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.

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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

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

You’d think that…but then, really…can you honestly account for the passing of January, February, and March already?

Right.  So then, maybe not such a good idea to ignore the calendar further, eh?

Maybe you missed FaffCon, or maybe it’s time to get serious about some voice-over networking…either way, June looms large on the voice-acting schedule with VOICE2012 practically upon us: June 13-16 at the Disneyland Hotel.

Just yesterday Executive Producers James Alburger and Penny Abshire released the VOICE 2012 Video Commercial.  Scores of talent auditioned to be the voice of this production, and as it turns out John Wray won the honor, and when you listen to the video below, you’ll see why.

Pricing for registration will increase in about two weeks for this event, so please make your considerations of travel and expenses now.

Disclaimer:  I’m biased, having hosted all previous VOICE events, and also presented in 2010, and have plans to do the same in June.  Before you swallow hard and look at the pricing, consider what 3 days worth of VO coaching would cost you if you did it on the phone, or by Skype.  Now compare that to the networking, relationship-building, learning, and fun you’ll have with a passel of your peers in June at Disneyland.  Bring the wife ‘n’ kids!  There’s plenty of room.

C ya there!

CourVO

Thank goodness there still IS a spirit of the season. Sometimes the expectations of giving during November/December seem almost mercenary…but to coin a cliché: “…the need has never been greater…”

I’ve already committed hundreds of dollars to United Way in the form of an automatic payroll deduction for 2012…I voice monthly articles from the Readers Digest for blind listeners in Los Angeles, and donatae my time for many volunteer organizations, mostly for disadvantaged children.

I don’t say that to brag…I say that as a proud active member of a great nation with a strong civic community.  That’s what makes the US great, not our military or our bounty.  I guess I’m just a goody two-shoes.

If you’re unfamiliar with the great sense of fulfillment that comes with volunteering or donating, please check out Terry Daniel’s challenge for voice actors this season.  You can even contribute as a voice-actor to some people who can really use the help.

James Alburger recently put out a notice seeking help:  “…We’re in search of some very special voice talent who would be interested in participating as narrator’s for a series of online training and educational programs for people with developmental disabilities and those who work with them…”

This is gratis.  No pay.  But your heart will fill up.  Click this link to find out more.

CourVO

VOICE began in 2007 in Vegas, then 2008, 2010 both in Los Angeles.

Co-Founders James Alburger and Penny Abshire have been working behind the scenes for the last several months to secure the site for the next big Voice over convention, and they say Disney came up with an offer they could not pass up!

Having MC’d all the VOICE conventions so far, I can tell you this is not an event you should miss.  The turnout is big, and the energy and excitement of the conference is career-changing.  James and Penny have some big surprises in store that will blow previous sessions out of the water…and hey!…there’s’ Mickey!

See their big announcement here.

See their new web page, and information and sign-up here.

Join the VOICE2012 FaceBook Group

See you there!

CourVO

Alburger and Abshire are the force behind many VO businesses.  They are the producers and originators of  the ‘VOICE’ series of voice-acting conferences.  They do coaching, voicing, podcasts, seminars, webinars, demos, producing, consulting, and more…much of it under the auspices of “The Voice Acting Academy“.

Now, they’re launching a new business which may have great value to you…and you can choose from one of three levels of commitment and pricing.

It’s called “THE CONDUCTOR’S CLUB“, and it’s designed to help you advance your career and your VO business, no matter where you are in the process.

Check it out…this might be just what you need to move forward with voice acting in the new year!

CourVO

Doug Turkel makes a point about branding

You truly do run out of superlatives to explain the value of the fluid exchange of golden ideas at VO’s first “un”conference…FaffCon,  taking place this weekend in Portland, OR.

Huddled into a couple of small conference rooms at the Hyatt Place Portland, roughly 50 attendees freely shared concepts and advice on everything across a wide panoply of topics that concern any voice actor earnestly seeking and keeping work.  Agents, unions, leads, clients, equipment, software, cold calls, warm calls, social media, marketing, branding and more…much more.

Bob Souer watches Pam Tierney make a video during a session

Led by a volunteer facilitator, each session Saturday led to open discussion from all attending…chiming in freely with comments, suggestions, experience or valuable wisdom.

This quickly became a tight-knit group…before, during and after-session moments extended conversations sparked during the meetings.  The free exchange of what some might consider trade secrets or proven techniques were offered-up without a second thought.  Camaraderie held the greater sway over competiton.

Connie Terwilliger was explaining the new Word2Wav Ver. 3.0 in one room, while Ed Bednarzik revealed his inside information of how he landed a lucrative Dairy Gold contract.  All the while, Amy Snively is leading a discussion next-door on the finer points of improv.  No matter where you land (and there’s plenty of people sidling between the three sessions WHILE they’re ongoing), you catch “gold nuggets” of information.

Lunch is provided, after which the pace picks up with 4 vigorous afternoon hour-long slots to follow the morning’s 2 hour-long grouped sessions.

Voice Actor Justin Barrett takes it all in.

Mercedes Rose led a spirited roundhouse discussion that began with her recounting how she runs a full-time 15-yr-old voice over business from a small town not far from Portland while raising 3 children.  Her advice:  make your own opportunities: “…create your own jobs rather than compete for them…”

The hour passes in a flash when virtually everyone in the room contributes to a wide-ranging discussion that includes unions, payment options, agents, initiatives, entrepreneurship and much much more.

Dan Nachtrab modestly leads a discussion about the “sweet spot”, or how to realize the different niches in VO “where you really suck.”

Bruce Miles brought copy and called-up pairs or single performers to deliver brief lines while he directed (with the help of Edge Studio coach Randye  Kay) and gave constructive criticism where appropriate.

Amanda Fellows & Liz de Nesnera react to a funny comment

The afternoon finishes with a group picture…moments of summary, sharing “golden nuggets”, and a discussion of plans for the morning.

Break for supper.  More involved conversations…impromptu and rapidly-forming-and-disintegrating groups share stream-of-consciousness topics.  It never seems to stop…becoming hard to distinguish between the sessions, and the breaks…the schedule and the ad-libs.

You could engage in a decade of voice-over work, and not get the concentration of information shared here in two days.

More tomorrow!

James Alburger & Dave Courvoisier playing with an iPhone4

CourVO

The Hotel is ready for the onslaught.

James Alburger and Penny Abshire have overseen the management of about 5.63 million details.

You CAN still register and attend…even just the exhibits…or just for a day!

Bring an extra extension cord…hotels never have enough plug-ins.

I’ll be blogging on behalf of myself, and SaVoa and VoiceOverXtra, so the iPhone will be getting a workout, no doubt!  Be sure to check back here for updates.

The presentation I’ve been working on with Terry Daniel is done.  We’re rarin’ and ready to go!  It’s gonna be fun!  I’ve been working on a website that displays all the information in our presentation and more.  It’ll debut the morning of our talk (Fri 6-4-10).

Can you feel the excitement??!!

CourVO

So, here’s #15:  Friday Morning’s General Session features veteran voice actor Terry Daniel (and me) presenting on the topic of “Leveraging Social Media for Your VoiceOver Business”.  A must see!….and a $7623 value…all included in your registration for VOICE2010  ;-}

Seriously, click on the link to hear the great info James shares.

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