Monday, August 31, 2009

On The Radio!


So, today was interesting. I was interviewed live from Barbados on 94.7FM, by my good buddy Arturo Valentino, in honor of the anniversary of the great Don La Fontaine's passing.
We talked about voice work, voice work hats, Voice Work the reality tv show in development.
...amongst other things
But perhaps the most important part of our conversation centered around the one year anniversary of the death of the late, great Don Lafontaine. and his influence on the voice over industry. An incredibly kind man who to this day is often imitated but never duplicated.
Once we started talking I realized that I am already on the air there in Barbados. Go figure! I'm the Italian spokesperson for the restaurant chain Il Fortuna and I'm not even Italian. That's good character acting.
Make sure you listen in to Barbados' 94.7 FM. CBC.BB
Thanks again Arturo - Peace.

We must still be in the recession!


It's not even 12 noon and fortunately I've done 4 voice sessions. That's a good thing. I mean it is the end of the month and people are trying to get the last bit of budget spent?
Yet, the stuff I'm recording is a sign of these sad recessionary times.
Session #1 - A spot for Foreclosures and Bankruptcy done in a UFC smackdown mode
Session #2 - Lottery
Session #3 - Body Sculpting device
Session #4 - Used Cars! Used Cars! Used Cars!!!
All I need now is to record a spot touting the healing benefits of Jack Daniels and Coke - Although the day is still young.
Oh well, it beats not working right? So, with pride neatly swallowed I will do what I've got to do to survive.
What happened to the movie trailer and voice work for banks and hospitals?
Until next post...Hurry time is running out! Act now! Operators are standing by!!!!!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Tell the world what you do! And help kids at the same time!


Well the good news is - we sold out of our first run of hats...so thanks to everyone for that. The better news is the new shipment arrived from the factory today! So, what are you waiting for???
Why not order yours today.
The proceeds of each hat sold goes directly to the Children's Health Fund. A charity set up by singer/songwriter Paul Simon to aid children and their families who can't afford proper medical care.
Voice Work hats are embroidered with the Voice Work Logo. 100% distressed cotton twill in Black or Stone. One size fits all.
Paypal and all credit cards welcome.
http://www.voiceworkhats.com

Friday, August 28, 2009

More Screaming! Infomercial Day

Yepper...the things we have to do...or I should say the things we have to read to make a living and pay the bills. There was a time when my voice was used for hospitals, banks and pharmaceuticals. A nice, relaxed and soothing tone. I would read in a slow pace, with an ever so slight smile on my face. We call that knowing reassurance. I would read :30 of copy for a :60 spot. Meaning I had time to make the words actually mean something.
Today was day three of screaming, with copy that literally read - "But wait! There's more!" And..."If you call right now!"

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Voice Over Delivery - Screaming vs. Talking


I just finished my first session of the day and man is my throat killing me! The direction from the client was - hard sell, fast pace, loud. Can you guess what kind of spot we're talking about? Yep, car dealer.
At what point in the advertising business did someone think that the louder you scream, rant and yell the more cars you will sell? I never understood that. Why can't we just talk to our audience. Why do we have to beat them into submission to buy a car? Maybe that's one of the reasons the auto industry is suffering. Oh well, unfortunately money talks...and I'm getting paid to give them exactly what they want...As a matter of fact I was so forceful and hard sell that I did the copy in :57 not :59.9.
Often times I'll get copy that's 1:05 and it will be electronically compressed to make it in time. Talk about 5 lbs. of shit in a 1lb. bag!
Well, back to the grind.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Today it's all about the auditions!


Today, it's all about the auditions. And there have been some dandy's! The cool thing is I am listening to a voice over lesson by voice coach Nancy Wolfson and applying her techniques to my reads. I am of the mindset of being a "Voice Under" as she so eloquently puts it...as opposed to being a "Voice Over".
Today's auditions have included everything from a Wall-E robot voice character to a deep and mysterious narrator for a shark exhibit. Not to mention a shoe company, a steak house, a video game, a fast food restaurant and a promo for a reality show pitch...Not mine. And this is before 11am.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Working and Learning about new technologies at the same time - what a gig!


One thing about this voice over job stuff, one of the best things is learning about new technologies. Not recording technologies for the voice, but the technologies I am voicing. Today, I recorded a series for a company in Denmark called Inbacom. They take hay - yes hay and convert it into Ethanol simply by cooking, extracting and processing.
Soon after that session I went right into a session for Panasonic and voiced a video for their new 3D HD televisions.
Super High Def and you wear electronic shutter glasses that sync with the television. Unbelievable...and after all this...I still get paid to talk! Who's got it better than me?

Monday, August 24, 2009

Straight Shootin' with the Big Gun Webisode #9 Recording Studio Etiquette



Just back from Deeeeeeeeetroit, Michigan, Ed Victor has just posted Webisode #9 of Straight Shootin' with the Big Gun on Recording Studio Etiquette.
These days, most voice actors are working from home. So, what happens when you get the call to head into the studio? Here's a refresher on getting back to basics in a recording session.

Thanks to RMS Studios, in Birmingham, Michigan, USA for letting us use their studios. RMS, now celebrating 20 years!
Check them out at www.rmsdetroit.com.
Thanks again to Randy for his hospitality and Miko for providing the engineering of our session.

Hey and don't forget to buy our Voice Work Hat, as seen in the webisode, now available at VoiceWorkHats.com


Thursday, August 20, 2009

Hitting the road!


Well, it's Thursday the 20th, 5:30am and I am hitting the road and heading up to Detroit, my home town to spend time with friends for my birthday. I'll be stopping by my old haunts and to lay down a new webisode of Straight Shootin' with the Big Gun...Coming up - Recording Studio Etiquette - wow spelled that right! At least that is the plan at the moment.
So that being said, I gotta get to the airport - talk to you all in a bit. And don't forget, new Voice Work Hats are available for purchase again!! We sold out on our first foray - so get em while you can! 100% distressed (like me) cotton twill. Their really nice - check it out at http://www.voiceworkhats.com
Later Days. Dudes.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Linkedin Working Voice Actors Group hits 1000 members!


The idea was a simple one; bring together voice actors working in the voice business to share thoughts and exchange ideas on the business of voice work.
The group was started on July 7th, 2008 with a logo, and a handful of voice people. Eight members to be exact. Today we hit 1,000 members - So break out the champagne. Or not. So, if you know someone who would be interested in being a member have them sign up. And be a part of one of the most active groups on Linkedin. Thanks Ed Victor - Owner
I believe you can sign up here...
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=137057&trk=hb_side_g

Our credo: The purpose of this group is to create a forum for true working voice over professionals, both union and non-union talent. The intent is to share and express thoughts and ideas on garnering and retaining new clients. Advice on home studios and recording gear. The latest updates in the business, etc.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Straight Shootin' with the Big Gun Webisode #8 Scoring an Agent



Ok, so your demo is complete...now what???? Now you get yourself an agent! But how? Well, watch and learn Johnny...watch and learn. Ed Victor the Big Gun in Voice Overs offers up some valuable advice on scoring an agent. Where to start and what they are looking for in voice actors.

And don't forget, make sure you buy your Voice Work Hat today!
Go on Tell 'em all what you do!
Just $28.95 (includes shipping and handling)
in Black or Stone - distressed cotton twill. One size fits everyone!

Straight Shootin with The Big Gun Webisode #1 Getting Physical


In Webisode #2, Ed Victor, a.k.a. The Big Gun, shows you how to get physical and put your body into your work! It's all about taking your reads to the next level.

And don't forget to order your Voice Work Hat!
Just $28.95 (includes shipping and handling)
Distressed Cotton Twill. One Size Fits All.
In Black or Stone (pictured)


Order at Voiceworkhats.com

Straight Shootin with The Big Gun Webisode #5 How to Get More Work



In Webisode #5, Ed Victor, the Big Gun, explains ways to get more work in the voice over business. Things you can do if you're not already doing them. Networking, Groups, Ad Clubs and more!

And don't forget to order your Voice Work Hat at Voiceworkhats.com! Only $28.95 - Paypal and most major credit cards!
www.voiceworkhats.com

Straight Shootin with The Big Gun Webisode #2 Your Demo



In Webisode #2, Ed Victor, a.k.a., The Big Gun, offers up some tips on making your demo the best it cam be! What to put in and what to leave out. How long, when should you update and more great tips...all to help you put your best demo forward and give the Agents what they want.

And don't forget to order your Voice Work Hat!
Now just $28.95! Includes shipping and handling
Choose Black or Stone. In distressed cotton twill. One size fits all.
Order Yours Today!


VOICEWORKHATS.COM
Paypal and all major credit cards!!!

Webisode #1 Pay to Play Sites

Want to know the real deal about the voice over industry? Get the straight, honest facts from Ed Victor, The Big Gun in Voice Overs. Now you can on Itunes! (Podcasts - Key Word - Ed Victor)
Whether you're just starting out in the voice over business, your a seasoned pro...or somewhere in the middle...Straight Shootin with the Big Gun Webisodes are the real deal.
Webisodes include tips, tools and techniques about everything from creating an effective demo to getting an agent! From using the Pay to Play sites to recording on the road.
Simply go to http://web.me.com/thebiggun/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html and check them out
New episodes added every few weeks or so.


And don't forget to order your Voice Work Hat!
Go on tell 'em what you do!
$28.95 includes shipping and handling


Order Yours at Voiceworkhats.com
Paypal and all major credit cards accepted. Do it now!

Voice Work Hats - Available Again!


Well, well, well. The incredibly popular VOICE WORK hats, that were created to promote the reality show, VOICE WORK, TALK ABOUT A LIVING were sold out after their first run! And in just a few short days.
The Good News!!! New hats are on the way! And orders can be filled immediately!
Don't forget, a portion of each hat's purchase goes directly to the Children's Health Fund - a very worthy organization created by singer/songwriter - Paul Simon, to help kids and their families who can't afford basic health care.
The hats come in either BLACK or STONE color distressed twill cotton. One size fits all. Adjustable D-ring slide on back.
$28.95 including shipping. International Orders are Extra for shipping.
got to
WWW.VOICEWORKHATS.COM
Order yours today!!!!!
QUICK ORDER
Paypal, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express


Over Exposure

The other day I was pretty much bitch slapped by my Manager. I was hoping for some good news, perhaps that my LA Agent had finally gotten my a gig after 145 consecutive auditions. Nope. In fact they wanted to drop me??? Yes. It's true! Something about my overexposure. Huh, I thought in this age of free digital speech and marketing, especially in the voice business, this is exactly what you're supposed to do.
Boy was I wrong! They feared I was too out there and was devaluing myself as one of their clients.
What with my Voice Actor Group on Linkedin, my Straight Shootin' webisodes on Itunes, the Reality TV show I've been writing, The accompanying book, The Facebook groups. The Youtube posts, The Twittering...the Voice Work TV Show Hats I've been selling, promoting and donating proceeds from. My monthly newsletter blasts. My networking, traveling, mentoring, tutoring, demo producing.
So, that being said, I have pulled myself from just about everything to see if my stock goes up. I am for all intents and purposes. Dead in the Water.
I'm betting no one really cared then, and no one will care as I slowly fade into digital oblivion. I am certain it won't make a difference.
So, that being said we shall see.