VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:41 am Post subject: Need Information Today...

A friend of a friend just called me for advice. Have any of you heard of the National Institute of Broadcasting in Toronto. Are they good, bad, indifferent. This woman's friend is being pressured into signing up for their VO course - I can't find information on the course online. Just the pressure tactics leave a bad taste. Anyway - if any of you have had experience or know of anyone who has had experience with this outfit, I'd appreciate hearing of them - either here on via PM. She needs to give them an answer by tomorrow.

Thanks.
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Elaine
The Youthful Mature Voice (Emeritus)
Senectitude is not for the faint of heart.

Bruce · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:48 am Post subject:

I don't know a thing about them, but "pressured to sign" is a bad sign right off the bat. But the best testimonials are their graduates. They should be able to give your friend the names of several graduates who are successful, station call signs and all, and you should be able to call or email them to get their recommendation. If you can't find happy, successful graduates, I'd say walk away.

(We should probably copy this to the Learn section)

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. .

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:55 am Post subject:

Just finding out more on this deal - they are asking for $7500 for a 3 month course - they have given her no curriculum - anyway I seemed to have talked her out of it for the time being.

I just got off the phone with this woman and have talked her out of rushing into this. There are other places in Toronto where she can learn about VO for a fraction of the cost.
_________________
Elaine
The Youthful Mature Voice (Emeritus)
Senectitude is not for the faint of heart.

asnively · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:14 am Post subject:

Good grief! VO courses typically run about $100 US a week here in Los Angeles. For that kind of money, she'd better get a bleeping degree. And a Camaro.
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The Girls Next Door Forum

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:27 am Post subject:

Apparently this is a 'broadcast' course - whatever that means.
_________________
Elaine
The Youthful Mature Voice (Emeritus)
Senectitude is not for the faint of heart.

Deirdre · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:36 am Post subject:

It means "throw your money".
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DBCooperVO.com

tackerman · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:42 am Post subject:

Is your diploma printed in gold leaf?

Good grief.

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:44 am Post subject:

I don't know - but you do get to do your internship for 3 months at their internet radio station....

Boy, am I ever glad I talked her out of it.
_________________
Elaine
The Youthful Mature Voice (Emeritus)
Senectitude is not for the faint of heart.

asnively · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:54 am Post subject:

You're glad? She owes you lunch. And a Hawaiian vacation! Yikes! You even get to work for free for three months after paying for all that? What a deal.
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Rare Diseases Forum

Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 9:30 am Post subject:

Doc · Guest

Reminds me of period in my career when I taught broadcasting (PLEASE, no "Those who can..." implications) in Hollywood. I also graduated from this particular learning facility, so I had no apprehensions about returning to teach. After all, they approached me and I wasn't exactly 'satisfied' with what I was doing and where I was working at the time. It was a private school with a good reputation and a staff of killer radio and TV people. For guest speakers we used to get to hear Daws Butler, Casey Kasem and Gary Owens to name just a few.

Point is, not all broadcast schools are out to rip you off. But, it can get expensive. Our "Education Directors" (AKA: Sales People) job was to sign 'em up. And they did. We had a good reputation. However, few were anywhere near qualified to be there.

Since I was the one who received the batch of new 'recruits', it was my job to weed out the fame and fortune seekers from the truly dedicated. Was it difficult? Yes... and no. I developed a series of questions in my introduction to Basic Radio Production that seemed to quickly weed out the undesireables. Before this post becomes a chapter from my book, let me just say that the entire industry has changed. Then, our entire broadcast course ran for 2 full years, 5 hours/night, 4 nights/week. And, it was reasonable compared to $7500... even though that was a different economic era. The industry demanded talent and creativity in the 70's. I cannot even imagine paying $7500 to learn how to operate a broadcast console, a computer playback program and a mic switch.

Yet I understand her desire.

Don G. · King's Row Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Posts: 1071 Location: MA

She needs to give them an answer by tomorrow.

Yet I'd be willing to be that if she showed up with $7500 next week, they'd be happy to take it. Reminds me of the car dealers who state that "This offer is only good for today."

Right.

You're a good friend and she owes you lunch. Smile