Neti Pots are wonderful for helping the voice actor through the vagaries of performing with a cold, but perhaps these online coupons offering $5 off some WaterPik products appeal to you!

Thanks Erik!

CourVO

Blogsites are like computers…eventually they end up with all sorts of superfluous broken links, dead files, unnecessary back-ups, and other assorted worthless baggage.  The way my blog designer/administrator puts it:  I’m lucky the company hosting my site hasn’t kicked me out yet.

It’s time.  ’Gotta refresh things, spruce it up, and maybe subtly alter the brand somewhat.

You’ll see.  It’s coming.

If there’s downtime, I’ll let you know in advance.

CourVO

You wouldn’t believe what has happened since then.

VO friend Peter O’Connell immediately picked-up on the idea and we both started dragging in other voice actors and we all asked ourselves:  ”Can we really make this happen in 5-6 days?”

Well, whether we’ve “…made it happen…” remains to be seen, but we’ve certainly given it a lot of effort.

The whole idea now has it’s own official logo, proclamation (Thanks to SaVoa), a News Release (see below), and a Website.  FaceBook page coming within the next day.  You’ll see it on VoiceOVerXtra, VU, and most VO Forums…chief among them:  VO-BB.

Why a National Voice Over Month? Isn’t it time?  I mean, how many nebulous, frivolous, and capricious organizations, animals, causes, and movements MUCH LESS IMPORTANT THAT VOICE OVERS have their own month….why can’t we have OURS!!!???

When you think about it…this is a chance for voice actors everywhere to explain what they do, take pride in their work, and shamelessly tout September as THEIR month.  When you think more about it, the event has promotional, marketing, and branding opportunities written all over it.

*Use the logo on your website.  It’ll bring questions.  You have answers.
*Send the News Release to the local media.
*Post tweets.
*Launch YouTube videos spreading the word.
*Encourage people to join the FaceBook page (check back, it’s coming later in the day 9/1/10)

We plan to expand on this theme throughout the month.  We may end up transforming it to “International”.  There will be opportunities for building on the event all during the month to maintain momentum (for instance, watch for some fun things to come out of FaffCon that will benefit BOTH events).

This does not belong to ANYBODY…rather, it belongs to EVERYBODY… make it yours too!

Happy Voice Over Month!

CourVO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Dave Courvoisier
C: 702-610-6288
E: CourVO@CourVO.com
Thom Wilkins
E: Thom@xybermedia.com

Voice Over Talent Celebrate September as
National VoiceOver Appreciation Month

(Las Vegas, NV  9-1-2010)

A host of prestigious Voice Over companies are joining forces to recognize the largely unseen contributions of many thousands of voice actors nationwide during the month of September.

Most viewers and listeners of popular media will encounter numerous professional voices as they go about their day.  Professional voice talents are heard on almost every media platform including radio and television commercials, podcasts, audiobooks, movie and television documentaries, websites, instructional and sales videos, radio stations, and YouTube, just to name a few examples.

The men and women who specialize in this field are different from stage and television actors (although those performers sometimes perform voiceovers as well) because professional Voice Talents use only their vocal range and acting abilities to create the viewer reaction the production requires, sometimes with accompanying pictures/video and sometimes without. Triggering “the theatre of the mind” within the viewer or listener, Voice Artists expertly create the proper mood, feeling, sentiment with just their voices.

Dave Courvoisier, Advisory Board member of the non-profit Society of Accredited Voice Over Artists (SaVoa), says “…the depth and breadth of talent represented by various actors in practically every city in the U-S is astounding.”  Courvoisier further states, “Voice Overs is a thriving and creative freelance enterprise being quietly practiced by people who take their craft seriously, and contribute greatly to the advertising and media marketplace .”

Advances in digital technology have transformed much of the Voice Over landscape in recent years…allowing the lion’s share of voice talent to practice their business from their homes or private studios, transmitting a finished audio file to their client instantaneously.  That convenience, though, also individuates the voice actors from one another.

“Calling for a month-long appreciation of the Voice Over Artist will serve to draw the far-flung personalities of this unique industry into a sense of community and support,” says Courvoisier.

###

Try this link: http://www.inthemo.com/Register/PreRegistration/HostPreReg1.aspx?code=EE51FE33F5CF

Thanks to Nicole for this!

CourVO

The site promises: “We spent years gathering recommendations from the people breathing life and culture into their cities around the world, and filming video features on the very best local spots. With this information we have created the first worldwide city guide that learns what you like.”

And it IS a very easy interface with lots of video, links to hot-spots, plus (of course) the ability to use various Social Media platforms to spread the word.

Some months ago, I got the call out of nowhere to be profiled for this site’s showcasing of Las Vegas.  I said I’d participate, not really knowing exactly what it was all about.  I did the interview about “my Vegas”…you know — how I perceive my town, what’s to do here…etc.  Then I waited several more months, and now here it is…a fully launched site with obviously TONS of work and thousands of man-hours put into it.

You have to register (for free) to gain access to everything (quite extensive)…but then you can click HERE to get to my video….or just browse around and choose LAS VEGAS, then see my listing among the others interviewed for this project.  The home page is:  http://www.inthemo.com….or click on the logo above.

Let me know what you think.

CourVO

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!

I love driving, and I love my daughter, so having the two of them to myself for the next 2 days is optimal.

We’re on our way to Champaign, Illinois in a mini-van full of furniture we’ve cobbled together from Craigslist to move her into her first off-campus apartment.  I’ve even found a patsy, er, uh, friend to join me for the trip back to help with the driving.

I’ve got a rented Honda Odyssey and I think they still sell gas along the way, so I’m set.

I plan to stop to check e-mail and make uploads every few hours for a break.  I’m gonna hate giving up my 3G network for the slower Edge (E) Network in most locales…but Starbucks stores are good for free wi-fi’s.

For recording, I’ve got my Zoom H4n, my laptop, a AKG C3000B with USB adaptor, and Adobe Audition 3.0.  I’ve even got my iPhone with Blue Microphone’s “MIKEY” if I need to get an audition in down ‘n’ dirty.  I use the Poddio app on my iPhone to edit on the fly.

So look here for postcards from the hiway the next few days.  My blogs may not always refer to the voice-over business, but life on the road.  I’ll at least try to post lots of good pics.

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

Their popular series of free teleseminars with people in the VO business continues this weekend, and I’ll be in the hot seat.

Apparently they think people will actually want to hear what I have to say. :)  From what I understand, they’ll mostly be asking the questions, but there will be opportunities for callers to interact as well.

The topic is how to “diversify” your portfolio of skills to enhance or supplement your VO work.

Click HERE to see the official announcement.

C ya on the phone!

CourVO

Well, it turns out some features of the new operating system (V3.0) for the 3G iPhone will likely be voice-activated.  That’s a far cry from creating a new market for voice-actors…which is what could be intimated by those headlines.  Voice-activated would be more like giving voice commands to activate certain functions in the software — like run a program.

Click HERE to see a more detailed explanation of all this.

CourVO