Rudy Gaskins is the Co-founder, Chairman & CEO of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences™ (SOVAS™), an international nonprofit corporation that orchestrates That’s Voiceover!™ Career Expo, the Voice Arts® Awards, and various programs dedicated to training, education, academic financial aid scholarships, and career counseling for voice actors. SOVAS™, with its illustrious history, stands as a pillar in the voiceover industry and has celebrated iconic talents such as James Earl Jones, Voila Davies, Mark Hamill, Lily Tomlin, Muhammad Ali, William Shatner, Michael Buffer, Rosario Dawson, Ken Burns, Nancy Cartwright, Sigourney Weaver.
A distinguished Emmy-winning producer, Rudy embarked on his professional journey after graduating from New York University’s Film and Television program. His career began with directing and producing award-winning short films, followed by an apprenticeship as a film editor on Francis Coppola’s The Cotton Club. He then collaborated with influential filmmakers like Jonathan Demme, Brian DePalma, Milos Forman, Spike Lee, and Alan Pakula. His next venture was with PBS, where he directed and produced 12 hours of documentary programming, honing his skills in the journalistic tradition.
Transitioning to ABC News advertising and promotion, Rudy played a pivotal role in shaping the creative direction for programs such as World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, 20/20 with Barbara Walters, and Primetime Live with Diane Sawyer. Later, as vice president of creative services at Court TV, he navigated the network’s re-branding during high-profile trials, including those of the Menendez Brothers, OJ Simpson, and Aileen Wuornos. His impactful leadership extended to Court TV’s successful transformation into Tru TV, overseeing an award-winning re-branding campaign.
Currently residing in Weehawken, New Jersey, with his wife and business partner, Joan Baker, Rudy remains committed to advancing the voiceover industry’s excellence and innovation.
