VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

tayman0522 · Joined: 13 Nov 2014 Posts: 9 Location: Texas

[edited for rather excessive commercial content. ~Deebs]
VO Buzz Weekly is fast becoming my go-to podcast to watch about the VO industry. They have great guests every week and they are truly fun to watch. Their content is relevant to those who are just starting out in the industry, but for those who are accomplished voice over talent, you can still learn great tips and ideas that will improve your voice over business.

This podcast is a must see!

Stacey J Aswad and Chuck Duran, co-hosts of VO Buzz Weekly, had as their special guest Bill DeWees, who is one of the greats in the voice over industry. Bill has been doing voice over work full-time for the last nine years, and is a former e-Learning consultant as well as a marketing guru. While he calls himself a "reluctant coach," his video content on how to make it in the VO business is top-notch.

Bill DeWees and his education programs.
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Taylor Stonely
Voice Over Talent
Tayman Int'l Ventures LLC
http://tayblog.com

Frank F · Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2015 11:09 am Post subject:

Gotta tell you, after 45+ years in the VO biz I am not overly thrilled at a nine year veterans views of things that go bump in the night. Bill may have a few things which are deemed responsible, but then again any one person has a few things which may be considered apt. I always learn something from every person I meet.

It is great to hear about the possibilities and another good podcast is good for our industry.

Frank F
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

No one person has a magic formula as to how things work. What works for one person, may not work for another. When all is said and done, I believe you chart your own course.
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Lee Kanne
www.leekanne.com

richvoice · Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2015 12:43 pm Post subject:

I've enjoyed the episodes of Chuck and Stacey's show that I've watched. He also just did my new demos, and it was a very good experience, he's a fun guy to be around.

I've been following Bill DeWees for several months. I haven't paid for anything yet, but I'm seriously considering one of his packages, because now that I've got new demos it's time to start actively marketing myself, and I'm having the same problem I have with every project I undertake: getting started. Whether it's tearing down a block wall, building a birdhouse, or getting a VO business going, getting started is always the hardest part for me. "Should I do this first or that first? What if this happens? What if that happens? Maybe this won't work. Maybe I should wait for that." And on and on. Once I get started, I usually wonder what my problem was, as everything goes relatively smoothly. But just taking the first step is always hard for me.

If I pay for one of Bill's packages, it won't be because I'm thinking, "HE'LL have the answer for me!" Because I believe as Lee does that what works for one person won't work for another, and it's entirely possible that if I did exactly what Bill did I'll have no luck at all. Instead, what I'll be looking for is specific ideas, combined with the intent behind them (or at least enough information where I can extrapolate the intent). Hopefully that will enable me to make my own path, successfully.
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Cheers,
Rich
http://www.richvoiceproductions.com
@RichMillerVO

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

Well, it's like anything.. you can't be too concerned with doing it perfect or 100% right all the time, or else nothing would ever get off the ground..

I watched some of the VO Buzz segment as well, as I was a little surprised that he advocated the P2P's as a major launching pad for getting things going.. that's a little surprising because some people just have horrible results with the P2P'S. If you read between the lines of what he was saying, it all comes down to simple, basic Marketing 101.. Get the product out there and in peoples faces..

If I remember correctly, he also said that he is listed with 15 agencies.. even with that many, he doesn't keep all his eggs in the agent basket..

This whole VO biz reminds me an awful lot of when I was in the sales and account rep game.. Keep a lot of irons in the fire… Don't dwell too much on the deals that got away.. Be very thick skinned about the rejection.. And work your ass off..
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Lee Kanne
www.leekanne.com

Bish · Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2015 5:42 pm Post subject:

"Fun to watch" is a very subjective term. I have heard good things about Chuck's demos and he seems to be well respected. However, I find the podcast to be very abrasive and far too "LA" (if you know what I mean). You can blame my British sensibilities for that I guess.

As for the multiple Bill DeWees outpourings you listed... well, this recently came up over on FB... the rules of conduct here are a lot more strict, so I'll just say that you should always consider exactly what you're getting when you buy a package of material. There are far too many people out there whose business model revolves around taking money from hopeful VOs (or actors, models, etc.)

There are no magic pills or packages. Do your own research and you will find all the information out there for free. Sort through it and find what works for you. That can be hard work... but no harder than maintaining a successful VO career.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

DeadDillo · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:54 am Post subject:

I'll echo what Bish said. I like Dewees. He offers some good advice and is a marketing mastermind. I've learned a lot from his simple tricks.

I got a chance to hang out with Chuck and Stacy in Atlanta and I gotta say they are two very friendly, helpful and genuine people. Their weekly show is a bit easier to digest than the hour and a half time commitment of EWABS - (which I also watch religiously.)
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www.MarleyAudio.com

DougVox · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 1:49 pm Post subject:

chuckweis · Contributor IV Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 136

When he used that description, wasn't he simply referring to the time prior to him starting the whole coaching venture, having people telling him he should get in to coaching, and him not entirely wanting to enter that realm?

Bish · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 2:55 pm Post subject:

I admire the restraint being shown in this thread (both in what's been said and by the absence of some comments). There is no doubt about the business model employed by the coach in question. There are multiple products for sale to every type of new (hopeful) vocal talent. The dream is promoted and sold via affiliate programs which is why the OP came across as a shill for the products (whether or not that was the truth of the matter).

As for being "a reluctant coach"... well, it's a nice turn of phrase that alludes to the fact that someone had to be convinced by acolytes that they had something to offer the world. Using it in any way implies disingenuity, false modesty and hubris. That's my inference anyway. Probably as reluctant as Richard Simmons.

This topic has been recently discussed amongst a number of VO-BB members both elsewhere and in person (hence my comment on the restraint show). I do not think this will end well. Maybe it needs to be taken to the vet's now.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

heyguido · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 7:44 pm Post subject:

Seconded.

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Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

chrisvoco · Club 300 Joined: 14 Mar 2014 Posts: 380 Location: Local

I am *reluctant* to go to the vet's place, because he has those big gloves, like in the beginning of All Creatures Great And Small.

The dentist, however, does not bother me at all.

*This* statement is not disingenuous.

But I am lying.
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Finally, Ford stops starting to say things and starts.

ballenberg · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 3:28 am Post subject:

I disagree..with the vet part. Let this topic play out, please. As far as restraint, I am restrained. I'm saying nothing.

Mike Harrison · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 4:10 am Post subject:

I had no idea. A couple of years ago I stumbled across one of his short videos, which seemed to be on the level. At some point later, I found him listed on a European casting site and emailed him, first complimenting him on the video I saw and then asking if he'd had any success with the casting website. There was no response.

Either he thought I was mocking him or he couldn't be bothered with a simple request.

But, if he really does own all those websites and offer all those "packages," then he absolutely gets my vote as VO Pied Piper of the decade… at least.

I think anyone who attempts to sell something under the premise of revealing "secrets" really has nothing to offer at all and would be most helpful to others by remaining quiet and offering nothing. Same goes for those who offer misinformation, especially under the guise of professional instruction. I've already locked horns with one such person for that reason and they, too, would be more helpful by saying nothing. I am extremely disappointed that there are so many marketing what amounts to so little that they are essentially positioning voice-over as a professional career from a gum machine.

Ego and chutzpa on Viagra.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

ballenberg · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 5:57 am Post subject:

Could this thread be moved to Entre Nous? Seems more appropriate. And to the OP , whoever you are..Really..Please. Stop. One of the greats? Seriously. No. Not in the tiniest way.