FaffCon

‘Old enough to remember the advertising splash 7-Up made with the “Uncola”?  Apparently, when something gets too predictably flavorless, adding an “un” prefix immediately brands the alternative as a welcome rebel.

Hence, the ‘unconference’…the upstart stepchild of mundane meetings.  Not that there’s anything wrong with a conference.  Most of us have likely benefitted in some way from them…but admittedly, the concept is a bit overworked of late.

And it’s more than just the trip to the Vegas convention center for endless walks down the exhibit aisles of NAB or CES or BlogWorld Expo.  There’s the seminars, the teleseminars, and the webinars too.

Sure, we all hanker to rub shoulders with others of our ilk.  After all, virtual liaisons only go so far.  But there MUST be something that moves forward the notion of meet-ups.  ‘Something that’s a bit more organized than a lively conversation over drinks, but a little less stuffy than sitting at a table with a sweaty water pitcher, taking notes on a thin hotel pad.

There is.  THAT’s the unconference.

The Voiceover business has a short history of traditional conferences, but more than holds its own in the area of teleseminars and webinars.  The unconference idea took hold quickly, though, in the backrooms and hallways of VO forum fixture VO-BB.com.

Now it’s grown into a full-bore, headstrong movement with a date, a hotel, a registration, a website, and even a catchy name:  FAFFCON (it has to do with Scotland).

Faffcon, the VO unconference, took on an early character all its own, but has been, is, and will be defining itself right up to and through the event itself.  Voice actor, Comedian, Improv artist, and general gadabout Amy Snively – reflecting the true spiritual essence of an unconference if there ever was one – included all her VO peers from the start in evolving the concept, the website, the tenor, and the parameters of Faffcon.

UnInfo on the UnConference

The official site of Faffcon – http://www.faffcon.com explains much of what this experience will likely be, but as a teaser, here are a few bullet points:

• Faffcon seeks to provide a free-form, encouraging, enabling environment for established and seasoned voice actors.
• Early-on, organizers set an attendance limit of 100.
• The schedule is purposely loosely organized, the topics vaguely categorized, the format arbitrary (remember, it’s an UNconference!)
• Discussions may pop-up and last long, or play-out and dissolve in a short time.
• Faffcon is participant-driven, bring questions you have, give answers when you can.

Faffcon is an Open Space concept “based on the belief that the sum of the expertise of the people in the audience is greater than the sum of expertise of the people on stage.”

You won’t find boring speakers, slide shows, official hand-outs, and an expensive registration. There are no heavy expectations of your participation, and there is no rigid schedule of planned presentations. There is not likely to be a big exhibit hall populated with vendors, salespeople, hangers-on, and free, logo’d ballpoint pens. FaffCon is not forced relationships, uncomfortable liaisons, or pricey mandatory banquets.

One of the early commited contributors – Peter O’Connell puts it thusly: “…the conference will only be as strong as the people who attend because it is the attendees who most often are the presenters and each presentation will be very interactive and extremely participatory.”

Fun, creative, experienced VO souls, gathering spontaneously in their blue jeans and carrying only expectations of a high-level of interaction with their peers.  It’s a rich atmosphere can only spawn some of the best we all have to offer.

The conference is quite inexpensive: an early-bird rate of $149 is good until the end of July.  Of course, you’ll need to find your way there, and for some that may be a distinct cost, as Faffcon is being held in Portland, Oregon at the beautiful brand-new, all suite, Hyatt Place Portland.

You’d do well to register first at the Yahoo Group set up specifically for those hoping to attend. (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/faffcon/).

Registration for the event is on the Faffcon.com website itself:  http://sites.google.com/site/faffconwiki/home/register

CourVO

VOICE held its first conference in Las Vegas in 2007, its 2nd in 2008 in Los Angeles, and the 3rd is scheduled this June…also in LA.

SaVoa is also steadily growing and gaining members, and for the first time, will be appearing in force at VOICE.

VOICE 2010 is scheduled for the first weekend in June, which puts it roughly 8 weeks away.  As an organization, SaVoa is moving to make its presence known to the attendees at VOICE 2010. This is consistent with its goals, good for its growth, and just smart marketing.

SaVoa is also encouraging members to attend VOICE, and has been working with James Alburger and Penny Abshire  to get the best deal possible for SaVoa members.

From now until April 25th, all SaVoa members are eligible for a 15% discount in the price of attending VOICE 2010.

But wait, there’s more!!!

In order to achieve SaVoa’s goals at VOICE 2010, SaVoa will incur some expenses. SaVoa have a booth for attendees to visit for personal contact with attending SaVOa members, along with small promotional items for all attendees to help promote SaVoa. We need your help to offset those expenses. If would like to donate to the effort, you can make a $20 donation and you will automatically be entered in a drawing – exclusive to SaVoa members only – for one free registration to the entire conference!  Non-SaVoa members are welcome to help in this endeavour by making a donation as well.

The deadline for the $20 drawing is April 15th.  Click on this link: http:// http://www.savoa.org/donate to make your donation. The winner will be announced on the 15th.
After the drawing for the free registration is held on April 15th, if you aren’t the winner, you can use the code SaVoa20 when registering, to apply your $20 donation to your registration fee on top of the 15% discount.  Again, your donation helps defray the cost of SaVoa’s presence at VOICE 2010.

We hope you’ll take advantage of this special pricing. Feel free to contact your SaVoa Advisory Board member if you have any questions, or contact Dave Courvoisier at CourVO@CourVO.com 702-610-6288 or Dan Lenard dansvoice@verizon.net  716-689-8179. If you’ve ALREADY registered for VOICE 2010, and you’re a SaVoa member, please contact us and we’ll make sure you get the discount.

SaVoa members, please see check your recent e-mail from Board Member Thom Wilkins for the special SaVoa member registration codes and links you can use to get your discount.

We’ll see you at VOICE 2010!

CourVO

Terry and I just had way too much fun putting together the presentational promo announcement for our General Session on New Media.

Terry’s a talented voice actor and producer, and we’re planning one heckuva program for Friday morning of the conference.

Click HERE to take a listen!

CourVO

Today, they released the slate of presenters, along with the schedule of the conference.  You’ll note that Terry Daniel and I are the General Session presenters Friday morning on the topic of Social Networking.

Click HERE to see the matrix of presenters and days/times.  You will not want to miss this event…the talent, resources, and networking possibilities will boost your VO career in ways you never imagined.

C ya there!

CourVO

VOICE 2010 will be held June 2-5 at the Century Plaza Hyatt Regency Hotel in Los Angeles…and YOU’RE invited.  In fact, YOU MUST COME!

If you’ve been to VOICE 2007 or 2008, you know how valuable is the experience of networking with your peers, and the advantage of rubbing shoulders with the presenters and professionals who gather at such events.

Why wasn’t there a VOICE 2009?  ‘Cause they’ve been working incredibly hard to make sure ’2010′ is JUST THAT MUCH BETTER.  (these things are tough to organize!)

Yes, there’s the expense of the conference, not to mention the travel…but every soul who’s been to either of the previous events would tell you it’s well worth it…IF you can get them to come down from walking on air!

I know this blog sounds a bit “cheerleader-ish”, so bear with me…I’m gonna be there as a host, and I’d love to see you there!  Please consider it.  Click HERE to see all the details of how to register, and reserve your room.

CourVO

Dan O’Day is described generally as a marketing genius/coupled with an incredibly savvy sense of broadcasting, voice-overs, and how the world works.  He holds his “Summit” every August in LA.

Some wonderful VO blogging friends of mine are there, and have been twittering and blogging (with pics) about the event.

Here are some links and twitter profiles to follow:

Bob Souer:
Blog:  http://www.bobsouer.com/blog
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/bobsouer

Bobbin Beam:
Blog:  http://blog.bobbinbeam.com

Blain Parker:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/blainparker

CourVO

I’m re-printing all of Deb Munro‘s latest e-mail with all the last-minute announcements of VoiceLympics, plus her ADHD schedule of upcoming coaching sessions, and more…below.

If I’m lucky, I may be able to catch up to the cruise wrap-up party in LA.

BTW, HERE is the official VoiceLympics website.

CourVO

Welcome to our latest Chanti Cast

If you’re new, welcome!  For those of you who have been with us for a while, thanks for hanging in there.  Once the cruise is over we’ll be back to normal posting regular podcast/newsletters with tons of tips, auditions and more.  Don’t forget to look on our site.  Our previous newsletters and podcasts are full of tons of free tips and tricks.

I’ve been very busy voicing several projects and preparing for Our VoiceLympics Voiceover Workshop Cruise.  This event has turned out even bigger than we expected.  If you’re joining us, you will have the opportunity to work with 12 top VO coaches covering nearly every format, two studio tours in San Fran and LA, unlimited food and entertainment, two cocktail parties, Deb Munro’s 40^th B-day bash, Bob Bergen’s One man show, LA Wrap Party you will never forget, win tons of prizes and more.  I can’t stress enough what an incredible opportunity this is.  You will never get this many coaches in a workshop setting for this amount of money.

Scroll down for more info of what’s happening and how to register.  www.voicelympics.com

Workshops
Due to a very busy schedule I’ll only be teaching a few workshops for the remainder of 2009.
Selecting Styles Knowing what the client wants is key to landing the part.  We’ll teach you how to choose the right style to suit the script no matter your level of experience.  Work with formats, personalities and a variety of scripts and discover the style in you.
Talking Audio Long format narration is a lucrative part of this industry and there are many variations.  We will take you through a variety of genres such as Documentaries, Tutorial, Industrial, Audio Books and more.  We will teach you about consistency, mic technique, performance skills and troubleshooting tips you need to know that will save you time and a ton of headaches.

Philadelphia – August 29/30^th (only 5 spots left)
Vancouver – Sept 12/13^th
Dallas – Oct 17/18^th

Edmonton – Oct 31^st/Nov 1^st (special Character Class for Halloween you don’t want to miss)

Toronto – Nov 7/8^th with special guests Dave McRae and PN Agency – Roger King

Two full days from 9 am – 5 pm.  Full Workbook included.  All sessions recorded and sent home for review.
Cost is $395 but we will offer you a discounted rate of $345.00 until two weeks prior to the course

To register contact: workshops@micnme.com
604-459-5559

Of course don’t forget our TeleVoice Workouts – the last Wed of each month.  Due to an extremely busy voice work schedule I was unable to host July’s workshop but we’ll be back on board for Aug.  Register soon.  This is a fantastic opportunity to work on current auditions (have them directed for a better shot at booking the job), to brush up on current skills or just get your feet wet.  Each session is catered to your individual needs.  Only 4 participants max per session.  Two session times offered: 2-4 p.m. EST and 8-10 p.m. EST.  If this doesn’t work for your schedule, consider booking a private session.  All sessions are recorded and uploaded for your review.  Remember, I don’t need to see you, I need to hear you.  This is the most cost effective way to maintain or learn this craft in a workshop setting while still getting one on one.  $105.00 per session  Aug 26^th, 2009  Register – workshops@micnme.com There is more information on our website in the workshop section – www.micnme.com

Deb’s Latest Article – Taking Holidays Voice Acting Style!

I have attached the latest article I wrote on Taking Holidays Voice Acting Style. Whether you’re new to the industry or a working pro, this is a great article and a quick read.  I hope you enjoy.  http://www.debsvoice.com/newsletter/Entries/2009/8/5_Chanti_Cast_August_2009_files/Taking%20a%20Holiday%20Voice%20Acting%20Style.pdf

If this link doesn’t work, click on www.micnme.com and enter the Mic & Me site.  Click on Newsletters and look at our August Entry

VoiceLympics Voiceover Cruise

Here’s what you can look forward to
Top Training while on board the Norwegian Pearl for 5 days and 4 nights from Vancouver, B.C, to Astoria, OR, to San Fran, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Hands on workshops with Bob Bergen, Deb Munro, Julie Williams, Bill Holmes and Joyce Castellanos (Included in your workshop fee $750 or less)

All the food and entertainment included in your cruise fee ($440.00 and up)
Time off for some R & R (tons of workshop time with just the right amount of R & R)

Incredible prizes to be won throughout the cruise

2 Cocktail Parties

3 Celebrity Dinners on board

Deb Munro’s 40^th Birthday

Incredible scavenger hunt
and more

EVEN MORE TRAINING

- Studio Tour and Q & A of Voice One in San Francisco – with optional 5 hour workshop with Elaine Clark ($150.00)

- LA Studio Tour of Marc Graue Studios of one of the top recording studios in LA, Q & A with a fantastic panel, BBQ and Wrap party Hollywood style
(with some very special guests attending).  This is one party you don’t want to miss!

-        An opportunity to work with ONE of the following LA coaches for an extremely low rate

Ned Lott/MJ Lallo – ADR Class 5 hours (Only $225)
Tori Hartman – VO Class 4 hours(Only $150)

Sponsored by VoiceTrax West

Scott Brick – Audio  book Class 4 hours (Only $150)

George Whittam – Tech Talk  Class 4 hours (Only $150)

This is a workshop opportunity of a lifetime.  Up to 12 coaches for as little as $1400.00 (Including your cruise, food, entertainment and more)
We have all the students we need but I just wanted to give you one last opportunity to join us.  You won’t regret it!

Mic ‘n’ Me would like to thank our incredible line up of sponsors including:

Voice 2010

VoiceActing Academy
Voiceover Insider
VoiceOverXtra

Voiceover Universe

Voices.com

Eldorado Recording Services

Out of Hear.com

Rodney Saulsberry

VoiceHunter
VoicesinMedia

VO Planet

Blu Microphones
Elaine Clark
Voice One

Marc Graue
Voice Trax West

Scott Brick
Ned Lott

MJ Lallo

George Whittam

Tori Hartman
Nancy Wolfson
Robert Sciglimpaglia

It’s called Comic-Con.  HERE’s their website.

Legendary voice actors June Foray and Stan Freberg will be special guests.

Know how I tracked-down all this info?  On Voice Chasers — a site whose stated purpose is to be “…one of the leading online destinations for information related to voice acting.”

‘Might not be a bad idea to register (for free) on this site, and knock around with some of the established names there.

At any rate, click HERE to see more information on VoiceChasers about Comic-Con voiceacting focus…or you can sift through a rather busy and complicated Comic-Con website on your own if you’d like. 

CourVO