VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

mstaji · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 1:56 am Post subject: New Scam Alert Section at TVE

Morning Folks,

I recently (actually it might have been a month or so back) got an email from one of my readers (I write a blog called Taji's Voice Emporium) that detailed how this casting company scammed them out of payment. This person did a sizable job for said casting company (based in India) and she never got paid... and they've been dodging her ever since.

Now this company (Voxbox) has apparently done this to several other voice over actors.. and that got me thinking that as a community we need to setup some kind of directory or list of people who have a history of pulling a fast one on VO artists.

So I've created a page on my blog and am accepting submissions from any and all vo artists who have been wronged by some casting agency or client. If the story gets corroborated by someone else then I include that agency in the list.

This is an effort to benefit the community and help scare the scammers from trying any nonsense with us.

Tell me what you think,
Regards,
Mahmoud Taji
www.voiceemporium.com

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 2:35 am Post subject:

Be very very careful of doing something like this. American lawyers would LOVE to sue for defamation of character if you outthe wrong deep-pocketed individual.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

Mike Harrison · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 6:14 am Post subject:

Yes. The desire to sue. The new American dream. (yawn).

Is concrete proof - perhaps in the form of email threads clearly showing intent to hire (and pay) - no longer a weapon? By remaining silent... by not publicly embarrassing voice-over thieves we send the message that it's OK to screw us. If a parent doesn't tell a child that it's dangerous to play with matches, what do they say or do when the kid burns the house down?

Harry Markopolos submitted proof of Bernie Madoff's scam FIVE TIMES to the Securities and Exchange Commission. They did N-O-T-H-I-N-G. And because they did nothing, Madoff was able to go merrily on his way, screwing people left and right.

A much bigger example, yes. But the same principle. You want results? Ya gotta make a lot of noise.
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Philip Banks · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 6:28 am Post subject:

I once received a "cease and decist" letter from a Lawyer acting on behalf of a production company. I declined the invitation to "cease and decist" and thanked him for his interest adding that I wished his firm the best of luck in extracting money from the client as so many others had failed in this matter.

No response!

mstaji · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 7:00 am Post subject: Don't Care

I currently live in Egypt. If they want to come after me here... they are welcome to do so. I will also be taking Mr. Banks' advice and not answering such nonsense emails.

BTW big fan of your videos Mr. Banks!

Taji
_________________
Mahmoud Taji
Personal website: http://www.mahmoudtaji.com
blog: http://www.voiceemporium.com
twitter: @mahmoudtaji

Deirdre · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 7:46 am Post subject:

Taji—

Thanks for the heads-up on these stinkers.

In the US, we have to be careful of whom we "rat out" or "tell the truth about". It's too bad, but the snake oil salesmen want to operate with impunity and they have lawyers to help them.
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IMDB

mstaji · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 7:53 am Post subject: As long as people participate

Thanks Deirdre,

I know this list is going to be controversial and I know I have to do what it takes to inform others of the scammers.

I'm also not stupid and I know that I need to protect myself against any possible litigation. So once I have a few more submissions I will probably make the list viewable to those who want to see it... which makes it a list that is not technically available to the public.

Membership will be free so its not like I'll be making anything off hosting the list. But what is most paramount is that people participate and not just sit on the sidelines watching the car crash as their sisters and brothers get burned.

Thanks for your support and I hope you tell others and see if others have experienced a scam professionally.

Regards,
M. Taji
_________________
Mahmoud Taji
Personal website: http://www.mahmoudtaji.com
blog: http://www.voiceemporium.com
twitter: @mahmoudtaji

bobsouer · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 8:05 am Post subject:

Taji,

A worthy effort. Thank you for undertaking it.
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Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Deirdre · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 8:11 am Post subject:

Sorry to address you by your last name, Mahmoud! I am reading and writing too fast this morning.
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DBCooperVO.com
IMDB

mstaji · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 9:33 am Post subject: I use both

Don't worry about it Deirdre,

Actually I go by both... I even named my blog Taji's Voice Emporium... not Mahmoud... Taji is easier to say for None Arabs. But for those who wish to try... I don't mind.

Regards,
Taji
_________________
Mahmoud Taji
Personal website: http://www.mahmoudtaji.com
blog: http://www.voiceemporium.com
twitter: @mahmoudtaji

bobbinbeamo · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 12:18 pm Post subject:

Mahmoud,
Thank you for the info. I'm going to check out what you have at your blog. Is your list limited only to agencies, or all businesses who fail to pay?
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Bobbin Beam
www.bobbinbeam.com
blog.bobbinbeam.com

mstaji · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 8:49 pm Post subject: All who fail