Conversations with Anthony Kelly

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Kelly.

Anthony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Many of my favorite memories revolve around the performing arts. Telling stories and entertaining people through acting is one of life’s greatest joys. I’m grateful to have grown up in an environment that supports, fosters, and encourages creativity and storytelling – both at home and school. 

My family often listened to radio dramas; while wrapped up in those stories, little me would sit and listen to those performers and think, “So cool… I wanna do what they do!” A small seed was planted, giving way to a dream; then, gradually, hope turned into action. I started on stage, moved to film, and now voice acting from my home studio, recording for projects based in the US and, recently, overseas. 

Growing up, teachers, friends, and family would often comment about my deep voice; in high school, board members gave me a chance to narrate a video. It was nerve-wracking walking into a booth for the first time, but I couldn’t stop smiling. After the session, life returned to day-to-day schooling; still, in my mind, there was an itch to get back into the booth. 

Post-grad, I was taken to Colorado Christian University for a BA in Communication with an emphasis in Journalism, then two certificates for radio and television broadcasting at Colorado Media School, Lakewood. CMS re-ignited my dream for recording and voiceover. 

Stepping into a booth again gave me joy, lighting a passion for storytelling; moreover, each school – including the evening acting classes – gave me the tools I needed to turn what was once a dream into a goal, finding work in both broadcasting and voiceover. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest challenges were investing in equipment, educating myself on the more technical aspects of recording, and finding work outside a major market like LA or New York without representation. 

When I started taking voiceover more seriously, purchasing all the necessary equipment was an uphill battle; after getting the bare minimum of a USB mic, recording software, and a smaller space to record in, it was still difficult to get noticed. While I did get an agent early on, I was completely out of my depth. I do regret pursuing representation before I was ready. 

While I support dreams, they will only get someone so far… education, a solid foundation, and a patient but diligent attitude are the keys to success. Learn and keep going. 

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Outside of working in television as a video editor, I’m happy to share my voice act! I’m known to some for my work in audio dramas, television and web ads, and video games. 2020 opened up the online space in a big way, giving remote talent an entryway to productions across the country and around the world. 

It’s amazing collaborating with clients and friends in Colorado, the UK, China, Singapore, and more! Some of the most recent character work that I can mention is “Midnight” from ERA S. Decode, a new fps launching on the Epic Games store; several character cards in a free to play deck building card game Destiny’s Divide, available on Steam; and “Musa” from a cozy-life sim action RPG called My Time at Sandrock, available everywhere. 

I’m thankful for the support of family and friends and extremely happy that I got to record from home. 

While outside of the big markets like LA, New York, and Texas, I am a fully remote-capable talent with industry-standard equipment and training, ready to contribute to projects anywhere. Not a lot of folks can say that. Thinking back to where I started, using a USB mic, barebones recording software, and a closet booth surrounded by clothes, seeing where I am now is an amazing feeling. 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’ve learned there isn’t really a time when you are truly “ready.” Life is a constant cycle of learning, doing, failing, and eventually succeeding. Risk can turn into failure, but it also gives an opportunity to be better. Failure vs success is all about mindset. If you focus on the past, then that’s exactly where you’re going to be, so choose the present — learn from the past and start again. 

When finally stepping out towards grasping a dream or goal, be SMART about it. I wish I had been. While we can definitely learn a lot by failing, leaping forward with a plan or education (technical know-how, formal education, some street smarts, etc.) will help guide us better. Be bold; take the risk; don’t be afraid to rely on others; give yourself some grace; fall and get back up; whatever you do, keep going. 

Contact Info:

• Website: aokellyjr.carrd.co
• Instagram: instagram.com/aokellyjr
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aokellyjr
• Other: https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Anthony-ONeil-Kelly-Jr/