VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 6:58 am Post subject: Argh! It's a phone call!

With very few exceptions I've noticed when calling VOs in the US or production companies the manner in which the telephone is answered leaves a great deal to be desired. When I call the phone is answered in such a way that whatever words are used the tone implies "What the **** do you want?" Worse still, the person who has answered the phone has just trodden in something and suspects it was I who put it there.

I've come to expect this icy wind when I make a transatlantic call and now have fun with it.

One of the TV networks based in New York city

PHONE RINGS

"XYZ TV New York. WHAT THE **** DO YOU WANT?"

"Hello. I'm Philip Banks one of your promo voices from the UK. May I speak to James Smith in promotions please?"

"James Smith in promotions, may I ask who's calling him please?"

She wasn't listening was she?

"No.........It's a surprise" in a very sinister tone.
There was a short pause then .............Have ya evah hoyd a Joysey goyl laaf? Really laugh? It's great, made my day.

Now when I call before being put through to James or one of his colleagues I spend a few minutes chatting with (if it's her) Susan on the switchboard.

bobsouer · Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 9:39 am Post subject: Re: Argh! It's a phone call!

Gp · Guest

I don't remember the guys name now but he is very funny.
He has a similar routine.
Hi Could I speak to John Howard please?
I can patch you through, can I tell him who is calling?
If you know who this is, certainly.

It reminds me a little bit of the old MAD magazine bits. "Snappy Answers To Stupid Questions."