February 28, 2009
Voice For Hire Book Giveaway
Do You Want a Copy of Voice For Hire?
Randy Thomas and Peter Rofé's book "Voice for Hire: Launch and Maintain a Lucrative Career in Voice-Overs" is up for grabs this week at VOX Daily!
I've recently reviewed this book and it is a must read for any professional voice over artist, regardless of what stage of your career you are in.
For a Chance to Win, Leave a Comment!
Voice For Hire Book Review
Have you read Randy Thomas and Peter Rofé's book Voice For Hire?
I had the chance to really dig into this latest book about voice over, and believe you me, it's different from many I've read to date!
Set up with a foreword by the late Don LaFontaine, Thomas and Rofé's Voice For Hire (Published September 2008) hits a grand slam, knocking the ball right out of the park, serving as a formidable resource that will help the determined open the door to voice over success and stay in the room once they get there.
Learn more now.
February 26, 2009
Hi Fi for Wi Fi: How to Achieve High Fidelity When Podcasting
PodCamp Toronto played host to a number of interesting and relevant sessions for audio producers, including this presentation given by former CBC producer Victoria Fenner, owner of Sound Out Media based in Hamilton, Canada.
Join me now as we delve into Victoria Fenner's Hi Fi for Wi Fi and discover what the differences are between dynamic, condenser and USB microphones.
Is there truly one mic to rule them all? Find out!
February 24, 2009
Coverage of PodCamp Toronto 2009 / #pcto09
For the next several days, I'll be writing about what went on at PodCamp Toronto over the weekend.
David, Erica and I attended on behalf of Voices.com and split up, taking in as much as possible from the five track unconference over the course of two days.
This first article is meant to introduce you to the concept of PodCamp, its significance and what it is meant to achieve.
Harlan Hogan To Give Free Teleseminar on Recording Voice Overs at Home / On the Road
If you had 30 seconds to ask anything about how to record voiceovers at home or on the road, what would your single most important question be?
My friend Harlan Hogan, author of "Voice Actor's Guide to Recording at Home... And On the Road", along with his co-author, Jeffrey P. Fisher, are conducting an online survey to learn more about what voice artists want to know regarding recording voice overs (whether at home or on the road) with the top questions answered via a live teleseminar, TBA, facilitated by Dan O'Day.
Want to get in on the call?
Learn more now!
February 23, 2009
Connie Zimet Medical Fund Needs Your Help
Voice over talent and instructor Connie Zimet has been unwell for quite some time and needs your help.
Connie has ALS, and although she is facing a late stage of the disease, know that there is hope for her to regain the ability to communicate more easily with her family and friends through the purchase of a special machine.
I received this message and have been given permission to publish it here for the voice over community that you may take action and help Connie in a time of dire need.
February 20, 2009
51st Grammy Awards Announcer Heather Halley Chats with Voices.com
Were you taken aback when told to "Keep up with all the Grammy action on Facebook and Twitter!"?
If you watched the 51st Annual Grammy awards this year, you heard the voice of Heather Halley, a voice that has received numerous compliments from people inside and outside of the voice over industry.
Heather Halley was kind to answer a number of my questions and connect with me on Facebook. Am I ever excited to share her story with you!
Join me now in this interview with the voice behind the Grammys, Heather Halley.
February 19, 2009
Bettye Zoller Shares Experiences in the Celebrity Voice Over Arena
Voice actress and coach Bettye Zoller presents an interesting case for why you shouldn't touch unlicensed celebrity voice over impersonation work with a ten foot pole.
While not all voice over jobs for celebrity or sound alikes are to be avoided, it is wise to make sure you are fully aware of the lay of the land and take any necessary precautions.
Hear about some experiences Bettye's had, come to your own conclusions, and comment sharing your thoughts.
February 18, 2009
Jump Start Audiobook Narration Work with Classics in the Public Domain
If you've been watching trends and sales figures, you know that narrating audiobooks is a booming part of the voice over industry.
There is a wealth of opportunity for those who are willing to explore and produce their own audiobooks.
This article focuses on how narrating literature in the public domain, specifically classics, can help you to build your audiobook portfolio without having to pay licensing fees.
February 17, 2009
Voices.com Sponsors PodCamp Toronto 2009
Are you into podcasting?
Do you live in or around Toronto, ON Canada?
Make plans to show up at PodCamp Toronto on February 21 and 22, 2009 at the Rogers Communications Centre at Ryerson University.
February 15, 2009
Dave Fennoy Shares Most Meaningful Voice Over Experience
Every now and then, you come across something in your work that is more than just work, it's a labour of love.
What have you found to be "more than just a job"?
Prime Time Voice Dave Fennoy, spokesvoice for numerous commercial campaigns, including McDonald's, Corona Beer, KFC, Toyota, Chrysler, and ATT shares his most meaningful job and invites you to share yours as well by leaving a comment.
February 13, 2009
Google's Pulling the Plug on Google Audio Ads
Yesterday, some breaking news emanated from the Google campus in Mountainview, CA via Google VP of Product Management, Susan Wojcicki, announcing that they would be closing the door on their foray into connecting advertisers purchasing remnant air-time with audio producers and voice over talent.
The news has come as a shock to some and the program will officially wrap up by the end of May 2009.
February 12, 2009
Can Voice Artists Be Held Responsible For What's Read in a Script?
When you perform a voice over, is there the potential for you to be held responsible for what you're saying even though you aren't the party that is being portrayed in the advertisement or voice over recording?
You bet your bottom dollar, there is!
Hear the perspective of lawyer and voice artist, Rob Sciglimpaglia on VOX Daily as he addresses this interesting and timely issue.
Don Morrow Voice Over Workshop in Stamford, CT
"If there had been no Don Morrow, there would be no Don LaFontaine."--- Don LaFontaine.
Now is your opportunity to study with the mentor and friend of the legendary Don LaFontaine.
Attend the workshop and also have a brief trailer demo produced by Don Morrow on March 14th, 2009.
Learn more now.
February 11, 2009
The Tricky Business of Getting an Agent During a Recession
When times get tough, the first instinct many people have is to start throwing more irons in the fire, and in this business, sometimes that means looking for representation to expand your reach for voice over work and or auditions.
Although more than a few voice talent are hoping to find an agent to help smooth the waters, agents are not necessarily on the lookout for new talent, perhaps even more so now than ever before.
I received a question from a voice actor who asked if I could refer any agents to them and I said I'd see what I could do. A couple of days ago I wrote to one of my friends, a voiceover agent, who was kind to share more information from the agency world and where things stand at present.
Are talent agencies scouting or accepting new talent?
February 10, 2009
How To Get Some Link Love
Did you know that if you comment on blogs you can increase your website's search engine rankings in Google, Yahoo! and MSN?
Link love is a great thing.
It's what happens when you get a link to your website.
You want to get this boost whenever you can...
Want to learn more?
Here's how!
February 9, 2009
Interview with Silvana Lombardini on Spanish Voice Overs
Do you know about the great opportunities that are out there for Spanish voice over talent?
The Hispanic market is booming in the US and the demand for voice overs in Spanish and bilingual voice overs has increased exponentially from even just decades ago.
Silvana Lombardini, Spanish voice over coach, says the future looks bright for Spanish voice actors, their families and the bilingual voices of the future... the time to talk about this is now.
Spanish Interview with Voice Over Coach Silvana Lombardini
For all of our Spanish readers, I'm pleased to present you with our first-ever interview on VOX Daily in your native language!
Silvana Lombardini, based in Argentina, was generous to translate my questions and share her answers in both English and Spanish.
Here you will find the interview completely in Spanish.
Enjoy :)
February 6, 2009
1,850 Laid Off At Clear Channel, Layoffs in Broadcast and Beyond To Trigger Boom in Voice Over Market?
The economic downturn has changed the priorities and makeup of many companies, including some in the broadcast media industry, causing thousands of people to lose their jobs, many of which are now turning to voice over as a career alternative.
I was curious to see who among those already doing voice over part-time are now finding themselves full-time due to the loss of their positions...
From what I've heard, read and been told, it sounds like there is going to be a wave of people hoping to make voice acting their primary source of income.
Hear from many people affected by this and add your voice to the mix. Anonymous comments in good taste will be approved on this article.
February 5, 2009
Voice Artists, What Would You Do For The Perfect Take?
When you get ready to do a voice over recording, what lengths do you go to in order to get the perfect take?
I asked some of my friends on Twitter and I couldn't believe how far (and how unplugged) some people go to make a simple voice over recording.
Want to know what they said? Read on!
February 4, 2009
Old Dog Learns New Tricks
Are you ever too old to learn?
Never!
Find out what Herb Merriweather, voice of many video game characters, medical documentaries and voice of "The Iguana Summer King" in the "Vipo, the Flying Dog" series, has discovered and how his realizations can help you too, whether young or young at heart.
February 3, 2009
Producers Respond To Open Letter on Voice Over Demos
If you're one of my friends on Facebook, you may have run across a note I wrote entitled "An Open Letter to Voice Over Demo Producers" where I posed a number of questions that had to do specifically with the norms, best practices and so forth of producing demos for promotional purposes for voice over talent.
I received two, quite detailed responses from two gentlemen who produce voice over demos in the United States, and the answers to some of the questions may surprise you!
First read my questions and then the answers supplied. After that, let me know what you think by leaving a comment.
February 2, 2009
Not Getting Work? Consider A Voice Over Demo Review
"I'm not getting any work through my auditions? Do you think my demo might have something to do with it?"
"Can you listen to my demos and tell me where I can improve?"
"I've been told that I have a great voice. Do you think I have potential?"
You've likely come across these questions at some point; perhaps you've been on the asking end, perhaps on the receiving end.
What's to be done? A little magnification, as well as some listening, may go a long way.
