character actors. These guys have been in and out of the studio doing excellent work. It makes a nice change from the usually solitary state of the voice artist with a home recording studio set up. Everyone, I've been working ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Friday, October 25, 2013,
I was "lucky" enough recently to get the chance to geek up as part of the new tv adverts for online identity verification service, advertSAFE.
If you'd like to see me as Kevin in the commercial and don't spot it on your tv screens (from tomorrow Saturday 26th October), head on over to YouTube.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, October 23, 2013,
A new short film promotion the curative and far-reaching properties of tea has been released by Yorkshire Tea... it features a brief performance from me as one of two fighting 18th century duellers and an explanation of the causes of our argument can be found in the behind the scenes footage. Take a look at the amusing and desperately catchy Tea Song on YouTube. You'll be singing it for weeks! The Tea Song was produced for Yorkshire Tea by Rubber Republic. It makes you sexy, ripped and brave, br... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, September 25, 2013,
Since the arrival of my new voiceover studio equipment this week, I seem to love the sound of my own voice! I have been testing my new set up with all kinds of recordings, using the multiple polar patterns and throwing all kinds of tricks at it to see how it performs... and it performs amazingly! I already have some voice acting work lined up and am looking forward to using this gear again and again and again.
For details on my current recording set up, please see this page.
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Tuesday, September 17, 2013,
Over the last few weeks, I've been auditioning, working, reading, researching and organising like nobody's business. Today's main task was a sitting for some new head shots and I hope to be able to post some new pictures on the website very soon.
My main hope is that I didn't look as tired as I felt after a late shoot yesterday for a national tv campaign for a major holiday company. The advert script and story-boards looked good, but when I saw the leading actor's prosthetics, I was blown away ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Thursday, August 22, 2013,
A deliberately quiet couple of weeks is coming to an end with a fun job as a geek on a date! How long the date will last is debatable, since the online picture he posted was a little more handsome than yours truly... who said, "not too difficult!"? Off to London to film this for a commercial tomorrow, so more details will follow in time. My top two auditions where I "knew" for certain that I'd got the part as I left the room were this one and another geek role for IPC Media. Maybe it's typecast... Continue reading ...
Last week saw a couple of very interesting comedy commercial castings and a trip to a school to play a teacher. I'm an actor who is constantly surrounded by teachers, because everyone in my family and many of my friends seem to think Aristole's quote, "Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach." is more appropriate than the more frequently quoted, "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." My mother is a teacher, my uncle is a teacher, I married a teacher and my best friend is a teach... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Friday, April 26, 2013,
I am very proud of my recent involvement in a short film made by talented director, Matt Freeth. The film was made for SciFi London's 48 hour film challenge, where participating teams have to come up with a 3-5 minute short film over the space of two days and must include a certain prop and line of dialogue. The resulting film, The Port was unfortunate not to be included on the final shortlist to select the winner, however, it was on the long list and has been selected by the organisers who wan... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Tuesday, March 12, 2013,
I don't think it's connected to the fact that I talked about them in my last blog, but CineMe have selected some projects in which I acted to be screened at this month's event on 26th March in Bristol! They are going to be showing two comedy adverts to give the audience some laughs and also a more harrowing short film by the talented director, Luke Andrews. I am hugely looking forward to it. www.cinemefilms.com Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, January 30, 2013,
2013 is now in full swing and yesterday evening I went to a Bristol short film event called CineMe. CineMe is a fantastic night of short films with introductions by the film-makers and a few words from the host, James Ewen. Every event I've been to has been inspiring and the level of talent of those involved never ceases to amaze me. Screening a series of short films allows the night to contain animation, comedy, drama, music videos and there is always something for everyone as the organisers... Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Saturday, August 4, 2012,
Yesterday saw the start of the track and field events in the London 2012 Olympic Games. So, now seems a good time to share the high jump viral video for Shadowplay with a little comedy twist! You can see it by clicking on either of these links to view on YouTube or Vimeo. Hope you enjoy it!!! If you do, give it a quick click to like it, please! High jumper Shadowplay viral video on YouTube High jumper Shadowplay viral Video on Vimeo Continue reading ...
Posted by Alan Medcroft on Wednesday, July 11, 2012,
A couple of weeks ago, I spent a great day with the guys from Shadowplay, filming a lovely little viral. It's not available to view yet, but was such a fun shoot. I got to live out those moments of sporting magic, as I stepped up for the Olympic high jump, with a surprising outcome! Thanks to all involved and I will post the link to the finished film when it is available. Alan http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2751495/
Two pieces of news to update here. Last week was National Epilepsy Week and the Epilepsy Society released a short film a day to show that epilepsy isn't always what you might think. The one I was involved with can be seen on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/tfzctJGzvO4 Additionally, this week sees the release of the CineFeatures adverts on JackFM. My dulcet tones can be heard on both the Brief Encounter and Western spoof adverts which are playing out all this week. You can also listen on 106.5 FM. C... Continue reading ...