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VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!
Established November 10, 2004
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Bill Eshelman
Joined: 04 Oct 2011
Posts: 15
Location: Central PA
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 Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 9:25 pm Post subject: Too close to the project? |
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I have been doing VO sort of by accident for a couple years now and have a question for anyone who might be in a similar situation. I come from a music background and since I was doing the audio for a car commercial, I ended up being asked to do the VO too. Hey, they liked it... About 100 projects later, I am realizing that I really care about the VO and want to be better at it. The question is due to the fact that I have also written every car script I've ever voiced. Question: Is it possible that I am too close to my own projects to actually judge my own voice over skills? I know I should probably do a fake project and see how I feel about it ... Anyways, I really like learning about voice and such. Thanks for any feedback.
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Bob Bergen
CM
Joined: 22 Apr 2008
Posts: 979
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| Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:02 pm Post subject: |
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No way to know this from just your posting. You would be the best judge. Have you studied vo? If so, how do you do at workshops? If not, take a class and see how you do with other people's copy.
It's good that you are concerned with this. It means you care and want to be the best you can be. Often times we get long term contracts and get in a rut. Sort of a creative pattern. This is why a refresher in a class is so important. It's like working out. Do the same routine everyday and you stay the same. Mix it up and push yourself to the limit and you begin seeing results again. |
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Philip Banks
Je Ne Sais Quoi
Joined: 20 Jun 2005
Posts: 11074
Location: Portgordon, Scotland
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| Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 4:55 am Post subject: |
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Do not ask your friends, do not ask you family, do not ask yourself, do not ask for an opinion from someone who is expecting a cheque ...ASK someone from whom you want to extract money for VO work.
The reason an internet and any number of VO gatherings are so popular is that no one has the guts to say, with love, **** YOU SUCK!
Not being able to do VO stuff ranks in the league of human values just below unable to spell toylit paypur. The road LESS travelled is the road to heaven. Apologies, that was religious ..Is the road to somewhere fairly nice but not in a zen or spiritual way. |
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Bruce
Boardmeister
Joined: 06 Jun 2005
Posts: 7977
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 5:09 am Post subject: |
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One way to view it is if your client is happy then all is good. If you like your work that's good too. But, you're also right to be a bit concerned if you're handling all phases of a recurring production without an outside opinion here and there from someone you trust. They may confirm that your work is spot on, but it's nice to get confirmation.
You're welcome to post something in our Critique section and see what some of us working stiffs have to say, but you may also want to invest in a session or two with one of the consulting pros out there. As with all advice, free or pricey, you get to decide what to ignore and what makes sense.
B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005
I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. . |
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Bob Bergen
CM
Joined: 22 Apr 2008
Posts: 979
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| Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 7:30 am Post subject: |
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| Philip Banks wrote: | Do not ask your friends, do not ask you family, do not ask yourself, do not ask for an opinion from someone who is expecting a cheque ...ASK someone from whom you want to extract money for VO work.
The reason an internet and any number of VO gatherings are so popular is that no one has the guts to say, with love, **** YOU SUCK!
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Bless Philip Banks!!!!!!!
I get at least 25 emails a week from folks telling me that they've been told that they have a great voice and should look into VO. When pressed as to who told them this, never is it an agent, casting director, producer, etc. It's friends, family, bank tellers, etc.
Please don't take this the wrong way, folks. I don't mean to insult here. And, this does not reflect everyone here or on other forums. I know there are many here who make a terrific living at VO. And, I wish I'd had forums when I was studying VO. But here's my point. Often times I see out of work actors asking out of work actors advice on getting work. Demos are being critiqued by people who either don't have one, have a lousy one, etc. I'm not saying don't ask advice or engage your fellow voice actors. But, consider the source.
Since I spend 75% of my day in my home office/studio, I'm more than happy and able to respond to anyone asking for VO advice. And, from time to time I qualify my advice with the fact that it's just that, my advice. I may hate your demo and others may love it. But the same goes for agents. Just this week I had a former student, who happens to be brilliant, seek representation. She sent her demo to 10 agents. Eight of them wanted to meet her. Four of them offered her representation. Of those 4, two of them liked her but wanted her to change her demos. Hey, that's show biz. But all could hear the talent and potential.
Now, in all my years of teaching I have never told anyone not to pursue VO. The reason is, lousy actors get lucky breaks everyday. Just like brilliant actors can go their entire career without being able to get a break. Again, that's show biz! But who am I to prevent even a lousy actor the possibilities?? Now, even though I would never tell anyone not to pursue, I will tell them what I think they need to do before pursuing. Usually it's take and acting and (or) improv class before investing in more VO classes. But again, it's just my opinion.
One of my concerns regarding the internet is people who are not ready posting their work or demos. And, I've said this many times on other posts. You get one chance to make a good impression. Buyers haunt this and other forums all the time. Most, if not all, are on Facebook. Actors are blowing it by posting lousy work. Or, bragging about auditions or bookings. Social networking is a great resource, and I use it daily to market. But whatever you post online is there for the entire world to judge. When time is money, think before you invite the entire world to judge.
...did I just take this on an entirely different journey?? I'll bring it back to where I started! Philip rocks!  |
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Bill Eshelman
Joined: 04 Oct 2011
Posts: 15
Location: Central PA
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| Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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Wow, this VO-BB is a rabbit hole. I got sucked into woodworking the same way at Sawmill Creek BB. Super nice people. Anyways, I am glad I posted this question. Thank you for the answers and I don't feel like I still need an answer. You guys rock.
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If you want to go further in life, take bigger steps. |
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Lee Gordon
A Zillion
Joined: 25 Jul 2008
Posts: 6864
Location: West Hartford, CT
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| Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 12:38 am Post subject: |
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| Bill Eshelman wrote: | | I got sucked into woodworking the same way at Sawmill Creek BB. |
If such a thing were possible, Wood Central would be sort of like the woodworking equivalent of VO-BB, in my opinion.,
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Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice
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Philip Banks
Je Ne Sais Quoi
Joined: 20 Jun 2005
Posts: 11074
Location: Portgordon, Scotland
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| Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 1:44 am Post subject: |
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Only on an internet is it possible for a bearded man covered in fresh cuts to the face to teach a woman how best to shave her legs.
(No connection with previous post or poster) |
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todd ellis
A Zillion
Joined: 02 Jan 2007
Posts: 10528
Location: little egypt
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| Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 4:59 am Post subject: |
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i go to wood123 for my wood workers ... you should try there.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?
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melissa eX
MMD
Joined: 20 Oct 2007
Posts: 2794
Location: Lower Manhattan, New Amsterdam, the original NYC
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| Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 8:51 am Post subject: |
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| Is that where anyone who buys an axe feels they're able to grind it? |
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