Continuing our "First Look" theme, let's take a look and the new Profiles.

Profiles Now Have Four (4) Unique Sections:

๏ The main Profile page
๏ Demos
๏ Store
๏ Feedback

Since many of you have such impressive resumes and also a growing portfolio of demos, separating the two only makes sense and gives you more room to shine.

Learn more about the new Profiles now!

PROFILE

Welcome to what will be your new profile!

Your Contact information is still prominently displayed at the top of the page with an option to "Send Email".

Below the contact info, you'll be able to display one demo that we'll call "My Primary Demo". This ensures that clients can listen to samples from any page on your profile and always link to more demos if they'd like to hear more.

The Profile page displays most text information including your voice description, languages, accents, ages and a new area called special skills.

Special Skills is the ideal spot to add in copywriting, editing, mixing, mastering, music production, video production, multi-media design or anything else that you can do that is complimentary to your core voice-over skill set.

Credentials are important in any professionals career and often sway the hiring decision in your favor. In the education area, you can add in voice-over training, classes and workshops you've taken as well as university degrees or college diplomas. With so many associations out there, we found it more accommodating to give you the opportunity to notate the unions affiliations, associations or guilds that you're part of. We strongly believe that a detailed credentials area will present a solid impression of your professionalism and ability to get the job done.

Detailed Service Description differs from other areas of your profile as this is the best place to describe what kind of work you can do and how you perform your services.

Payment Terms clarifies (in advance) how you expect to get paid. This eliminates the back-and-forth that typically asks "how do I pay you?" or "when do you need to get paid". Do you accept credit cards, PayPal or check? Do you issue invoices that are due 30 days later (Net 30)? Outline all that here and give the client the answers their looking for.

Next Steps is our way of prompting the clients to provide you with their project details by clicking the large "Request a Quote" button.

SIDEBAR

The sidebar on the profile will be consistent across your profile pages. The sidebar also has new features.

The Rating provides clients with an instant snapshot of your trustworthiness. The date joined and your location will also give visitors the confidence that you've been in business for a while.

Page Tools are useful features designed to help the client interact with you and your profile page.

Should the client find themselves on any of the other pages within your profile, the "Voice Talent's Other Demos" links will quickly navigate them back to your demos where they can listen to your voice samples.

DEMOS

You'll now have a dedicated page just for your voice-over demos!

Below each demo, you can add Tags (learn more about how add tags to your demos here) and now a brief description of the demo. The description is optional, but may prove useful to those who want to expand on the content or context of the demo recording. Also new is the "Learn More >>" link that if clicked upon will link to the Demo Details page (see below).

Before moving on, you'll notice the Studio area has been moved to this page, too. This keeps all the audio recordings and production items on the same page and separates any technical information from your main profile view.

DEMO DETAILS PAGE

Each demo you upload will have it's own unique URL.

Why do this?

Because many of you use Voices.com for file delivery and a replacement for an FTP server. So, if you've got a file to deliver, upload it to Voices.com and then share the link of this page with your client. They can preview the audio using the flash player or download the source file by right-clicking the hyperlink.

These pages will also come in handy for clients who are scoping your work out and want to send the link to their colleagues prior to contacting you for work.

STORE

Your Store is where clients can buy your products. We've taken the familiar shopping cart model and adapted it for the marketplace at Voices.com.

Coming up this fall, you'll be able to sell products in the Voices.com Store as well as in your own store located within your profile, an innovation that we're pleased to offer to you that will make it easier than ever before to be hired based upon work you've already done.

In your Store, clients can see which products you offer and can add these items their cart. Note that the same products that you have listed in the Voices.com Store will also appear in your personal store located at your Profile.

While viewing your products, clients have the option to email you about a product or save your profile to their favorites, making it easy for the client to return to your store to complete the purchase at a later date.

PRODUCT DETAILS PAGE

Product pages will be where the client user can view:

๏ The full product title
๏ The full product description
๏ More information about you including your services as pulled from your profile (payment terms, about us etc.)
๏ Complete feedback history

FEEDBACK

To complement the other areas of your profile, the Feedback page displays Ratings & Reviews that you've received from completed transactions at Voices.com as well as comments left by clients who paid you by other means in the References section.

The client list is a great spot to jot down all those companies, organizations and groups that you've worked for.

What Do You Think?

The newly designed profile with its four distinguished areas is definitely an improvement.

Focus groups, industry experts and fellow Voices.com members have all contributed into making these developments a reality.

Thank you :)

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Best wishes,

Stephanie and The Voices.com Team

Fall '08 Release

Every quarter, we make updates to the Voices.com website, and this time, it's a big one.

Over the summer (and really, over the past 18 months) we've been working on ways to make your experiences using Voices.com faster, easier and better, in fact, we're shooting for "fantastic"!

During the next 10 days or so we'll be giving you a first-look at the all-new Voices.com and how you can use it to your fullest advantage.

This is a very exciting moment for us as we draw nearer to the launch...

What's New?

There'll be plenty to explore including a new search engine, new directory layout, a new Top 100 list called "Most Listens", a dedicated Community area and a reengineered SurePay service that is easier than ever.

Plus, we'll be showing you the Store and how to create products that you can sell in the store.

Buckle up...

To start, we're unveiling the completely redesigned Voices.com home page.

Let's run through this page from top to bottom.

First, each page of the website will have a thin top banner announcing the all-new Voices.com.

You'll also have links to check out what's new, and another link to "Send feedback".

We want you to let us know what you like, what could still be better, or in the unlikely situation you find something that needs fixing, please let us know asap.

Logo and Navigation

The logo is now sporting a (R) as Voices.com is now an officially registered trademark in the United States and Canada. Just as you'd expect, the logo will always link you to the home page.

Below the logo, we've simplified the navigation to plain text links which from our testing and feedback are much more clear and communicate the main areas of the website. These four links (Find Voices, Find Jobs, Community and My Account) will be consistent site-wide, whether you're logged in or logged out, and even if you're reading the blog, listening to a podcast or checking out your position in the Top 100.

Utilities

On the far right hand side you'll find some utilities such as the Advanced Search, Contact Us, Help and Login/Logout links. This search bar makes it easy for clients to search the entire database of professional voice over talents from any page on the website.

Splash

The home page's splash is now more bold and directs clients to create their job posting in one simple step. We're confident this will increase the number of job postings and audition opportunities for you.

Search

Moving down the page, you'll notice we've placed an enhanced search tool with three fields; keyword, gender and language. These three fields are by far the most used and make it easy for new visitors to get to the demos that best match their needs.

Next, you'll find the "Movers & Shakers" section. First, demos are featured right on the home page. This means clients can hear your demos immediately. If they like what they hear, they can simply click-through to your profile by clicking on your name. We've also decided to add avatars to add more personality to the website. Headshots, logos or industry iconography is perfectly suitable.

We've got some important updates to this area so read carefully.

There are 4 Top 10 lists on the home page that the visitor can toggle between. They are:

๏ New Voices
๏ Most Listens
๏ Recently Hired
๏ Top Favorites.

Let's go into each of these individually.

New Voices

This list is based upon your renewal date. If you renew monthly, you'll appear once every 30 days.

Most Listens

The Most Listens list features voice talent who have been most listened to this month. The site will count the number of times each of your demos have been played and tally them up resulting in a final number of listens. While the home page list will reset at the beginning of every month, a Top 100 Most Listens page has options to view Most Listens This Week, This Month and All-Time.

Recently Hired

As an act of congratulations, we'd like to honor those voice talent who've landed a job at Voices.com by showcasing them on the Recently Hired list. If you've completed a job that paid using the SurePay escrow service, you'll see your name on the Recently Hired list.

Top Favorites

Clients will soon be able to add you to Favorites directly from your profile, the search results and each audition that you submit. In an effort to more equitably share the home page real estate, we'll be showing the Top Favorites for this month on the home page. Again, if you're in the Top 10 currently, you'll still maintain your top positing in the Top Favorites All-Time.

Directory

In the Directory, we've simplified the categories and updated a few icons. Television Commercials and Television Promos and Station Identification have been merged into a single Television category. Similarly, Radio Commercials and Radio Imaging have been merged into a single Radio category. We've renamed some of the other categories, but the content remains the same.

About Us

For those who are new to Voices.com, we've placed a brief About Us paragraph. Notably, there's a "What Our Customers Say" section where each week, we'll select a success story from the Buzz blog. So, get your success stories in now so you'll be considered.

Footer

Finally, we've reached the bottom of the page. Here's where you'll find helpful links to other key areas of the website. We've also decided to proudly display the Better Business Bureau logo and Verisign Secure Server seal.

Special Thanks

A special thank you goes out to all those who helped David and the development team with the redesign.

What Do You Think?

Add your comments, questions or concerns about the new home page here. As always, we look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Stephanie and the Voices.com Team

Want to Win the Newest Book on the VO Market?

Randy Thomas and Peter Rofé's book highly anticipated book "Voice for Hire: Launch and Maintain a Lucrative Career in Voice-Overs" is quickly approaching it's release date and will soon be found in stores across the US. The book hits the shelves on September 30th, 2008!

Want To Win Voice For Hire? Leave a Comment!

Voice For Hire

Many months ago, I had the pleasure of corresponding with Randy Thomas as she told me about her forthcoming book (Voice For Hire). I'm glad that the release date (September 30th) is nearly here and I personally can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book (I contributed some information from Voices.com and am excited to read what Randy and Peter included!).

According to the authors, this book is great for voice talent at any juncture in their career and or training, and as the newest voice over book on the market, it should be an interesting read for all of us.

How Do You Enter For a Chance to Win?

All you need to do is comment on this article and let me know that you'd like to win Voice For Hire!

Each week, there will be something different, so be sure to subscribe to VOX Daily to get the Saturday Giveaway notices as well as other voice acting articles throughout the week.

The giveaways will include voice acting:

๏ Books
๏ DVDs
๏ Coaching Sessions
๏ Recording Equipment
๏ Gift certificates
๏ Workshop / Conference Passes
๏ Unique Promotional Opportunities

When is the Winner Chosen?

Winners will be drawn randomly from the comments left on the blog and announced the following Saturday. Those who win will be notified by email at which time we'll confirm their shipping address. On the following Saturday, the winner will be announced and another opportunity to win a Saturday Giveaway will present itself.

I'd like to say congratulations to last week's contest winner, Martin Auman, who will be receiving the 5 CD Set "How to Make Money In Voice-Overs" by Julie Williams.

Comment Now for an Opportunity to Win Randy Thomas and Peter Rofé's book from Voices.com!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Don't forget to comment for your chance to win :)

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Want to get into movie trailers?

The first-ever movie trailer workshop held by Don Morrow, a contemporary and friend of the late Don LaFontaine, will take place in Sacramento at Nakamoto Productions November 1st, 2008.

Who is Don Morrow?

He originated today’s trailer style delivery with then trailer film editor, the late Don LaFontaine, in the late fifties.

Don Morrow has voiced theatrical trailers for:

๏ Titanic
๏ Saving Private Ryan
๏ A Fistful of Dollars
๏ The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
๏ Hang ‘Em High
๏ The Dirty Dozen
๏ The Prince of Egypt
๏ The Talented Mr. Ripley
๏ The Ciderhouse Rules
๏ Omega Man
๏ Snow falling on Cedars
๏ Blue Water
๏ White Death
๏ Far From the Madding Crowd

And hundreds more!

The Movie Trailer Workshop:

Don will personally direct you recording an actual trailer. He will also demonstrate microphone techniques, voice projection and intensity levels as well as teach you about the elements of a trailer demo and how to start your career.

Seating is limited for this workshop. Early bird tuition is $175 by Oct. 15th, thereafter, it will be $200.

When: November 1st, 2008, 10:30 am-1:30 pm
Where: Nakamoto Productions, 907 20th St, Sacramento, California 95814
Price: $175 until Oct. 15th, thereafter and at the door: $200

This is the first Trailer Workshop ever held by Don Morrow and you'll be some of the first to learn in a group setting from his decades of experience.

For Reservations, call Ray at Nakamoto Productions: 916-447-6435
Or email Ray Nakamoto: Ray@nakamotoproductions.com

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Are you looking for a chance to study with Joan Baker?

Check out Joan's Fall / Winter schedule and head for the Big Apple!

Upcoming Joan Baker Voice Over Immersion Classes

Saturday November 1st, 2008, fee $445
Saturday January 17th, 2009, fee $495
Saturday February 7th, 2009, fee $495
Saturday February 28th, 2009, fee $495
Saturday March 14th, 2009, fee $495
Saturday March 28th, 2009, fee $495

What Joan's Classes Will Cover

๏ Script Analysis and Interpretation
๏ Microphone Technique
๏ Auditioning Technique
๏ Diction and Speech
๏ Taking Direction
๏ How to Get and Maintain Work
๏ Demo Reels and Continuing Education
๏ Q&A

Classes take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (lunch served)
Location: 42 Broadway, Ste. 1135, NYC

(10% off for SAG, EQUITY, and AFTRA members)

To reserve your seat call 212-269-0700 and ask for the "Immersion Class".

Special Guests:

Rudy Gaskins, Emmy Award-winning Producer
CEO of Push Creative Advertising
Gaskins will direct participants on professional performance

Matt Ambrosia, Talent Agent, Paradigm Talent Agency
Mr. Ambrosia will provide audition training and a professional audition with future consideration.

About Joan Baker

Joan Baker is the author of Secrets of Voice-Over Success: Top Voice-Over Actors Reveal How They Did It. She's been teaching and lecturing nationally for over 12 years and is one of New York's top coaches and voice-over professionals. Clients include HBO, Olay, NBC Sports, ABC News, Learning Annex, Nickelodeon and American Express. Joan is also available for private coaching.

Joan Baker is also a featured instructor on Voice Over Experts. Check out her podcasts here:

Joan Baker on Voice Over Experts

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Before 2008 ends, you have the opportunity to attend two final voiceover workshop days with Bettye Zoller in Dallas, Texas.

Learn what you need to succeed as a voice talent today and have fun too!

Also, there's a workshop in Houston that you may be interested in. For more details, keep reading this post.

Dallas

October 11 is "Voice Acting for Today's New Media." Learn about today's new types of voiceover jobs and how to win them. You'll also concentrate on learning more about the in-home recording studio you must operate today to work and also on today's internet voiceover sites and your internet presence. The workshop will also include business information and marketing and self-promotion tips. There will also be two guest instructors. Location in Dallas to be announced.

Contact: 214-638-TALK (8255) or visit www.voicesvoices.com for information and to enroll in the online store.

Fee: $305. MC VISA Check.

And on November 8 in Dallas, join Bettye Zoller for "The Business of Voiceovers," her most popular seminar nationwide. In this intensive one-day workshop you'll learn where the jobs are, how to win them, winning more online auditions, working on the internet more successfully, helping your agents help you, and much more!

Fee: $305 includes valuable take-home handout packet.

Contact: www.voicesvoices.com or phone 214-638-TALK (8255)

Houston, TX Workshop

Study with Bettye Zoller and a number of guest teachers on Sunday October 26. This day begins at 9 a.m. with a luscious catered breakfast buffet at the Marriott Hotel Galleria with mix and mingle, get-acquainted / networking. Then, you'll receive hands-on copy reading and copy interpretation coaching from voice coach and voiceover pro, Bettye Zoller.

Guest teacher, Scott Feighner, Houston recording studio equipment advisor, audio engineer producer, and voiceover talent, provides information on improving your home-based computer recording studio and on becoming a better audio engineer.

Guest teacher, Houston's Jim Conlan, owner of "Radio Works", audio engineer, commercial producer, instructs you on the voiceover demo today and how to win more auditions.

The "business of voiceovers" will also be a topic and the handout packets you take home will contain valuable articles on the industry and more.

Fee: $175.

Contact: www.voicesvoices.com or phone 214-638-TALK (8255).

Private consultations with Bettye Zoller in Houston Texas are also available: Contact her right away to reserve your private hour consultation Limited availability.

Houston dates: Monday October 27, Tuesday October 28. Time slots scheduled individually once you are enrolled. $85 per hour.

Bettye Zoller is also a featured presenter on our podcast, Voice Over Experts. To listen to Bettye, you can visit her profile here:

Bettye Zoller on Voice Over Experts

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Game On at Pat Fraley's Game World!

Acquire the performance and marketing skills you need on how to get to Gaming Producers and
Casting People BEFORE they throw the work to the Northern Hemisphere!

Be in a position to list the best teachers in the industry, and be trained in the best facility in Los Angeles. "Who Trained You" makes a difference to Producers, Casting People, and Agents.

They READ YOUR RESUMES!

This is the inside track on how you can be prepared and participate in the largest and fastest growing area in the entire entertainment industry: Voicing Characters for Gaming.

This single area of entertainment will SURPASS the MOVIE INDUSTRY in two to three years.

Interested in learning more?

Instructors at Game World, the Ultimate Video Game Voice Over Event

David Fries, Event Teacher. David casts and directs for the largest gaming company in the world, Electronic Arts. David brings with vast experience to our event. He knows just what producers are listening for when casting, and will deliver the "real deal" as he directs participants. His credits include the popular series of Lord of the Rings and Command and Conquer.

Vanessa Marshall, Guest Artist. Game Producers all the way down to Serious Gamers know the name, Vanessa Marshall. Vanessa voices the very best projects in gaming, such as, No More Heroes, Spider-Man 3, Metal Gear Solid, Forgotten Realms, James Bond 007, and over a dozen characters on Everquest II. Vanessa will be on hand to share her process in performing voices for gaming and sharing the inside track on delivering what Gaming Producers insist upon, particularly for women.

Patrick Fraley, Event Teacher. Patrick brings 35 years experience as a voice talent and teacher to this event. Patrick and two other performers created all the voices for the new, unique game for Electronic Arts' Spore, which has just has just been released. Patrick has performed in some of the most successful games in the history of the genre, such as The Knights of the Old Republic, Terminator 3, Star Wars Rogue Squadron III, Evil Dead, Toy Story Racer, Escape from Monkey Island, and Full Throttle.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

๏ Acquire the knowledge on how to work the Gaming Industry, network, and get your skills known to those who produce and cast.
๏ Learn how to deliver evocative performances for the unique demands of gaming.
๏ Record your best tracks in pristine sound, many of which may be used in your demo tracks to show off your abilities to those that cast and direct.
๏ Receive a comprehensive workbook on Gaming, and mastered, mixed, recorded tracks.

Cost:
$595. Cash, Check or Credit Card.
Payment schedules upon request

Where:
World Famous Buzzy's Recording
6900 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038

When:
9:30 - 6:00 Sunday, October 12, 2008

To Enroll:
Email patfraleyteaches@aol.com or call (818) 400-3733

The Great Vancouver Character and Accent Event

Pat Fraley will be hosted by Debbie Munro at Voice Pitt Studios near Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. Both Pat and Debbie are featured on the Voice Over Experts podcast.

To listen to Pat Fraley's lectures, click here:

Pat Fraley on Voice Over Experts

To listen to Debbie Munro's lectures, click here:

Debbie Munro on Voice Over Experts

Day One: Creating Character Voices

๏ Record in a professional ensemble cast animation track recording session.
๏ Learn how to break the character voice down and manipulate the six elements for versatility and separation.
๏ Create unique, evocative character voices from visual, oral, and written sources.
๏ Learn to develop the critical “Psychological Agendas” for your characters.
๏ Identify Character Archetypes, the "Casting Common Denominator" for Interactive, Commercials and Animation.
๏ Includes Event Workbook, and your recorded tracks.

Day Two: Accent on Dialects

The first and only Dialect System designed specifically to address the rapid demands of the voice over industry.

๏ Record your best efforts at British, Russian, Irish, German, & N.Y.
๏ How to effectively come up with a viable, essential dialect within an hour.
๏ Learn the top requested characters by Casting People & Producers for each dialect.
๏ Where to find authentic research resources in minutes.
๏ Insider techniques on preparing and performing dialects.
๏ Includes Event Workbook, and your recorded tracks.

Cost:
$695. Cash, Check, Credit Card
Payment schedules upon request.

Where:
Hosted by Deb Munro
Voice Pitt Studios
#68 19160 119th Ave.
Pitt Meadows, B.C. V3Y 2L7

When:
9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, October, 25-26, 2008

To Enroll:
E-mail patfraleyteaches@aol.com or call (818) 400-3733

Limited to twelve participants.

Have you worked with Pat Fraley before? Leave a comment!

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Here's an opportunity to join Elaine Clark and Harlan Hogan for a weekend of voice over education and fun!

After the great success of the Sarasota FL workshop weekend, H2 and EC decided to take their expertise and experience to a larger East Coast venue.

Don't miss out on this power-packed weekend with the authors of There's Money Where Your Mouth Is (Elaine Clark) and VO : Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor (Harlan Hogan).

DC VO Workshop

Harlan Hogan and Elaine Clark are locked and loaded for their workshop event in the DC area on November 15 – 16.

Just so you know, the numbers of attendees are LIMITED.

One of the attendees of the Sarasota workshop wrote these words:

June 6, 2008

Ed Victor
Voice Actor 
West Palm Beach, Florida 

Registration

You can sign up for both days, or just for one, it's up to you.

The workshop sessions will be held in Bethesda, MD at a delightful location with free parking and close to a Metro station.

Elaine is an expert on the Voice Over Experts Podcast and you'll be happy to learn that Harlan Hogan will be joining the faculty soon. To get a taste of Elaine's teaching style, visit her profile here:

Elaine Clark on Voice Over Experts

Have you studied with Elaine Clark or Harlan Hogan? Leave a comment with your stories!

Best wishes,

Stephanie

What Are You Doing on The Evening of Wednesday November 12, 2008?

You could be joining voice over divas Nancy Wolfson and Anna Vocino in the third part of their mini series on the :60 Radio Autopsy.

Missed the first two? They're available online. Find out more by reading this article.

Acting for Advertising Teleseminar

Nancy Wolfson and Anna Vocino are doing another Acting for Advertising Teleseminar on November 12th, starting at 9 p.m. Eastern / 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

It will be part 3 of the Radio Script Autopsy, plus as always will include our regular segments, "Behind the Casting Curtain," "Actor to Actor," and their killer Q&A.

The cost to join the call is $39, and sign-up details and additional teleseminar details outlining the class will be up on www.breakintovoiceover.com at the beginning of October.

The MP3s of Acting for Advertising Parts 5 and 6 (which are the first two chapters of the Radio Script Autopsy) are now for sale at www.breakintovoiceover.com.

Nancy is an expert on the Voice Over Experts Podcast. To get a taste of her teaching style, visit her profile here:

Nancy Wolfson on Voice Over Experts

Ever Been on a Call with Nancy and Anna? Share your feedback!

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Voice Over Study Opportunities

Today, you'll be seeing a variety of workshops that are coming up this Fall and Winter in the wonderful world of voice-overs!

First, we'll start with an A1 Voice Over Artist...

Commercial Intensive Voice-Over Tele-Class

Are you looking for an opportunity to study with a top voice acting coach and celebrity talent from the comfort of your own home?

Check out this tele-class starting in October with Rodney Saulsberry.

Need A Moment? Chew It Over With Twix!

What do Zatarain's, Twix, Toyota Camry, ALPO, Honda Accord, Lincoln LS, Verizon, White Castle, 7UP, Burger King, SBC, and Nestle Crunch all have in common?

They're all clients who brand their companies with the voice of Rodney Saulsberry.

Commercial Intensive Voice-Over Teleclass

Rodney is teaching a Commercial Intensive Voice-Over Teleclass. You're invited to join him for three Thursday evenings starting October 16 through October 30, at 8-9 p.m. Eastern Time / 5-6 p.m. Pacific Time, conveniently from the comfort of your home.

Rodney is an expert on the Voice Over Experts Podcast. To get a taste of his teaching style, visit his profile here:

Rodney Saulsberry on Voice Over Experts

To get more information about the upcoming Commercial Intensive Tele-Class, visit the link address below:

http://www.rodneysaulsberry.com/classes2.html

To Register, visit the web address below:

http://www.rodneysaulsberry.com/register.php

If you've read, studied with or learned from Rodney comment and share your experiences.

Best wishes,

Stephanie

In this final chapter of the series "Vital Signs", I have two fabulously talented educators with me here on VOX Daily sharing their thoughts on how those of you who come from radio can free yourself from broadcast radio bondage.

What I'm saying may come as a surprise to many people but just because you come from radio doesn't mean that you're by virtue of that fact already a voice actor or that voice acting will come easily to you.

This article will explain how voice acting and radio differ and will help those who come from radio lose their "radioness", ditching the sing-songy sound that some women carry over from broadcast and also the announcery baggage that men bring to the table when they enter the business of voice over.

Radio is Not Voice Over... Weird But True!

This idea has been floating around in my head for a number of years and now seems to be the appropriate time to explore it.

When deciding how to present this, I wanted to give you the perspectives of two voice over teachers, their thoughts, and also share how people from radio who enter voice over (this is a very large number of people) can make it in the voice acting business without sounding like they're still behind the mic at the radio station which is a very different style of speaking than that of what is expected of a voice over actor.

Elaine Clark

Voice One
Author of "There's Money Where Your Mouth Is"

Voice actors and Radio personalities have one thing in common: a microphone.

Other than that, the businesses are completely different.

Here are the differences:

1. For DJs, personality and vocal quality are the stars of the show. With voice actors, the client information is the star and the actor's voice and acting skills support that key information.

2. DJs spend a lot of air time ad libbing. Voice actors ad lib a little, but primarily read from a script and have to learn how to make those words sound natural and real.

3. When a voice actor records a commercial, the spot is read many times and often cut together to mine the most impact out of the copy. Radio personalities rarely read a commercial more than once; they either read it live or record it down and dirty at the end of the day to satisfy an obligation.

For a radio personality to break into the freelance voice-over world, they have to leave their DJ job at the door and learn how to step back from the starring position, relax the "pipes," let the words motivate the listener to take action, and sound REAL. It takes practice, but it can be done.

Elaine Clark
Voice One
San Francisco, CA

Marc Cashman

The Cashman Cache of Voice-Acting Techniques
Ask The Voice Cat

As a voice acting instructor and coach, I encounter a lot of people, mostly men, occasionally women, who've been in Radio for some time and want to transition into full-time voice acting. And they seem to have one thing in common--the dreaded "Radio Voice," which, when agents hear their V-O demos, run screaming out of their office.

The Dreaded "Radio Voice"

What accounts for this aural phenomenon? Well, a few things.

Many radio DJs, announcers or personalities wear headphones while they're on the air, and have basically fallen in love with the purring, resonant sounds of their own voice.

Most have been inculcated by their program director to deliver station-written and produced copy in the same style that they talk on the air, because that's what the advertiser wants and is paying for. And many Radio people have listened to their predecessors for years, and have consciously or unconsciously emulated them.

Radio people do have, however, a lot of skill-sets that many people in the voice-over world don't appreciate.

They have excellent eye-brain-mouth coordination, i.e., they're able to lift words off a page effortlessly, without stumbling over any words, rarely omitting or adding any, and giving them a ton of energy. They're also able to speak very fast, with outstanding articulation, and an amazing ability to "shoe-horn" seventy seconds of copy into a sixty-second spot.

They have wonderful cold-reading ability, since most of them come from the "rip and read" school of "this just in" on-air announcing.

On-air personalities are able to ad-lib extremely well, particularly in testimonials, giving advertisers a lot of bang for their buck. But most incredibly of all, they're able to do all these things live, with thousands, hundreds of thousands or possibly millions of people listening to them. That's a hell of a lot of pressure on a person, something that most professional voice actors rarely, if ever, encounter. We've got an audience of maybe a dozen people maximum hanging on our every word.

I explain to my students that the aforementioned skills are vital to a professional voice actor, and, truth be told, many of the Radio people I work with trying to transition into voice acting are able to find their niche.

I also remind my students that not everyone is cut out to be an actor. I know a lot of voiceover people doing a ton of non-acting work: announcing, corporate narration, e-Learning and instructional modules, phone-on-hold systems, pre-recorded announcements, etc., and are making quite a nice living. Heck, someone who comes into the studio for fifteen minutes to record a legal tag for a campaign can make more money than the actors, because the legal tag is tacked onto all the radio and TV spots!

But what can a Radio person do to not sound like a Radio person?

The main reason some Radio people have a challenging time transitioning into voice acting is because they haven't been trained or taught how to act.

So first, take voice acting classes. Learn how to speak conversationally, talking to just one person, not the multitudes. You can even take acting classes, to learn how to set a mood or attitude and find the emotional hook.

Second, don't audition with your headphones on. Unless you're doing a phone-patch and need to hear the director from a remote location, or you're in a three-way trialogue with other performers who are in a separate room, don't listen to yourself in your phones--you'll just perpetuate that Radio mind-set of style over substance.

And third, concentrate on delivering copy in the same way you talk to people (or pets) you love--your siblings, your kids, your spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend, your parents--just not the way you talk to your audience. Because believability comes in talking to just one person, preferably someone you know who fits the target audience you're talking to.

As long as you're truly sincere and invested in what you're talking about, chances are you'll eventually lose the dreaded "Radio Voice."

Marc Cashman
The Cashman Cache of Voice-Acting Techniques
Los Angeles, CA

Transitioning From Radio To Voice Over

Moving from radio to voice over isn't easy as you've read but it is achievable! Many of our great teachers today help talent to make the transition and encounter it quite often in their voice over studios.

If you'd like to make the leap and need some help doing so, feel free to contact either Elaine, Marc or reach out to any of the voice over experts that we refer at Voices.com through the Voice Over Experts podcast.

Have You Made The Switch From Radio To Voice Acting? How Was It For You?

Best wishes,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Andrey Tsidvintsev

When reading copy for advertising, a voice over artist encounters more than their fair share of acrobatics, especially when there's too much copy crammed into a designated time slot that doesn't take to accommodating natural phrasing.

Has technology helped you to beat the clock?

Wrangling Words

Squeezing vowels, clipping consonants, and running the gauntlet like an olympian going for the gold... that's what a voice artist faces when recording tightly packaged ad copy.

As you know, advertisements are read at a speed that is rather unnatural, and sometimes it's easy to question the effectiveness of a message that is difficult to take in under such unusual parameters.

However, since society is used to a faster pace and this style isn't going away any time soon, I thought I'd better ask...

How Do You Come In Under The Wire?

Do you:

๏ Edit the commercial slightly on your own and hope that the writer doesn't mind
๏ Negotiate with the writer / client to rephrase or remove words for better flow
๏ Throw yourself in anyway and go full steam ahead hoping for the best
๏ Pace the rhythm, going slower in some instances, faster in others to make up the time
๏ Use some slick editing moves on your software of choice to squeak through

What's Your Word Wrangling Style? Any Stories to Share?

Looking forward to hearing from you! Leave a comment :)

Best wishes,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Mark Evans

Newer and emerging technologies have changed the way audio is recorded, edited and archived.

From archaic wax cylinders to reels to MP3s, and from analog to digital, we've come a long way in a matter of decades.

With the simplification and notably more "hands off" production process, has the work of people behind the scenes (and behind the mic) been overlooked because of perceived ease when it comes to producing audio or visual content as propagated by the Digital Revolution?

Analog VS Digital

For those of you who have made transitions over the years regarding production elements such as audio recording gear and editing equipment, you've noticed a stark contrast in how your audio is recorded, cleaned up, delivered and stored.

I've heard more than a few veterans in the field, especially those who came from radio, say that there was a love affair associated with production and splicing tapes that has all but disappeared for today's voice over professionals with the dawn of digital audio recording technology.

The amount of painstaking work that it took to produce the finished work was immense. Audio engineering was by most standards an apprenticed craft, usually passed down through mentorship at radio stations and recording studios.

Have we lost that "loving feeling", or has it merely "changed" into something more "virtual"?

How Has Digital Audio Recording Changed Your Art?

In the thick of things, it's hard to get perspective, but by looking back we can learn more than a thing or two.

Here are some questions to ponder:

๏ Has digital recording / editing made performers and producers lazy?
๏ Has the digital way of doing things changed the mental process behind how sessions are run?
๏ Has the ease of use of tools and software made it easier to discredit the work of those in production?
๏ Are you more detached from your work on an emotional level because it's less laborious physically?
๏ What has technology done in this respect to elevate the craft of audio engineering?

Any Comments?

I want to thank you for your animated discussions in our previous article and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this topic as well :)

Best wishes,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Olivier Blondeau

Today, we're going to start engaging in a series of articles called "Vital Signs", an innovative and thought-provoking tour that explores and questions how technology has affected the voice over industry and those within it.

These posts were inspired by an article in The Atlantic written by Nicholas Carr titled "Is Google Making Us Stupid?"

First up to bat is interpreting copy.

Does reading a script on your computer screen as opposed to a printed copy make a difference in your preparation, interpretation, and performance?

WWW

Ever since email and the world wide web graced this earth, we've been participating in an ongoing experiment that challenges us make use of transferable skills regarding how we communicate, use technology, and allow new mediums into our lives through which we are entertained.

Let's take writing for example.

Word Processors

For perfectionists, word processing has been a wondrous gift as you can type something easily, and if desired, play around with the formatting, choose attractive fonts, and edit cleanly with precision by spotting spelling mistakes and fixing them immediately. Don't forget copying and pasting! Now there's something we've all made use of at some point if not on a daily basis.

Business people have also benefited from word processing as have teachers and students. Truly, it has affected us all in one way or another, hopefully making our lives richer for it.

Although word processing has changed how we create written content, it also has changed how we interpret and consume the written word, particularly online.

Technology Changes You More Than You Think

Cited in Carr's article in The Atlantic, a German scholar, Friedrich A. Kittler, noted that the brilliant yet controversial 19th century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's (1844-1900) prose "Changed from arguments to aphorisms, from thoughts to puns, from rhetoric to telegram style," following Nietzshe's use of the Malling-Hansen Writing Ball typewriter later in his career as his eyesight began to fail him.

Nietzsche himself said, "Our writing equipment takes part in the forming of our thoughts", also acknowledging that thoughts often depend on the quality of pen and paper.

Whether you identify with or vehemently oppose Nietzsche's published writings and his personal beliefs, he does make a good point in the quote above about how the tools you use may shape the end result of whatever it is that you are trying to achieve.

Has the Internet Changed How You Read and Interpret Copy?

As the recipients of scripts emailed, downloaded or viewed online, have these new technologies affected your artistry, and consequently, the style of your reads?

For instance, consider the following:

๏ Do you read scripts on your computer monitor?
๏ Do you print them off?
๏ Are your scripts formatted in a certain way?
๏ Are the scripts placed on a stand or read directly from the computer?
๏ Do you prefer a particular font or font size?

Your performance depends upon the tools at your disposal which enable you to interpret the written word and let art flow from your mouth throughout the signal chain.

Have You Noticed A Difference In Your Performance Using Newer Technologies?

Looking forward to reading your thoughts on this!

Best wishes,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/FreezeFrameStudio

Can You Make Money in Voice-Overs Even If You're Not in New York City or Los Angeles?

Julie Williams of Voice-Overs.com has just released the 3rd edition of her CD marketing guide "How To Make Money In Voice-Overs", regularly priced at $169.95.

You might recognize Julie as one of our experts on the Voice Over Experts podcast. If you click on her name above, you'll be taken to her profile and will be able to listen to her speak to learn more about her and her teaching style.

Want To Win This Marketing Course? Leave a Comment!

How To Make Money in VO (even if you're not in the Big Apple or La La Land)

One of the myths of voice over is that you need to be in a major center to make money doing what you love. That may have been the case decades ago, but thanks to technology, affordable audio recording equipment and principally, the Internet, making a living as a voice over artist living outside of New York City and Los Angeles is not only doable but an achievable reality if you put your heart, mind and resources into making a career as a professional voice over talent.

Julie Williams' 5 CD set (now in its 3rd edition) gives you some very helpful tools that assist you in the marketing aspect of your business, focusing on the single most challenging aspect of pursuing voice over as a professional... that would be making a consistent amount of money to make a living!

Listeners will learn how to do just that with this comprehensive course in voice over marketing for talent who want to compete in the global voice over marketplace, regardless of where they live.

The course includes almost 5 hours of extensive information from national voice talent Julie Williams as well as feature interviews with industry experts Gabrielle Nistico, Kristine Oller, Rob Sciglimpaglia, Stephanie Ciccarelli, Frank Maranzino, Larry Maizlish, and Jason Sikes.

Voice over pro and author, Harlan Hogan, described Julie's CD set as “A wonderful source! It’s up-to-date, upbeat, and full of practical, pragmatic advice. I really enjoyed the interviews with various experts in the industry. Well worth the investment, even if you DO live in NY or LA!”

You can read a review of Julie's "How To Make Money In Voice-Overs" on Voice Over Times.

How Do You Enter For a Chance to Win?

All you need to do is comment on this article and let me know that you'd like to win Julie's CDs!

Each week, there will be something different, so be sure to subscribe to VOX Daily to get the Saturday Giveaway notices as well as other voice acting articles throughout the week.

The giveaways will include voice acting:

๏ Books
๏ DVDs
๏ Coaching Sessions
๏ Recording Equipment
๏ Gift certificates
๏ Workshop / Conference Passes
๏ Unique Promotional Opportunities

When is the Winner Chosen?

Winners will be drawn randomly from the comments left on the blog and announced the following Saturday. Those who win will be notified by email at which time we'll confirm their shipping address. On the following Saturday, the winner will be announced and another opportunity to win a Saturday Giveaway will present itself.

I'd like to say congratulations to last week's contest winner, Summer James, who will be receiving a publicity campaign promoting her voice over work for Breast Cancer Awareness Month featured on Lifetime's Army Wives and FordCares.com.

Comment Now for an Opportunity to Win Julie Williams' CD course from Voices.com!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Don't forget to comment for your chance to win :)

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Welcome to another weekend and joyous celebration of voice over work across the industry and across the globe!

What kind of voice overs have you been recording this week? Share your success stories by leaving a comment.

Now is the time to acknowledge new clients and share news from your studio.

How has your voice been shaping minds, entertainment, and opinions?

Leave a comment and let the conversation begin!

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Sent from my iPhone

Itching to get your fingers on Randy Thomas and Peter Rofé's new book, Voice For Hire?

Meet them on their book tour and get your own autographed copy!

Available in stores September 30, 2008 on Back Stage Books, a division of Watson-Guptill and VNU Publications, Voice For Hire : Launch and Maintain a Lucrative Career in Voice-Overs is going to be a hit, prefaced with a foreword by Don LaFontaine.

Voice For Hire

I am highly anticipating reading Randy Thomas and Peter Rofé's book as I'm sure many of you are, too. A couple of copies have been earmarked for VOX Daily, and later this month, we'll be reviewing Voice For Hire and doing a giveaway here on the blog.

Meet Randy Thomas and Peter Rofé on Their Book Tour

Randy and Peter are going to host a number of book signings at bookstores and events across the United States and they hope to meet you. Here is a listing of the venues you can catch them at to get a signed copy of Voice For Hire.

Monday, September 22, 7:30pm
Barnes & Noble
The Grove
189 Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA

Saturday, October 11, 5pm and 8pm
Borders
Gulf Coast Town Center
9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers, FL

Thursday, October 23, 5pm
Drama Bookshop
250 W 40th Street, New York NY

Saturday, November 15
ActorFest
NYC

About Randy Thomas

Randy Thomas, the voice of radio and television stations across the country, is the first woman to announce the Academy Awards, the Miss America Pageant, the Tony Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. She has announced the Oscars seven times and is the first person ever to announce The Oscars, The Tonys, and The Emmys all in the same year. Thomas is currently the voice of CBS Television Distribution’s Entertainment Tonight and The Insider.

About Peter Rofé

Peter Rofé is New York’s most sought after voice-over coach and producer, as well as a national voice over talent with endless commercial, promo, narration and video game credits. Rofé owns PDR Voice Over Coaching, a full service recording studio located in New York City where he coaches veteran and newcomer talent and produces the industry's most prolific demo reels. Peter has also taught voice over courses at The Barrow Group and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

If you're able to, support Randy and Peter by coming out to their book signings!

Any comments?

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Voice Heard + Face Unseen = Very Little Credit

This is one of the classic truths that plagues narrators and voice actors.

How many of you have watched a documentary with minimal participation from an on-camera presenter but a gargantuan amount of voice over from a narrator whose name isn't even credited on the DVD literature?

What about watching a movie with a great opening narration that goes unacknowledged even at the end?

This isn't news for many of you who narrate, however, I feel that narrators should be given more credit.

What do you think?

Engineering An Empire

Last night I watched a DVD borrowed from our local library called Engineering An Empire (2006) that was broadcast by The History Channel, featuring a presenter named Peter Weller who was credited on the DVD literature and then some. If you waited until the end of the episodes, there was also mention of a narrator named Michael Carroll whose narration was omnipresent throughout the 12 episode series.

Although Carroll's narration was prominent and served as the driving force behind the storytelling, I couldn't help but notice that his billing wasn't nearly as high up on the list or DVD literature as it could have been.

Faceless, And On Occasion, Nameless

Perhaps I'm part of the minority when saying this (correct me if I'm wrong), but I think narrators make a world of difference in documentaries and should be billed accordingly.

It reminds me of another great voice who wasn't credited for his opening narration of The Scorpion King, J.D. Hall. Albeit a comparatively brief part at the beginning of the film, his narration still set the stage for what was to come and should have been credited (but for the record was not), just as his voice overs also went unacknowledged as the grunting, growling and groaning voice of The Incredible Hulk (2008).

The Don Gets His Due

This article has focused mainly on narration for documentary and film, however, as you know, voice over is nearly always invisible regardless of the medium or application and voice actors nearly always go uncredited.

Until the late Don LaFontaine performed on-camera in the GEICO commercial ( "In A World Where Both Of Our Cars Were Totally Under Water..." ), his face couldn't have been further from his voice if the average person were to see him walking down the street, but because the world could see him in his element through the TV commercial parody, his face became known and he wasn't just that familiar voice at the movies or the announcer guy, he was a man with a sense of humor and a presence in the industry considered to be larger than life.

Don opened many doors for his peers (including the whole concept of working from home), and perhaps, greater recognition will be another aspect of his ongoing legacy to the voice over industry.

Hail Animation and Audiobooks!

Now, here's a fine example of two industries where voice over talent and narrators are represented with equality.

At the end of every cartoon and animated film credit is given to voice actors in a satisfactory manner. Every audiobook that I've picked up, browsed or downloaded has appropriately bestowed prominence upon the narrator alongside the author of the book.

Obviously this kind of immediate recognition is impractical for commercials, promos or trailers due to the brevity and nature of the voice over (advertising and staying on message), but it can be done to a greater degree for video games, computer games, documentaries, film and eLearning.

How Do You Feel About This Topic? Any Thoughts?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Cevdet Gökhan Palas

Did You Know There is Another Way To Get Voices.com Working For You?

Earlier this summer, we launched a new membership level called "Platinum", a service designed for voice over talent who want to get the absolute most for their career out of the Internet by way of greater visibility in the search engines, insider tips and some major publicity.

The Platinum Membership Includes:

๏ All of the features and benefits of the Premium membership at Voices.com
๏ Additional Listings on 10 Niche Voice Over Websites
๏ 2 Personalized Publicity Campaigns
๏ Exclusive Monthly Marketing Reports
๏ Advertisements throughout the Voices.com Advertising Network

There have been a number of impressive success stories so far, two in particular that are detailed below.

I'll also share a compelling reason to join that you've never heard before.

Is becoming a Platinum member the right decision for you? Find out here at VOX Daily.

The Wheels of Progress Are Turning

A couple of weeks ago, I sent an email out to our Platinum members with updates about their membership, an insider report and an invitation to kick start their publicity campaigns, several of which are circulating right now on news websites, including Google News, Yahoo! and others.

When I asked for feedback on how their Platinum memberships were going so far (after two months of service), I received a number of jaw-dropping and grateful emails from people who are experiencing great success.

I'd like to share a couple of the stories here with you.

Larry Wayne's Platinum Experience

My news is that I am becoming the imaging voice for one of the world's fastest growing and increasingly important new industries... wind power! I am also doing :30 ads for Vestas airing on CNN.  And just the other day they had me do intros for a new regular Bloomberg Financial feature that talks about Vestas. I am majorly pumped about this!  This came within days of opening the new websites as a Platinum member. I would also say the Vestas account alone has already paid for the Platinum membership!

Also, I'm working with two producers in Orange County on a trailer for a totally new concept for a film. At this point they are just trying to come up with a non broadcast non theatrical trailer of several minutes to show to interested producers. I KNOW they found me on the new trailer website!

Larry Wayne
Wayne Audio

Janice Downes' Platinum Experience

I've had people ask me on a regular basis if I think Voices.com is worth it, and my answer is always the same, definitely! I especially found it interesting when I talked to other V/O talent at Voice 2008 in LA.... when I told people that I was able to quit my full time sales job and do voiceover within 4 months of joining Voices.com, and that 90% of my jobs originated from Voices.com they couldn't believe it!

Many times that week people would continually ask me about that, and suggested I must be the exception. I don't think so at all.

Within that year I have worked my way to currently being ranked the Top Female Voice by your clients. My ranking on your site is my greatest industry achievement to date, and I am proud of that.

Janice Downes
Studio Voice Work

Have Some Questions About Going Platinum?

Perhaps you've been thinking along these lines:

Question #1: I'd love to do it but I think the price is too high.

Response: The Platinum membership is the only service of its kind and we've priced the package extremely competitively for what it includes. We bundled over $7000.00 worth of value into this membership, and we're making available for $1995.00.

Question #2: $1995.00 sounds like a large investment. Can I pay in installments?

Response: Yes, you can make quarterly payments of $498.75 to help break up the fee over the year and still get the same service and personalized attention.

Question #3: Won't there be thousands of people doing this? How will I be found?

Response: The Platinum membership is limited to only 100 people. This is the most effective, robust and highly customized online membership for the services being rendered that you will see anywhere, period.

Question #4: I'm a professional voice talent. Do you screen people for Platinum memberships? I don't want to be lumped in with newbies.

Response: We understand. You'll be comforted to know that Voices.com is only offering this membership to professional voice over talents. We reserve the right to refund customers who purchase the membership if they are not professionals. Just because someone has the money doesn't mean that they will be able to join the Platinum membership.

Question #5: What will you do for me that I'm not already doing myself?

Response: As a professional voice talent who is running their own business, you have more important things to do during your day like auditioning and recording voice overs for your clients as well as making time for your family and doing what you love.

By investing in the Platinum membership, you're unloading tasks that you don't have time to do for yourself such as marketing, promotion, search engine optimization, researching the industry and public relations, all of which make a huge difference in your career when done well but are often neglected in favor of other more critical day-to-day business activities.

As experts in these areas, we are working hard for our Platinum members in a capacity unheard of for a voice over marketplace serving as their publicists, branding consultants, search engine virtuosos, market researchers, and champions of their voices over services.

The Time Is Now

The earlier you do this, the sooner you'll receive media attention and publicity for your work that will catapult you into the fall during the busy advertising season.

There's No Shortage of Work In the Voice Over Business

Companies are having to try new things to make themselves competitive and assert their staying power, and do you know what?

Voice over is on their to do list.

Now is the time to let the world know that you are here to meet their voice over needs and exceed their expectations, moving forward as an agent of change using your Platinum membership as the vehicle that will help get you there.

3 Great Things Going For You Right Now

๏ There is still room for more members on the Platinum sites at present (but memberships will sell quickly so act now)
๏ You can now pay in quarterly installments over the year
๏ It's the busiest season for advertisers as they prepare their campaigns for the holidays

How Do You Get Started as Platinum?

You can make payment:

๏ Online using PayPal
๏ Phone us toll-free in North America at 1-888-359-3472 to pay with a VISA or Mastercard
๏ Sign and fax your authorization for quarterly billing (Voices.com Platinum Order Form)
๏ Mail a check / cheque to our corporate address at:

Voices.com
130-100 Collip Circle
London, ON Canada
N6G 4X8

Looking forward to serving you!

Best wishes,

Stephanie and The Voices.com Team

©iStockphoto.com/Sergei Popov

What's life like working as a professional voice over talent in LA?

In this 9 minute video, one of world's most in-demand voices, Beau Weaver, shows how he works as a voice over talent from home studios in Los Angeles and Ojai, CA.

Beau Weaver

When Beau sent me the video yesterday, I was elated to watch it and learn more about him and his work. Beau's video reminded me that success is the fruit of years of labor and that anything can happen, even working for yourself in a sequestered studio environment within the glorious landscape of Ojai, California.

What Did You Think of Beau's Video?

Leave a comment for Beau to let him know what you think!

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Do You Get Work as a Result of Education?

Have you experienced success studying with a voice over coach or by applying something you learned at a workshop, from listening in on a teleseminar or a podcast?

Share your insight as a comment.

Good Teachers' Students Work

The mark of a good teacher is that they are able to help you succeed in your professional life as well as meet your personal artistic and technical goals.

In other words, a teacher's proudest achievement should be that their students find work through the application of their instruction and guidance.

This is a crowning glory for teachers whose students do succeed and find consistent work.

Zoiks!

Recently, I received a message asking if workshops and classes are worth it and if people are actually getting any real work in the industry from the classes that are advertised here on our blog as well as on other voice over blogs and news sites.

After some consideration, I decided that the answer would sound a lot better coming from peers than anyone else.

Success is Relative

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

As with anything in life, success is relative to the amount of time, dedication and effort that is invested, including voice over.

If a voice talent (or anyone for that matter) isn't willing to put in 110% effort, then no teacher, no matter their qualifications or rave reviews, will be able to help in this regard because it all comes down to action on the part of the student by means of creating or taking advantage of opportunities presented to them.

Can You Refer a Voice Over Coach Whose Instruction Has Helped You?

Please leave a comment that shares your experience and provide the name of the coach(es) as well as their geographic location.

Best wishes,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Sven Hoppe

And Now For Something Completely Different!

Do you want to get the word out about your voice over services in a big way?

This week on the Saturday Giveaway, we're asking you to leave a comment pitching your most recent voice acting or voice over related achievement for a chance to be selected to win a publicity campaign from Voices.com, a value of $400.00!

As I said, this is something different, so take a good look at what I'm outlining here for you when participating this week.

You Could Be Making Headline News

Have you done something noteworthy lately?

This week, Voices.com is giving away a publicity package that includes:

๏ Professionally written press release announcing your news
๏ Distribution across the World Wide Web
๏ Links to your websites
๏ Coverage on Voice Over Times
๏ Interview on VOX Daily

Want To See a Couple of Examples?

Something unique about this giveaway is that it is customized to promote your voice and achievements.

You may have read press releases this week via Google News featuring voice actors L. Harvey Gold and Larry Wayne. Both are Platinum members at Voices.com and receive PR packages as part of their membership.

More press releases will be coming out soon for other Platinum members but I thought I'd share these with you today as they're hot off the press:

Canadian Promo Voice L. Harvey Gold Goes Platinum at Voices.com

Voice of Vestas Larry Wayne Going Strong as Platinum Talent at Voices.com

If you've been thinking about joining as a Platinum member but have been sitting on the fence, this is just a small taste of what could be done for your voice over career when you partner with Voices.com.

How Do You Enter For a Chance to Win The Publicity Campaign?

All you need to do is comment on this article with your pitch. I'll be reading each and every one of the comments looking for a timely, exciting story to select as the winner of this giveaway.

Usually, the winner is selected by drawing a random integer at Random.org based upon how many comments were left, but this time will be different and the winner will be picked based upon relevancy and a little something called "buzz" factor.

Each week, we give away something different, so be sure to subscribe to VOX Daily to get the Saturday Giveaway notices as well as other voice acting articles throughout the week.

Giveaways at Voices.com include voice acting:

๏ Books
๏ DVDs
๏ Coaching Sessions
๏ Recording Equipment
๏ Gift certificates
๏ Workshop / Conference Passes
๏ Unique Promotional Opportunities

Next Saturday, the winner will be announced and another opportunity to win a Saturday Giveaway will present itself.

I'd like to say congratulations to last week's contest winner, Linda Naugle, who will be receiving Harlan Hogan's VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor in the mail soon.

Comment With Your Pitch for an Opportunity to Win The Publicity Package from Voices.com!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Don't forget to comment for your chance to win :)

Best wishes,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Shawn Gearhart

Wakey Wakey!

Have you obtained any voice over work that you'd like to share this week?

This is the place to toot your own horn, and boy, do I ever want to hear it!

Add a comment to let me know about what you've been up to this week in the wonderful world of voice overs.

Every week we come around the virtual water cooler to discuss voice over jobs that are going on in the industry.

This week, I'm inviting you to share what you've been up to and also to take in the bigger picture of what goes on in voice overs by reading the comments left by your peers about the great variety of jobs that are being done here there and everywhere, all with voice over as the common link.

It's time to shake off the summer and get buzzing. The more people you tell about your success, the more will know about it and help you to tell the world.

What Did You Record?

Add your news by leaving a comment below. If you are reading this in your email, you can simply reply to me and I can add your comments on your behalf.

Best wishes,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Raychel Deppe

Do Exports and Voice Overs Mix?

It's a hot market that is growing, says Jack Wilkins, and voice over has become the standard element that brings all aspects of the promotional videos together.

Learn more in this interview with Jack Wilkins of Market World, a client of Voices.com.

VOX: Hi Jack, thanks for joining me.  I have some questions for you about Market World.  You produce movies and corporate videos. Can you tell us a little bit about the kind of work people hire you to do?
 
JACK WILKINS:  Currently, the target interest is an introduction to the products and services as a solution to a business problem.   The resources that a company provides may be very broad or very specific as to the solution they have available for a need for other businesses or for the end consumer.   While there is a growing need for in house corporate training for administration as well as job duties and performance by employees, most video is directed for a specific topic and the resources for providing a solution.  The characteristics of the usual video is less than five minutes.   This is usually more than adequate to illustrate a solution or process.   There will be more movement towards instructions video for employee training as the rapid change in technology and need to keep the product of the company current and fresh.

 
VOX: Working with companies who export their products from the US is an interesting angle.   How common is it for manufacturers to commission videos specifically for products they are exporting?
 
JACK: At this time, this is an expanding market.   This will become more common as resources are enhanced through the diverse voice actors supporting foreign languages.   As I understand it at this time, Voices.com has over 100 language represented.   This is an excellent base to grow this communication product.   It also allows for more specific targeting of products within countries that support those languages.   It is also a great connector to indicate the respect for those people that speak languages other than the major seven languages, thus increasing the appeal for the product or service.   Businesses will have to become very focused in informing specific cultures about their products.   The web video is an ideal way to communicate solutions.

VOX: What kind of challenges do you run into when a client needs videos produced for products to be exported to countries whose official languages are other than English?

JACK: While English is the official international business language by common usage, the main challenge is to qualify the product for export from the USA and making sure the product has had due research that there is a demand for satisfying a need.   For example, some foods may not be acceptable culturally in one country or culture, while highly desired in another.   The voice actor needs to have an understanding of the culture from which the video is created and the receiving culture in which the product is to be used and make sure the understandings are communicated correctly.   When a company such as Voices.com is presenting a voice actor for diverse language, a reference to the understandings and experience between cultures should be expressed for the client to make a decision about the appropriate person for the voiceover script.

 
VOX: Is the target audience for these videos the wholesaler or the consumer?
 
JACK: Because of the complexity of intellectual property rights,  Market World produces for the business consumer.   Also, because of the nature of the product, being specific to a product of a company, would not lend itself to a wholesaler.   However, where the product is more general in nature, such as three or four varieties of sweet potatoes of the Sweet Potato Growers Association, a general film may be produced in bulk for use on their websites.   For simplicity, Market World hosts the video allowing the business to link to it in many different was.   Market World also has an Internet product designed for use in newspapers, such as classified advertisements, to easily link to their specific video that expands on the information provided in the advertisement.

VOX:  Are these videos meant to be promotional pieces or are they more educational with the goal of a soft sell?
 
JACK: Usually in the process of informing, this generates the exposure of the end-user to the potential of solving a problem.    Soft sell is appropriate when the consumer knows that they are on a marketing website.   The video becomes an extension to the online sales catalog and carries with it the necessary links to order the product.

 
VOX: When you are making the video for products being exported, is there anything special that you do regarding exports that you wouldn't do for say a video produced for people in the US?
 
JACK:  The needs of expression are nearly the same.  The area of concern is still related to cultural differences.

 
VOX: We live in a global village, and by virtue of that fact, do business in a global marketplace.  How localized can these videos become to serve their intended audiences?  Do you need to do a lot of research or is it up to your client to prepare the proper scripts and information necessary to produce a video customized to a particular country or region?
 
JACK: They may become very localized, to a particular town, for example, for presenting homes for purchase.   Printed materials, distributed locally with a link, or with the use of other media, such as radio or TV, allow for this distribution.   Specialty websites, such as a community bulletin board, may carry the resource to connect to the information.   Also, publishing on multimedia CD where a vast amounts of information may be listed, including the video, is another way to control geographical limits.   This is important where demographics is important to target specific areas that most likely would need the products.   This is especially true when it is a consumer product for a family.

 
VOX: Do the videos have on-camera actors in them or do you primarily use voice over narration?
 
JACK: The easiest format is voice over narration (as well as lower cost).   This allows pictures and graphics to be presented with the supporting voice.   However, video submitted in a file format (ideal when used with digital cameras as they come with conversion software) to move the video from the camera to a file that can be used in the editor.  Market World uses a built-in hard disk in the camera for rapid transfer.
 

VOX: As part of your service you include voice overs.  What do you look for in a voice talent?
 
JACK:  Individuals that have an adaptability of expression, is most ideal.  Personality is secondary to the extent of generating a feeling of excitement to engage the viewer.   Reading of eBooks “is another story”, except for reflection on characters. 
 

VOX: How involved are your clients in the selection process?
 
JACK: Market World gives some suggestions, but the client is the chooser of the voice actor.   It is presumed that they will have had feedback from others in their business to determine which voice is best for their product or service.   Business administration tend to be male voices, consumer products and services tend to be female, but again, a beauty – cosmetic product from an administrative business-to-business may best fit a female voice.
 
An area for exploration for business is the development of online video for improving the workforce within a business by attracting the best qualified to optimize research and development for the new innovative products and services for the future.   Engineers to engage a solution of energy development and applications is a specific example of a communication focus that specific topic video is able to address.    Thank you for this opportunity to offer some possible solutions with the enhancement of voice actors.

Have you narrated projects like this? Any Comments?

Best wishes,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Fontmonster

Just in time for Patriot Day, I have a special interview to share with you featuring voice actor Neil Kaplan, and his mission to bring audio theater to the US troops overseas.

Some of you may know Neil as the voice of Optimus Prime in Transformers : Robots in Disguise (2001) and for his videogame voice acting work including roles in Everquest II, Lord of the Rings II and III, and a number of other character voice acting roles.

Find out more about this unique project and learn how you can help make this dream a reality.

Interview with Neil Kaplan

VOX: Thanks for letting me know about your project Neil. It sounds very exciting! Could you share a little bit with me about how Audio Theater for the Troops came about?

NEIL KAPLAN: Hi Stephanie! Thank you so much for having me here. "Audio Theater for the Troops" is a project I came up with back in 2005. The way it came about is odd, but it makes sense so follow me for just a moment:

A) I grew up listening to old time Radio Shows and I STILL love them!

B) I had two cousins in the U.S. Navy for many years. One was stationed on an aircraft carrier. While docked in San Francisco, I went aboard. WOW! Was I blown away. They even had a small TV production facility aboard. Of course, these sailors were at seas for long periods at a time. They needed to edit inbound material and also provide information and entertainment.

C) A good friend from high school was on a nuclear sub. Though I never went on board, I knew that again, these were people spending LONG periods at (or under the) sea.

D) I played a character by the name of Optimus Prime on "Transformers: Robots in Disguise" and as a result became friendly with a fire fighter who had legally changed his name to Optimus Prime! That man went to Iraq to support our troops. To fight fires and to keep men and women safe. That is one VERY brave man. One day while chatting I he to me "You know, you're my hero" to which I responded "I'm a cartoon voice guy... YOU'RE the hero!" ...and I thought to myself, what could I do to thank this brave man and his colleagues.

D.5) I also don't like to fly, so going over on a USO tour was OUT for me. I thought to myself... "I do voice overs, I know people that do voice overs. If I find scripts I can put together something for him to enjoy and let him KNOW we think of them and support them (Regardless of is we support the mission. We support the human beings.)

On the flight back from a convention in Dallas, I met Walter (Chekov) Koenig and Ernie (Zedmore) Hudson. I asked both if they would be willing to volunteer their time to do a project like that. they both said "YES" as have every other actor I have spoken to.

After all, we not have 10 days to go overseas... BUT we all have an hour or two somewhere in our schedule.

With that, I applied to AFTRA for a waiver to allow actors to donate their time. Earlier this year, I got my waiver and my first pilot script and began moving forward.

VOX: You've entered a contest at IdeaBlob.com where you may win $10,000 to help make this dream a reality. How would you invest that money if you win?

NEIL: I have received offers of donated studio time, engineering, scripts, composers and their music, actors... but knowing the amount of time and energy needed to edit the project is TOO much to expect anyone to donate. So, the plan has ALWAYS been to pay the post-production engineer. I am doing this first edit myself... and folks... it is NOT one of my stronger skills.

So, the first thing I would do with the money is complete post production on our two "waiver covered" pilots. Then they would be submitted to the Pentagon for approval.

Once approved, I would need to set up a 501 (c) 3 to become a legal non-profit so that people and companies can start donating money to support our growth and development.

VOX: What kind of audio theater will you be producing? Do you have any audio plays in mind?

NEIL: My idea is to steer away from Old radio style acting, sound effects and music. My desire is to truly create a movie for the ears!

To be honest, THIS is the hardest part. I try not to be TOO politically correct, BUT... We cannot do a story that is political in nature, anti-war, etc. I had a wonderful script submitted to me, but ultimately it was about suicide, and I just could not with a clear conscience move forward with that. I think you understand what I mean.

The best scripts I am finding are in fact un-produced animation and television scripts.

BUT, since this will be an ongoing project we will need HUNDREDS of scripts to provide a vast library of material for these brave young men and women to enjoy on their off hours.

This is a FULL time job for me... and when we get up and running, I'll likely start with a staff of three.

VOX: Your desire to send the troops audio theater is admirable and heartwarming. One can only imagine the horrors and uncertainty they face on a daily basis overseas and any form of quality entertainment would be a welcome addition. How has the US army received this generous offer?

NEIL: I have spoken with a few liaisons but, at this point they want a finished sample of what we plan to do before moving forward. Which makes sense. For clarification these are being done for ALL of our armed forces... and eventually, I would hope that we are the model for similar programs for nations around the world.

VOX: I read that celebrity voices will be donating their time and talent to record. Are you able to share more information with us regarding who is volunteering?

NEIL: Well, let's say this... I am bold enough to ask ANYONE to participate. I have yet to hear "no." After all, since we hope to be a full time production entity, we'll work it into ANYONE'S schedule.

I may be humble and quiet when seeking voice over work, but with this? I am NO wall flower.

I do attend Sci-Fi and Comc Book conventions to sign autographs, and have approached MANY of the far more recognizable folks there. and as I said, its pretty much always been something along the lines of "Yes, and what a GREAT idea. Thank you for doing this."

For the initial pilot I was thrilled to have recognizable faces from TV and film and recognizable voices from animation. Since this was a pilot and may or may not ever make it to the troops, I hesitate to let those names out at this time.

VOX: Are you taking any new voice talent volunteers? Could studios also volunteer their space and assistance to help offset costs to show support for your project?

NEIL: ABSOLUTELY. I'd love to meet new studios and work with new actors I do not yet know. Unfortunately, as a matter of respect for the waivers I have been granted and/or promised I would only use SAG & AFTRA talent.

However, I always need an assistant on recording days and that would be a great way for a talented non-union actor to help and participate.

I should have mentioned that I have met with members of BOTH major slates for SAG and this is truly a non-partisan project! They both have promised that once we get our approval from the Pentagon, they will grant me what ever waiver I need to allow SAG members to volunteer their time.

VOX: When is the earliest you could get started on this?

NEIL: I am in post on our pilots. Winning this award would allow me to fast track this and move forward much, MUCH faster.

VOX: How will the audio theater be made available to the armed forces?

NEIL: I could do it right now on CD. BUT, that creates a LOT of waste that is not necessary.I would have to print THOUSANDS of dscs so that each base had one. Even then, we would get MAYBE 2-4 episodes per disc.

When we get approved by the Pentagon we can move toward being able to actually be on hard drives. And THAT would be best for all concerned. We can fit hundreds of hours of audio theater practically on the head of a pin.

In my opinion I'd rather be slower and greener.

VOX: In the event that you need to find resources for this project by other means, how would you proceed?

NEIL: Out of my own pocket. Until we are approved by the Pentagon and qualify for Non-Profit status. At that time, I'll approach a few targeted corporations for funding.

VOX: What can we do to help you in this effort? Any ideas?

NEIL: Well, to win this award, I need your votes, twice. Once to make the monthly finals (the sooner, the better, by the way) and then once again in the final week of the month. The site is VERY user friendly and easy to register and vote. If you check the box... they won't pester you with e-mail.

ALSO, American Express is running a promotion like this as well.. BUT you must be nominated by an AMEX holder. None of my immediate friends and family are.

SO... if any of your members are, and would like to submit us for the contest... I would be VERY grateful. (I do a GREAT outgoing message on voice mail!)

Thank you Stephanie for letting me get the word out!!!

To Vote For Neil Kaplan's Audio Theater for the Troops, click on the link below:

Audio Theater for the Troops

Best wishes,

Neil and Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Jon Helgason

Your studio is your workplace, and also as a voice actor, it's your castle!

When so much of your time and energy is spent behind the microphone, now may be the perfect moment to consider how you can make your studio not only an abode but an inspiring environment that serves as a muse for your performances.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Merry Merchants of Voice Over!

Personalizing and revitalizing your workspace is a new frontier for many of you.

Collectively, the only goal that has been set so far in the area of home recording studios is the building of a booth or the acquisition of tools that help you sound your best, but so far no one has really touched on the aesthetics of the home studio and connected them to how the ambience you work in may affect your performance.

Today we're going to take a step into the fashion world and take a look at some neat ways you can personalize your studio, including decor, furnishings, and style that's functional (and affordable) with a focus on ergonomic use.

One great place to look around for crafty additions to your studio is Etsy.com. I was scoping some items out there myself this morning and thought it was an interesting spot to find unique decorations etc. to match any personality and theme.

Your Studio With the Emphasis on "YOUR"

You want to make your studio a place where you can comfortably work, be refreshed, and find inspiration.

Does your studio need some more "you" in it?

Consider the following:

Decor

๏ Family photos
๏ Art
๏ Wall hangings / tapestries
๏ Throws
๏ Accent pillows
๏ Carpeting
๏ Vases
๏ Figurines
๏ Candles

Functional and Fashionable Furnishings

๏ Chairs
๏ Desks
๏ Lamps and Lighting
๏ Stands for scripts
๏ Microphone stands
๏ Portable studio for on the road

Accessories and Supplies

๏ Desktop organizers
๏ Business card holder
๏ CDs, Stationary, Business Cards

Nature

๏ Greenery
๏ Flowers
๏ Sunlight
๏ Windows

Hidden Benefits

Some of the furnishings, decor, accessories and natural elements listed above come with brilliant benefits other than their physical attributes such as additional soundproofing, a touch of the organic, and many will possess the innate gift that creates a "feel good" state of mind for you when you're working and put a smile on your face as you get down to business each day.

A fresh coat of paint may just be the ticket to an energized studio to get you through the winter in good spirits. Who doesn't love a newly painted room every so often?

Affordable Comfort With Personality

It doesn't have to cost a lot for your studio reflect more of your personality. You can make use of things from around your house and incorporate them into your workspace. A little can go a long way.

When you are creating a work space, be sure that it is comfortable, that there is enough light (a mix of natural and artificial light is good) and has sufficient ventilation.

How have you personalized your workspace?

I'm inviting you to do two things:

1. Add a comment about how you have personalized your studio.

2. Send me an email with a picture of your studio environment and I'll write an article next week featuring the studios submitted :) Email me at stephanie@voices.com and use the subject line : "Home Studio Pic for VOX Daily".

Looking forward to getting a glimpse into your home studios!

Best wishes,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Victor Pelaez Torres

When you're working on a long term or ongoing voice over project, do you set milestones for your clients?

Today, we'll discuss how you can keep your schedule on track and become more accountable for your work by setting goals with reasonable deadlines that mark important phases in the life of a project.

Milestones

Larger projects are often broken up into smaller, more manageable pieces with their own deadlines. These are often referred to as a milestone and include a deliverable, such as a chapter of an audiobook or a set of modules for an e-learning application.

Milestones typically include a deliverable (what's to be sent to the client), a payment (the amount you'll be paid for delivering the goods) and a deadline (when the due date is for the deliverable).

Example of Milestones

A good example of this would be an audiobook recording for a book publisher.

You're presented with an audiobook that contains 20 chapters that pays $10,000. To help manage your time and workload, you offer to batch your work into mini projects, due at the beginning of each month, with the goal of completing the project in four months. This means that each milestone will include 5 chapters and will pay $2500.

Here's how the milestones and payment structure would look:

Chapters 1-5
January 1, 2009
$2500

Chapters 6-10
February 1, 2009
$2500

Chapters 11-15
March 1, 2009
$2500

Chapters 15-20
April 1, 2009
$2500

TOTAL: $10,000

Setting Milestones

When you are setting your milestones, be sure that they are achievable within the parameters given and are also acceptable to your client. Make sure that you pace yourself and only promise what you can deliver upon. If you miss a milestone, your client may start to lose confidence and doubt your ability to get the job done.

Do You Set Milestones For Your Clients?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Amanda Rohde

Tales & Techniques

Ever been for a ride-along with one of the pros to watch their journey to voice over greatness?

Go for a spin with Harlan Hogan and enjoy a non-stop tour of how he got started and courageously made it to the upper echelons of commercial voice over success.

Want to Win? Leave a Comment!

VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-over Actor

VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor, published in 2002, takes you on Harlan Hogan's journey from the mischievous to the magnificent, complete with colorful anecdotes, real life experiences and insightful "been there done that" takeaways that you can apply to your career found throughout this unique education, specifically, the tales and the techniques of a prominent voice-over actor.

You may know his voice from commercial campaigns such as the exterminating voice that "Kills bugs fast, Kills bugs dead", "The cereal even Mikey likes", and "Hey Culligan Man!"

If you lived through the 60s or weren't there but would love to know what it was like "making it" in the business through the psychedelic years through the seventies and beyond, this book will take you on a wild ride of radio jock antics through to silliness in the booth, recounted by the voice of a very successful voice actor and lecturer, Harlan Hogan.

This book contains a wealth of tested tips for surviving and thriving as a voice-over actor. Harlan's indispensable guide features dozens of techniques to help readers train their voices, gain experience, make a demo, join unions, get an agent, and more. It also includes strategies for finding work in venues outside film and television, including games, automated telephone systems, and even websites.

Today Harlan's voice is still bringing us memorable slogans like Ford 150's "How's that for trendy...", "It's not home but it's close" for Cracker Barrel and reminding viewers day in and day out that "This program was made possible by viewers like you. Thank you".

To read a review of this book, click here.

How Do You Enter For a Chance to Win?

All you need to do is comment on this article and let me know that you'd like to win Harlan's book!

Each week, there will be something different, so be sure to subscribe to VOX Daily to get the Saturday Giveaway notices as well as other voice acting articles throughout the week.

The giveaways will include voice acting:

๏ Books
๏ DVDs
๏ Coaching Sessions
๏ Recording Equipment
๏ Gift certificates
๏ Workshop / Conference Passes
๏ Unique Promotional Opportunities

When is the Winner Chosen?

Winners will be drawn randomly from the comments left on the blog and announced the following Saturday. Those who win will be notified by email at which time we'll confirm their shipping address. On the following Saturday, the winner will be announced and another opportunity to win a Saturday Giveaway will present itself.

I'd like to say congratulations to last week's contest winner, Adam Fox, who will be receiving Elaine Clark's There's Money Where Your Mouth Is in the mail soon.

Comment Now for an Opportunity to Win Harlan Hogan's book from Voices.com!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Don't forget to comment for your chance to win :)

Best wishes,

Stephanie

VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor, published in 2002, takes you on Harlan Hogan's journey from the mischievous to the magnificent, complete with colorful anecdotes, real life experiences and insightful "been there done that" takeaways that you can apply to your career found throughout this unique education, the tales and the techniques of a voice-over actor.

Your daily challenge is to make the words that are penned by a stranger your own.

Are you up for it?

Read more about this great book here on VOX Daily.

VO : Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor

Recently, I read one of the most entertaining books I have picked up in a long time, regardless of genres, and it happened to be a book about voice overs, written by Chicago-based voice actor, Harlan Hogan.

Harlan Hogan takes you on his personal journey ("Tales") interspersed with applicable lessons in didactic sections ("Techniques") woven in true storytelling style relevant to the tale that precedes them.

Aside from the fact that the book was full of interesting facts, quotations and VO fundamentals, Harlan's writing style really took center stage, sharing his life experiences with humor, candor and wit.

Spinning Words Into Gold

Harlan's tales are mischievous and he uses self-deprecating humor, an extensive vocabulary, and tangible imagery to set the stage for your reading pleasure. Throughout the book, Harlan's no frills honesty serves as a good tonic that keeps him grounded while still enabling this lovable rogue to tell his tales, dozens of embraceable vignettes that make you believe you are there, like a fly on the wall, but only better because his narrative is interactive and involves the reader just as if you were there.

Guidance From Someone Who Has Been There

Harlan's like a best friend who has all the experience in voice over and will give it to you freely so that you can excel, showing you how a career in voice over can begin, make progress and succeed using his own story.

When you read this book, you'll learn from someone who has been there, got the t-shirt and wants to help you on your way with no holds barred. Harlan gives you the inspiration and the tools with examples liberally provided regarding real world experiences on the job.

Each section begins with a well chosen quote from a familiar celebrity in the arts or from the advertising world. The Tales and Techniques are consumable in bite-sized chunks that will entertain and instill valuable information with memories and content that you'll be able to relate to if you took a similar path to voice over.

Tales and Techniques are color coded (tales on regular white paper, technique sections have gray printed paper) so that you can flip through to read particular sections, whether just the tales or just the techniques, however it is beneficial to read the book in sequence to get the most out of Harlan's journey and expertise.

The 4 Ts

You may have heard of having a "skill set". Harlan Hogan calls his voice-over skill set the 4 Ts, which are:

Training
- background and education; not just in acting or voice acting but in business, broadcasting and advertising too.

Techniques
- skill set in front of the microphone; interpreting copy, reading it in time, and taking direction.

Tools
- everything from your voice demo and self-promotion to the performing unions and your agent.

Talent
- hard to define and impossible to create - it's the fuel that drives the engine but without the other Ts, it's only raw ability - and unshaped and unrefined.

Each of the chapters in the book highlight how-tos and resources that will guide you through the 4 Ts.

Baby Steps, Baby Steps, Baby Steps...

Harlan Hogan shows you all the pitfalls so that you can avoid them and is a master of context.

Harlan lays it out not to discourage anyone as the business will do that on its own but he cautions that there is no magic bullet.

Training, experience, talent and hard work can't be replaced. Don't buy into the notion that it's any other way. Hear it from someone who has been in the trenches and start your own journey armed with Harlan's tips and suggestions today.

Have You Read VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor?

Leave a comment with your review!

Best wishes,

Stephanie

What is Work?

On this week's edition of Who Got the Gig, we'll discuss why work is integral and how the having it or the lack of it makes such an impact on our lives.

What is your definition of work?

Add a comment to share your thoughts.

What is Work?

Work is meaningful, work is essential, and through our work we use our talents, gifts and strengths to the best of our abilities to serve other people, and through that service, we see a return that sustains us.

What Does Work Do?

Work provides for our families, pays the bills and is a steady reminder that we are needed.

Work is a comfort for those who have it and a yearning for those who don't.

For some, work is a means to an end, but for others, work can be a joyous element of their lives that sets them apart.

Having work or a way to contribute makes us feel like we matter, have a purpose and adds to our human dignity.

This Is Why We Do What We Do

The principal reason why we founded this marketplace and invested in the name Voices.com is because we believe that work is of vital importance and we wanted to create a place where people could find work to support themselves and their families.

We love what we do and I hope that passion comes through in every encounter you have with our company.

This very column was started to celebrate work and achievements in the field, regardless of where you got your voice over work from, and is open to commentary about all jobs attained through Voices.com or by other means.

What is Your Definition of Work?

Any Comments?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/hermi

Ever find it hard to explain to people why they should hire a professional voice actor to record their voice overs?

Here are 3 solid reasons you can give them for why they should be working with you and how you can make a difference.

Just Because Everyone Can Talk Doesn't Mean That Everyone Is A Voice Actor.

Yes, strange but true!

I'm sure you've heard similar arguments, but consider the following:

Would you let a mechanic perform dental surgery on you or ask a dance teacher to stop your toilet from overflowing instead of calling a plumber?

Just Having a Great Voice Doesn't Cut the Mustard

Many people are told that they have a great voice and think that they can record voice overs for their own company (or are asked to do so by their boss), but what many fail to see is that it isn't about the voice necessarily, it's about how you use it.

Something else to consider is that a voice over isn't only reading, it's the artistic interpretation of words and the telling of a story with the purpose of getting people to buy in to a concept, strike interest in a product, service, or to simply be entertained.

So, Why Shouldn't People Record Their Own Voice Overs?

1. The voice over won't sound like it was recorded professionally
2. It will cost more regarding time and money than hiring a pro to do it
3. An in-house recorded voice over could actually do damage to a brand

The case is stated pretty well, don't you think?

The last thing any business person wants to do is misrepresent their company, spend more money than necessary, or do injury to their brand image, all of which could very well happen if they record their own voice overs.

If a person is in a position where they have a marketing budget or a budget that is set aside for business operations, they should include professionally recorded voice overs as part of that budget.

Let's Put It Another Way

Clients who hire professional voice actors will save time, money and stress.

Did you know that when a client goes to their favorite engine to search that you're literally 3 clicks or less away from being found and hired by someone who needs your voice?

When companies need a voice over recorded and skimp on the quality (painfully, it shows!), it costs them more money in lost business in the long run whereas as a good voice over recording will make them money and be an investment in their brand, and for the record, that will show too.

Go Forth and Prosper

Be the hero or heroine for organizations that need a leg up in the branding department.

Have you been a super hero today?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/1001nights

When it feels like the world has stopped turning, we must be reminded that it has not, and that we must continue to live, charge ahead and embrace the future while honoring the past.

As we have been told by someone far greater than any of us, we will not be left as orphans, but instead be guided and kept safe from harm to do further good for the glory of God.

This is one of the most difficult articles I have ever had to write from a personal stand point and I thank you on behalf of Don LaFontaine's family, his friends and colleagues for the overwhelmingly beautiful thoughts and prayers offered here on this blog for Don over the years in times of great joy, celebration, in times of need, and lastly in mourning, remembrance and tribute.

The question that we face now is where do we go from here?

With faith and trust, we can go far, and we will.

Where Do We Go From Here?

What could anyone write that could follow such tribute? What topic could possibly be appropriate?

I've been struggling with this now for quite some time and it's become clear to me that we need to allow ourselves to have strength in the midst of sorrow, to bring peace where there is pain, to spread hope where there is despair.

We must now set a course toward a future in a world where there is no Don LaFontaine, but before we do so, we will honor him, support those in need and speak of him with a smile in our eyes and hearts though tears may still fall.

To do this would be a great honor to Don LaFontaine and his memory.

Tomorrow I will write about something different and I hope the ideas that flow will be an inspiration to you and keep us moving through this time of brokenness, seeing us through the end of an era.

This post has been updated today (September 4, 2008) to include words from a dear friend, Joan Baker, narrating a tribute to Don LaFontaine:

Best wishes,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Andrey Prokhorov

In this time of sorrow, I want to express my deepest, heartfelt sympathies to the family of one man who meant the world to the voice over community.

Don LaFontaine, husband, father, grandfather, and hero passed away September 1, 2008 in the afternoon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at the age of 68.

Farewell, Friend

Don LaFontaine was the kind of person who always had the right words for everything, and today, I will do my best to honor him by summoning words that will be of fitting tribute to such a kind, dedicated human being who has breathed his last, leaving behind him a legacy of love, hope, and grace.

Journeying Home

A few short weeks ago, I received an email from Don (August 11, 2008) related to his health and how although he was struggling that he was getting better day by day, an email that was reassuring, humorous and well, simply Don.

After receiving his email, I wrote back and asked if I could interview him for VOX Daily, hoping that if possible he might type his answers and send them back to me electronically, however when he replied on August 18th a little while later, he suggested that although his voice wasn't as strong as before, "shaky from time to time" as he put it, that he would be happy to speak with me and to arrange it with his agent, Vanessa Gilbert.

This was an honor I dreamt not of. To even think about speaking to Don LaFontaine, that he would make time in his schedule from his sick bed to speak with me, was a gift.

I contacted Vanessa and we decided to play the interview by ear around Don's health and his schedule (he had still been recording for some clients since his illness), but little did we know, or anyone else for that matter, that we'd be losing him so soon.

Don was admitted to the hospital less than a week after he granted my interview request. Although I didn't get to hear his voice or receive answers to the questions, I know that he read them and was eager to share his answers with me, and with you.

Last year I had the opportunity to meet Don. It was a thrilling moment during a momentous occasion. He had a twinkle in his eye and I think for the first time got to be in a room full of hundreds of people, fellow practitioners of his art, who loved and revered him more than words could say.

It was then that pen pals became friends and the measure of the man so beautifully displayed, in his convictions, humility and strength that came from a life well lived, a life of love, passion and devotion.

A Celebration Of Life

Don's life began in Duluth, Minnesota, born on August 26th, 1940. Once he graduated from high school, he joined the army and was stationed at Fort Meyer, Virginia working as a recording engineer for the United States Army Band and Chorus.

After his discharge from the army, Don entered the world of advertising, working at an agency that produced theatrical trailers (one of the only ones outside of Hollywood studios) where he was employed as a copy writer, coining such immortal phrases as "In a world", and "A one-man army", "No where to run, no where to hide and no way out" and many more.

In 1965, a voice talent who was supposed to record failed to show up for his session and it fell upon Don who had a nice voice to take his place, the first of thousands of movie trailers that he would record over his lifetime.

The phrases that he wrote in his agency days changed his calling from the writer who told you about the movies to become the voice who made you want to go to the movies.

He spent a number of years as a head of production for Kaleidoscope Films, Ltd; one of the premiere trailer production houses. In 1976, he started his own production company, Don LaFontaine Associates. His first assignment as an independent was "The Godfather, Part II."

In 1978 he was asked to join Paramount Pictures, heading up the trailer department. Over the next three years, he became literally the "Voice" of Paramount. In 1980 he was named Vice President, but he missed being involved in active production.

For 30 years, Don had been a fixture of modern-day entertainment, advertising, and has also been the voice of NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox and UPN, in addition to TNT, TBS and the Cartoon Network recording hundreds of thousands of television and radio spots, including commercials for Chevrolet, Pontiac, Ford, Budweiser, McDonalds, Coke, and many other corporate sponsors.

At last count, he has worked on nearly 5000 films, including appearances as the in-show announcer for the Screen Actors Guild and Academy Awards. Based on contracts signed, he held the distinction of being perhaps the single busiest actor in the history of SAG.

Following The Leader

Achievements were no stranger to Don, but as he would discover, through those accolades he would be recognized as "the king of voice-overs", and to his deep awe and gratitude, beloved by voice talent of every race, color and creed.

His ability to unite people and speak words that moved them was unprecedented. His voice was so familiar yet so majestic, he had you in the palm of his hand, although he was seldom aware of it.

Over the last month, Don has given of himself, as he freely gave of himself, and his support has meant more to those beneficiaries than he could ever know. Don LaFontaine's name stands proudly behind a slate of actors called Unite For Strength who want to bring unity to SAG and AFTRA through merger, a cause dear to his heart and to all hearts in this industry. Where these things that meant so much to him are concerned encourage us to let his strength be our strength, and his hope our hope.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You

If you knew Don, you know that his generosity and exceptional ability to communicate was second only to the size of his heart.

I would like to invite you now to share your thoughts, to grieve or to say a prayer for Don, his wife Nita Whitaker, and his daughters, Christine, Skye, and Elyse that they may be comforted in this time of heartache, a sorrow with depths that only God knows.

In unity and prayer,

Stephanie

If you've been following the news, US presidential candidate John McCain's commercial voice over talent "Joan", whose identity is deemed a corporate secret, has been a topic of discussion and I've no doubt in my mind that she had to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).

Have you ever had to sign a non-disclosure agreement for a voice over job that you've recorded?

Leave a comment!

Incognito VO

There are many people in our industry who need to agree to non-disclosure agreements for their work and perhaps you're one of them.

I can appreciate why the McCain campaign is keeping Joan's identity under wraps and am aware of many, many NDA jobs that have come to voice talent registered at Voices.com, usually through direct contacts from their profiles.

A certain sweet satisfaction must come from the fact that you're voice is considered top secret and valued so much that they don't want their competition finding out. On the other hand, it must also be frustrating because you are just about to burst and want to let people know "That's Me!"

While I'm not asking you to reveal who you've signed agreements for, I do want to know if you have ever had to sign an NDA for voice over work.

How common are these jobs would you say?

Does any of your voice over work require NDAs?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Stephanie

©iStockphoto.com/Rob Belknap