How to START learning AMAZING voice impressions... Method

Full impressions course: skl.sh/3dmmGr6
The second part of the series 'How to do Impressions'. Leave a comment voting for specific impressions tutorials.
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Twitter: / c_hopkinson
Facebook: / voiceraptor
Snapchat: chopkinson92
Instagram: charlie.hopkinson.comedy
Patreon: www.patreon.co...
Charlie Hopkinson is a comedic impressionist, impersonator, voice guy, whatever you want to call it who specialises in voices from current television shows and films. His standup is a character act about a retired maths teacher, his standup set includes impressions of Sir David Attenborough, Robin Williams, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Peaky Blinders, Tommy and Arthur Shelby and Gandalf from Lord of the Rings.
This is the second part of the for tutorial/howto do impressions series, I take you through some of the tips and processes that I use to learn impressions. Once you get the hang of them you will be doing spot on impressions in no time (ish...). Tommy shelby, donald trump, gandalf etc... even Family guy (Boo).
Always looking to update my roster I look to try out subscriber suggested impressions in the impressions challenge series before honing the best ones. Recently I have added Peaky Blinders and Marvel / Avengers characters to my arsenal!
I currently run a number of series including:
Impression Reels - The very best impressions I can do, Including LOTR, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Peaky Blinders, Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Cartoons .etc
Impression Challenges - Trying out new impressions in a less polished form.
Impression Dramatic song covers - Voices of Reason.
Low Budget Animation - Stickman sketch remakes of Iconic Tv shows and movies.
How to do Impressions - An audience lead tutorial series where I attempt to pass on my Impressions knowledge.
Dubs - Comedic dubs of iconic scenes with new dialogue, (My Peaky Blinders and Lord of The Rings dubs have grossed over 6 million views on Facebook)
Standup - Clips from Standup sets I have performed over the last year.
Comedy Sketches - Comedy Sketches
I started learning impressions in 2012, at the age of 20. You can follow my full impressions journey in my new ‘How to do impressions’ tutorial series
After graduating from the University of Warwick in the summer 2013 he took 4 months out to concentrate on KZbin videos full time, including producing his most viewed video to date ‘Morgan Freeman and 40 other impressions’ with just over 12 million views. This foray into being a ‘full time KZbinr’ was cut short as he went travelling for 3 months before starting a 2 year teaching Graduate scheme with Charity ‘Teach First’.
While teaching he has performed in and narrated the 4 episode series ‘Lookalikes’ as Morgan Freeman. The show and the narration received a positive reception. The show aired on Channel 4 during the prime time slot of Friday 10pm for three weeks. It is now currently available on Netflix. Charlie also performed with other well known impressionists for an unaired pilot.
Charlie has worked for several prominent brands in relation to their products, including google and formula 1.
Since the summer of 2016 Charlie has once again dived into the world of KZbin, for the first time producing content on a weekly basis. He is also focusing on live performance; he has performed in live venues a total of 3 times to date.
His top impressions include:
Morgan Freeman (Red -Shawshank redemption)
Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf - Lord of the Rings)
Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman - Breaking Bad)
Alan Rickman (Snape - Harry Potter)
Michael Caine (Alfred - Batman)
Jon Snow (Game of Thrones)
Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Carribean)
Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained, Inglorious bastards)
Alec Guiness (Ben Kenobi - Star Wars)
Agent Smith (The Matrix)
Sean Bean (Boromir - Lord of the Rings)
Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield - The Hobbit)
Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister - Game of Thrones)
Tyrion Lannister (Game of Thrones)
Bryan Cranston (Walter White - Breaking Bad)
Frank Underwood (House of Cards)
Tommy Shelby (Peaky Blinders)
The Equipment that I use:
Recording Microphone: goo.gl/qGZCLT
DSLR Camera: goo.gl/MPX4RC
Lens: goo.gl/7T7ZCH
Intro Audio Mic: goo.gl/Azug4n
Rode Mic Stand: goo.gl/3IIgYW
BOSE Headphones: www.amazon.co.....

[@melvyns1975]

And here’s me thinking it’s all just natural talent 😃

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Oh no! Lots of work in the background!

[@idkyolo988]

Right lol

[@21_capture]

Do Heath Ledger joker voice impression. Teach us if you master it.

[@snowqueen2579]

I'd say, I got that handled HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@michaelwilliams854]

I'm pretty good at it. Trying to get better tho.

[@karna5998]

@@michaelwilliams854 keep going man

[@G__U__T__S]

Tom Waits. All ya need to know

[@florencecoach6639]

Very generous of you sharing your craft.

[@CharlieHopkinson]

I promised it a long time ago!

[@BeckettBehel]

I've been casually playing with impressions and accents for a few months just for fun, and I gotta say your channel has inspired me to truly try and make it a real skill! I don't know how far I will go, but I know that I can achieve what I really put my mind to. Many of your tips on mindsets when practicing are almost scarily similar to tips I've discovered for other skills. Sorry for the long comment, but I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate what you do. It's truly a blessing when an expert takes the time to give tips to people like me who had no idea where to start

[@CharlieHopkinson]

You’re welcome!

[@nebsabe9413]

How did you do?

[@BeckettBehel]

@@nebsabe9413 Wow, this is a blast from the past. Well since then I ended up sinking more time into accents in general than impressions, and I got decently good at some. Mostly though, I've been singing and that has really taken off since then. I'm a far, far better singer now than I used to be, though I still have far more to go. The tips for different skills really are surprisingly generalizable. Definitely try things out and see how far you go! If you enjoy it, you'll look back and wonder how you got so far.

[@BigPolskiMan]

​@@BeckettBehelWell, how'd singing go?

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Hope this was helpful, don’t forget to leave a suggestion here for individual impression tutorials...

[@zaittsev]

Gollum and Nicolas Cage!

[@gareth198808]

arthur shelby!!!!!!

[@adk8846]

You're Peaky Blinders impressions are amazing

[@CharlieHopkinson]

@@adk8846 Thanks!

[@ABMGamer]

Do Supernatural Dean and Sam plz ❤

[@Visethelegend]

I was actually looking for hours people that can do a good impression of Sean Bean and find none. Now while watching your video saw that you can actually do it really good, I would say 70% level of what you mention. I want to learn how you do Sean Bean specially as Boromir!

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Thanks! think I’ll do one eventually

[@Visethelegend]

Charlie Hopkinson thanks I will definitely watch it! Btw I was wondering, as a very good impressionist, do you often get any jobs to replicate Morgan Freeman for instance as voice over?

[@moonkai973]

I want to voice act/show off some impressions to my friends so this was super helpful, thank you!

[@Rocketfoot7]

These videos are a great glimpse into your process, a look behind the curtain, so to speak! I’m always fascinated by how impressionists can differ so much in their personal methods, but can still produce equally remarkable impressions of the same characters or actors. Thanks for sharing this Charlie! Very cool :)

[@CharlieHopkinson]

😀 you’re welcome!

[@hunternelson2310]

Jack Sparrow impression vid would be way dope

[@StevenVoiceOver]

Well it's been a slow 2 months, learning new impressions, video editing etc finally got my 40 impressions video live - thanks Charlie these two videos have been a great help :D

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Good work Steven!

[@Dubzee]

legend awesome breakdown, i like to search for the specific character "voice lines" almost always someome has made a video with nothing but the voice lines which is great to learn from.

[@unfortunatebicycle1426]

Do the peaky blinders and the different idiosyncrasies of each character Or christoph waltz in django

[@CharlieHopkinson]

good. shout.

[@maryclairekalamafoni9524]

@@CharlieHopkinson Christoph in Inglorious Bastards!!!

[@taylor22222222]

It's interesting to see you reference Josh Robert Thompson! Lol. So few people know who he is, unfortunately. I still have you as my #1 R in the C, H, A, R, L, I, and E's. Your Liam Neeson is my favorite, amongst other great impressions you do, and also maybe I've been mimicking some lines from those glorious Star Wars videos/impressions you've been making more recently 😅 (irl feedback is brutal though, but I still like practicing). Very informative tutorial-overview!

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Thanks for the donation! Yeah he was my first inspiration

[@jasontasker647]

Thanks for your help Charlie and directing me here!

[@CharlieHopkinson]

No worries!

[@dirteemartini_art]

thanks for the pointers im just about to start filming my impressions!!!

[@mattkalof3040]

Thanks Charlie your videos are very helpful! I am a beginner so getting these tips are a tremendous starting point for me!

[@CharlieHopkinson]

You’re welcome

[@frankfalzon3165]

Amazing impressions Charlie! I’ve always wanted to learn how to do a Michael Caine impression. Do you have a video on tips for a Michael Caine impression? Keep up the incredible impressions!

[@redxiii1049]

Can you teach John Marston please?

[@jaypreslyk8722]

Sean MacGuire

[@rafa428]

i just want to do a 2D impression honestly

[@nailsaggitarius4212]

Thank you, Charlie. You are good.

[@themighty222]

McGregor Obi-Wan Impression!

[@FrankieMackOfficial]

Rarely leave comments but you have a skill, which clearly you have spent hours doing. I’m going to Vegas soon to perform a Robbie Williams and need to learn his voice. Not sure where to start

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Thanks, unfortunately I’m not too sure with Robbie Williams

[@El_Vincento]

Great video! Definitely gonna try to learn some impressions following this guide

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Thanks!

[@NoaLives79]

I will definitely not try any of your suggestions, but I really enjoyed this video. Well done!

[@floatywolfthingy8455]

I come back to this video monthly to stay motivated

[@CharlieHopkinson]

😀

[@robertdavid1236]

I'm somewhat of an amateur impressionist....and all that you say is true ....good advice

[@zaittsev]

That grass and bath part had me dying!

[@CharlieHopkinson]

😀

[@ABMGamer]

Do Supernatural Dean and Sam

[@CharlieHopkinson]

I would but I haven’t seen it unfortunately!

[@the40famgang22]

@@CharlieHopkinson Go watch it during quarantine!

[@denvertodd2773]

Love ur channel bro! Keep it up

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Thanks will do

[@RagingBullMUGEN]

Ted. Always wanted to see a Ted impression. One of my favourite movies and I’m actually trying to learn it myself but I’m kinda stuck on what to do next, it would be a huge help if you could provide some insight on that. Thanks so much and love your videos!

[@TheYarin0140]

Please please guide for tommy shelby

[@sir_cl0wn290]

I second this!

[@deansan4250]

I wish I could give this more likes. Very helpful stuff, thx.

[@yuno5523]

Michael Caine PLEASE! That would be a funny thing to bring up in conversation or MORGAN FREEMAN love to be able to do that voice

[@GetdabagYo]

Jokes aside great content. Interesting as heck, aspiring actor and well adding more tricks to the bag are all plus . Thanks and keep em coming

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Will do!

[@thedoctorreileymtd4022]

Trying to do an Anakin Skywalker Revenge of the Sith impression for my Anakin cosplay this Halloween. This video gave a lot of good pointers, I just hope I can pull it off in time

[@falamurilo749]

I really want to learn Alejandro from Total Drama Island! I really wanted to know how to perfect this voice, but no one in the internet seems to have teached it.

[@mos8558]

Keep going bro and thank you

[@CharlieHopkinson]

You’re welcome!

[@kunjuuu2]

The Severus Snape impression had me hooked. 😍😌

[@I-NUCL34R-I]

If I keep going for this impressions thing, Rick Grimes is my first target.

[@ZacClayton89]

Good work man! I used yours as a reference when I first started !

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Hopefully it was a good starting place!

[@ZacClayton89]

@@CharlieHopkinson Definitely man, still learning everyday. But enjoying it ! Appreciate the advice you offered me at the very beginning also when I reached out !

[@axelstoner]

Your so much better now it's crazy

[@Bonavire]

Can't wait to listen to Senator Armstrong say "Nanomachines son" 300 times

[@frankinnusa]

Morgan Freeman! Your impression of him is what brought me to your channel. I love it! I think it’s the best Freeman impression out there. I w been trying to perfect mine with little success.

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Thanks, that one did take a long time!

[@nakiaudaku8691]

Frank Innusa Moi aussi

[@Bartiee]

A guide on Walter White would be really cool ! :D

[@PonderingPoems]

Duuuuuuuuuude!!! For some unknown reason I feel compelled to try and learn imitation/impressions. And although I class myself as having a growth mindset, I still kinda thought doing impressions were only possible by " talented" people😱😫shame on me. Wow!! I'm super pumped to start practicing. But what🤔 lets start with a little Stevie griffin 🤣. Why not? As you said, you have to watch a lot of content. Happy days my friend. Much appreciated the video. Take care and have an AWESOME day!!!!😁🙏🙏

[@kubaosuch97]

Your Tommy Shelby impression is sooooo good, I think it deserves a place among your very best. And I can tell you like it too ;)

[@CharlieHopkinson]

thanks, and well spotted!

[@garyhundsrucker7771]

I can do the Witcher Gerald pretty good..ehhhm: "fffFUCK!"

[@visheshkhantwal6178]

The batman in cowl

[@MrUlfen]

i have always had arnold swartzenegger as a my personal filmstar and always wanted to learn his woive

[@Masterjedic]

Dude, why do you blinking your left eye like dumbledore? Everything is perfect. Thanks

[@CharlieHopkinson]

What?

[@nictheartist]

I hear they're trying to revive Spitting Image. Have you been approached? And can you do a good Boris impression?

[@CharlieHopkinson]

An ok one

[@98Fencer]

BILL BILL BILL BILL, BILL NYE THE SCIENCE GUY BILL NYYYEE THE SCIENCE GUUYY. Do Bill Nye.

[@ArealSimpsonizer]

do Tommy Shelby!

[@prahill8]

speaking of hard ones I've never seen a Michael Scott impression before

[@CharlieHopkinson]

That’s true! And I can’t do one!

[@ehannah3799]

OMG You crack me up!😂. Love it

[@CharlieHopkinson]

:)

[@mikolajrosollitzpasja]

Great!

[@DieHardFitnessFL]

so far this is the most informative video on the actual technique that i've found. fwiw, i dont know if its optional after a point, but personally people telling me to subscribe makes me want to just change the video before they finish. i know that isn't related to acting just saying. still, i liked and subbed regardless and maybe im in the minority but it just feels like it throws the tone of every video i hear it in off. maybe its easier for others to get used to? anyway im positive you'll take this advice but thanks for sharing what you know and do. I agree that actual people's voices are much harder than characters they put on, I'm sure there isn't a general piece of advice on how to do that, so I'll be specific and ask if you could help figure out how to do an angry michael jackson impression. I've found it difficult. His voice it self is pretty simple obviously but i've NEVER heard him angry so its hard to know if i'm on point, other than through the "actual" acting itself. Anyway yeah, doubt I'll get that but would be awesome and this awesome keep up the good work. -peirce *edit i actually do have a request, if you could post a link to a channel with that kind of compilation to dramatic music/emotional etc as you said (other than the breaking bad one :) ), that'd be awesome thank you!

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Fair on the subscribe thing, I’m afraid not really sure on my though, if there is no footage it will be tough!

[@karateman1988]

7:48 it's funny, I kinda ADHD'd out and started doing it to him before I realized "Tchoose." and "Weuords." Lol

[@IvorCreates]

Malcom tucker from the thick of it

[@CharlieHopkinson]

love it, thought I can't do that impressions, thick of it is great!

[@IvorCreates]

Charlie Hopkinson one of my favourite tv shows ever. For the next impressions challenge maybe?

[@SuperGeneraal]

Gandalf!

[@davidr7236]

"... Too much grass in the bath..." 🤣🤣🤣

[@subscriberswithnovideosc-hx9cg]

Yes very nice

[@RJTheCerealGuy]

Can you teach me how to do Michael Caine , would love it thanks

[@GoldenSnipinHQ]

I want to learn bane

[@glencop]

Love it Charlie

[@CharlieHopkinson]

:)

[@-yuusha1519]

Please do and help me with a Ryan Renolds impression

[@sespo777]

My man you gotta do the Kevin Conroy version of BATMAN

[@pandhergary]

Plz do Rangar Lothbrok 'Vikings' and Arthur Shelby

[@kingsxkids]

My vote for impressions, as an older chap, would be the Beatles each with such a distinctive vocal style

[@DefenderB0SS]

Jack sparrow, specific training phrases.

[@arghyamalakar815]

Pierce brosnan, daniel Craig and sean connery as james bond are my favs... I wanna see ya do their impressions and also teach them to us

[@TheRealMrOR]

A Deadpool guide would be amazing!

[@CharlieHopkinson]

If I knew how I would!

[@anuradhagupta7243]

Do a Tyrion Lannister please!

[@CharlieHopkinson]

That I can do!

[@carlmaynewheeler]

Genius! How to get that voice deep! Thomas Shelby!!!!

[@rafaeltoledo8881]

Could you make a video teaching us to do a Jack Nicholson impression?

[@shyboy2112]

Hi, request from a big fan: what about some red dead redemption? Lots of interesting voices there. Keep up the great work!

[@dylanurquiaga6864]

Do a guide for Tony Montana please

[@zaidelbakkali1923]

A guide on Tomas shelbey

[@CharlieHopkinson]

yerp

[@wadoid4239]

I'm actually trying to learn some Duke Nukem phrases. This video was helpful!

[@brianaramirez7650]

Could you please teach me and or us to do the herbert voice impression from family guy if you could please and thank you!!

[@sidkumthekar4614]

loved it

[@mooster-ob1sh]

Do jigsaw’s voice, really good tips tho really helped

[@CharlieHopkinson]

I’m glad it’s helping!

[@muhammadroshan7315]

Thomas Shelby and Luka chengreta(shitty spellings) please. I would forever follow you for theseee

[@afterought6275]

I thought it was a fart, boy was i wrong. Jeeez i have no pants left.

[@nakiaudaku8691]

I was waiting for the second impression tutorial video since the first video for a couple of weeks, then I forgot.. now I’m two months late smh. Regardless, Great video [as always]! And, Could you do a tutorial on Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa / Black Panther?

[@Leri0th]

This is great, I was looking for something like this for a while but it just dosn't rank high on google - happened to find it from your peaky blinders impressions. Really good stuff here, looking forward to the next tutorial. Please help me with a Goku impression!

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Thanks! And welcome

[@hoshimetomoe8635]

Hello, I just discovered your chanel and I think you're amazing. I'm planning on doing Loki's cosplay and I thought it would be good to learn to speak like him. That's what brought me here and I would be grateful for any tips on his voice.

[@seanmcclendon2367]

I've been told I can do Ghost from Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and Murdoc from Gorillaz, but I am wanting to learn the most iconic and known voices. I would like advice on trying Jessie Pinkman's voice and Morgan Freeman's voice.

[@imarealjuan8092]

Can you do a Heath ledger joker impression video? Like a tutorial? If not do you have any tips on how I would go about learning that impression? Love ur videos thanks in advance.

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Maybe!

[@giantfirekraken3673]

Very late but I've always wanted to do deadpool (Ryan Reynolds)

[@johnallen6607]

Man your so damn good.🙀 very very good.

[@CharlieHopkinson]

thanks!

[@ryanmchenry6694]

Your Samuel L Jacksons impression sounds like Eddie Murphy doing an impression of Samuel L Jackson 🤣

[@shuaibsalim6616]

Ryan Reynolds Deadpool voice !!

[@huskygaming7370]

Please make a Seth Macfarlane Tutorial

[@CharlieHopkinson]

Unfortunately I can’t do him

[@samuelrussell4046]

You should do Raoul duke from fear and loathing in las vegas

[@zachh6868]

Australian deep voice (more specifically Deathstroke)

[@haryashvagour9503]

Bring a playlist for Thomas Shelby. I really wanna learn it.

[@CharlieHopkinson]

?

[@haryashvagour9503]

@@CharlieHopkinson I mean bring a lesson video on how to do Thomas Shelby impression, step by step.

[@afrayedrope1939]

Do John madden

[@vitaduplez5379]

You’re just dead cool. I really like you. I like listening to you saying things. Coz I like your brain.

[@rodannnkekw2866]

I just want to learn how to do impressions to have a deeper voice. Puberty never changed my voice.