The field of entertainment demands fresh ideas to keep the people watching, and with the massive presence of the internet, it’s impressive how far content creation can go. But how can someone make their content feel “original”? Professional Impressionist and voiceover artist, Charlie Hopkinson, says it’s about “authenticity” and staying true to your own ideas.
Starting out as a math teacher and gradually shifting into his current career, he points out the misconception that people are born creative or talented. Rather he says that it’s more about the effort you put out and the passion that you have, which makes something feel “authentic”.
It was the cumulative results of years of practice, planning, and experience that led to his success.
And I’m talking about 100 impressions or so…
Impressions of Morgan Freeman, David Attenborough, Rick and Morty (Rick and Morty show), Game of Thrones (Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Ser Davos Seaworth…), Breaking Bad (Walter White, Jesse Pinkman), Lord of the Rings (Gandalf, Boromir, Legolas…), Peaky Blinders (Tommy Shelby, Arthur Shelby, Alfie Solomons…) Cartoons and more!
This dude can literally do a whole movie voicing by himself!
“I think it’s quite strange though because the life I’m currently living is very much a mixed-mash of all these different fields that I’ve been involved with over the years.”
Through his comedy career, as well as his growing YouTube community, he understood that people know when something feels authentic. He stresses that creators are chasing the idea of pleasing the audience and it ends up turning people off.
“It’s really easy to get caught in the trap of trying to chase what the audience wants you to think the audience wants,” he stresses. “And it definitely takes you down the wrong road… as a comedy creator, I would say, If It’s not making you laugh. Don’t make it.”
Being in the comedy industry for more than four years, Charlie clarifies that he has also been in creative slumps. His advice for anyone who feels as though they’ve become stale or just wants to improve is to put yourself in a “live environment”.
“…The instant ‘oh, people are really enjoying that! I’m really enjoying that feeling, that connection with other people, that was like a big thing for me, finding my creative fulfilment and finding enjoyment.”
He states, highlighting how it unlocks your creativity through performance pressure and connecting with your audience.
Whose impressions you think are the best?
More from Charlie:
Youtube – Charlie Hopkinson
SkillShare – https://skl.sh/3dmmGr6
Merchandise – https://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/CharlieHopkinson
Twitter – c_hopkinson
Facebook – Voiceraptor
Snapchat – chopkinson92
Patreon – Charlie Hopkinson
Click here for the giveaway!
Charlie is willing to do a single voice impression of 200 words especially recorded for one lucky listener.
