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Most common reasons people fail at VO
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bobbinbeamo
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Joined: 05 Mar 2007
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 2:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you for this simple truth, Bob...
Quote:
Every once in a while, we luck into a job. But for an overall career, it takes a lot more than luck. It takes forethought. It sometimes takes turning a job down. It sometimes takes doing a job for less than before. But for career longevity, it takes a lot more than luck.

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Bill Roberts
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Joined: 08 Dec 2009
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Location: Las Vegas, Nevada.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I would assume that most people fail in VO due to the fact that they think it’s so EASY to succeed, and then learn that it’s an art that takes talent, persistence, and perseverance. Like all other things in life, they simply give up prior to implementing the effort necessary to meet with any positive results. The REJECTION factor, is a big factor, and new talent (at times) does not comprehend WHY the rejection, people just don’t know what they don’t know. The fist thing they tell you in radio is be yourself, I was told that 25 years ago, and just recently understood the true concept of what they were saying 3 years ago when I got into VO. 25 years of radio, and thousands of commercials later, I regret that I did not capitalize on all that missed opportunity to develop and hone my skills, at what has now become a craft that I now enjoy more than radio.

The point to all this that that I am glad I never gave up, I have given it the persistence, and perseverance required to make it this far, and still continue to stay in the game.
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Philip Banks
Je Ne Sais Quoi


Joined: 20 Jun 2005
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Location: Portgordon, Scotland

PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A number of years ago I had a call from an ad agency who wanted me to do a national TV and radio campaign - BIG PAY DAY. They chose me based on two words on my demo ...1 minute ...Luxury!
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kkuhlken
Club 300


Joined: 29 Feb 2012
Posts: 348
Location: Dallas, GA (Metro Atlanta-ish)

PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This happened today because I stuck my neck out with someone I knew a long time ago who is a producer at a small network affiliate TV station:

Quote:
I finally got ahold of my general manager, and he said he would love a new voice guy. So soon as I can get with my promotions manager, I will send you a script


This also happened today from a note to an author I am acquainted with inquiring about voicing the audiobook versions of his books:

Quote:
Karl, I might have some need for this in the not too distant future. Let's keep in touch. I'm at (email)


So, I am finding out that getting your name out in front of decision makers is huge.
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Limerick Lane Audio
Contributore Level V


Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Posts: 151

PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 4:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

***

Last edited by Limerick Lane Audio on Thu Aug 15, 2013 7:27 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Deirdre
Czarina Emeritus


Joined: 10 Nov 2004
Posts: 13023
Location: Camp Cooper

PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 4:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It might be worth asking instead why people succeed.
It's more edifying to study a smaller sample. Otherwise it's a bit like wondering about the behavior of plankton.
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ConnieTerwilliger
Triple G


Joined: 07 Dec 2004
Posts: 3381
Location: San Diego - serving the world

PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 7:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

OK Deebs - I'll bite...

I am successfully making a living doing voiceovers because I have been doing it since 1972 (sort of). And because I got my first website in 1996. And because I'm a perfectionist, work-a-holic.

I do teach an introduction to voiceovers at a community college where I emphasize self-evaluation and an understanding of the business side of this business. And I have found that the past couple of semesters I wake myself up at night worrying about how the few (the very few) students with some talent who can actually hear themselves will even make a dent in this business.

One young man from last semester might have a chance. He is a trained opera singer and can actually affect change in his delivery. Plus he has writing and production skills which he has parlayed into contracts with some small market radio stations to produce spots. He may make it. Most will not.
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Lee Gordon
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Joined: 25 Jul 2008
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ConnieTerwilliger wrote:

I am successfully making a living doing voiceovers because I have been doing it since 1972 (sort of). And because I got my first website in 1996. And because I'm a perfectionist, work-a-holic.


And because you're good!
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ConnieTerwilliger
Triple G


Joined: 07 Dec 2004
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Location: San Diego - serving the world

PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Lee, I'm "good" because I know my limitations?
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Kristin Lennox
Flight Attendant


Joined: 30 Apr 2011
Posts: 858

PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ConnieTerwilliger wrote:

I am successfully making a living doing voiceovers because I have been doing it since 1972 (sort of). And because I got my first website in 1996..


This is pretty similar to what I was going to contribute. I make a successful living doing vo because I've been doing it since the early '90s. I have clients I've been working with for twenty years.

I looked at the breakdown of my auditions-to-bookings vs. direct bookings last year, and 87% of my work was direct bookings -- either through my agents, or directly by the client. I audition an extremely low amount -- maybe 3-5 times per week. I don't do any marketing. I want to change that in 2013... but I have a lot on my plate, personally, right now, and part of me just thinks, "well, if it ain't broke..."

But, man -- if I were just starting my career NOW... I don't know. SO SO much tougher to break in now than it was when I started. You need dogged persistence, and unbreakable determination... and skin like a rhino. Plus talent. There is that talent-thing...
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melissa eX
MMD


Joined: 20 Oct 2007
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Location: Lower Manhattan, New Amsterdam, the original NYC

PostPosted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 11:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bish wrote:
I aspire to be someone who doesn't have to audition...


Good luck with that. Hugh Jackman had to audition for his role in Les Mis.
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Jen Gosnell
A Hundred Dozen


Joined: 14 Jan 2010
Posts: 1290
Location: Portland, OR

PostPosted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 12:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

melissa eX wrote:
Hugh Jackman had to audition for his role in Les Mis.


Now if only they had applied the same strict criterion to Russell Crowe.... Shocked
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Lee Gordon
A Zillion


Joined: 25 Jul 2008
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Location: West Hartford, CT

PostPosted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 2:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

We sometimes engage in the discussion of celebrities coasting into VO jobs on little more than the strength of their fame, but I thought this little tidbit was interesting. A local studio where I have done quite a bit of recording over the years likes, as so many studios do, to put up photos, Facebook and Twitter announcements, and press releases whenever some show biz big shot records there. One day they announced that actor Brian Dennehy had been in to record. It was an audition for a Chevy commercial. Even the TV and movie guys don't get everything automatically handed to them.
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Philip Banks
Je Ne Sais Quoi


Joined: 20 Jun 2005
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Location: Portgordon, Scotland

PostPosted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 6:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

People use "must audition regularly" as one of the secrets to success. Because of the way most VOs learn or claim to learn the trickle down effect makes them believe "must audition regularly for anything" - NO YOU MUST NOT! Audition for a $200 job ...No ...Never! Audition for a $200 per week job, too right you should!

Without being pompous, elitist or arrogant step one to being taken seriously as a professioal is to take yourself seriously as a professional.

Serious offer from me. Get a room or studio anywhere in the US, get enough people together for a weekend. Pay my expenses over and $500 for my time and I will show you how I do it and did it. It worked yesterday, it will work tomorrow and it has worked today.

To be honest I expect a ZERO take up rate and to cover costs, not "make PB rich" you'll need about 10-15 people.
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Dayo
Cinquecento


Joined: 10 Jan 2008
Posts: 544
Location: UK

PostPosted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 6:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bob Bergen wrote:


VO is no different. You and your skills, personality, and brand need to stand out as brilliant and specific as a top comic.


I completely concur! We live in an age of specificity. Generalism is deader than Betamax. Know your brand!
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