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4 Fer Tuesday

July 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

(1) 

VoiceOverCity.com looks like another one of those sites I’ve been writing about lately…the proliferation of online VO places where you can interact, be a part, and get some information, maybe even some new clients.

I think Steven Lowell of V123 is behind this one, but I haven’t had the chance to ask him yet.

Included, but not yet apparently developed or populated yet, is a forum, a classifieds section, a blog, an events calendar, and a directory.

There’s also a few blog posts already included, and a newsletter subscriber form.  This is a WordPress.com site, and a nicely-designed one at that.  ‘Wish I knew more, but just thought you should maybe put that on your radar screen.

(2)

Also, as of yesterday, a posting on WattPad.com was still looking for voice-actors for a video sims series.  ‘Might want to check it out…she apparently needs lots of voices…but no mention of what compensation is involved.

See:  http://www.wattpad.com/forums/discussion/253810/need-voice-actors-for-my-story-anyone-interested

(3)

THAT’S VOICEOVER is getting closer, and if you can make it to Chicago for this one-day blockbuster event August 25th, I’d highly recommend it.  Rudy Gaskins and his wife Joan Baker pack a lot into the day, and some of my favorite people will be contributing:  Nancy Wolfson, Dave Fennoy, Pat Fraley, Christopher Currier (fr. Sennheiser/Neumann), and Bill Ratner just to name a few.

(4)

If you were at VOICE2012, your ship has come in!  Executive Producer Penny Abshire writes:  the VOICE 2012 recordings are now available for FREE to those who were paid attendees if the convention and FOR SALE to those who were not. Just go to www.voiceconvention.com and click on the DOWNLOADS menu tab on the left. Follow the instructions and you’re good to go!  (or see:  http://voiceacting.com/voice2012/Downloads/downloads.html)

CourVO

Filed Under: Heads Up!, VOICE 2012 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

VOICE2012 – Day 3 at Disney

June 14, 2012 By 6 Comments

Up at 7am.  Really?  Normally, I’ve had just 3 hours of sleep at 7am, but on THIS day I’m expected to be chipper, entertaining, wise, and informative at that hour.

Yes, I’m reprising my role as a self-styled Social Media know-it-all along with my equally-afflicted VO colleague, Terry Daniel.  ’Difference is, this year, we’re joined by the talented VO and Twitter maven, Trish Basanyi.

None of us slept well.  The three of us talk for a living, but not with people staring back at us.  We all know this stuff like the pledge of allegiance, but will the words come out right when we try to tell others?

After some funny schtick to get people laughing, we expose our FaceBook/Twitter/LinkedIn T-shirts, and Terry Daniel dives right into his presentation on FaceBook.  15-or 20 minutes later, Trish begins her talk on Twitter, and I bring up the rear with info on LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest.  The time flies, and we take good questions for a half-hour.  Then we’re done.  Gone in a flash!  What was all that angst about anyway?

Terry’s top tip:  The FaceBook app Fan Rx lets you upload your demos to display on your FaceBook page.

Trish’s top tip:  Use Twellow.com to do meaningful Twitter searches for worthwhile VO people to follow.

Dave’s top tip:  Google+.  It’s here to stay, and Google is putting huge resources into making it an eventual success.

I’ll admit, the rest of the day seemed like a welcome relief once the big Social Media presentation was over, but honestly, there were some top-notch presentations on all sorts of useful topics today.

 

Erik Sheppard on the top myths in the Voice-Over world today.  Example: You must live in NYC or LA to make the big voice over bucks.

 

William Williams on ways to be the top auditioner on Pay-2-Play services like V123 and Voices.com.

 

George Whittam and Dan Lenard on audio production techniques demystified.

 

Andy Boyns moderating a panel of International Voice talents, the challenges and the advantages.

 

Vanessa Hart moderating a panel of AudioBook superstars: narrators, publishers, ACX, agents, and even SAG-AFTRA were represented, along with Scott Brick, Hillary Huber, and Pat Fraley.

Tim Keenan on how to succeed in corporate narrations (seen here in the red shirt tweeting).  Tim later hosted an after-hours party at his  Creative Media Recording studios not far from Disneyland.

 

John Florian and Elizabeth Holmes on how to run a better VO business.

 

 

Gabrielle Nistico moderating a panel on how to get a top agent.

 

And there were even a couple I didn’t have the chance to visit…. TONS of great information on many chief aspects of the voice over business.

My apologies for not fleshing-out more tips from each of these presenters, but with my duties as host…flitting back and forth to get pictures and facilitate the seminars, I wasn’t always able to hear much of the information being offered.  As a staffer, I will get a complete DVD copy of each session, though, and that will be available to you as well, once the event is over (there is a cost for the DVD, but well worth the price, believe me!).

Everyone agrees on several points:
1)  The Voice Over business is still in the throes of big change (mostly due to home studios and the internet)
2)  There are more voice over jobs than ever (globally)
3)  There are more people vying for those jobs than ever (grrrr)
4)  This is a healthy industry with good prospects all around.

Six more seminars Friday from great information providers like Edge Studio’s David Goldberg, Randye Kaye, Tom Dheere and others.

CourVO

Filed Under: VOICE 2012 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

VOICE2012 – Day 2 at Disney

June 13, 2012 By 3 Comments

Master coach and talent extraordinaire Pat Fraley took center stage at VOICE2012 first thing Wednesday morning.

Fraley on stage

You know about Pat, right?  University-trained as a voice coach, Pat’s command of the audience in a setting like this is a treat to watch.

In a session called “melt-down, mix-down”, Pat brought teams of volunteer participants up to the stage for short flowing comedic reads to make the point that ensemble scripts rely on careful interpretation of the story-line, other players’ pacing, and your own role in the narrative.  I played a straight-man in the first skit.  George Whittam was right there on the stage to record the takes, patch ‘em together, and lay the music under for the final production…no small feat, and usually done within minutes.

Pat kept everyone in stitches, offering coaching insights along the way for the players, resulting in collective performances that shined.

Whittam recording

Next in the morning line-up was a choice between Stephanie Ciccarelli and her colleague Ashley Hall of Voices.com — or Christopher Currier, the chief spokesperson for Neumann/Sennheiser in the U.S.A.

Did you know that Neumann and Sennheiser are owned by the same company?  Although they keep their product lines separate, both are perhaps the best-known names for quality microphones in the world.  Currier’s talk ranged from polarity patterns, to choosing the right mic for your studio, to the best mic for the particular job, and whether USB mics are in the works for this prestigious company (no, they have no plans for USB mics).

Ciccarelli & Hall

The larger crowd, though, was intently listening to Ciccarelli and Hall talk about optimizing one’s VOICES.com profile to get the best return for your membership investment.  (98% of the audience was either already a Voices.com member, or planning to become one).

Among their bullet-points:

  • use lots of adjectives in your profile
  • write your voice description in paragraph form in the highlight section
  • don’t just create a list of keywords and your name
  • always speak in 3rd persons while writing your profile
  • don’t use “I”, “me” or “my”…use your actual name.

Hall and Ciccarelli ended their talk with an encouragement for people to make full use of their new free Voices.com iPhone app (Android coming very soon)

The first round of talks in the afternoon offered presentations by Elley-Ray Henessey, Bettye Zoller, or a Panel lead by Dave DeAndrea.  I was not able to attend Henessey’s talk on voice placement, but the attendees told me she was a hoot.  I did, however sit in on Bettye Zoller’s talk on “Acting is Reacting” — maximizing your best reads on collaborative scripts.

Demo Panel

The panel by DeAndrea offered some straight talk on demos from those who should know:  Erik Sheppard of Voice Talent Productions, LA voice coach and talent Marc Cashman, Stephanie Cicarrelli of Voices.com, and Chuck Durant of the new Video Show VO Buzz.  This panel could’ve talked for much longer…but certainly touched on all the salient points of this important issue for us all…like length, mix, styles, and trends.

Animé ace Crispin Freeman closed out the day’s presentations with wisdom on voicing for a special kind of client: cartoons, anime, and video games.  His knowledge is truly remarkable, and his talk explained some key devices talent can use to create “real” sounding action characters…not as easy as you might think.

When different seminars are juxtaposed against each other like this conference is designed, there’s potential conflict in deciding where to go.  Luckily, VO talent I saw, seemed happy to share notes and verbalize key points to their peers when asked.

In the morning, I’ll be presenting along with Trish Basanyi and Terry Daniel on the use of Social Media in your marketing plans.  We’ve got some fun surprises in store, and I’ll have a web address posted tomorrow where you can download our PowerPoint presentation.

CourVO

 

 

 

Filed Under: VOICE 2012 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

VOICE2012 – Day One at Disney

June 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

One could easily miss the predictable and comfortable routine protocol of the VOICE conferences, but you’d have to have attended at least the last three to see it.

I see it…from the inside.  James and Penny are nothing if not thorough.

In the lead-up, there’s the hand-wringing about venues, and sponsors…exhibitors, and presenters.  There’s a website to maintain…the sign-up queue process…endless details of hand-holding and schedules, paperwork and deadlines, questions and questions.

In the mid-game, there are negotiations with the Hotel, more details over Audio/Visual…promotions for attendees…conference calls with staff and volunteers…scheduling and arranging exhibitors, securing presenter commitments…questions and questions.

In the stretch, there’s the relief of being at the threshold of breaking into the “black”: a numbers game.  More details about set-up, diplomacy with arranging the schedule…more promotions, appearances, advertising, the conference calls, questions and questions…sometimes some answers.

The pay-off:  a night like tonite with the Red Carpet Reception.  Penny even said as much in her opening remarks.  Her dream was to see a community much like the one present in the room — conversing, sharing, laughing, introducing, and (what else?) talking. 

Sure, community is achievable online.  Many of us do so everyday.  But nothing virtually quite captures the handshake, the hug, the personal smile, and slap on the back (or the posing for pictures) that comes with a one-on-one meet-up.

Today was a whirlwind.  A 2pm meeting for staff offered little that we hadn’t already discussed in conference calls.

Dan Lenard, Courvo, John Florian

 

Around 5pm, a gathering of staff and volunteers for a champagne toast and recognition certificates.

Then, a quick turnaround for the Red Carpet Reception.  The rite of passage:  a professionally-taken picture with James and Penny, and your name announced at the door as you walk in.

Hors D’oeuvres and cocktails loosened many-a-tongue as the evening wore on.  The program was short.  My lovely co-host Bobbin Beam and I introduced the co-founders and executive producers: James Alburger and Penny Abshire, and they, in turn, introduced the rest of the staff.

The remainder of the evening (until they kicked us out) was given over to food, drink, and more talk.  This is a gregarious and yet humble gathering…all the supportive enabling, and encouraging positivity acted out in one conversation after another.

Bobbin Beam, CourVO

Stephanie Ciccarelli, Julie Williams

So, now, to the meat of the matter.  All is set in motion.  The pattern of predictability (blessedly) will play out to the content of everyone.  VOICE2012 — even at Disneyland — is no Mickey Mouse affair…but it is a dream come true.

CourVO

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7 Ironclad Tips for Surviving and Thriving at VOICE2012

June 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

2007.  That’s when it all started.  At a smokey Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  I was a relative unknown, but organizers James Alburger and Penny Abshire took a chance on me as host, and here we are again 5 years later.

2008 and 2010 in Los Angeles, and now 2012 at Disneyland.  VOICE2012 should be the refined and well-organized event you’d expect after “practicing” 3 times before.  BTW, there’s still time to sign-up…even for day passes or exhibit passes.  From what we understand about 400 have already committed to the event.

The venue is big…distractions next-door are many…traffic and activity will be heavy…and the schedule is full.  A person could get overwhelmed.

Having been around for all the previous events, I have a unique perspective how to make the most of your time and investment for this event.  I’m not saying I know it all, but here are 7 ironclad tips I’ve found to survive and thrive at VOICE2012.

1)  You can’t do it all.  There’s just too much going on.  You will NOT be able to have 400 meaningful conversations with everyone there.  So…focus.  Decide before you even arrive what your goals are, who you want to see, and which presentations to attend.  You might change your mind, but at least have a plan.

2) Make notes to yourself.  Use your pen ‘n’ paper, or your smartphone, or your tablet computer. Do it as you go, or at the end of the day.  Stop and write it down, or make a mental note, but put it down somewhere or you’ll likely forget.  There is just too much going on, and you might forget.  Jot it down.  A name, a thought, a to-do list, or a must-do idea.

3)  Give business cards, accept business cards.  This will help with #2 above, and yes, paper business cards are still a very acceptable way to network.  Write on the back of them if you can…any notes to yourself.  This is a great way to see how people are branding themselves, too.

4) Go to the after-hours stuff.  Like any other conference, the casual conversations in the hallways and on the barstools sometimes reveal the REAL answers to your most pressing questions.  Gather ’round where people are talking and politely listen-in if nothing else.  You’ll learn a ton.

5) Introduce yourself.  Certainly do so to people you hope to talk to or to get on their radar…but also introduce yourself to perfect strangers attending the conference.   You might be surprised what they know or who they know that you NEED to know.  And it’s a great way to make new friends.

6)  Feel free to move between presentations.  Better to pick-up and move out of a seminar you thought had more to offer you, and pick up half-way through a more meaningful seminar, than to sit, bored, in the same seminar the whole allotted time.  Luckily you will not have to worry about that with the presentation I’m giving with Terry Daniel and Trish Basanyi on Social Media for VO’s. (ahem!).

7) Ask questions.  The staff and organizers at VOICE2012 want you to have a great experience.  Voice over people are generally the most helpful and encouraging folks you’ll ever run across.  No one will think any less of you.  There are  no dumb questions…just the ones you DON’T ask.

Honorable mention:  Take lots of pics.  Ask people to pose with you.  Takes pics of pairs and threesomes.  Take pics of strangers.  It’ll help you remember stuff about the event.

There.  That’s it.  I could go on and on with other suggestions, but that covers 98% of it.  Do all the above, and you will have a successful conference.  Also remember to send an email or snail-mail later (give it a couple of weeks), to say “thanks” or “great to meet you”, or to follow-up with your contact information to those with whom you want to develop a further relationship.  It works.

See ya there!

CourVO

 

Filed Under: VOICE 2012 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Seminar Preview

May 31, 2012 By 4 Comments

The month of May is gone, and I’m still trying to figure out where February went.

June brings with it the VOICE2012 Conference.  There’s still time to sign-up, BTW, although travel costs are starting to get expensive at this late juncture.

During the event, I’ll be presenting on the finer points of social media as it pertains to your VO marketing plan.  My cohorts in the seminar are Terry Daniel and Trish Basanyi.  Terry is presenting on FaceBook, and Trish will be explaining how she’s made Twitter work in her favor.

I’ll be presenting on the LinkedIn social network.  I’ve talked about this before this week here on my blog (LinkedIn Lip Service), and I’m hammering away at it, ’cause I think there’s a lot of value here for any voice talent in her/his search for new clients.

I’m also working hard on gathering resources for the presentation, and you’re my guinea pigs.  Below is a brief video I’ve recorded that profiles a particular tool on the LinkedIn site called “LinkedIn Signal”. It’s a great way to sift your way through the stream-of-consciousness on your social networks.

Take less than two minutes to watch:

I hope that tips you off to something about LinkedIn you were not aware of before.  The entire LI platform is riddled with opportunities to refine and advance your search in this manner…almost from every screen.

CourVO

Filed Under: Social Media/Networking, Social/Professional Networking, Techniques, Training/Education, VOICE 2012 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Conference Heavy

May 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

There’s no one to blame but me.

I’ve over-conferenced myself.  If I go to FaffCon in Charlotte this fall  (I know, I know…it’s an UN-conference)…that’ll be 5 VO conferences in less than a year’s time, and that’s not counting my MasterMind meetings and other conference calls.

This will NOT happen again.

Don’t get me wrong.  Each and every one of these events is worthwhile.  I learn stuff.  I meet people.  I “network”.  But one can get conferenced out.

In the next few weeks, I’ll be at APAC/BEA, then VOICE2012.

The real key is what you do with all you learn, and who you meet AFTER you get home.

I’ve got my own thoughts about this, and they’re closely aligned with a very cogently-written article by Deborah Shane.  It’s called:
8 Steps To Converting Connections After A Conference.

I highly recommend you bookmark this link and give it a look before and after you attend ANY conference.  Well worth it!

CourVO

Filed Under: APAC, FaffCon, VOICE 2012 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Coffee with CourVO

May 16, 2012 By 2 Comments

Fellow VO Social Media geeks Terry Daniel and Trish Basanyi several weeks ago resurrected their highly-successful VO podcast series, and renamed it “Voice Over Cafe”.

I was lucky enough to be 3rd on their list of guests, and recorded with them the other day.

We talked a lot about World-Voices.org and the many issues surrounding it — namely the need for, and the help we’re getting in spades to establish a true VO Guild of voice actors and the standards we hope to be able to develop in technical criteria and codes of best practice for the voiceover community.

Here’s the link to our podcasat:  http://epodcastnetwork.com/voice-over-cafe-episode-3/

Trish and Terry are both my partners in a presentation on the topic of Social Media at VOICE2012 at Disneyland next month.  We’ll be covering an all-encompassing view of the top social networking platforms; what it takes to get noticed, and get jobs IN those networks.

Additionally, I’m hosting my own webinar on the topic of Social Media, Saturday 5/19/12 Noon PST for Edge Studio.  Here’s the link to sign-up: http://www.edgestudio.com/social-media-marketing-for-voice-over.

CourVO

Filed Under: Podcasts, Teleseminar, VOICE 2012, Webinar Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

‘Coupla Noteworthy Deadlines

May 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

My my how time flies!

A minute ago VOICE2012 was more than half-a-year off, and now it’s about a month-and-a-half away…how does that happen?

Executive producers of the VO conference James Alburger and Penny Abshire have sent out about a million notices about today’s deadline.  The BEST pricing for the conference ends today.

Need some encouragement that your dollars are well-spent for this conference?   I’ve talked about that in a previous blog(5  VOICE2012 Myths Dispelled)…and all of it is still true.  :)

Visit this page to take care of the VOICE2012 registration today.

********************

About a month ago, I published a blog that got more than 5,000 hits.  It was an interview with a friend who made a long list of suggestions for tapping into CraigsList as a job resource. (Cracking Craigslist).

That friend — John Breese — is selling off his Craigslist site, and the rights to his course.  Until May 4th, his course (typically $37), is now on sale for less than half that price.  I promised him I would pass along this information to all of you who found his tips so helpful.  I have not reviewed this course, but I believe in the value that John places in the products he releases.

Click HERE to read more about the offer, and at a price that costs less than 4 gallons of gas.

CourVO

 

 

Filed Under: Referral, VOICE 2012 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 VOICE2012 Myths Dispelled

April 12, 2012 By 6 Comments

Terry Daniel kickin' it up in 2010

Two short months from today (4-12-12) the 4th rendition of VOICE will kick off in SoCal.

#1 was in Vegas in 2007, #2 in 2008 in Century City, #3 also in Century City in 2010, and now VOICE2012 at the Disneyland Hotel, June 13-16 (but the Red Carpet reception is on the 12th).  I’ve been a host or co-host for all of them, and now a presenter for the second time this June.

I say all that not to thump my breast, but as someone who’s been on the inside, and who knows all the personalities, challenges, and logistics of putting on an event like this.

I wanna be brutally honest my in myth-busting today, ’cause I’ve heard the remarks, and the questions whether this is a worthwhile investment, and who benefits from the event.

MYTHS

Myth #1: VOICE is just for newbies. Wrong.  Newbies probably have the most to gain, but voice actors of all experience-level will get a strong return-on-investment.  While the up-and-coming novice will fill their plate with the tips on making a good demo or audition secrets…the more experienced can look for new niches and keep up with trends.  Commercial voice actors might want to attend an audiobook seminar to take advantage of this red-hot sector. I’m not gonna lie…some of the presenters are looking for new students to build their classes.  That’s OK.  I don’t see one coach on the schedule who hasn’t earned their stripes. My presentation on Social Media with Terry Daniel and Trish Basanyi barely resembles the info we shared in 2010.

Myth #2: James and Penney make a killing in profit on this event. Neither of the gracious executive producers of this event have shared their balance sheet with me, so I have no definitive answer for you.  However, I’ve seen the work they put into this.  Hours and hours.  They started planning well over a year ago.  There are endless details.  Endless.  They have a paid staff.  They invest upfront dollars.  They cross their fingers people will even show up.  There is overhead, headaches, and heady issues to deal with.  Did I mention how much time they put into this?  I’m not sure what profit comes into their pockets in the end, but as far as I’m concerned, they earn every dime, I don’t think anyone would bedrudge them a net gain for the the risk they take and the time they invest.

Myth #3: The event costs too much.  Have you done a weekend workshop with Pat Fraley, Bettye Zoller, or David Goldberg?  These are some of the top VO coaches in the country, and they’re not cheap.  A weekend with any one of them equals your price of admission to VOICE2012.  But you’re not just getting the three I named…you’re getting about 25+ others, and the personal one-on-one access to them that comes with your attendance.  Then there’s the conversations with peers, hallway chats, and after-hours schmoozing.  I know an East Coast attendee can plan on dropping about $1500 for this trip.  I can’t think of a place in the VO universe where you could get a better bang for your buck.  It’s an investment in your business and tax deductible.

Myth #4: Disneyland?  Really?  Mousketeer jokes aside, it makes not one bit of difference where this event is held as long as there are adequate meeting rooms, decent restaurants, and reasonable room rates.  I know a number of attendees who plan to bring the family.  That way EVERYBODY has a good time, and doesn’t have to put up with mom or dad’s stuffy conference.  There are still opportunities to match up with someone seeking a roomate, and just about every airline  has special rates for Disneyland vacations.  From what I’ve heard The Disneyland Hotel is bending over backwards to meet our needs.  James and Penny had doubts at first, too, but when they saw the facilities and accommodations being offered…they said it was a slam-dunk.

Myth #5: The Conference is too long.  I can see the argument.  If you arrive for the Red Carpet event on Tuesday, and leave on Sunday, that’s a good chunk of a week.  Day passes are available, although that’s probably only a good deal for people within driving distance.  Exhibitor passes are possible, too.  My experience has been, though, that when you come and meet, and talk, and relax with the attendees and the presenters, you start feeling part of a community, and you also start believing in yourself as a successful and contributory part of this business.  I’ve attended shorter conferences, and sometimes they seem like a flash in the pan.  Leave a day early if you have to, but my guess is, you’ll see the wisdom of the schedule the way it’s arranged.

Honorable mention myths:
Southern California shouldn’t be the only place to hold VOICE. You’re right.  It could be held in almost any other city.  Unfortunately, the producers live there, have connections there, and — most importantly — are able to tap into the deepest, richest vein of capable, accomplished coaches and presenters anywhere…even better than NYC..although it’s a close match.  Hollywood still is the #1 market for voice-actors, actors, film, agents, ADR, video games, animation….the list goes on.  If this event was not in SoCal, that caliber of coach would not be as readily accessible.

The event is too “controlled” and rigid.  Anyone who’s attended FaffCon would concur.  I’ve been to both, and clearly the “unconference” format has it’s strengths.  But let’s face it, there are a lot of different crayons in the color box, and some people just thrive better at an event that’s structured.  This is that kind of event.  Everything’s laid out, planned, scheduled, and pre-determined.  There are advantages.

I’ll miss work while I’m there. Not likely,  as you’ll be bringing your mobile set-up, right?  There’s fast Wi-Fi that comes to your room.  The whole conference and all your peers will be dripping with equipment, and willingness to help.  On top of all that, VOICE has arranged to have an ISDN Booth ready for anyone to use during the conference…all you have to do is be sure to schedule your time on it.  Cool!

Even with all those arguments, you may decide VOICE2012 is not for you.  Absolutely.  No one is going to argue with you.  There are many variables that go into an expensive, time-consuming decision like this…but don’t let anyone convince you to be absent from this event for the sake of believing one of the top 5 myths…in my estimation, they just don’t hold water.

CourVO

Filed Under: VOICE 2012 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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