All formats of performing arts, whether it be film or theatre, feature diversity and depth more than ever before. Audiences are introduced to colourful, full-of-life characters from all walks of life. Whether its a portrayal of the Vikings, a fictional story around the diverse backgrounds in Africa, or an immigrant story to match with the times; accents and dialects are integral to the development of those productions and the authentic portrayal of those regions.
Ever wondered how difficult accent and dialect training must be?
The simple answer is VERY.
It takes but a moment to reflect on ourselves and the way we communicate, both in our native tongue or in a language that is our second or third. Creating a product that captures an authentic voice – a signature of a particular voice – is challenging.
Collision 2022 created an opportunity for us to connect with Henry Regan, Co-Founder of an app called spikizi, a community-driven accent and dialect coaching app. It hopes to help artists around the world through skill sharing, utilizing an easy to use platform. Best of all, the app is created by actors for actors. Both Henry and his business partner and Co-Founder Samuel Lawrence are working actors, and their experience dealing with multiple accents and dialects is what drives their passion to bring value to the acting profession.
Remember I mentioned Vikings?
Well…funny story. Sam got this idea whilst standing on a mountain, dressed as a Viking! Guessing that Isle of Skye accent was the catalyst!
Spikizi is a unique platform that will benefit actors across the board, and around the world. It will build a community around the acting profession, where artists can leverage one another to develop and grow. This was one of the most powerful platforms introduced to me during Collision 2022, and I hope artists will take note and give this app a try (whether in the testing phase now or when it fully launches soon), and evaluate if it will help elevate their projects.
Corporations should take note as well. As the world is becoming more and more personalized, so should all forms of advertising. While we are getting the visuals right, its time we factor in truly authentic accents/dialects into communication strategies that go beyond basic, high-level demographic segmentation. Spikizi provides access to talented people through an abundance of data, to help us choose the right individual and help localize our marketing.
We can’t wait to explore more about spikizi in the coming weeks. Until then, watch Henry introduce and explain his app, and the journey they have taken to get here.
Cover Photo: Steve Murakami. © The Arts Guild Inc.
