I’m Estelle Hubert, actress Voice-over
I never imagined I’d get here. From my beginnings in a small free radio station nestled in my native village to my international awards, the path has been anything but linear. I’ve learned, shaped and reinvented the voice-over profession. I’ve experienced emotional elevators, doubts and second-guessing, but above all, the resilience that has carried me through every step.
For a long time, I moved forward in the shadows, pioneering with a home studio when the profession was not ready to accept it. People looked at me with skepticism, I had impostor syndrome, I took criticism… and I kept going. Because deep down, what drove me – and still drives me – is the desire to do well.
Over time, this profession has taught me to make choices: to choose quality over volume, partners who trust me, and projects where my voice has an impact. Today, every text I interpret is a challenge I take up with the same passion as on my first day.
I owe my success to hard work, inspiring clients, caring colleagues and sheer determination. Voice-over is a craft of emotion, technique and perseverance. And when I look back, I say to myself, “What an adventure, what a path we’ve travelled!”
Voice-over: my passion
I was born in a small village perched 600 meters above sea level, Montfaucon, in the Doubs region of France. In the early ’80s, a wind of freedom was blowing over the airwaves: the birth of free radios marked the arrival of the FM band in France. It was in this context that Radio Charlie, a pirate radio station based in my village, was born, before becoming Radio 2000. At just 18, I slipped into this fascinating world, initially as a “cartoucheuse”. My role was to load and broadcast advertisements on their 13 frequencies, a job I did at weekends to earn a bit of pocket money.
But very soon, this passion for radio turned into something bigger. Fred Ferry, head of the in-house production studio, gave me the opportunity to record my first commercials. My very first? A sung advert for a print newspaper, with these lyrics that still resonate in my memory:
“What are you reading dou din dont? There’s always something new in the news.”
These years plunged me into the magical world of words and sounds. They were an opportunity to discover the backstage of a studio, to feel the adrenalin of the first takes, and to understand the power of a voice capable of transmitting emotions.
In 2004, with the support of my husband Stéphane, a construction professional and electrician by trade, we built a professional studio at home. It wasn’t just a small space, but a real recording booth, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for the time. This project, matured with passion and patience, marked a decisive turning point in my career. My voice, shaped by those early years on the radio, had found its voice.
I’m not just a voice. I’m a voice-over artist. I like to shape words, working on their texture and sound so that they go further than just listening. As I like to say:
“Interpreting a script, speaking into the hollow of everyone’s ears, to touch their hearts.”
My approach? No standardized solutions. Every project is tailor-made. I choose my customers as much as they choose me. We share a common desire: to do things well, and above all, to do them better. It’s with them that I co-construct the right interpretations that capture attention and leave a lasting impression.
I’m not looking to multiply projects. I just want to get it right. Each script is a story to be told, an image to be created. And to do that, I rely on what I do best: being human, being real, and conveying what a text can only say through a voice.
bon studio is an indispensable ally for voice-overs. Since 2004, I’ve been working in an environment that reflects both my professional standards and my creativity. It wasn’t just a corner office equipped with a microphone, but a real booth built according to the rules of the art.
Saint-Omer: My main studio
My main studio in Saint-Omer is a dedicated room: a control room and a top-of-the-range recording booth. It’s designed to meet the most exacting standards in the business. Its acoustics required months of research, expert advice and, above all, the know-how and courage of my husband, who turned my ideas into reality with artisanal precision. 60 cm walls, air voids, cork, boi, cellulose wadding…
When it comes to equipment, there’s no compromise:
- Neumann U87 microphone: A benchmark for capturing every nuance of my voice.
- Manley VoxBox preamp: A tool that enhances every recording.
- Soundproofed cab: A “box within a box”, to guarantee a noise-free environment.
But this studio also has its “bling-bling” side, which I fully embrace. With its glittery pink wall and superb lacquered designer desk by Zaor, it reflects a girly touch that’s very me. This is where most of my projects come to life, in a space where technology and aesthetics coexist harmoniously.
Le Touquet: My beach booth
My second studio, in Le Touquet, is more modest, but just as effective from a sound point of view. Ideally located in this dynamic seaside resort, it allows me to work while enjoying a rejuvenating environment. I like to call it my “beach booth”, a place where you feel like you’re on vacation all year round.
Although more compact, this studio is fully equipped for qualitative recordings and remote-directed sessions. It’s a space that embodies the flexibility of my profession, while connecting me to a lighter, more inspiring atmosphere.
What thrills me about my job is the diversity of the projects I get to interpret. Commercials, on-hold messages, e-learning modules, corporate videos or animated motion design – sometimes as expressive as a cartoon – each script is a new adventure.
But what motivates me even more is the wealth of roles I play on a daily basis, not only behind the microphone, but also in managing my business as an entrepreneur. Being a freelance voice-over artist means taking on a multitude of jobs, with seriousness… and sometimes a touch of humor.
The many hats of the voice-over artist
- Actress: The basis. Interpret every script with precision, emotion and sincerity. Even when it’s fly noises or a squeaky witch.
- Artistic director: I am self-directed on a daily basis when working alone, and I oversee the direction of projects during directed sessions with my clients or other actors. Real-time control of script interpretation, compliance with the brief and the artistic direction expected by the advertiser.
- Multilingual project manager: I organize partner actors’ schedules, manage casting, check scripts, supervise recording and audio editing, and make sure everything is delivered on time. A watchmaker’s job.
- Audio technician: recording, adjusting, cleaning, editing… I manage some projects independently, although I prefer to entrust the fine alchemy of equalization and compression to an expert sound engineer.
- Acoustic engineer: Building a studio, mastering sound absorption, adjusting acoustics to obtain a sound that “sounds” perfect. It’s a precise science.
- Secretary: Answering the phone, organizing the agenda for guided sessions, sending quotes and invoices, and following up correspondence with my customers. Being organized gives me peace of mind.
- Accounting: keeping a balance sheet, anticipating URSSAF contributions, managing VAT, ensuring mandatory declarations and anticipating tax deadlines. A calculator is my daily friend.
- Community manager: Maintain an online presence, share my demos and interact with my community. Because being visible is essential to staying in the race.
- Copywriter and copywriter: advise on adjusting a script, streamlining a message so that it resonates better with the ear… because a misplaced word can change the whole meaning.
- Sales: Prospecting, negotiating, building customer loyalty and solid relationships. This job is all about trust.
- Career coach: This is a role I reserve for a minority of passionate and highly committed voice-over colleagues, because I remain first and foremost a voice-over actress. I help them structure their business with concrete advice on how to grow. But… even more often, I’m the one who gets coached! I am regularly coached by experts in voiceover, marketing and strategy, so that I can continue to progress and stay in touch with market expectations.
What motivates me is precisely this variety. Every day, I put all these skills to work
In a profession where excellence is measured by the ear, receiving international distinctions is a source of immense pride. My career has been honored by six prestigious awards, milestones that testify to the recognition of my peers and the reward for a long process of questioning, perseverance and resilience:
- 2020 : First nomination at the London Voice Awards
Best International Female Voice Over Interpretation category. A landmark recognition that gave me confidence in the diversity and quality of my performances. - 2021 : Double victory at the One Voice Awards
In both London and Dallas, I won the title of Best International Female Voice Over Interpretation. It was an unforgettable moment, symbolizing the impact of my work on the international scene. - 2022 : Winner of the One Voice Award
Best International Female Performance of the Year. This distinction underlines my commitment to delivering authentic and memorable performances. - 2024: Another victory in London
Another Voice Award! I win the title of Best International Female Interpretation of the Year, proof that excellence is cultivated over time. - 2024: Winner of the Los Angeles Voice Arts Awards
Body of Work International category. This nomination required over 15 years’ experience and expertise in numerous voice industry categories.
These awards are not just trophies, but the fruit of years of hard work, adaptation and passion. They are a reminder that authenticity and emotion are at the heart of every project we undertake.
My career has been marked by emblematic figures and training courses that have enriched my practice and refined my art.
The great French voices that inspire me
Certain voices have marked my path and continue to inspire me:
- Françoise Cadol: MY IDOL. A voice-over actress and dubbing artist, her vocal grace and teaching on the power of silence have taught me to convey strong emotions, even in moments of pause. Known as the French voice of Mary Alice in Desperate Housewives and the official French voice of Angelina Jolie. Her talent is a constant source of admiration.
- Odile Schmitt: Her sparkle and communicative energy inspired me to play light registers with finesse. For me, she’ll always be the Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria) of Desperate Housewives. She lent her voice to the character of Tom Sawyer, the mischievous and adventurous hero of the cult 1980s series. RIP
- Dorothée Pousséo: Her audacity and vocal madness have inspired me to explore extravagant, animated characters. In France, she’s known for her dubbing work in animation and advertising, and embodies pure creativity. She is the French voice of Harley Quinn, the Joker’s iconic accomplice in the DC Comics universe.
- Céline Monsarrat: The iconic French voice of Julia Roberts, notably in Pretty Woman Erin Brockovich. I practiced her lines, fascinated by her melodious tone and elegance. Her voice in the Lidl ads is also an example of the balance between naturalness and charm. In the 1980s animated series Les Schtroumpfs, it was Céline Monsarrat who lent her voice to La Schtroumpfette.
- Marie-Dominique Bayle: Recognized for her outstanding work as a voice-over artist for documentaries, notably for productions such as those broadcast on Ushuaïa TV. With her soft, calm and captivating voice, she has brought to life stories of nature, exploration and the environment. Her ability to combine precision, gentleness and emotion in her narration, particularly on productions, showed me the importance of rhythm and intention in captivating the listener.
My coaches and apprenticeships
To train is to evolve. Here are the ones that have marked my progress:
- Nathalie Caso: Thanks to her, I discovered the importance of breathing techniques, an essential foundation for the voice.
- Sébastien Croteau: I’m training with him to master extreme and monster voices, perfect for animation and video games.
- Pierre Maubouché: He taught me to hide my voice to let the images speak for themselves, a subtlety that makes all the difference.
- Françoise Cadol: I was lucky enough to take a course with her on reading aloud, a discipline that sublimates words.
Since 2019, I’ve also been taking part in conferences such as the One Voice Conference or the Wonderland Talents remote sessions. These events are an opportunity for me to perfect my skills, both in art
In this sometimes lonely profession, my voice-over colleagues are an invaluable asset. Whether French or international – Japanese, Spanish, Latin American or English – they bring a diversity of perspectives and experience. With them, I share ideas, advice and, sometimes, projects. These exchanges help me to grow and reinforce my conviction that we’re always stronger together.
Sharing also means better recommendations. Knowing my colleagues’ talents, styles and strengths means I can direct my customers to the right people when I’m not the ideal voice. It’s a virtuous circle: we learn from each other and help each other to make our profession shine.
To find out more about my “darlings”, I invite you to visit my blog, where I profile talented international voiceover colleagues.
Voice-over is a profession made up of unique moments, sometimes touching, often surprising, but always memorable. Here are some of the most memorable stories of my career.
The role of a fly in a TV commercial on Reunion Island
When it comes to vocal challenges, this one remains unequalled. For a local TV commercial in La Réunion, I had to interpret… a fly. My script consisted of 20 seconds of “zzz…zzz”, with the mission of illustrating a delirious scene: a fly goes shopping, catches its wings in a parasol, crashes into a shop window, slides along it, and discovers inside a dress on sale for €29. The result? An improbable, hilarious experience, and a real lesson in minimalist interpretation. And I say I’m not an actress! 😉
Audio guides that bring tears to your eyes… literally
In 2008, I recorded a monumental audio guide for the Beijing Film Museum, inaugurated during the Olympic Games. In addition to thousands of words, I had to pronounce almost 250 names of Chinese directors and actors with a perfect accent. Apart from Jackie Chan and Mao Zedong, I didn’t know a single name. It was such an intense linguistic and emotional challenge that I cried several times. Fortunately, with the precious help of my husband, I managed to deliver a successful project.
The “not so wise” recording: a double lesson
Two very different projects have marked my career with a touch of daring and humor.
The first, recorded in a studio in Lille, concerned telephone on-hold messages with an erotic connotation. I had to scream out all the male first names with pleasure, simulating orgasm (my daughter would say “you’re a pain, Mum”). Imagine me in a booth, alone, passionately screaming out male names under the direction of three technicians. It was an experience as amusing as it was instructive, and inspired me to play with my voice in totally unexpected ways.
The second project was an erotic comic strip, recorded in my home studio. This time, my husband was in charge of the art direction, and his astonishment at some of the “very, very hot” dialogues remains an unforgettable memory. We learned a lot of words and positions during those long hours of recording. This mix of professionalism and funny situations is what makes our job so much fun.
When did Romain decide to come forward?
In August 2007, almost 8 months pregnant with Romain, I recorded Totem ‘s very first radio package in a professional studio, faithful as always to my clients. A few days later, while I was giving my best wicked witch voice for a Nigloland Halloween commercial, my son Romain, who was due five weeks later, decided to announce himself. My water broke… in the cabin!
A memorable experience where life literally came to work. Laurent, from Select Conseil, Nancy’s advertising production studio, told me all about it during our last exchange, with an amused smile as I left him the scene in my rushes before going into labor.
Behind every success, there are solid pillars. For me, those pillars are my family. My husband, my partner since 1998, is much more than a life companion: he’s my technician, my proof-reader, my bookkeeper, my property manager, and sometimes, my handkerchief when necessary. He shares all my joys, helps me through my sorrows and has always believed in my projects, no matter how crazy. It’s also thanks to him that my studios exist: he built them with his own hands, layer after layer, with infinite patience and expert rigor. Three years of work went into my “bling-bling booth”: a veritable work of acoustic and phonic art, designed to offer the best possible sound. I’ve even got a video of the work to testify to the scale of the project… and his dedication. He’s my secret weapon.
And then there are my three children, who took turns behind the microphone with a talent that still amazes me. Memorable moments, filled with laughter and complicity. Julien, born in 2000, now works in artificial intelligence (a nice irony for a mother who defends the work of human voices). Romain, born in 2006, is pursuing business studies, true to his determination and inquisitive spirit. And my youngest, Florine, born in 2007 – my princess, my doll, my sweetheart – is studying psychology. She still takes part in some studio sessions, but not for much longer… studies come first, and soon, university awaits her.
Our children have grown up in a home where the voice resonates, where work is combined with love, and where every family project is a collective challenge. Today, they form a strong nucleus, enriched by our “added values”: my children’s darlings, who have integrated naturally into this close-knit family. Together, we share lively meals, endless board games, passionate discussions, and above all, bursts of laughter that resonate even louder than all the voices in my studio.
My family is my balance. It’s what gives me the strength, creativity and resilience I need to move forward every day in this job I’m so passionate about.
There was a time when people called me a “closet voice”. An anecdote that has stuck with me goes back to my early days in the 2000s, when I dared to present myself as a voice-over actress equipped with a home studio. I was a pioneer, but people looked at me with skepticism, and I had to take it: “But what are you? Did you go to Cours Florent? What about a real studio? At the time, it was inconceivable for some people to work in anything other than a Parisian studio. This doubt that was projected onto me also became a bit of a problem for me: impostor syndrome.
And yet, I carried on. As time went by, things clicked. The most important? The decision to stop chasing volume and choose quality. No longer a slave to my profession, nor to certain customers who saw voice as a mere product. I realized that it was time to put my expertise at the service of projects where we take the time to do things right, where each script is treated with the rigor and attention it deserves.
Today, I relish the immense good fortune of working with select customers and partners with whom I’ve forged a real bond. These are companies, agencies, studios and designers who share my vision of working hand in hand to make projects a success. They are also demanding customers, who know that I am there to offer the right service solutions, and who repay my trust with clear briefs and sincere recognition.
With them, I’m not just a voice, I’m a committed collaborator:
- I dive into their projects to understand the subtleties.
- I make sure that my interpretation respects their vision and expectations.
- I deliver ready-to-use files, polished to perfection, on time.
And therein lies the magic of this collaboration: when a customer comes back to me saying that my voice has brought their message to life(even if I don’t like the term “brought to life” 😉), when they entrust me with a new project with their eyes closed, I know I’m in the right place. I’m no longer that “closet voice”, I’m a voice-over craftsman, recognized for the rigor, emotion and tailoring I bring to every project.
Because beyond words and scripts, what really counts is touching the ears… right to the heart.
For me, traveling is much more than a break: it’s an infinite source of inspiration. Each destination has offered me colors, sounds and emotions that are reflected in my interpretations.
Mexico holds a special place in my heart. When I was 20, I spent three months there that marked me for life. It was there that I perfected my Spanish and discovered a deep love for the richness of different cultures. Morocco, with its gentle way of life and stunning landscapes, is another of my favorite ports of call. So much so, in fact, that one day we considered moving there!
And then there’s Le Touquet. It’s not just a place to work, it’s a resort where I recharge my batteries. Its beaches, concerts and four-season atmosphere remind me that it’s essential to find the right balance between professional and personal life.
But we mustn’t forget Paris, my favorite capital, where everything is inspired, from the effervescence of the streets to the elegance of its heritage. London, with its energy and cosmopolitan character, and even escapades in Belgium, Switzerland or the Caribbean, complete the picture.
Every trip, every walk on the beach, every Latin dance feeds my creativity. Maybe that’s why, when I dive into a script, I can “see the film” in my head. Because my voice is shaped not only by my profession, but also by the world around me.
In a career spanning more than 20 years, I’ve learned many things. I’ve learned that resilience is a powerful driving force, that today’s vision forges tomorrow’s successes, and that nothing can be taken for granted.
Since I started out, I’ve always adapted to changes in the market. Whether it’s the arrival of home studios, digital platforms or new vocal expectations, I’ve always been one step ahead, even when some people doubted or criticized. Today, the industry is undergoing a new mutation: artificial intelligence is invading our professions, competition is intensifying, and habits are changing. But rather than worrying about it, I’m choosing to seize the opportunities.
Tomorrow, I’ll still be doing this job that I love so much, but I’ll be doing it differently.
Quality first and foremost
I’ve always been driven by the desire to offer quality work. Human emotion, the ability to touch the ears… right to the heart, that’s what sets me apart. The more perfect the synthetic voice, the more imperfect, alive and human I’ll show myself to be. My timbre, my interpretation, my silences… everything that escapes a machine will continue to be my signature.
Projects designed to last
I’ve already got my head full of projects for the years to come, because I never intend to stop. My voice will continue to accompany commercials, corporate films, e-learning content, animated projects, and even the craziest challenges. I’ve learned to select the right projects, the right collaborations: complicit customers, respectful partners, and assignments that challenge and enrich me.
Sharing, but differently
I’ve always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with colleagues, whether experts or beginners. But today, I share in a different way. I’ve learned to preserve my ideas, to value what I know, because that comes at a price: years of work, effort and perseverance. I now choose who I coach, with a more strategic approach. I’m ready to coach committed, passionate and determined colleagues, but I remain first and foremost a voice-over actor. A career coach in my own time.
An artist and an entrepreneur
Tomorrow, I’ll continue to self-direct, produce and deliver on time. I’ll continue my role as artistic director on multilingual projects, surrounding myself with my voice-over colleagues from all over the world: French, English, Spanish, Italian, German… I’m also a project manager, capable of organizing castings, managing schedules, and delivering tailor-made projects.
Always learning, always growing
What drives me every day is to learn, to progress and to challenge myself. I will continue to train, whether to perfect vocal techniques such as saturated voices with Sébastien Croteau, or to enrich my approach to the market. Attending conferences, working with coaches, staying curious… that’s the secret to staying connected to the expectations of my profession and at the top of my industry.
A voice for tomorrow
After a career spanning more than 20 years, I’m far from satisfied. The most beautiful stories remain to be told, the most beautiful collaborations to be built. This job is evolving, challenging me every day, and that’s where I draw my energy. In innovation, in the diversity of projects, in the trust my customers place in me, and in my ability to remain myself: an authentic, passionate and resolutely committed voice-over artist.
I haven’t said my last word. I’m a gourmet: of life, of encounters, of challenges… and of course, of words. The voice is my profession, my passion, and a formidable field of exploration where each project invites me to go further. Further into emotion, further into technique, further into humanity.
So, if you want to know more, if you’re looking for a voice, an ally, a voice-over artist ready to sublimate your projects, you know where to find me. Because I have no intention of stopping. Not now, not tomorrow, not as long as there are stories to tell, emotions to convey and listeners to engage.
Tomorrow, I’ll continue to lend my voice to speak in everyone’s ears… to touch their hearts, create images, arouse emotions. I will continue to learn, to share, and to marvel at this profession which, more than a career, is a true art of living.
The best is yet to come. And I’m ready.
Follow me on Instagram
Not around much, but always sincere!
I’ll admit it, networking and I have a loose relationship… I prefer real exchanges, sparkling glances and discussions that resonate. But when I post, I post from the heart! So, if you’d like to take a look, like or even chat, I’d be delighted to share a piece of my world with you.
