September 2021
An Interview with CEO of voices.com David Ciccarelli
9th September - 10.00am BST / 2.00am PDT / 5.00am EDT / 9.00pm NZST / 7.00pm AEST / 6:30pm ACDT / 5.00pm AWST
Voices.com is the world's largest online voiceover marketplace, carrying the majority of online voice work in the world. Having received millions of dollars in capital over the last few years, it has risen from the controversies of it’s past and is now expanding into offering a wider range of services under the voices brand. Join Toby and David for a friendly chat about the past present and future of voices.com
Find out more »Voiceover Genres with Toby Ricketts
22nd September - 10.00am BST / 2.00am PDT / 5.00am EDT / 9.00pm NZST / 7.00pm AEST / 6:30pm ACDT / 5.00pm AWST
Toby explains and gives examples of each type of voice genre. From Commercial to Meditation, to promo and imaging, to voice of god - we will cover each kind of VO read and you can ask any questions you like!
Find out more »October 2021
The Audition Review!
13th October - 09.00am BST / 01.00am PDT / 04.00am EDT / 9.00pm NZST / 7.00pm AEDT / 6:30pm ACDT / 4.00pm AWST
It’s hard... no, nearly impossible to get feedback from auditions - especially from pay to play websites, which means it’s hard to know what you are doing right or wrong. Share the brief and the audition you supplied for a job you didn’t get and Toby will give you honest feedback about the technical standards and the performance. Limited places so email your audition and the brief to toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com
Find out more »November 2021
It was so popular – we’re doing it again! THE AUDITION REVIEW!
16th November - 08.00am GMT / 00.00am PST / 03.00am EST / 9.00pm NZDT / 7.00pm AEDT / 6:30pm ACDT / 6:00pm AEST (QLD) / 4.00pm AWST
It’s impossible to get feedback from auditions - especially from pay to play websites, which means it’s hard to know what you are doing right or wrong. Share the brief and the audition you supplied for a job you didn’t get and Toby will give you honest feedback about the technical standards and the performance. Limited places so email your audition and the VO brief to toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com
Find out more »The GFTB Interview with Marc Graue
19th November - 08.00am GMT / 00.00am PST / 03.00am EST / 9.00pm NZDT / 7.00pm AEDT / 6:30pm ACDT / 6:00pm AEST (QLD) / 4.00pm AWST
Find out more »December 2021
Accents – How to learn and combine accents for global appeal
7th December - 08.00am GMT / 00.00am PDT / 03.00am EDT / 9.00pm NZST / 7.00pm AEDT / 6:30pm ACDT / 6:00pm AEST (QLD) / 4.00pm AWST
Join Global voice actor Toby Ricketts as he demonstrates the key tips to learning different accents, and then shows how to look at combining them to add global appeal to your international auditions.
GFTB Interview with Peter Dickson – A Christmas Drink
15th December - 08.00am GMT / 00.00am PDT / 03.00am EDT / 9.00pm NZST / 7.00pm AEDT / 6:30pm ACDT / 6:00pm AEST (QLD) / 4.00pm AWST
To round off the year Toby Ricketts has a glass of whisky and fireside chat with legendary British voice artist Peter Dickson to discuss this year in voice over, some stories from voiceover years past, and where voiceover is going in the future!
Gravy For The Brain’s Virtual Christmas Social 2021
We can't wait to celebrate with you at GFTB Xmas party! Taking place on Friday 17th December and starting at 7.30pm GMT / 2:30pm EST / 11:30am PST / 6:30am AEST+1, and because it's online, we can host everyone around the globe to celebrate the holidays together. Not forgetting we're returning to support the charity Centrepoint, who work hard to help young people escape homelessness and have the support they need to get work and thrive. We will be hosting…
Find out more »January 2022
The January GFTB Online Social & Speed Networking
If you aren't all partied out from the Holiday season, then the good news is that the party never stops at GFTB. Join us for our monthly social as all your voiceover friends get together to have a drink and a chat late into the night. And if you're new to the space and want to do some networking then it's the perfect opportunity (and probably better for the VO career than a night in with your cat). This month's…
Find out more »Home studio 101 with Toby Ricketts
19th January - 08.00am GMT / 00.00am PST / 03.00am EST / 9.00pm NZDT / 7.00pm AEDT / 6:30pm ACDT / 6:00pm AEST (QLD) / 4.00pm AWST
How to build one, how to improve one, how to get the best sounding voice recordings at home! From beginner to professional. All questions welcome - please email with pictures in advance to toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com
February 2022
Commercial Voiceover – An In Depth Look
16th February - 8:00am GMT / 00:00am PST / 03:00am EST / 07:00pm AEDT / 9.00pm NZDT /
What is it? How do you do it? Where do you find work in it? All your Commercial VO questions will be answered as Toby Ricketts dissects this VO genre and explains its workings.
The GFTB Interview – Simon Vance: An Audiobook Legend
24th February - 8:00am GMT / 00:00am PST / 03:00am EST / 07:00pm AEDT / 9.00pm NZDT /
With 17 Audio awards under his belt, more than any other male VO in single-voiced titles, Simon Vance is an Audiobook legend. Join Toby Ricketts and Simon Vance for an in-depth chat about the world of Audiobooks, and how a spectacular and improbable coincidence brought them together!
March 2022
GFTB Interview – Juliet Jordan, AI Voice and Aussie voice training expert
9th March - 8.00am GMT / 00.00am PST/ 3.00am EST / 7.00pm AEDT / 9.00pm NZDT
Juliet Jordan, JJ, has been a voice artist in Australia for over 35 years, being represented by RMK for most of that time. She's now started a voice training company and online voice agency and is representing Australia at The Open Voice Network - set up to represent voice artists interests within AI voice and TTS development.
The ‘Conversational’ Read
23rd March - 8.00am GMT / 1.00am PST/ 4.00am EST / 7.00pm AEDT / 9.00pm NZDT
It's on almost every brief these days... Most directors have asked for it... "Can you make it more... Conversational"?
But what does this mean? and how can you go about this read? Find out with Toby Ricketts!
April 2022
The Complete Guide to Constructing Your Own Demos in Adobe Audition
13th April - 1.00am BST / 5.00pm -1 PST / 8.00pm -1 EST / 10.00am AEDT / 12.00pm NZDT
It's on almost every brief these days... Most directors have asked for it... "Can you make it more... Conversational"?
But what does this mean? and how can you go about this read? Find out with Toby Ricketts!
Interview – Jeremy Birchall, Voice and Casting Director for Grinding Gear Games & Path of Exile
20th April - 10.00am BST / 2.00am PST/ 5.00am EST / 7.00pm AEDT / 9.00pm NZDT
Join Toby Ricketts for an in-depth chat about the world of character voicing for gaming. What casting directors are looking for and how to perform in a character or gaming session. Jeremy Birchall casts and directs talent for Path of Exile, which is an award-winning fantasy action role-playing game with millions of players worldwide.
The Audition Feedback Hour
22nd April - 10.00am BST / 2.00am PST/ 5.00am EST / 7.00pm AEDT / 9.00pm NZDT
It’s hard to get feedback these days on your voice audition audio - nothing from P2Ps and rarely from agents or clients. Send a recent audition mp3 along with the job and voice brief to toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com and Toby will give you feedback on your performance and recording quality as well as offering constructive feedback to improve.
May 2022
5 Techniques To Improve Your Sound Quality
11th May - 10.00am BST / 2.00am PST/ 5.00am EST / 7.00pm AEDT / 9.00pm NZDT
Join Toby Ricketts to discover 5 different techniques that can improve your sound quality and help you win more auditions.
June 2022
The GFTB Interview – with Paul Strikwerda AKA The Nethervoice!
8th June - 10.00am BST / 2.00am PST/ 5.00am EST / 7.00pm AEDT / 9.00pm NZDT
Join Toby Ricketts as he interviews Paul Strikwerda, the Dutch native, US based Voice artist and one of the most prolific writers and critics in the voiceover business!
The World of Frequency with Toby Ricketts
16th June - 10.00am BST / 2.00am PST/ 5.00am EST / 7.00pm AEDT / 9.00pm NZDT
Toby Ricketts presents a deep dive into the world of frequency... What is it, how is it used and perceived, how to use all kinds of EQ properly and how to use the spectral view in your DAW software.
The Audition Review with Toby Ricketts
23rd June - 10.00am BST / 2.00am PST/ 5.00am EST / 7.00pm AEDT / 9.00pm NZDT
It’s hard to get feedback these days on your voice audition audio - nothing from P2Ps and rarely from agents or clients. Send a recent audition mp3 along with the job and voice brief to toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com and Toby will give you feedback on your performance and recording quality as well as offering constructive feedback to improve.
July 2022
The 10 Habits of Highly Successful Voice Artists
21st July - 10:00am BST (London) / 2:00am PDT (Los Angeles) / 5:00am EDT (New York) / 7:00pm AEST (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZST (Auckand)
Join Toby Ricketts as he covers the ten key habits of the most successful voice artists on the planet. There will be an extensive Q&A session as well.
The GFTB Interview with George ‘The Tech’ Whittam
7th July - 11:00am BST (London) / 3:00am PDT (Los Angeles) / 6:00am EDT (New York) / 8:00pm AEST (Sydney) / 10:00pm NZST (Auckand)
George (the Tech) Whittam is an expert in studios, having spent his whole life designing, building and repairing audio setups, spaces, and gear. Join Toby and George for a friendly chat about everything to do with voice recording gear and spaces! Questions in advance to: toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com
August 2022
How to Edit Voice Files Like a Pro!
11th August - 10:00am BST (London) / 2:00am PDT (Los Angeles) / 5:00am EDT (New York) / 7:00pm AEST (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZST (Auckand)
Join Toby Ricketts for a masterclass in how to edit voice and dialogue. This will cover the recording of your voice, doing some processing, editing out breaths, how to supply your audio and also some tricks of the trade in saving multiple smaller files from one long recording, such as IVR or gaming.
The Audition Feedback Hour!
24th August - 10:00am BST (London) / 2:00am PDT (Los Angeles) / 5:00am EDT (New York) / 7:00pm AEST (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZST (Auckland)
It’s hard to get feedback these days on your voice audition audio - nothing from P2Ps and rarely from agents or clients. Send a recent audition mp3 along with the job and voice brief to toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com and Toby will give you feedback on your performance and recording quality as well as offering constructive feedback to improve.
The GFTB Interview – Ray Porter – Audiobook Narrator and Character Actor Extraordinaire!
25th August - 10:00am BST (London) / 2:00am PDT (Los Angeles) / 5:00am EDT (New York) / 7:00pm AEST (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZST (Auckland)
Join Toby Ricketts for another long form interview with seasoned veteran of audiobook recording - Ray Porter. Toby and Ray will discuss techniques on how to breathe life into characters and make subtle shifts in tone define characters in an audiobook or play. If you aspire to audiobooks or character acting then this is a must-watch!
September 2022
Interview with Talent Agent Lisa Risteau
8th Septmber - 10:00am BST (London) / 2:00am PDT (Los Angeles) / 5:00am EDT (New York) / 7:00pm AEST (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZST (Auckland)
Lisa Ristau runs Impressive Talent, a Maryland based American talent agency that won 3 SOVAS awards in 2021. Toby and Lisa will discuss why her agency has a different approach than traditional voice agents, and what the current and future state of voice in the USA looks like.
DEEP DIVE – How to Use Audacity to Record and Edit Your Voice with Audacity Expert
22nd Septmber - 10:00am BST (London) / 2:00am PDT (Los Angeles) / 5:00am EDT (New York) / 7:00pm AEST (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZST (Auckland)
Toby Ricketts is joined by Jordan Greville from NZ Audio Editors who uses Audacity everyday in his business of editing and processing voice files for voice artists. Find out the basics of how to record, edit and process your voice recordings to make them sound their best!
October 2022
Interview with CEO Rolf Veldman on Voice123’s Journey Into the World of AI Voice
12th October - 9:00am BST (London) / 1:00am PDT (Los Angeles) / 4:00am EDT (New York) / 7:00pm AEDT (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZDT (Auckland)
Voice123 announced earlier this year that it will allow a limited number of it’s voices to build an AI voice model and start to use it for providing auditions on the site, and possibly to complete jobs in the future. Join me for a chat with Rolf about the last year at Voice123 and where they are going in the world of AI, and WHY.
How to Work as a Professional International Voiceover Artist
13th October - 9:00am BST (London) / 1:00am PDT (Los Angeles) / 4:00am EDT (New York) / 7:00pm AEDT (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZDT (Auckland)
Working Internationally as a voiceover brings a whole new set of challenges; working in different currencies & timezones, sending and reconciling payments in foreign currency, accounting for your taxable income. In this webinar Toby Ricketts will take you through the mechanics of working with international clients - from Timezone scheduling, linking to overseas studios with Source Connect, Skype or ISDN, right through to invoicing and getting paid efficiently in the right currency!
November 2022
Morning Script Readthrough with Toby Ricketts
2nd November - 11:00pm GMT -1 / 4:00pm PDT -1 / 7:00pm EDT -1 / 10:00am AEDT / 12:00pm NZDT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/
Find out more »Adobe Audition for Voiceover – live interactive beginners workshop with Toby Ricketts
Start: 9:00pm GMT -1 (London) / 2:00pm PST -1 (Los Angeles) / 5:00pm EST -1 (New York) / 8:00am AEDT (Sydney) / 10:00am NZDT (Auckland) This workshop is part of a series that will include sessions on the 6th, 13th and 20th of November as part of your ticket! Members: AUD $199.00 Non-Members: AUD $229.00 Join Audio Engineering whizz and Adobe Audition expert Toby Ricketts in this live online workshop designed to help voice artists get a grip on…
Find out more »Amy Walker from 21Accents – World’s best Accentologist!
10th November - 8:00am GMT (London) / 00:00am PST (Los Angeles) / 3:00am EST (New York) / 7:00pm AEDT (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZDT (Auckland)
Toby Ricketts sits down with arguably the best accent specialist in the world, Amy Walker from 21Accents, to find out what makes accents tick? Why do we have accents? The best way to learn accents? Plus a whole lot of fun along the way!
Interactive Webinar Accent Masterclass
16th November - 8:00am GMT (London) / 00:00am PST (Los Angeles) / 3:00am EST (New York) / 7:00pm AEDT (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZDT (Auckland)
8 participants will work on improving an accent with Toby Ricketts live in this session - email me toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com with your name and accent to participate - first in first served!
Evening Script Readthrough with Toby Ricketts
23rd November - 8:00am GMT (London) / 00:00am PST (Los Angeles) / 3:00am EST (New York) / 7:00pm AEDT (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZDT (Auckland)
Find out more »Ask Toby Hour!
24th November - 8:00am GMT (London) / 00:00am PST (Los Angeles) / 3:00am EST (New York) / 7:00pm AEDT (Sydney) / 9:00pm NZDT (Auckland)
Find out more »December 2022
Morning Script Readthrough with Toby Ricketts
7th December - 3pm PST / 6pm EST / 11pm GMT 8th December - 10am AEDT / 12pm NZDT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: GFTB Script Library
Find out more »How to Create Demo Reels in Adobe Audition Multitrack
15th December - 12am PST / 8am GMT / 7pm AEDT / 9pm NZDT In this webinar Toby Ricketts will show you how to use Adobe Audition multitrack to record your own demos, and produce basic radio or TV commercial soundtracks.
Find out more »Gravy For The Brain’s Virtual Christmas Social & Charity Raffle 2022
We can't wait to celebrate with you at GFTB Xmas party! Taking place on Saturday 17th December and starting at 8.00pm GMT / 3:00pm EST / 12:00pm PST / 7:00am AEDT +1 and because it's online, we can host everyone around the globe to celebrate the holidays together. Not forgetting we're returning to support the charity Centrepoint, who work hard to help young people escape homelessness and have the support they need to get work and thrive. We will be hosting…
Find out more »Evening Script Readthrough with Toby Ricketts
21st December - 12am PST / 8am GMT / 7pm AEDT / 9pm NZDT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: GFTB Script Library
Find out more »Toby Ricketts Interviews GFTB’s Hugh Edwards
22nd December - 12am PST / 8am GMT / 7pm AEDT / 9pm NZDT Just in time for Christmas, Toby pulls up a chair to the log fire and pours a glass of whisky with Hugh Edwards, Co-creator of Gravy for the Brain, and CEO, for a chat about How he got to where he is, how Gravy for the Brain came about (including how it got it’s name) and all things Gaming, TTS AI voice, voice casting and a…
Find out more »January 2023
Morning Script Readthrough with Toby Ricketts
24th January - 3pm PST / 6pm EST / 11pm GMT 25th January - 10am AEDT / 12pm NZDT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: GFTB Script Library
Find out more »February 2023
Morning Script Readthrough with Toby Ricketts
14th February 2023 - 11pm GMT 15th February 2023 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »Interview with Tessa Livingson – Specialist Voiceover Speech Therapist
22nd February 2023 - 8am GMT / NZDT 9pm / AEDT 7pm / ACDT 6:30pm / AEST (QLD) 6pm / AWST 4pm Have you ever wanted to know the secrets of your voice box? How to use your voice better? or have access to exercises to get your voice into just the right palace for voiceover work? Join Toby Ricketts as he takes a deep dive on the physiology of the voice with fellow kiwi and speech specialist Tessa Livingston.
Find out more »Toby! Solve my acoustic issues!
28th February 2023 - 8am GMT / NZDT 9pm / AEDT 7pm / ACDT 6:30pm / AEST (QLD) 6pm / AWST 4pm This half webinar / half helpdesk session will teach you about acoustics and then help 4 individuals with their acoustics problems in their home studio. If you would like to be one of the 4 then please email a recording of you asking your question or demonstrating your problem in your home studio, to toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com
Find out more »March 2023
Morning readthrough with Toby Ricketts
17th March 2023 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 16th March 2023 - 4pm PDT / 7pm EDT / 11pm GMT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »How to charge for Voiceover
23rd March 2023 - NZDT 9pm / AEDT 7pm / ACDT 6:30pm / AEST (QLD) 6pm / AWST 4pm / 8am GMT This is one of the most followed, interesting, and contentious areas of the voiceover trade. Toby Looks at some of the traditional ways of charging in various countries and territories, and invites people to offer their own way of charging. Then Toby outlines a new way of charging he has come to use.
Find out more »Character Voicing Masterclass Session with Lani Minella
Thursday 30th March - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am / 12am BST Wednesday 29th March - PDT 4pm/ EDT 7pm / Lani Minella is a legend is videogames, having voiced in the seminal ‘The Last of Us’, along with World of Warcraft, countless TV shows At least 500 altogether! She owns AudioGodz videogame voice casting company, assisting companies to cast character voices for their games. Join Toby Ricketts and Lani…
Find out more »April 2023
A Deep-Dive on Audio Compression! How to Get Quick, Great Sounding Results
6th April 2023 - NZST 9pm / AEST 7pm / ACST 6:30pm / AWST 5pm / 10am BST Compression defines your sound more than any piece of hardware or software in the chain. In this 60 min Webinar with questions, Toby Ricketts takes a look at the various types of compression and has found a new plugin to help you cheat on getting a great sound!
Find out more »Script readthrough with Toby Ricketts
14th April 2023 - NZST 12pm / AEST 10am / ACST 9:30am / AWST 8am / 1am BST 13th April 2023 - 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT / Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »Masterclass on Commercial Voiceover
28th April 2023 - NZST 12pm / AEST 10am / ACST 9:30am / AWST 8am / 1am BST 27th April 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT / In this new-concept Masterclass, Toby Ricketts will supply a script to an existing ad - 8 participants will read their interpretation of the script, provide a performance, and then we will all listen to the finished real ad and discuss! Please email: toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com to be one of the participants.
Find out more »June 2023
Script readthrough with Toby Ricketts
7th June - 12pm NZST / 10am AEST / 1 am BST 6th June - 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT / Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »How to Learn a New Accent
15th June 2023 - 9pm NZ / 7pm AEST / 10am BST Fresh from teaching at the One Voice Conference, Toby Ricketts gives you some tools and techniques to start to learn a new accent. In this session we’ll look at the differences between British RP and Standard American.
Find out more »Accent Practice Session
22nd June 2023 - 9pm NZ / 7pm AEST / 10am BST Come along and practice the techniques learned in the webinar from the previous week. We will be practicing British RP and Standard American accents, or bring a new one along!
Find out more »July 2023
Script Readthrough with Toby Ricketts
12th July - NZST 12pm / AEST 10am / ACST 9:30am / AWST 8am / 1am BST 11th July - 5pm PDT / 6pm CST / 7pm CDT / 8pm EDT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »The Ask Toby Hour
19th July - NZST 9pm / AEST 7pm / ACST 6:30pm / AWST 5pm / 10am BST Your burning voiceover questions answered by award-winning voice artist Toby Ricketts. Open discussion about voice industry news / tips / tricks and questions from the webinar audience.
Find out more »Where to Get Voice Work
20th July - NZST 9pm / AEST 7pm / ACST 6:30pm / AWST 5pm / 10am BST Its the age-old question “I’d like more voice work please - where can I find it?” Toby is here with some traditional and contemporary ways to get voice work in today's online voiceover world!
Find out more »August 2023
Character script read through with special guest director Jeremy Birchall, Voice Director for Grinding Gear Games
2nd August 2023 - NZST 12pm / AEST 10am / ACST 9:30am / AWST 8am / 1am BST 1st August - 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT Toby and Jeremy will put voice artists through their paces as they interpret scripts and create characters in this interactive mentoring session!
Find out more »Commercial script read-through with special guest GFTB Canada!
9th August 2023 - NZST 12pm / AEST 10am / ACST 9:30am / AWST 8am / 1am BST 8th August 2023 - 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT Come and read for three global voiceover professionals and get some great feedback to apply to your craft! Bring your own material or choose from the Script book here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »How to Nail Your Live Directed Session
24th August 2023 - NZST 9pm / AEST 7pm / ACST 6:30pm / AWST 5pm / 10am BST Live directed sessions are increasingly becoming a required part of being an online voiceover artist. Join the king of live directed sessions for how and why they are a good thing, how to prepare, and if you are already doing live directed sessions - how to make them better and add value to your product.
Find out more »September 2023
Script Readthrough / Live Mentoring
14th September 2023 - NZST 12pm / AEST 10am / ACST 9:30am / AWST 8am / 1am BST 13th September - 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »Interview – Radio Imaging genius Chris Nicholl from WizzFX
21st September - NZST 9pm / AEST 7pm / ACST 6:30pm / AWST 5pm / 10am BST Toby Talks with radio imaging genius Chris Nichol from WizzFX about radio imaging - what it is, why stations use it, how do they create it and what is expected of voices who audition for it. Toby and chris will even do a small demo imaging session to demonstrate what is required of then ‘Radio Imaging read’. Please send any questions about radio…
Find out more »Use Chat GPT to enhance your VoiceOver business
28th September - NZDT 9pm / AEST 6pm / ACST 5.30pm/ AWST 4pm / 9am BST Join Toby Ricketts for a session on using Chat GPT in your online voiceover business to write text and copy for various purposes.
Find out more »Character script read-through session with guest director Andie Spargo!
29th September 2023 - NZDT 12pm / AEST 9am / ACST 8.30am / AWST 7am / 12am BST 28th September - 4pm PDT / 7pm EDT Get your characters out! Please bring your own scripts, or write one - we want to hear your best characters! We will have backup scripts on hand if not.
Find out more »October 2023
Character Readthrough with Special Guest Director – Lani Minella
12th October 2023 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am / BST 12am 11th October 2023 - PDT 4pm / EDT 7pm Bring your characters to life with the help of the legendary and incomprehensibly talented Lani Minella! Apply to read for Lani by emailing toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com - only 8 spots available!
Find out more »Live mentoring / script readthrough
17th October 2023 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am / BST 12am 16th October 2023 - PDT 4pm / EDT 7pm Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »WEBINAR: Good to GREAT! Steps to improve your reads to add the X factor.
26th October 2023 - NZDT 9pm / AEDT 7pm / ACDT 6:30pm / AEST (QLD) 6pm / AWST 4pm / BST 9am Toby Ricketts presents an interactive session on how to give your clients more from your reads - how to add that extra X factor that puts you ahead of other talent in auditions.
Find out more »November 2023
Script Readthrough
8th November 2023 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 7th November 2023 - 11pm GMT / 3pm PST / 6pm EST Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »Interview with Rebekah Wilson, CEO of Source Elements
24th November 2023 - NZDT 9pm / AEDT 7pm / ACDT 6:30pm / AEST (QLD) 6pm / AWST 4pm / 8am GMT Rebekah Wilson CEO of Source Elements discusses the industry standard technology behind live directed sessions - Source Connect. Rebekah is originally from New Zealand, and with a new groundbreaking release of Source Connect imminent - there should be plenty to talk about! Send any questions you have about remote sessions to toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com
Find out more »The GFTB November 2023 VO Social
Join us on Sunday 26th November for yet another voiceover social where you don't have to rush home from work! This month, our online VO social will take place on Sunday 26th November 2023 at 7:00am AEDT / 9:00am NZDT and we'll be going nice and late so that voiceovers from across the world can drop in and enjoy some fun and chats with all you amazing GFTB members. So register now while it's fresh in your mind and then join us…
Find out more »“Wow! You Sound Like A Real Person!” – How to make Voiceover NOT sound like ‘Voiceover’?
Tuesday 28th November 2023 - 3.30pm GMT / 07.30am PST / 10.30am EST / 09.30am CST Wednesday 29th November 2023 - 2am AEDT / 4am NZDT An unmissable, 3-hour, limited attendee workshop on how to get that authentic-sounding delivery that every director craves. Join renowned UK-based accent and communication expert coach Anthony Shuster, for an amazing deep-dive into the fine detail of how you can make your reads sound authentic - while still hitting those all important marks that producers…
Find out more »Script Readthrough
29th November 2023 - , NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 28th November 2023 - 11pm GMT / 3pm PST / 6pm EST Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »December 2023
Live mentoring / script readthrough
6th December 2023 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 5th December 2023 - 11pm GMT / 3pm PST / 6pm EST Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »A-B-C’s of Video Games: How to Give a Variety of Believable, Bookable Reads
9th December 2023 - 3PM EST /12 PST / 8pm GMT 10th December 2023 - 7am AEDT / 9am NZDT One of the gaming world and animation’s hottest stars, with credits like Starfield, Diablo IV, The Loud House, Fortnite, Halo Infinite, and many more, Mara Junot teaches The A-B-C’s of Video Games in this three hour performance intensive where you will learn how to make your reads more believable and bookable at the highest end of the gaming business!
Find out more »Accent Masterclass
13th December 2023 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 12th December 2023 - 11pm GMT / 3pm PST / 6pm EST This is the chance to practice and get feedback from Toby on your accent work. It could be any accent, character or straight. 8 Participants will bring an accent and an intention, and we’ll give it a whirl! Email toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com to be a participant - first in first served!
Find out more »The Art of Animation Auditions: Insights from a Casting Director
17th December 2023 - 10am PST / 1pm EST / 6pm GMT 18th December 2023 - 5am AEDT / 7am NZDT Join us for an immersive 3-hour workshop led by Animation Casting Director, Kristin Paiva! Dive into the intricacies of auditioning for animated roles, gaining insider tips and invaluable insights into what directors look for in voice actors. Discover the nuances of character interpretation, script analysis, and how to bring authenticity and depth to your performances. Whether you're a seasoned…
Find out more »Interview with Adam Fritz, CEO of Pozotron inc.
20th December 2023 - NZDT 9pm / AEDT 7pm / ACDT 6:30pm / AEST (QLD) 6pm / AWST 4pm / 8am GMT Pozotron is an AI powered proofing tool for audio book narrators and long form voice artists. Toby discusses the origins of the pozotron tool, how it can help narrators save time, and discusses how Adam sees the world of AI impacting long form audio.
Find out more »Live script readthrough
28th December 2023 - NZDT 9pm / AEDT 7pm / ACDT 6:30pm / AEST (QLD) 6pm / AWST 4pm / 8am GMT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »The GFTB 2023 Christmas Charity Raffle & Social
We can't wait to celebrate with you at GFTB Xmas Charity party! Taking place on Sunday 31st December and starting at 7:00am AEDT / 9:00am NZDT and because it's online, we can host everyone around the globe to celebrate the holidays together. We will also be hosting the annual charity raffle, with all the proceeds going to Centrepoint. Grab your raffle tickets (AUD $18) to have a chance at winning one of our big voiceover prizes and support homeless teenagers…
Find out more »January 2024
VO From a Manager’s Perspective
14th January 2024 - 2pm EST/ 11am PST / 7pm GMT 15th January 2024 - 6am AEDT / 8am NZDT Sumeet Iyengar was a longtime VO agent working in commercials and videogames booking talent on some of the biggest campaigns and most popular games around. Since moving over to Cope Management, Sumeet has brought his expertise to an elite roster of VO talent while adding the world of promos, trailers and narration to his repertoire. In this workshop, Sumeet will…
Find out more »Interview with Paul Schmidt
16th January 2024 - NZDT 9pm / AEDT 7pm / ACDT 6:30pm / AEST (QLD) 6pm / AWST 4pm / GMT 8am Paul is an experienced successful voice talent and voice coach, Toby and Paul discuss the different ways into VO, and all the different ways that voice actors can find work in todays connected online world.
Find out more »Live Mentoring / Script Readthrough
24th January 2024 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am / 23rd January 2024 - GMT 11pm / PST 3pm / EST 6pm Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »Video Games: Stop Playing it Safe
27th January 2024 - 10am PST / 12pm CST / 1pm EST / 6pm GMT 28th January 2024 - 7am NZDT Find your inner badass and release it in your video game auditions. You could be the quietest introvert -- but there's a power inside you that must come out for a bookable video game performance. No, this is not just loud, shouty characters. It's all about your grounded confidence. Jordan will help you bring out your inner hero, villain,…
Find out more »How to Audition Better
31st January 2024 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 30th January 2024 - GMT 11pm / PST 3pm / EST 6pm Toby Ricketts brings you the guide to auditioning better! Covering all the things you can do in terms of craft, tech and marketing to excel in auditioning for voice jobs. Remember - the job isn’t doing voice work - it’s auditioning for it!
Find out more »February 2024
The GFTB (Almost) January 2024 VO Social
The January social has to sadly be pushed back a week, so join us for an almost January social on Saturday 3rd February! This month, our online VO social will take place on Saturday 3rd February 2024 at 9:00am NZDT / 7:00AM AEDT and we'll be going nice and late so that voiceovers from across the world can drop in and enjoy some fun and chats with all you amazing GFTB members. So register now while it's fresh in your mind…
Find out more »Live Mentoring: Script Readthrough with Toby Ricketts
8th February, NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 7th February - 11pm GMT / 3pm PST / 6pm EST Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »3 Hour Workshop: Mastering the Videogame Audition
10th February - 12pm-3pm PST / 3pm-6pm EST / 8pm-11pm GMT 11th February 7am-10am AEDT / 9am-12pm NZDT In this masterclass with one of the top performance directors for videogames, learn how to successfully make videogame audition sides come alive. Come away with practical tools to unlock the script and new insights into making your auditions stand out by making the words your own. Tom Keegan is a BAFTA nominated games, film and theatre director. His top projects include Jedi:…
Find out more »Home studio setup 101
15th February - NZDT 9pm / AEDT 7pm / ACDT 6:30pm / AEST (QLD) 6pm / AWST 4pm / 8am GMT Home studios - How to build one, how to improve one, how to get the best sounding voice recordings at home! From beginner to professional. All questions welcome - Need specific advice or recommendations? please email with pictures in advance to toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com
Find out more »3 Hour Workshop: What Are You Trying to Get Me to Say: Understanding your Copy From a Copywriter’s Perspective
Saturday 17th February - 12pm-3pm EST / 9am - 12pm PST / 11am-2pm CST / 5pm-8pm GMT Sunday 18th February - 6am - 9am NZDT Natalie Stanfield has been a commercial copywriter, voiceover artist and audio producer for over 20 years. In short, she's been on just about every side of the mic that there is. As an RAB certified professional commercial copywriter, she has a unique inclination toward script deconstruction to get to the base of what the copywriter is…
Find out more »Accent Masterclass
21st February, NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 20th February - 11pm GMT / 3pm PST / 6pm EST This is the chance to practice and get feedback from Toby on your accent work. It could be any accent, character or straight. 8 Participants will bring an accent and an intention, and we’ll give it a whirl! Email toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com to be a participant - first in first served!
Find out more »Mastering Medical Narration: Time to Scrub In For this Healthcare Intensive
25th February 2024 - 7pm CET/6pm GMT / 1pm EST /10am PST 26th February - 7am NZDT Join Brigid Reale for an engaging "voice-on" workout tailored to uncover the intricacies of Medical Narration. From healthcare professionals to patients and the wider public, Medical Narration plays a pivotal role in conveying crucial messages. We'll explore the nuances of tone, pacing, and terminology crucial for engaging and informative voiceovers in the medical field. Don't miss this opportunity to hone your skills…
Find out more »Live Mentoring: Script Readthrough with Toby Ricketts
29th February, NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 28th February - 11pm GMT / 3pm PST / 6pm EST Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »March 2024
Live mentoring / script readthrough with Toby Ricketts
13th March 2024 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 12th March 2024 - 4pm PDT / 7pm EDT / 11pm GMT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »WEBINAR – How to quickly produce GREAT Voiceover recordings!
21st March 2024 - NZDT 9pm / AEDT 7pm / ACDT 6:30pm / AEST (QLD) 6pm / AWST 4pm 20th March 2024 - 4pm PDT / 7pm EDT / 11pm GMT Toby uses this hour to explain and demonstrate how to quickly and easily record your voice like a pro, and all the things you can do to keep your clients happy. All questions welcome - Need specific advice or recommendations? please email with pictures in advance to toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com
Find out more »Live mentoring / script readthrough with Toby Ricketts
27th March 2024 - NZDT 12pm / AEDT 10am / ACDT 9:30am / AEST (QLD) 9am / AWST 7am 26th March 2024 - 4pm PDT / 7pm EDT / 11pm GMT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »April 2024
Live mentoring / script readthrough with Toby Ricketts
10th April 2024 - NZST 12pm / AEST 10am / ACST 9:30am / AWST 8am/ 1am BST 9th April 2024 - 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »Animation Intensive Workshop with Heather Dame
15th April 2024 - 4pm PDT / 7pm EDT 16th April 2024 - 12am BST / 9am AEST / 11am NZST Learn how to work with your animation agent beyond and behind the microphone. Animation Agent Heather Dame will give you an insider's look on how to build and maintain an animation career and have a true partnership with your agent. Then you'll get to take a step behind the mic and get hands on practice with real animation copy.…
Find out more »Live mentoring / script readthrough with Toby Ricketts
24th April 2024 - NZST 12pm / AEST 10am / ACST 9:30am / AWST 8am / 1am BST 23rd April 2024 - 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT Join Toby Ricketts for a group reading session, participation is optional. Have a look at our library of scripts and have a go at reading and Toby Ricketts will give you feedback on your reads. Either bring your own script, or find our pile of scripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEW48mQEEa6RK7sAtPH_ILgVoJD7o0g8givmGf9JP7I/edit?usp=sharing
Find out more »WEBINAR – How to Promote Yourself as an International Voice Talent
25th April 2024 - NZST 9pm / AEST 7pm / ACST 6:30pm / AWST 5pm / 10am BST Toby Ricketts tells his story of becoming an internationally recognised VO working in 15 markets around the world. This webinar will cover the basics of international voice work and how to get started on this path. Need specific advice or recommendations? please email with any questions to: toby_ricketts@gravyforthebrain.com
Find out more »The GFTB April 2024 VO Social
On Saturday 27th April, you can hop on with all your voiceover mates and enjoy a day and night of voiceover networking. As always, the rules of engagement are nice and simple. We're around for 6 hours or more, so you can hop on any time to enjoy some speed networking with voiceovers from all around the world. Share a chat, or even a drink depending on your timezone, and start making real connections with your VO colleagues. Sign up for free…
Find out more »