This theme of LOVING Voice Over was echoed in our June Voice Actor Newsletter.   Erica Kelly at Voicebank.net wrote:

“Recently, we had the honor of producing the Showbiz Expo 2010 Keynote Panel for Voice Over. We lined up an extraordinary group of panelists including Joe Cipriano, Rino Romano, Tara Strong and Rick Zieff, and our own Stewart Wilson-Turner moderated the panel. As I sat listening to this amazing group of people, I was inspired by their passion for what they do.  [Want to hear what these attendees at the ShowBiz Expo in LA had to say?  Click here to watch a video.]

The dedication and effort these voice over actors have put into their craft is remarkable. They started off just like anyone else with dreams of making voice over their full-time job. They went to classes, made their first demo tape, and auditioned for many jobs before landing their first gig. They worked hard and did not quit when it seemed like the dream was not going to happen. This is a life lesson, not just a lesson in voice over. You never know when YOUR opportunity is going to arrive – the job that can catapult you into more jobs, more money and more stability. If you quit, you’ll never know how close you came, but you have to be prepared and at your best.

The session ended with a discussion about how people became interested in voice over. I would estimate that 70% of the room raised their hand when asked if it was because they’d had people tell them they had a great voice, yet only 20% of the room raised their hand when asked who loved voiceover. I am here to tell you that if you want to be successful, as in making-it-your-full-time-job successful, you had better love the craft of voice over. The truth is you will be auditioning along with people who LOVE what they are doing. When you love something, you put your heart and soul into it.”

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT VOICEOVER?  SHARE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!

For the complete Q & A interview with Voice Actor Tom Wahl visit the links below – enjoy!

Part 1 – click here.

Part 2 – click here.

Part 3 – click here.

AD(Voicebank): Question #6: How often do you study and train at the present time?

TW(Voice Actor): I study and train/rehearse/practice every day…literally.  Often it’s in my home studio and/or in my vehicle traveling to and from.  At first back in about 1995 when I started really getting into practicing everyday in my vehicle, the looks from motorists ranged from puzzled, surprised and shocked to who in the world is he talking to and perhaps “that guy is talking to himself…he must have a screw loose!”.  Often I am in the home studio in the morning, afternoon and night and in between being in the studio, I am studying and voicing things in my vehicle.  I can’t count on both hands and feet the funny or strange looks I have gotten from motorists over the years as I am doing voice exercises or repeating commercials while driving.  I study and practice at various times around the clock all day every day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  It’s a work in progress.

AD(Voicebank): Question #7:  What do you believe are some of the most important qualities that a voice over talent needs to have to make it in today’s industry?

TW(Voice Actor): THIS IS A MUST!  In the words of my voice coach…you have to absolutely be in love with voiceover to make it in the business.  Only those who truly love voiceover with all their heart and soul will be the ones who make it.  AND, it doesn’t come overnight.  It takes many months and years of rehearsing, coaching and persistence to be a success.   JUST AS IMPORTANT: You must seek out/find a top notch voice coach.  There are several working voiceover artists and voice actors who teach.  If you are really serious about becoming a voiceover artist and voice actor, do your research and hire a top notch voice coach.  To make it as a voice actor you must have a solid foundation.  In my humble opinion, you can’t simply just rehearse/practice or train on your own.  You need assistance and guidance from someone who has been there and done it for a very long time and preferably still doing it.

INSPIRATION + EDUCATION + DILIGENCE……………….sprinkle on a little LOVE FOR VOICEOVER to top it all off and you are on the pathway to success!!

Okay everyone – it’s your turn….what qualities do YOU think are important when building a voiceover career today?  Please share your thoughts with the voiceover community in the comments section below.  Thanks!

Part 2 of my Q & A with Tom Wahl continues today.   He shares advice from his voice over coach and the resources he has found helpful with his voice over education…

AD(Voicebank): Question #4: Have you studied with a voice over coach?  If so, what is one of the most important things he/she has taught you?

TW(Voice Actor): Yes, I have coached and continue to consult with the legendary voiceover artist and movie trailer voice Don Morrow.  Don is also a wonderful narrator, commercial voice and actor. I have known for a long time that if I was going to make it as a voiceover artist, I would have to study with someone who had been there and done it…successfully for years. Because money was tight at the time, I decided the best thing to do at that point would be for me to get his home study materials.  I ordered them, began studying and rehearsing and I noticed “instant improvement” in my delivery.  But I felt that if I was going to stand a chance of making it in voiceover, I had to coach with him one on one.  In July of 2009 I flew to New York to coach and record my demo at Don’s home studio.  The most important thing Don told me [is] you have to absolutely be in love with voiceover in order to make it. I knew Don was the voiceover artist I needed to coach with because we both have the same philosophy, voiceover is my first love and my passion.  It’s not about being a star.  If you get into [voiceover] to be a star, I would say forget it.  You’ll never make it.  That’s not what it’s all about.  It’s about loving this craft with all your heart and soul.  The common myth is that you have to have a great voice to make it in [voiceover]…it’s not your voice, although that helps, it’s what you do with the words and the space between the words.  You have to know how to interpret and convey the message. The other thing Don will tell you is you must, must have persistence, persistence, persistence because this profession is filled with rejection, rejection, rejection. I think most major voiceover artists will tell you that you must absolutely love voiceover to be successful at it.

AD(Voicebank): Question #5: What online resources and/or books have you found helpful with your continued voice over education.

TW(Voice Actor): I use the internet daily and very heavily for research and study.  I constantly listen to other voice actors’ websites and websites of the talent agencies and production companies including Voicebank to learn other artists styles and methods of performing various genres.  I know of several major voiceover artists who check Voicebank regularly to keep up with the competition and learn from them. It helps me keep up with the competition so that I know who I am competing with. Voiceover is a close knit family but it is also highly competitive. There are many extraordinary voiceover artists out there and they are always showing me ways of making my performance better.  I still study and practice with Don Morrow’s Home Study Course which is an extraordinary resource.  This is 60 plus years of Don’s experience as a voice guy condensed into several hours of no nonsense highly effective teaching.  I also I can’t say enough of about this course which is also used by several major actors who want to improve their performance while in the privacy of their home.  I also study with resources and books from the wonderful voiceover giant Harlan Hogan in Chicago.  Harlan is a great talent and has a wealth of experience.   I would strongly recommend the following publications by Harlan, Tales and Techniques of a Voice Over Actor, The DVD Voiceover Success, and The Voice Actor’s Guide to Home Recording which is a MUST HAVE for voiceover newcomers and veterans alike.  Several other must have books are The Art of Voice Acting by industry veterans James Alburger and Penny Abshire (two wonderfully talented voice actors and teachers), Secrets of Voiceover Success by Joan Baker, There’s Money Where Your Mouth [by Elaine A. Clark], Voice for Hire by the wonderfully talented Randy Thomas (the first woman ever to be asked to announce the annual Academy Awards show) [and Peter Rofe], and last but not least, many great resources from the incredibly talented voice actor/ADR talent Pat Fraley including Critical Skills to Voiceover Excellence.  (IMPORTANT: I have not, in any way, been asked by any voiceover artist or voice actor mentioned or not mentioned to list any publication or resource and I in no way am being compensated for mentioning these publications or artists).

WHAT BOOKS, ONLINE RESOURCES, ETC. HAVE HELPED YOU?  PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS.  And, next week look for Part 3 of my Q & A with voice actor Tom Wahl.

AD(Voicebank): Question #1:  How long have you been studying voice over?

TW(Voice Actor): I feel like I have been a lifelong student of voice over.  I have always wanted to be a voice guy since I was about 7 years old, maybe younger than that.  My earliest memory was when I was growing up in south central New Jersey in the shadows of New York City and Philadelphia. I listened to local radio and tv and was fascinated with the voices. I knew in my heart that I wanted to be a voice guy. From that point on, virtually every night, I was glued to the tv so I could hear the network guys doing breaks, promos and network i-d’s.  I would mimick those guys until I felt I got as close as I could to what they were doing. I considered watching television as sort of homework or studying.

AD(Voicebank): Question #2: Who inspired you to get into voice over?

TW(Voice Actor): I was drawn to certain network announcers…guys like Dick Tufeld (the voice of the robot on the CBS-TV series Lost in Space) who was a staff announcer at ABC-TV and later NBC-TV.  Other guys like Hank Simms who was the announcer on the openings of all the Quinn Martin television series like The FBI, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones and for some 25 years on the annual Academy Awards show. I was also influenced heavily by legendary voiceover artist and game show host Don Morrow, character actor Alexander Scourby, Ernie Anderson, Peter Thomas, Norman Rose and the wonderful Danny Dark.  The voiceover artists I listen to and study now are my voice coach Don Morrow, Bill Ratner, Beau Weaver, Wil Lyman, Norm Woodell, Les Marshak, Hal Douglas and many others too numerous to mention.

AD(Voicebank): Question #3:  In our correspondence you had written: “My first experience with the kindness of the voiceover industry came when the late great voiceover legend Don LaFontaine personally answered my e-mail a few years ago.”  Can you tell us more about that?

TW(Voice Actor): This was absolutely a thrill and was key to getting me fired up for my assault on the voiceover scene.  About 4 years ago, I had begun seriously my pursuit of voiceover.  Along with my lifetime of listening, studying and learning from the voiceover pros and having worked in radio I used the new technology to help me…the trusty computer and internet.  …I was checking the many websites of voiceover artists both in Los Angeles and elsewhere.  One of them was Don LaFontaine’s website…there was a page that said something like “contact Don”.  I sent him a brief e-mail telling him where I was in my pursuit of voiceover.  About 3 hours later I returned to the computer and found an e-mail response from Don LaFontaine.  I opened the e-mail and there it was, a personal response from Don.  I’ll paraphrase his writing…he thanked me very much for writing to him, welcomed me to the world of voiceover, offered much encouragement and gave me great advice which I carry with me every day.  He said “if you truly love voiceover with all your heart and it’s your passion, rehearse/practice every day and don’t give up. You will make it.  Only those who truly love voiceover will be the ones who will make it”. I say to myself, this is a guy who is at the top of his craft.  He is the best of the best and the most successful voiceover performer ever.  He took time out of his busy day and schedule to answer my e-mail.  That says a lot about Don LaFontaine the voiceover artist and gentleman. He has made an unforgettable mark on the voiceover profession and has changed it forever.  Don is the benchmark for most everything we do as voiceover performers.

June 25th, 2010, was the Grand Opening of the SAG Foundation Don LaFontaine Voice-Over Lab

Click here to read about the Don LaFontaine Voice-Over Lab grand opening event

Click here to view our exclusive 4 minute video from the event

Next week look for Part 2 of my Q & A with voice actor Tom Wahl.  Tom will share what he’s learned from his voice over coach along with what voice over training resources he’s found to be helpful.

SO, WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU?  PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW – THANKS!

Los Angeles, CA – February 23, 2010

Voicebank.net, the standard in voice over delivery, is working harder than ever to help voiceover actors no matter where they are in their voiceover career. Voiceover actors take classes, work hard, spend money and create a voiceover demo, but how does that demo sound to an agent? Is that demo going to get them work?

With over 150 talent agencies using Voicebank.net on a daily basis, there is an amazing pool of knowledge that can be tapped into. Some of these agents will be taking the time to listen to actors’ demos and put together their thoughts on what is great about the demo, what needs improvement and their overall views.

This premium service will be available for an introductory price of $30 per one minute of demo. Actors will receive their written critiques back in less than 10 days.

Don’t miss your chance to perfect your voiceover demo!

Contact:
Voicebank.net, Inc.
Erica Kelly, COO
direct line: 661-877-4355
toll free: 1-877-294-9910
e: Erica@voicebank.net

“The Don LaFontaine Voice Over Lab will keep Don’s legacy of giving
back to the community alive. The Lab will be at the SAG Foundation
Actors Center and feature 2 state of the art recording studios and a
classroom where voice actors will be able to hone their craft.
Seminars will be taught by the best in the business and the studios
will be available for actors to work on demos, do auditions, jobs and
take workshops all for no charge whatsoever.

The Don LaFontaine Lab at the Actors Center will become the place for the voice over
community to learn, teach and inspire.

It’s going to be an incredible night. Fantastic food, drink (a DLF
signature cocktail at the bars) and live entertainment with SPECIAL
SURPRISE GUESTS performing LIVE. Valet parking provided.

This is a great opportunity to remember Don and meet and mingle with
colleagues and friends from every aspect of the industry on both sides
of the microphone who have gathered to show their support of this
tribute to DLF. You’ll meet new friends and I’m guessing you’ll see
some you haven’t seen in years.

We’ll also have a few one-of-a-kind original drawings that Don penned on
his scripts during sessions that will be for sale in the silent
auction. These are very rare and you’ll be amazed when you see them.
Fantastic memorabilia, with all proceeds going to the Lab. 100% Tax
deductible.

For more info and ticket information, click here.

It’s going to be a high-powered, special event! I look forward to seeing you there.

- Stewart Wilson-Turner, Partner, CTO, Voicebank.net, Inc.

Erica L. Kelly

COO

videovoicebank.net

Joan Baker, Author of Secrets of Voice-Over Success with the Neumann BCM 10

On July 29th at 7pm sharp, at The Times Center in New York City, JOAN BAKER and PUSH CREATIVE ADVERTISING will once again unveil A VOICEOVER EVENT — girding the industry that comprises the lucrative and highly guarded world of voiceover acting — and doing it in style. It all begins with the nationally regarded and celebrity voiceover talent that have generously contributed to the 2nd edition of Baker’s book: Secrets of Voice-Over Success.

Talents like the Tony Award-winning actor JIM DALE who is the single voice of the entire Harry Potter audio book series. And then there’s RICHARD THOMAS, famously known for his portrayal of John Walton, and who is now the voice of Mercedes-Benz. And then there’s the voice of Deal or no Deal and FOX Entertainment, JOE CIPRIANO, and the voice of Broadway on Broadway — VALERIE SMALDONE. These formidable talents mix it up with agents and ad executives to bring out the practical, fundamental skills and practices necessary to succeed as a voiceover actor.

This isn’t the first time Ms Baker’s book has set the voiceover community on fire and each time it has been to rave reviews and inspired hearts. And rightfully so; the SECRETS OF VOICE-OVER SUCCESS EVENT not only provides an extraordinary learning forum and career opportunity, but it does so in a highly generous and entertaining fashion. And if that weren’t enough value for your dollar, Ms. Baker donates 100% of the book royalties to the Alzheimer’s Association. You couldn’t ask for more.

Ms. Baker has quickly become the heart and soul of what is becoming a visible voiceover community, where before there was only anonymity and a closely guarded, almost impossible path to entry. SECRETS OF VOICE-OVER SUCCESS is the preeminent voice-over event anywhere in the world  offering a wealth of real-world information, career advice and industry insight for newcomers and professionals alike. Writers, producers, creative directors, talent agents and advertising executives are all ultimately and wonderfully served by this unique experience.

For more information on this exciting event, click here.

What do YOU think? Is it worth the investment in ISDN service for one’s home studio at the beginning stages in their career? Are agents more likely to represent a talent who has ISDN in their home studio? Is ISDN on it’s way ‘out’ of the industry?

Your comments, thoughts, experiences, etc. about ISDN is greatly appreciated!

Amber Dahlin & Tracy Pattin at Voicebank.net

TJP: What’s the process once you get the job?

JK: Since Podiobooks simply provides an outlet for unpublished authors to get their works out to the masses, getting the book recorded is the responsibility of the author or narrator. In my case, the books were given to me and I recorded them in my home studio in Seattle. I would also prep the ID3 tags for iTunes and FTP them to Podiobooks. The good folks there would then post the books.

TJP: What is the pay. How does it compare to other VO jobs?

JK: The pay rate really depends. Remember, these are mostly unpublished authors and for them, it’s a labor of love to get their books out. Luckily, Podiobooks is set up to allow paypal donations for individual books. The author gets the 75% of the donations and the rest goes to Podiobooks for hosting costs. I don’t believe that any of the people who run the site get paid. I’ve heard of arrangements where the author and voice talent will split their donations as compensation. Of course, being donation based, there’s no guaranteed income, so I don’t go that route. Obviously, the more popular the book, the more donations it will receive. I was paid directly by Mr. Yachnik and will also be paid by the author of this forthcoming book. Podiobooks recommends a fee of $18.75 per 1000 words (I’m working on getting that changed), but every narrator has the option to charge whatever their rate is.

TJP: What has the overall experience been like?

JK: Podiobooks has been a great experience for me. Not only as a voracious listener of audiobooks, but as a narrator. There’s a huge support network on Ning for Podiobooks authors and I see people struggling with problems that professional voice artists have learned to deal with: breathing issues, character differentiation, stamina, etc. This is where voice talent can really add value to the service. As we all know, doing audiobooks correctly is no easy feat and many authors are discovering it’s a far cry from just reading into a microphone. So the more authors who start to self-publish, the more opportunity there is for voice talent to narrate.

-Tracy Pattin

Here’s part 2 of my Q&A with her.

TJP: Are there advantages of voice acting in the U.S.?

DM: There are many advantages to voicing in the U.S. but today’s times are proving it doesn’t matter where you are. Canada, much like the US varies depending on the market size. If you are great at voicing corporate, national spots, narrations and more, Toronto is the place to go. Most of our top productions come out of Toronto however Vancouver, B.C. also has a strong presence. Vancouver is strong for animation and Film/TV actors. There is opportunity in each of the cities of course, but they each have their strengths. There are other large markets of course but these are the strongest then of course we have a large French sector in Montreal and beyond. Much diversity in Canada but we must cater to the global market. Although I’m a Canadian Voice Talent, I don’t consider it that way, only because I voice American.

TJP: You publish ezines. Would you explain what they are?

DM: Ezine is the newest word for website newsletters/magazines/publications. This is a great way to keep in touch of what is happening in your world.

TJP: How do you use them to help your voice over career?

DM: For me the newsletter (as I call them) is my best form of marketing. I publish an ezine once a month. I will include things such as what projects I’ve voiced this month, any auditions we might have for others, what demos we produced this month, who’s doing what, talent takes, expert tips from other voice talent, tip of the month (free education), expert corner (tips from the top), upcoming workshops and so much more. It’s a way of connecting electronically to more than one person at a time. Usually ezines are free and very much worth your time and interest. Ezines get passed around from person to person and therefore great marketing.

TJP: What’s your best advice to other voice actors, Canadian and American?

DM: No matter where you live there are a few things I’d like to suggest. First and foremost EDUCATE. I was against it at first but now I realize the more you invest, the more you are worth. This goes for everything, education (free or paid), marketing, talent investment, script development etc. How much are you willing to invest in you? If you want to be competing for the big projects then know who you’re competing against. If they have been trained by the top and have spent $3000.00 on a demo and you had yours done for free, who would you choose? Don’t rush this stuff.this is meant for nearly everyone as long as you have patience, persistence, confidence, willingness to ALWAYS learn, energy, determination, a great and positive attitude and will to want to make it. I LOVE This industry. It can be tough though and may take YEARS before you will make it but how bad do you really want it? I know I wanted it bad enough can you say the same? Invest in you you’re worth it’.besides where else can you be paid to have fun in your pajamas all day and meet the best people on earth?

-Tracy Pattin

Working internationally as a full-time voice performer Debbie has a long list of credits including her newest as voice of the new Global series True Pulp Murder.” Debbie can be heard around the world on several radio and TV Stations as a voice talent, but also as instructor and speaker at many events across North America such as Voice International (2007/2008), Voice Acting San Diego, VO Cruise with Bob Bergen, Animethon events in various locations, Breakfast Television (Canada), various radio stations and now her writings published in various ezines around the world and in the number one Voice Over book out there, The Art Of Voice Acting (3rd Edition).

TJP: How did you get into voice over?

DM: I always wanted to be an actress, but then became a very young mom and had to find a real job. I graduated at the top of my broadcasting class and began as an announcer but found that I didn’t like to talk to myself. Give me a script however and I soared so later I got out of broadcasting and pursued freelance voiceover, acting, hosting and more. I came from a medium market so getting involved into the internet world was the best option.

TJP: As a Canadian, what’s the Voice Over industry like there?

DM: Interesting to say the least. This is hard to answer in short form but I will say there is lucrative Voice work ANYWHERE in the world. As freelance voice talent with home studios, we aren’t subjected to our local markets anymore so most of my larger clients are from the U.S. There are fantastic voicing opportunities here in Canada. The challenge becomes rates and quantity of work. The rates aren’t equal, especially if you’re union.

TJP: How does it compare to the U.S.?

DM: One of the biggest differences between US and Canada is size and that is paramount in the voice market. The US is larger, therefore offers more opportunity. One of the biggest things to consider is that as a Canadian Voice Talent I must cater to an American Accent. There must be one neutral accent in VO and Mid-Western or Neutral American is it.

In my part 2 of my Q&A with Deb Munro she talks about the pros and cons of being a voice talent in the U.S., how to market with ezines, and her advice for both American and Canadian voice over actors.

-Tracy Pattin

The interview below was conducted by my friend Rudy Gaskins, CEO & Executive Creative Director of Push Creative, a high-end branding services agency in Manhattan. It is reposted with his permission.

Interview with Don LaFontaine

For more information on Push Creative, click here.

- Stewart Wilson-Turner

-Tracy Pattin

TJP: How long have you had your Voice Over School in San Francisco?

EC: I founded Voice One in 1986.

TJP: What’s the market like in San Francisco today?

EC: The voice over market in San Francisco is strong. The Bay Area is rated 4th or 5th (behind Los Angeles, New York and Chicago) in advertising.

TJP: What types of voice over projects are produced in San Francisco?

EC: San Francisco is often thought of as a radio commercial town. Corporate narration remains consistent with all the high-tech industrials (one of the benefits of being so close to Silicon Valley). The video game industry continues to hire actors. Toy voices and voice mail systems are bread and butter for many actors here.

TJP: What was the industry like when you started?

EC: In the early days, I walked my demo reel (yes, reel-to-reel tape) into advertising agencies and production companies and asked for work. You definitely can’t do that now! There are too many filters that prevent talent from contacting advertising agency people directly.

TJP: How has the industry changed in San Francisco over the years?

EC: There have been numerous changes over the years. I became a voice actor in 1980. At that time, there were only a handful of people doing VO in San Francisco, 25-50 at most. Now, there are hundreds if not thousands. Another change of course is that demos went from cassette to CD to mp3.

TJP: What 5 tips do you have for voice over success?

EC:

1.You need to develop your ear first, emotions second and your voice third.

2.Get training, listen to commercials, dissect them, figure out what works and what doesn’t work.

3.Understand what motivates the listener to take action.

4.Then, connect with your feelings and share them with your audience.

5. Once you’ve done your technical and emotional homework, the appropriate voice usually follows.

For more…check out Voice One’s podcast.

-Tracy Pattin

TJP: How can voice actors market themselves better?

AD: Get a personal website. In today’s voice over industry, it’s very important to have your demo(s) on your own website so that you can direct producers, casting directors and agents to your demo(s) online. It’s a better way to market your talent.

TJP: Why is it better to email your website link instead of emailing your demo?

AD: Sometimes spam filters prevent emails from being delivered if there’s a file attachment. Also, emailing your demo as an attachment takes up more space than including a link to your website.

TJP: What makes a great voice over website?

AD: Websites need to be professional looking AND easy for potential buyers and agents to navigate. And most importantly, your audio files (demos and previously booked spots) need to be playable on a variety of audio players. MP3 is the most universal audio format so be sure that the files that are on your website are .mp3 files.

TJP: If a voice actor doesn’t have a website, any suggestions as to where they can get one?

AD: There are a lot of options. You can build your own. I’ve heard good things about MAC’s iWeb or there are web designers who specialize in building websites specifically for VO talent. One way to find them is to look at other talents’ sites, then contact the talent and ask who did their site and if they’d recommend them.

TJP: What if you don’t want to hire a web designer. Any other options?

AD: Then, Voice Registry’s VR Website is another choice. I create all the VR Websites using one standard template. Click HERE to view the template that we use.

If you want to contact Amber email her: amber@voicebank.net

-Tracy Pattin

TJP: What’s the most common question you get from voice over talent?

AD: “How do I get my demo listed on Voicebank?” My answer? The only way you can be listed on Voicebank is to be represented by one of the Talent Agencies or Management Companies that are Voicebank clients. The Talent Agency and Management Companies are responsible for uploading their VO clients’ demo reels to their company’s listing on Voicebank.net.

TJP: You guide voice talent on their VoiceRegistry websites. What is a Voice Registry website?

AD: Voice Registry’s “VR Website” service is for voice over artists who are trying to get representation OR for those artists who are looking for an affordable website that they can manage themselves and use as their online marketing tool.

TJP: How does this marketing tool work?

AD: Talent can showcase a variety of materials on their VR Website such as their VO demo(s), CD cover, resume, bio, recently booked spots, video reels, etc.

TJP: You say one mistake voice actors make is putting their picture on their website.

AD: If you’re a voice talent who also does on-camera work then it’s fine to include a picture of yourself on your website, but it’s a good idea to put it ONLY on your on-camera page. It’s best to leave it off of your voice over section.

TJP: Why not put it in your voice over section?

AD: Photos can sometimes place talent in a particular ‘category’. For some people who select and hire talent seeing the actor may prejudice them against what the actor sounds like or any voice they may use. The bottom line is that they’re hiring and selecting you for your voice and not what you look like.

In tomorrow’s blog, Amber talks about how voice actors can be more effective with online marketing and what makes a great website. If you want to contact Amber directly email her: amber@voicebank.net.

-Tracy Pattin

Here’s an excerpt:

TJP: Your blog is great. How has it helped your career? And other voice talent careers?

Bob S: A few weeks ago I received an email from a friend I knew when I lived in Pittsburg several years ago. Due to moves and life circumstances, we’d lost touch with one another. He said in his email, “You’re real easy to find on the internet.” Visibility on the internet would be the single best benefit. Then I received an email from a marketing consultant of some renown. He had some voiceover work he needed to have done and said I was the first person he thought of.

TJP: How has your blog helped other voice talent?

Bob S: My aim with my blog is to be of service both to people who do voiceovers and to those who are looking for voiceover talent. I do this through the things I write and the articles to which I link, and also through my blog roll. As soon as I find another voiceover blog, I immediately add it to my blogroll. No reciprocal links required. If people want to link back, wonderful; but it’s not a condition.

Check out my podcast interview with Bob Souer tomorrow! We’d love to hear your comments.

-Tracy Pattin

-Tracy Pattin

TJP: You believe in giving back and started Stars at Bedtime. What is that?

SF: Stars at Bedtime would fall under my “Community Relations department”! It’s my vision of a way for people who use their voices professionally to give back using their talents.

TJP: How did you come up with the concept?

SF: I was always taught the importance of donating your time with the same skills you are using in your profession. I dreamed up the idea of voice actors using their unique and often soothing voices to read bedtime stories to children in hospitals. A bedtime story can offer relief and entertainment for children who may feel scared in an unfamiliar hospital environment. Parents staying with their children can feel comfortable taking a break knowing their child will be happily engaged in storytime.

TJP: How has this impacted your career?

SF: Well, we are just getting started. In fact we just had our first reading night at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, part of New York Presbyterian. I hope it serves as an outlet for me to experience the joy of giving back and will remove me from the extreme self-focus you sort of have to have when you’re pursuing a career as an actor.

TJP: How can voice talent get involved?

SF: My dream is that voice actors from all over the country will approach their local hospitals and become involved in the Stars at Bedtime network. My organization can guide them. We don’t supply volunteers or endorse anyone.

TJP: What are your hopes for the organization?

SF: We hope to be a central place for providing people with resources to better understand how to organize their own efforts and local initiatives and work as hospital volunteers as part of a nationwide Stars at Bedtime network. Once a new hospital has a Stars at Bedtime volunteer, we can include that chapter on our website and share new ideas for how to better develop our respective programs. Please contact me at Sharon@starsatbedtime.org or go to the Stars at Bedtime website. My dream is to see this happening all across the country!

-Tracy Pattin

TJP: You were on a different path getting your degree in psychology from George Washington University and then on to an MBA in marketing from Georgia State. What made you take a different turn getting into voice over?

SF: I’ve always been more of an artsy/creative soul and largely had given that up to pursue an MBA. As a child I played violin and piano. In high school I became obsessed with theater. By the time I was in my MBA program, I was really missing that inner artist. When I heard about a voice over class, I thought it would be a fun way to recapture my love of acting and prepare myself better in business situations- Such as public speaking and presentations. Once I stepped foot in a studio and started reading copy, I experienced that “aha” moment where I realized I had to give voice overs a try. As I began to book jobs, my goal then became a full time career in voice overs.

TJP: How have you used your MBA in marketing to propel your career? Any tips?

SF: Once I realized I was going to try and get “just one commercial” (that was my initial motto) I tried incorporating what I was learning academically into my career.

TJP: How did you do that?

SF: I began to see myself as a micropreneur. A miniature business, not just an actress. I tried to make sure all my “departments” were working seamlessly together. Just like any big business, my marketing department included promotions, public relations, sales and brand management. My research and development department was always looking into investing in the latest technologies for my home studio. These are just two examples.

TJP: You’ve voiced projects for Coca-Cola, Ford, MTV. What do you do to win so many jobs in such a competitive market?

SF: I guess it’s that magical combination of hard work and luck. It’s good to always be building relationships with potential clients and nurturing existing ones. Of course having the right representation is also a huge part of it. I’m represented by Atlas Talent in New York and SBV in Los Angeles.

TJP: How did you get the “Dancing with the Stars” promo?

SF: I initially booked an ABC promo through my agent. Later on I met another great producer who has continued to keep me in mind for other promo work. The “Dancing with the Stars” promo was a cross-promotion with T-Mobile. I voiced a similar cross-promotion for Ugly Betty and one with the Oscars leading up to the most recent one for “Dancing with the Stars.”

In part 2 Sharon talks about giving back and her Stars at Bedtime association and how voice actors can get involved.

-Tracy Pattin

-Tracy Pattin

T: How long have you been in business?

B: We’ve been around for 26 years, patiently doing our work for ad agencies, but many people around the country don’t even think to look in Little Rock for a production company. (A lot of people still think Arkansas is waiting for indoor plumbing!) That’s OK though…it keeps our population down and our city a pleasant place to live.

T: What does your company, Soundscapes do? What types of clients do you have?
B: Soundscapes produces media audio–primarily radio–for advertising agencies nationwide. Our clients are typically medium-sized ad agencies in medium-sized markets.

T: What is the market like in Arkansas for the voice actor? Are they able to make a living in voice over?
B: Not many people realize that Little Rock has been a media production center for about 25 years. We have over fifty local actors on our roster, and about the same number of ISDN talent whom we use on a regular basis. Most of our local actors have other jobs, but there are 10 to 12 of them who make their living doing nothing but voice work. We also have three large, thriving video houses.

T: What changes have you seen in the industry over the past 3 years with the onset of New Media and advances in technology?
Naturally, we love the fact that we can dial up ISDN voice actors for our clients, and we do that on a daily basis. Distribution and tracking of work that we produce is much easier now. The downside of new technology is the expectation of immediacy. There was more time for creativity when we had a few days, or even a few hours, to think over what we can bring to the table. We have responded by getting all our sound effects and music on huge network servers, so our production can be completed more quickly.

T: Any insights from your clients about what makes a great voice actor?
Directability. Our best actors will patiently listen to directors, work with them to hone the performance, and even offer alternatives that the director may not have thought of.

-Tracy Pattin

Margaret Lorenz‘s story:

T: What was your corporate job before you got into voice over?

M: I was a sales manager for SBC communications here in San Francisco.

T: What made you take the leap of faith and quit your cushy corporate job?

M: My job wasn’t fulfilling any more. But I’d always been scared of financial insecurity. It was kind of a fluke. One of my colleagues overheard me leaving a voicemail message about our upcoming corporate picnic and said, “Hey you should do voice overs, you’ve got the love in your voice. My brother does the surf report at a local radio station. He can show you the ropes.” It was funny because I switched from my usual stressed out voice to my voicemail voice. It was like I was selling the picnic. So that was the moment I decided to change my life.

T: What was your game plan?

M: I saved money for a year before I quit. Then looked for an agent.

T: When you left your day job, how long did it take you before you started making money in voice over?

M: A month or two later I got a couple of small jobs, then it was another six months.

T: Any secrets to your voice over success?

M: I started listening to other actor’s demos and then I produced the second demo myself so that it would be a good representation of my voice over skills. I got an agent in two days.

T: What are you doing now?

M: I’m doing a lot of voice over work for clients like Apple, Macy’s, Yahoo, and I’m the voice of a computer on an amusement park ride in Florida. I’m also producing a local TV show in San Francisco about people doing amazing things with their lives, like traveling 6,000 miles to help disabled people in a developing country.

T: Any advice to others ready to take a leap of faith?

M: Don’t do it until you’re financially ready-Create a home studio so you can do your auditions while you have your day job.-It’s worth it! I love what I do everyday.

Check out Margaret Lorenz‘s website.

Even though we work with many Union and Non-Union Agencies, we do not know the inner workings of how they conduct business with their Actors. Voicebank.net has many of the top-rated Agencies on their roster; there’s an excellent chance that you won’t go wrong with any of them.

A good way to determine an Agency’s reputation is to talk to the Actors they represent. Many have websites with direct contact info. You can email a quick note and ask them their opinion – hopefully you’ll get a response. Actor blogs are also a good place to ask these questions. Contact Casting Directors; they work with Agents on a daily basis. Acting Coaches have relationships with Agents and can certainly guide you towards the ones they work with, recommend and trust. You can also check any of the consumer rating agencies like the Better Business Bureau to see if they’ve been listed favorably or negatively.

Your fellow Actor is the best source of info but remember that people leave Agents for many reasons; it doesn’t mean that they’re shady or dishonest. Personality differences can cause problems. When you pose the question, make sure you’re clear. Talk to as many people as possible. One Actor may tell you a horrific story while another may praise the same Agent/Agency. The more info you gather, the more accurate the picture.

And remember: you can always leave if you discover things about them you don’t like. It’s your choice.

- Stewart Wilson-Turner