Summary
Overview
This episode of Short Stuff pays tribute to Don LaFontaine, known as 'the voice of God' and the iconic movie trailer voice behind over 5,000 film trailers. The hosts explore LaFontaine's journey from Army recording engineer to becoming the most dominant voice in Hollywood trailers, his creation of catchphrases like 'in a world,' and his prolific career that averaged seven voiceovers a day until his death in 2008.
Don LaFontaine's Incredible Career by the Numbers
Don LaFontaine dominated the voiceover industry with staggering statistics that showcase his unparalleled work ethic and success. Beyond his famous movie trailer work, he recorded hundreds of thousands of television spots and maintained an intense production schedule. By the end of his career, he had built a home studio and was averaging seven voiceovers daily, a pace that sounds modest but is actually quite demanding for professional voiceover work.
- LaFontaine recorded over 5,000 film trailers during his career
- He completed 750,000 television spots including commercials and promos
- By the end of his life, he averaged seven voiceovers per day from his home office
- Professional voiceover work requires numerous takes and is surprisingly difficult
" I'd knock that out in like 15 minutes. No, you wouldn't, because it's actually surprisingly difficult. And if you're actually working with a professional company, they will make you do that over and over and over again. "
From Army Engineer to Hollywood Voice
LaFontaine's path to becoming the voice of movie trailers began with military service and engineering work. After serving in the United States Army Band and Chorus as a recording engineer, he continued that work at National Recording Studios in New York City. His big break came in 1962 when he partnered with radio producer Floyd Peterson on promotional work for Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove, setting the foundation for his legendary career.
- LaFontaine was born in Duluth, Minnesota and served in the United States Army Band and Chorus as a recording engineer
- After military service, he worked at National Recording Studios in New York City
- In 1962, he partnered with producer Floyd Peterson on Dr. Strangelove radio promos
- His first voiceover performance came in 1965 when a scheduled actor didn't show up for radio spots for 'The Gunfighters of Casa Grande'
" Hey, you with the perfect voice, give this a shot. "
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