VoG

(vee-oh-ji) n. stands for the "Voice of God;" one of the nicknames given to Don LaFontaine, one of five major million-dollar voice-over actors famous for his sexy, husky voice in more than 4000 movie trailers; also see The King of the Movie Trailers

Did you ever wonder who was responsible for all those enrapturing trailer narrations that always start with booming clichés like "In a world where..." or "From the bedroom to the boardroom...?" I know I never cared. And if I did, it was merely because I thought the trailer would've been better off without the annoying, over-played baritone voice pumped through the speakers. Even the most avid movie-goer who has never missed The Twenty and has seen every movie preview in existence at least ten times could probably give a rat's behind about the man behind that trailer voice. So, it may appear to be a rather sad life for The VoG, Mr. LaFontaine...but maybe not so sad when you consider how much dough a deep bellowing voice can get you in Hollywood. It seems that there is some unwritten law that all trailers be narrated by a strong, testosterone-loaded voice (see Trailer talk article from www.theage.com). No one wants to hear the Nanny narrating the trailer for Star Wars. Or Mel Brooks narrating for Dances with Wolves. I must say, after hearing LaFontaine's deep...strong...and oh, so manly voice in an interview with Bill Weir, I can see the appeal. And I might even start paying attention to trailers next time.