VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Lee Gordon · Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 10:26 am Post subject:

I'm thinking of going into coaching. How much should I charge for my course, entitled, "How to Tell the Difference Between Sh*t Advice and Good Advice?" That seems to be what's called for these days. Shocked

_________________
Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 988

Here's the thing. It's not "these days." I arrived in LA in 1978. There were scam artists everywhere. The difference then was, you didn't have the internet to ask opinions from working people in all areas of the world. Back then, and especially if you were fresh off the boat, you paid your money and took your chances. Eventually, if you were fortunate, you met the right people. You networked and took the time to research the best of the best. The cream floats to the top when it comes to coaches, just like it does with talent.

Now, one person's sh*t is another person's brilliant! It's all relative. I have seen advice on this blog from people I respect that has made me cringe. I can guarantee I've given advice that has made many cringe. That's show biz!

Many years ago I took an acting class from one of the three acting coach legends. It sucked! Big time! This person was past their prime. Or, if this was indeed their prime, it was past mine. Hated it from beginning to end. Hated the style, the technique, the personality, the advice. Did I mention I hated it???? But that's me.

Now, the real problem today when it comes to vo is things are just too easy. It's easy to have a home studio. It's easy to make a demo. It's easy to take some Skype lessons. It's easy to have access to online auditions. It's actually easy to get work. Really, compared to 30 years ago it's really easy!!!!!

But it's not easy to have a professional vo career.

Again, it's all relative. The numbers today are greater. The sharing of information and community is more vast. But nothing has really changed.

Lee Gordon · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 1:22 am Post subject:

You're absolutely right, Bob. I actually contemplated whether to drop the "these days" before I hit "Submit," but decided to leave it in precisely because of what you said about the internet. Yes, it's always been difficult for people who don't know what they don't know to get answers they can trust, but now that the internet is such a big part of everybody's information stream, the flow of misinformation is endless.
_________________
Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

glittlefield · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 6:44 am Post subject:

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 988

A brilliant point, Greg! (and hi!)

I think of my vo and acting technique as a conglomerate of the many years of training I had with a variety of coaches. Some great, some not so great. And even the coach I previously mentioned, if I really think about it, I might have gotten 2% more out of it than I came in with. So, I bank that 2%, along with the 10% from another coach, the 40% from another, the 5% from another, etc. All together they add up to 100% of what I do.

I try to find the glass half full. So I appreciate your perspective here! Wink