Bill Young
Main Compilation
BIOGRAPHY
Bill is one of the most experienced and reliable voice artists in the country, having voiced many thousands of television and radio commercials, as well as corporate reads, narrations and anything else that needs a microphone and a small padded room. If you have a 30 second script of wall-to-wall dialogue that’s running 31, and you want it on time and more laconic, get Bill Young. He can deliver that!
Upon leaving drama school in the late 70’s, Bill quickly created the Kirribilli Pub Theatre, a highly successful incubator of off-the-wall comedy that packed out houses for the ten years of its existence. It was here where he rubbed shoulders with stand-up comic and voiceover legend, Jim Pike, who introduced him to the world of Russian guitars, classic motorcycles and, more importantly,…(drum roll)…VOICEOVER!
With his innate feel for comedy and timing, Bill quickly became the voice of beer giant Tooheys, and for the first twelve months of this new career in VO, that was all he did. Beer! His ‘How d’ya feel’ campaign became the most successful radio campaign of the time, scooping up innumerable awards and generating substantial sales for the amber product. Other brands quickly recognised the unique selling power of Bill’s ‘beer voice’ and he can confidently say he has voiced the vast majority of Australia’s ales/lites/full strengths/olds/news/pilseners to great success. Even Peroni couldn’t resist his dulcet tones!
Bill is also a master at ‘the natural read’ and has the envious ability of turning what could be sometimes harsh copy into a relaxed, tongue-in-cheek, over-the-back-fence conversation which entertains and, more importantly, sells its arse off. Having trained as an actor, he works particularly well in an ensemble, bouncing off other voice artists in the studio to create a wonderful creative atmosphere which produces great work. Bill takes direction well, understands quickly what a director is after, and is happy to contribute creatively in the process. On many occasions his subtle (or maybe not-so-subtle!) contributions have been integral to the success of a commercial.
He is highly respected in the industry and has worked for all the major agencies, radio stations and production companies. He has voiced many highly successful campaigns over the years including the RTA (A message from the RTA), government and political advertising, corporates, and innumerable clients. On top of that he is also one of the regular voices on the ABC’s Media Watch programme, as well as being a regular contributor to Radio National’s radio plays. Documentary, corporate and training film narration is another string to his impressive range of skills. His narration of his documentary A Very Short War is a great example of his work.
He is one of Australia’s most experienced character actors with over 20 feature films under his belt (Hacksaw Ridge, The Great Gatsby, Superman Returns, Japanese Story, Chopper, The Matrix, The Road to Nhill), a wealth of television experience (Water Rats, Love Child, Rake, The Hollowmen, Home and Away, Devil’s Dust, Bodyline etc etc) and an impressive array of theatre credits. And if that wasn’t enough, he works occasionally as a director of film and documentary (The Roly Poly Man, A Very Short War) as well as theatre.
Bill puts in. He has been a member of the MEAA (Actors Equity) since 1975, and volunteered for eight years on the management committee of the Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW Inc, the actor and voice artist charity, serving as Treasurer for four years.
You won’t regret booking Bill for a job. In fact, you’ll have a great time!
Such an iconic voice
Kenneth Baldwin
Having known him since the early days of the Kirribilli Pub Theatre, I can confidently state that Bill Young is unquestionably the second-tallest actor I’ve ever worked with. His sharp sense of humour is a delight and his insights into most situations are thought-provoking. As an actor, Bill is a consummate professional; he makes acting look effortless and natural.
Ron Lee
http://www.corporate-ninja.com
It’s hard to know what to say about Bill Young. He’s an actor, a voice artist, a film director and a documentary maker. His years in stand-up comedy inform his innate sense of timing, & his wide range of voices can fill any brief. I have worked with Bill the voice artist for many years as well as Bill the director & it’s always easy. With Bill, you’re in a safe, if rather large, set of hands.
Greg - Take 2
One of my first jobs with Bill left me laughing so hard I almost forgot to press the record button. I’ve done dozens of recording sessions with him since and he’s delivered every time. Whether he’s the bloke next door, the tradie, the authentic brand voice, the corporate narrator or an assortment of characters, Bill brings talent and experience to every job. And as a director himself, he’s a master at taking notes and reading the room. It’s always a pleasure working with Bill and I’m looking forward to the next project.
Derek Allan
http://zigzagpost.com.au
Bill ticks a lot of boxes (and can probably carry a few too). He brings authenticity to every role whether it’s a four word announcer endline or a cheeky bit of dialogue.
Ralph van Dijk
http://www.eardrum.com.au
I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Bill for over 25 years.
Every session without fail, Bill has delivered well above the bar! He takes and responds immediately to direction, he has a sense of timing that would make any fellow musician or comedian envious, his characters and reads are believable,heart felt, real, and above all he enhances a session with his humour and his ability to draw from his deep well of experience. What else can I say but that Bill is a talented and great bloke to work with!
Brad Grisaffe > Senior Engineer, Producer > Audiobrien