Maurizio Merluzzo: The Voice Behind the Characters #
This episode of Muschio Selvaggio Podcast features Maurizio Merluzzo, a voice actor with extensive experience in dubbing, YouTube, and other creative ventures. The talk explores the evolution of his career, the future of voice acting in a world of AI, and the cultural significance of dubbing in Italy.
Key Takeaways:
- Merluzzo's unique path to voice acting: He didn't come from a family of voice actors but pursued his passion with dedication and hard work. He highlights the importance of talent, dedication, and resilience in achieving success in the competitive field of voice acting.
- The changing landscape of voice acting: Merluzzo discusses the growing impact of AI on the industry, recognizing both the potential and the challenges. He believes that while AI may eventually create highly realistic voices, human creativity and empathy will remain vital in creating truly compelling performances.
- The importance of dubbing culture in Italy: He emphasizes the unique and highly developed dubbing culture in Italy, which involves a collaborative process from translation and adaptation to recording and mixing. He argues that the Italian dubbing industry is an excellence in itself, not solely reliant on individual talent.
- The impact of social media: Merluzzo acknowledges the importance of social media in building a following and expanding reach for voice actors. He describes his own journey of embracing YouTube and building a successful online presence, emphasizing the need for cross-media engagement in the digital age.
- Merluzzo's passion for diverse creative pursuits: Beyond voice acting, he has showcased his versatility through projects like "Vita da Wrestler" and "Vita da Drag", demonstrating his commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic territories.
Top Quotes:
"I am someone who, seen or unseen, speaks." "It's not necessary to be part of or a son of... let's say maybe the road is more tortuous, maybe there is different study to be done, a different commitment to be made to be able to get there, maybe a little jostling is needed." "I have a little utopia... I am of the idea that artificial intelligence will be the rebirth of human art." "The secret of diction is the ear... If your ear works better than your voice, you're 10 steps ahead." "The Italian dubbing industry is an excellence, not just the individual voice actors... It's all that surrounds dubbing." "In Italy, the Drag world is more creative, it takes strength from its own weaknesses."
Action Steps:
- For aspiring voice actors: Be persistent, practice consistently, and embrace learning opportunities. Focus on developing your voice, ear, and communication skills.
- Learn about the Italian dubbing industry: Research the history, techniques, and cultural impact of Italian dubbing.
- Explore the world of AI and voice synthesis: Stay informed about the latest advancements in AI and how they are impacting the creative industries.
- Embrace cross-media engagement: Utilize social media platforms like YouTube to connect with audiences and expand your reach.
- Be open to new experiences: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, explore new artistic avenues, and challenge yourself to grow creatively.
Further Exploration:
- Maurizio Merluzzo's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CottoeFrollato
- Muschio Selvaggio Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/MuschioSelvaggioPodcast
- Information on Italian dubbing: Search online for articles and documentaries about the Italian dubbing industry.