Narration Sample on Chicago Tonight (WTTW Video) 2


“Jay Shefsky tells the amazing story of Vivian Maier” -Chicago Tonight

Vivian Maier Self-Portrait © Maloof Collection LTD

Jay Shefsky’s narration in the video at the end of this post is a fantastic example of great storytelling. His voiceover effortlessly complements the video’s images, and he reels us in so we’re on the edge of our seats waiting for whatever’s next.

Produced for Chicago PBS station WTTW’s Chicago Tonight, this video profiles nanny Vivian Maier (1926 – 2009), also an extraordinary photographer.

“Vivian…took more than 100,000 photos during her lifetime but never showed them to anyone. Now that she’s gone and her photos have been discovered, some say she may rank among the top street photographers of the 20th century.”

John Maloof, a Chicago twenty-something, recently discovered Vivian’s photos at an auction in Chicago. He posted some of her photos on a blog and the next day he had 200 emails from around the world containing the likes of exhibition, film, and documentary offers.

© Maloof Collection LTD

© Maloof Collection LTD

© Maloof Collection LTD

To see more of Vivian’s photography or to support the Kickstarter campaign that will fund a documentary about her life, visit http://vivianmaier.blogspot.com.

Tell us about the great narration pieces you’ve heard or voiced lately.


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2 thoughts on “Narration Sample on Chicago Tonight (WTTW Video)

  • Ryan Satterfield

    Narration has to be the most interesting type of Voice Overs that exist. They aren’t a promotional ad, but they are generally promoting someone or something. What I find so interesting about them is that you also get to apply Animation voices to narration. When you listen to the Harry Potter books you don’t have to pay attention to the words Harry said because the narrators voice changes to his version of Harrys voice. I have applied his technique to my narrating and I have to say it really gives any book a lot of life!

  • Meghan Weimer Post author

    I love storytelling-style narration. Have you ever heard any of Ira Glass’s characters on This American Life? He’s really great, as is the show.