VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

JBarrett · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 9:52 am Post subject: I already exist. Now what?

While browsing some agency talent rosters recently, I stumbled across another Justin Barrett doing the voiceover thing. Upon seeing his name and listening to his demos, my heart sank a little. Not from a "he's better than me" standpoint, though. More like, "He's already creating an impression in the VO world for the name 'Justin Barrett'. Where do I go from here?"

I'd love to hear thoughts on how to approach this situation in terms of marketing, branding, etc. Some say that when it comes to branding for VO, your only brand should be your name. However, what's a soul to do when one's name is already out there?
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Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/

Deirdre · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:10 am Post subject:

Change your first name to Grinin?

I kid, but this is why the actors' unions have such a lock on performer names. There can only be 1 of anyone.
Is he a union member? if he is, you might have to consider the use of a middle initial, like Michael J. Fox.
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tackerman · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:58 am Post subject:

There isn't a VO selection but it could give you some ideas. cool

http://rockstarname.com/

RD Levine · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 11:51 am Post subject:

DB made me laugh
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Ron Levine
http://www.ronlevinevoiceactor.com

Bailey · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 12:02 pm Post subject:

Perhaps it was a flash forward experience.
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Retired... Every day is Saturday, except Sunday.
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Moe Egan · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 12:09 pm Post subject:

Lee Gordon · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 12:37 pm Post subject: Re: I already exist. Now what?

Bruce · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:09 pm Post subject:

I vote for adding an initial to your name. It's easiest for you and people who already work with you. Have fun picking one that sounds good if your own doesn't please you.

Justin X. Barrett, voiceoverist of mystery....

Justin W. Barrett, a voice of distinction....

Justin T. Barrett, putting the T in Pterodactyl....

B
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I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

mcm · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:40 pm Post subject:

But you're the only Justin Barrett voice talent we've ever heard of! Or care to hear of!

You might want to add an initial to distinguish yourself from that Boston cop though. He not a nice boy, no.

JBarrett · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 2:33 pm Post subject:

Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

I ran into the name problem when going to set up a website. Ironically, EddieEagle.com had been claimed by the NRA for their mascot for gun safety, Eddie Eagle. They still have no website created with the domain but an avid NRA member in NY got the site name.

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

I vote "Jay Barber" or get a sex change and Justine Barrett.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 11:47 pm Post subject:

You could also abbreviate your first name. "J. Barret" sounds kinda cool.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

todd ellis · Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 7:24 am Post subject:

every time someone says your last name you could say:

"it's bare-RAY!"

then walk away in a snit.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
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Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 7:29 am Post subject:

Pretend you're from the deep south and call yourself

P Justice Barrett Jnr III