Under the Gumtree

The voices behind the Gumtree ad (part 2)

Last week, we introduced you to Karla and Soma, some of the stars in our TV ad. Today, meet Emer and Jonn.

Jonn
Jonn is a musician who plays, in his words, any music from “sleazy fuzzy rock n’ roll to barren acoustic old-time country”.

Q: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve bought on Gumtree?
A sheet music stand that I bought from a travelling nomad now serves double-duty as a kitchen roll dispenser and a flagpole.

Q: What is it about Gumtree that you like?
The great array of services offered: buying/selling items, finding/offering jobs, renting/buying property. A resourceful community’s at the root (excuse the pun)of Gumtree.

Q: What’s your favourite karaoke song?
If I had to choose a song to sing right this second, it’d be Eternal Flame by The Bangles. Top tune. Seriously.

Q: What can we find you doing on weekends?
On weekends, I like getting the vinyl records on the phonograph and have a boogie. Nothing like a good ole jukejoint.

Emer
Waitress by day, musician by night, Emer recently graduated from music college and wants to start a band.

Q: So, a band. What kind of band?
As long as it’s a band that doesn’t take itself too seriously and makes music people want to dance to, then I’d be happy. I’d love to be in a band like The Commitments.

Q: What have been your favourite acting gigs?
My two favourite shows I’ve been in were The Producers with Leeds Amateur Operatic Society, and Oliver! with Londonderry Musical Society.

Q: What was it like to do the recording for the TV ad?
I had such a good time recording for the TV ad. I went into the recording studio and met some people from the ad agency, who showed me the ad and gave me a script for it. Then I went into the booth and said each phrase from the ad in as many different ways as I could. I really didn’t expect them to choose me as one of the voices so that was a nice surprise!

Q: What is it about Gumtree that you like?
I like the way Gumtree is really local. You can check out what’s going on in your area and get involved easily. There’s so much variety as to what you can use Gumtree for too; you can apply for jobs there, buy or sell things, look for activities and fun things to do near where you live. It’s really good!

Watch the TV ad

The voices behind the Gumtree TV ad (part 1)

A while back, we placed an ad on Gumtree asking for help to voice our TV ad. We thought you’d like to learn a little more about the voices behind the ad. Meet Karla and Soma. They all use Gumtree, like you and me.

Karla
Karla is a freelance film, theatre and music journalist. She uses Gumtree to look for work.

Q: What are some memorable interviews you’ve done?
I really liked meeting the JLS boys (although I was a little nervous!). Janet Jackson was lovely and Tyler Perry very laidback and funny. British Actors Ansu Kabia and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith were also really good to talk to. Plus Alexandra Burke was lovely and very nice to me.

Q: Where can we see more of your work?
I’ve written for a number of publications including Flavour Magazine, British Theatre Guide and Theater Mania in New York. I have also done some presenting work on Colourful Radio where I also have a weekly DVD review slot and a twice monthly Food & Drink slot.

Q: What was it like to do the recording for the TV ad?
Very laidback actually. It was a nice calm environment, the producers were really friendly and informative and I felt at ease.

Q: What’s the best Gumtree ad you’ve seen?
The ads that try to mislead you always make me laugh. For example, the ads looking for street fundraisers but try to make out that the position is for the best job in the world. It isn’t!

Q: Where’s your favourite local hangout?
I do like the vibe at The Young Vic Theatre or around The National Theatre on the Southbank.

Soma
Soma is in the UK on a working holiday. He’s used Gumtree to look for a flat.

Q: What was it like to do the recording for the TV ad?
It was immense fun. They led me to the studio, like one you see in the making-of footage of music videos. Everything around you is so professional. The people were very nice and friendly, and this made things a lot easier. It’s much simpler to talk naturally if you know they are not breathing down your neck.

Q: What is it about Gumtree that you like?
I am very grateful that it does not come with any paid membership, because such useful sites that deal with such huge traffic usually want something for their own. Gumtree doesn’t prey on us poor people, who are in desperate need of a flat or a job, or anything. I also like that it’s very simple to use.

Q. What kind of work have you found so far?
I find jobs every day with Gumtree, apply for them, but they are mostly filled by the time I get through to them… I’ve been found by a few modelling agencies, the rest is up to God (and the castings).

Q: What’s the best holiday you’ve been on?
Definitely Venice. I was lucky enough to take part in a Carnival there, and that is just incomparable to anything else. Wandering around the city in masquerade, while there are thousands of people with their faces covered, and to dance with masked girls…it gives you the feeling you are living a few centuries earlier.

Q: What’s the best Gumtree ad you’ve seen?
It was one of a would-be employee. The headline was something like this: Ghostbuster looking for work. Now that’s new. Not to mention the description and the picture provided. It sure made my day.

Have you seen the TV ad? Watch it now