A Trusted British Documentary voice… familiar to millions
Documentary narration is one of my favourite kinds of voiceover work. I’ve been chosen by HISTORY, National Geographic and Smithsonian Channel, among others, to voice programming for their UK and international audiences – as well as by independent filmmakers from all over the world.
When it comes to documentary voiceovers, I offer a compelling blend of expertise and passion that sets me apart. As a British voice actor, I bring a refined eloquence and a captivating storytelling ability to every project. My voice carries the perfect balance of sincerity, warmth, and authority, captivating listeners and immersing them in the narrative.
With my meticulous attention to detail and dedication to delivering an authentic and engaging experience, I ensure that your documentary resonates with viewers on a profound level. Trust me to infuse your project with the gravitas it deserves and to transport your audience into the heart of your story.
Let me help bring your Documentary Narration to life…
Scroll down to read more, check out some real world examples and get in touch!
Documentary Narration Examples
“Sri Lanka - Leopard Dynasty”
(Client: Aegle Creations, Sri Lanka)
“Aerial Britain” (Client: Smithsonian Channel)
My narration for “Aerial Britain” (above) was nominated for “Outstanding Narration – TV or Film – Best Voiceover” at the 2021 SOVAS Voice Arts Awards.
My other documentary narrations for Smithsonian Channel include:
“World’s Tallest Tree” - Nat Geo Wild
“Seven Signs of the Apocalypse” - HISTORY
“Jaws: The Inside Story” - Bio
Reversioning and localisation
A lot of my work as a Documentary Narrator involves “reversioning” material for the British audience. This means taking the original – which is often an American production – and localising it for the British and European audience.
Although the US market loves to hear a British accent, the UK market is more resistant to hearing American accent on television, so many programmes are re-voiced before being broadcast. This also includes updating the script, changing out vernacular words and idioms that don’t work for a British audience, and so on. This can even include changing the title of the show: HISTORY’s “Jurassic Fight Club” was thought “too brash’ for the Brits, and became “Dinosaur Secrets” when I re-voiced it for the UK!
“Dinosaur Secrets: Ice Age Monsters” - HISTORY
Trusted by:
SIZZLE REEL NARRATION
If you’re pitching your show to the networks, you’ll know the value of having a great “sizzle reel” to show off your work. And a great promo voiceover is the perfect way to tie it all together.
Let me help you get your reel ready for primetime!
Should your Documentary have a Narrator?
It’s certainly true that some of the best documentaries out there have no Narrator! Done well, and with careful planning and thoughtful, skilled editing, the right material can certainly speak for itself. I contributed my thoughts about this for a piece by The Guardian newspaper.
That said, documentaries with narration have a distinct advantage over those without, as they offer a compelling storytelling element that enhances the viewer's experience. Narration serves as a guiding voice, providing context, clarity, and structure to the narrative. It adds depth, insight, and an authoritative tone that captivates audiences, keeping them engaged throughout the documentary.
By utilising narration, complex subjects can be simplified and made more accessible to a wider audience. It also allows for seamless transitions, bridging scenes and connecting disparate elements, creating a cohesive and impactful storytelling experience.
In most cases, narration adds an extra layer of professionalism and enhances the overall quality of the documentary, making it a compelling choice for filmmakers and viewers alike.
Why should you hire a British Documentary Narrator?
Picture this: the mellifluous tones of a refined British voiceover gracefully guiding you through the captivating landscapes and enthralling stories that unfold on screen. The power of the British accent lies in its timeless elegance and universal appeal. It evokes a sense of authority, sophistication, and authenticity, captivating audiences worldwide.
Whether it's history, a nature documentary (think David Attenborough!) or a cultural exploration piece, a British voiceover carries a sense of gravitas, effortlessly captivating listeners and lending an air of credibility to your project.
So, embrace the enchantment of a genuine British accent and elevate your documentary to new heights of excellence!
How to hire a British Documentary Narrator
Getting started with British Documentary Narration for your project is as easy as getting in touch. Just fill in the form below (or send me an email if you’d like to include an attachment with the script) and give me some basic details. It’s helpful to include the running time, your timescale for completion, your intended budget, and where you expect the finished film to be shown.
If your piece is already edited then we can fit the voiceover narration to the existing pictures and sound. Or we can create a “dry” narration track which you can use in the edit to build the film around - whatever works best for you!
I’ll record the narration in my professional home studio, usually with you on the line so you can direct and offer feedback. You can choose fully edited audio, or opt for a variety of takes that you can edit later. Your audio will be uploaded to my secure storage site ready for you to download when you’re ready.
Mike Cooper
Mike Cooper is a British voice talent who swapped big city life in London for log cabin life in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Mike is recognisable from his many years on air with the BBC World Service, and as the narrator of countless television documentaries and a growing library of audiobooks. A disruptive influence in school, Mike's first break in narration came at age six, when his teacher realised he could tell the afternoon story better than her (and she could get a nap by way of a bonus!)
When he's not in his home studio, you'll find Mike enjoying hobby farm life and tending to a small herd of charming pet goats, an adorable mini horse called Annie, and a hornless unicorn called Melodie (among others…)