Introu Podcast episode one: Meet freelance voiceover artist, Max Dowler

The Introu podcast has landed. Up first, we sat our resident podcast host, Max Gergel, with another very interesting Max; voiceover artist and actor Max Dowler. In this week’s podcast, Max Dowler lifted the lid on his career to date, which boasts a rather impressive IMBD page covering Emmerdale, Line of Duty and EastEnders, his almost life-long experience as a freelancer and the embarrassing first album he ever purchased. You can tune into their full conversation on wherever you get your podcasts or read through our write up of when Max met Max.

So, Max, what exactly do you do?

Well, that’s a difficult question. I’m an actor primarily, but like most actors, my career is far more diverse than just acting. I’ve dabbled in traditional office work and done a significant amount of voiceover work. In fact, you’ve caught me at a good moment. I’m currently putting together my own small business; Triangle Audio Productions. The idea is that we provide voiceover services specifically to the financial services industry.

It all sounds very interesting. When exactly did you become a ‘freelancer’?

The term ‘freelancer’ seems a bit of an odd one to me. I suppose that’s because I’ve never really experienced the alternative. Ever since finishing student life after completing my French degree, I’ve been a freelance actor and voiceover artist for the best part of seventeen years. It’s my entire career.

I suppose you’re a bit of an expert. What’s the best part of being a freelancer?

For me, the thrill of freelancing is comparable to the thrill of acting. Both are surprising, often unexpected and ultimately, exciting. I’m so glad that my career wields the two together. Speaking of excitement, a particular highlight of my freelance acting career was my role in Line of Duty. Now, I’ve been a bit of a Line of Duty super fan since it began. I was lucky enough to get an audition and eventually a role, as the husband of DI Kate Fleming, played by the wonderful Vicky McClure. Being on set with Vicky was somewhat surreal. The power of freelancing, eh!

How is Introu ‘powering’ your freelance career?

I’m now in the process of establishing a freelance voiceover services company and building up a network of clients initially proved to be difficult. People seem to view the acting industry as one giant network of people, but trust me, it isn’t. As with any freelance career, networking and building a client base is difficult and it’s hard to create a community, without poncing around in some sort of fancy members’ club.

That’s where Introu came in. The idea of being able to network with other businesses and freelancers on the platform and feel part of a community was particularly attractive. Getting a desk at a coworking space wasn’t too bad either, especially due to the noise at home created by my whole street working from home. I’ve been able to get on with some of the nitty-gritty, behind the scenes work for my company in a productive environment.

What more are you expecting from the platform?

I’m excited to truly use it to its full extent and power and meet some clients. I’ve already gone and got one of my friends involved, who’s a management consultant. Although she’s in a completely different industry, she’s still a freelancer and will definitely benefit from being part of the Introu community.

Before we leave you to crack on, shall we do some quick-fire questions?

🏙 Favourite city? It’s got to be Paris.

🤩 Highlight of the weekend? (Max cheekily chuckles) — I mean, life is pretty dull at the moment…

🤷‍♂️ Living person you would most like to meet? Oh that’s difficult. Give me anyone, to be honest, I’m sure they’ve got an interesting story to tell.

💿 First album you ever bought? Oh gosh, it’s an embarrassing one. I think it was some sort of compilation of songs in Levi’s adverts back in the 90s.

There’s nothing wrong with some 90s bangers! Cheers, Max.

Make sure you check out the full conversation between Max and Max on any good podcast streaming service. Next week, Max will be sitting down to chat with another creative freelance talent — Ru Duguid, freelance producer and director. We’ll see you there.