I really wasn’t sure, so I did a little digging.

VoiceBank.net and VoiceRegistry are run by the same people.

According to their website:  “The Voicebank.net system connects over 150 of the top voice over Talent Agencies to over 1600 Ad Agencies, Animation Houses and Production Houses around the world. “ 

And VoiceRegistry:  “The purpose of voiceregistry is to continually educate actors (novice to seasoned) about all aspects of the voice over industry and provide actors, when ready, with an opportunity to seek representation or additional representationy.”

All cleared up?  Yeah, me neither.

This whole mental exercise started when my fellow Vegas VO bud William Brady told me that he signed up for VoiceRegistry and was attending the “weekend workouts”.  He even got some personal feedback from seasoned pro Bill Ratner.  Bill talks about it in his blog.  Bill says he was told that since he didn’t have agency representation yet, he could not be listed on VoiceBank, but could sign-up on VoiceRegistry.  Further, that if he participated in the workouts, he could end up being scouted by the agents.

All this got me to thinking.  I keep running into VoiceBank at Faffcon Unconferences, ’cause they’re the major sponsor.  Amber Dahlin of VoiceBank is wonderful, and The VoiceBank Blog is mandatory reading.

But being a true lunkhead…I still wasn’t clicking on what was the reason for the two sites.  I’m listed on VoiceBank through my agent, but I can’t really log onto the site.  Wassup with that?

So, I wrote them and asked.  Chris Miyamoto of  ‘support’ replied:

“Voiceregistry is the site specifically for actors and gives platinum members access to the weekend workout. 

A lot of work has gone into the back-end of this enterprise, and I find myself extremely honored to be the company of the other talent here.

Please take a moment to look around, and pass the word on to those who matter (ahem: clients) that this is the place to look first!

CourVO

Oh….BTW, two prominent VA talents are in Vegas this week, and if I’m lucky, I’ll be able to run into both of them:  Chris Flockton, a NYC-based British voice, and Ron Knight of Knight Mediacom.  ‘LOVE the way Vegas attracts all the right people!

CourVO

Not having any is do-able.

Needing one — or thinking you HAVE to have one — and not being able to get one is ah, er…lousy.

Agents.  Love 'em.  Hate 'em. 

Anachronism, or absolutely necessity?

My take is that if you really want to break into the BIG commercial jobs in LA or NY, you will HAVE to have an agent.  But many successful independent voice actors are supporting their families just fine on the money they make without an agent.

So what gives? 

For the answser to that, I'm going to the experts, and one of the best at this question is Bob Fraser, the long-time acting coach based in SoCal.

He's offering a free list of 4,000 agents: "The Agent Roster".  And it's legit, but when you click on the link, you'll get a soft-sell for another product he'd like you to buy, and it's a pretty darn good offer with a 1-yr money back guarantee called "Cracking the Agent Code".

Click HERE to get started…it requires registering, sharing your e-mail, then moving on to the free download in an easy flow of hyperlinks.

Thanks Bob!

CourVO

(Well, not everyone…just those living in dream-land)

To find that sort of sage advice, look no further than veteran acting coach Bob Fraser.  From time to time, I repurpose his helpful e-mails verbatim (with his permission, of course).

The column he writes below is all about finding an agent.
OK, it's basically an offer.  But I find Bob's stuff to be ironclad, or I wouldn't include it on my blog.

CourVO

Since I retired from being a network television producer and began advising actors on career matters, I have consulted with tens of thousands of actors all over the world – and there's one question I get asked on almost a daily basis …

"How do I get an agent?"

I think it's a pressing question because every actor eventually discovers that landing an agent  who can help you move your acting business up to the next level can seem almost impossible – in fact, it's probably the most difficult career transition any actor can make.

Whether you're just beginning your career, or you've been at it for awhile – the whole agent 'issue' can be frustrating, disappointing, and maddening.

Believe me, I do understand.

That's why I've written a comprehensive guide that gets to the bottom of the whole 'landing an agent' problem.

It's called The Agent Code.

Now you can learn it's actually accomplished. I call my guide The Agent Code – because what
slows most actors down, in their search for an agent, is their general lack of information about what agents really want ‚Äì what they're really looking ‚Äì how they really make their decisions … when considering a new client.

In other words, until you know the 'code' – it's almost impossible to 'get in the door.' This 'insider' knowledge is simply invaluable – especially when it comes to finding the right agent and making a convincing argument that representing you is a good business decision … for them.

The Agent Code will explain (in depth) why agents do what they do – what they must know about you
before they'll even consider you as a client – and how you can use your acting skills to land the sort of agent who can make a huge difference in your career.

In its almost 200 pages you'll discover:
How To 'Market' To Agents & Get Interest
What Motivates an Agent To Sign an Actor
How To Make Your 'Killer' Submission
What To Write In Your Cover Letter
How To Use Your Headshots Effectively
What Every Actor Should Have on a Resume
How To Convince An Agent You're Ready
What To Say In a Meeting With An Agent
How To Find The Right Agent For YOU
How To Fire An Agent – And Stay Friends
What Signals Indicate a Scammer

… and much more.

Check it out right now.

http://www.theagentcode.com

Bob Fraser is an actor, writer, director, producer
and show-runner on such hits as Full House, Benson,
The Love Boat and dozens of others.

You can check out his other acting career courses
at the following addresses:

http://www.youmustact.com

http://www.hypnoticaudition.com

http://www.headshotsecrets.com

http://www.actionworkbookandplanner.com