Saturday Giveaway : VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-over Actor
By Stephanie Ciccarelli
September 6, 2008
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
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Hi Stephanie!
This is one book I still don't have in my library and was going to make a trip to the bookstore today for its purchase. I think I'll hold off a few days and see if I win!
Thanks,
Posted by:Amanda
This looks like an excellent addition to any VO library.
Posted by:Hi Stephanie - Looks like a terrific book and I'd love to win it! I am brand new to the trade and would like all the tips and guidance I can get.
Thanks for doing what you do! I read it religiously.
Linda
Posted by:As I'd never heard of Harlan Hogan before (not being based in the US) I was interested after getting this E-Mail from Stephanie. Interesting career he's had.
I don't expect to win after the last one, but thought I'd stop in and say "Hi".
Daniel.
Posted by:I started as a Disc Jockey in 1979 and I always looked at the guys on the commercials as the stars. I felt like I was just playing the music ...waiting for the next round of commercials so I could listen to them and imitate the voices on them. I was just a High School kid working part time at a small station, and the folks on the "spots" were stars to me! I think this book would be a great read to add some depth to my library and help in my quest to do VO as my only source of income. I would LOVE to win this book.
Mike Austin
Posted by:In France as in USA, voice over is being a great job ! I would like so much have this book. Have a nice day ! Morgan
Posted by:Sign me up, Stef!
Posted by:I've been told by many that this is an excellent read. I would love to add it to my collection. Count me in!
Chris in CT
Posted by:This is one I don't have yet. :)
I've heard great things about this book, and Harlan is awesome!
My hat is now in the ring.
Brad
Posted by:I've heard this is a terrific book. (Granted Harlan told me that) Regardless... Another great book on technique for pro's & novices both.
I'd love a copy.
JG
Posted by:This book's ideal for me since I'm just starting on my new VO career. My reel's just finished and went out yesterday. Now comes the anxiety of the responses... if any.
Posted by:Stephanie,
My compliments on a very well written review! Your style is very conversational, hitting the highlights of the book without giving away all of the juicy details. Are you sure that you're not getting a commission on this? Just kidding. Being a newbie to the VO biz, I would cherish a chance to learn the ropes "before" climbing the mountain.
Robert
Posted by:This book sounds fascinating. Would love to receive this book, it would be a wonderful tool on the in's and out's of a voiceover career and something to always treasure.
Debbie
Posted by:Hey Guys!
I would love to win Harlan's book. It's always good to get back to basics and re-examine your business and I'm sure Harlan's anecdotes will be fun to read. Thanks!
Tom Dheere
Posted by:15 months, over 1000 auditions and NO jobs from voices.com, if anyone needs a shot in the arm, its me, count me in. Thank you, Jerry
Posted by:Hey there Stephanie!
Count me in!
Thanks,
Posted by:Daniel
I have read some of Harlan's pearls of wisdom... have seen a video with him. He is a wealth of info and we are all blessed to be able to benefit from his thoughts. And besides... he's from Chicago! Count me in!
Larry Wayne
Posted by:I would love a copy of Mr. Hogan's book! It's essential reading for just about anyone in VO. Add it to a VO library and you're in terrific shape! Thanks for the chance to win it, Stephanie! Dean
Posted by:I think there is real value in the points made throughout your article. I am a strong believer in constantly growing as a voiceover professional, and as someone with 2 degrees in history, I learned a long time ago that the real education comes from those who have come before us and are willing to share their experiences and perspectives and reinforce all of the possibilities. I'd really love to win a copy of the book, and would view it as a valuable resource in my quest for a quality voice over career.
Thanks,
Chris Reardon
Posted by:This book looks great and like a must for any VO artist!
Posted by:I want this book. I have his other one, (Voice Actors Guide to Home Recording), so I need to complete my set!
Thanks!
Posted by:I'm driven to excellence! I REALLY want to make my mark in this industry and I want to soak this up like a dry sponge.. ..appreciate the saturday give-away.. it's a good thing.
Rob
Posted by:Wow! This book sounds like an essential for a person new to the VO world, which would be me. I like a book that's both informative and yet doesn't take itself too seriously.
Thanks!
Posted by:Bren Hill
This is a fantastic book. I found it to be a real page turner too. I have to tell you that I would love to win this book even though I read it. One of my kids ripped it apart on me and I would love to replace the taped together version with a shiny new one. It's really a great reference book too! What the heck throw my name in the hat!
Tom Conklin
Posted by:I'd like to win Harlan's book! I have yet to win anything, and I think it would be a great first time prize.
Posted by:Harlan is a consumate gentleman, incredible talent and I have not had the pleasure of reading any of his stuff.
I would love to be able to.
Thanks Stephanie!
Cheers,
Posted by:DC
I read an excerpt at http://harlanhogan.com/first_lesson_in_acting.shtml and it sounds like a very interesting read! I'd love to win a copy.
Thanks!
Posted by:Victoria
Hello, my name Kitsy 19 from Philippines. I want to be a voice actress. However I'm still in an inconvenient state right now and can't afford to join voice workshops here... I don't know Mr. Harlan Hogan but he seems to be proficient at this kind of field and I want to learn from him. I don't have any books or cd's about Voice acting but I do subscribe to newsletters and free podcasts that teach about VA. This would be the very first book regarding my dream career I'll have if I'll be chosen. Please choose me.. Can I have it please?
Thank you very much!
Posted by:Harlan's book sounds terrific -- personal anecdotes are always a great way to illustrate the how-to's and the how-not-to's! As a seasoned actress and teacher, I can appreciate the "four T's." Now this is my year to get my VO career going, and I could really use all the tips I can get. Sign me up! Thanks, Stephanie!
Posted by:I am so thankful I have my voice cause the rest of me is falling apart...I'd love to win this book cause I've only gotten one voice over job lately and I need more!! Thank you!
Posted by:would love to win this as I have not read it! Best, Jessie
Posted by:Thanks for adding me to your linked-in too!
What a fantastic resource for experienced and new-to-the-business VO actors! I'd like to read more....hint, hint!!!!
Posted by:As someone just starting out, but retired from 45 years in Nursing, I'm reading everything I can to learn as much as I can about the business. I bought a portable sound box from Harlan's site and it has worked very well in my RV! So I'd love to have his book too, especially now that he won't be writing any more.
Thanks for all you do!
Posted by:Yes Please! I need all the help I can get!
Posted by:This does sound like a very informative book! I will put it on my list as a definite need-to-read!
Posted by:I recall being on a group conference call tutorial with Harlan years ago. it was very interesting! He's great!
Posted by:Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the review. Please enter me in the draw... I would love to win it!
Posted by:The first T of the 4-Ts is training. How could this book not prove beneficial to any voice talent's training and career? Would love a copy. Thanks!
Posted by:Are you wondering how a *book* can actually help you develop your voice-over techniques? Me too.
Posted by:So I thought I'd try to win one and find out.
Harlan Hogan is a genius! I'd love to have another book by him to add to my VO library!
Posted by:Put my name into the hat please! I'm a sponge for voiceover knowledge.
cheers
Posted by::D
stefania
Harlan Hogan is one of my most admired VO actors. I would love to have his book.
"There no magic words...There is only magic in your words."
Posted by:-wtdunn
good book!
Posted by:As an upstart just beginning his collection, I would LOVE to have a copy of Harlan's book.
Posted by:Hi! Having just recently started in the VA business, I could definitely find some uses for this book. I've been looking for a good VA-ing book for a while, so this would be great to have. I could really use the info in it to my advantage.
Dan "ConVito" Conlin
Posted by:Cool post! I've heard of Harlan thru his portable sound booth technique. I tried it myself with no luck, but maybe it's the size and shape of my mic.
Posted by:Oh well.
Have a good weekend, Steph! (and everyone else)
-Elie
Hey!
I'd love the chance to win this book. It looks absolutely amazing! I have been in search of tips and guidelines for so long and this will definitely help me improve.
- Sean.
Posted by:This book sounds really cool! I've been collecting some voice over books (I find them really useful) and I'd love to win it and read about voice-over in the 60s.
Posted by:Keep up the great work Stephanie!
Posted by:I've listened to a podcast of Harlan Hogan, my ear was glued to it for the whole 20 minutes. He's a great communicator and I'm sure his book would be a funny and informative read. There's always a gem of info to be had from a person of so much experience and success.
Posted by:Hi Stephanie,
Posted by:You are doing an awesome job for the world of VOs. We are Aussie based and so like to keep in touch with what's happening in the US. Thanks so much.
Best wishes,
Adam & Victoria
Principals of Voiceoversonthenet
I would love to read Harlan's book, especially if it helps me with Voices.com. Right now, I rely on creative directors and my agent, but I'd love to rock this at home with voices.com.
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