VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 10:51 am Post subject:

Must watch for anyone who thinks they want to do audiobooks. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NPzPi-_0Xi8
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Kim Fuller · Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 12:43 pm Post subject:

That's a great test. I'm going to send the video link to a few people I know who have been asking Ulf about being a narrator.

todd ellis · Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 12:43 pm Post subject:

i have a grand total of 5 audio books under my belt.

ask me how many i'll have in 20 years? the answer is 5.

i just hate doing them. i thought i could make it work - power through & just cash the checks - but that just doesn't work.

you have to love doing it -- jeff does it extremely well - as do others -- and i think that's awesome. but if audio books were my only choice as a voice talent --- i would be sweeping up at applebees.

ps - love the test. the "warp stabilizer" took out the shaky-cam look but added some neat after effects.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I swept up at Chili's back in my salad days

Bailey · Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 1:44 pm Post subject:

A great test for making a go/no go decision about even considering narration... and the only thing it will cost you is time.
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Kim Fuller · Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 3:59 pm Post subject:

I've narrated some short children's stories - but never, never wanted to do full audiobooks. Ulf thrives on it, though - he's done 20+ books and still loves it. I think he's a freak. (kidding, really. Sort of)

Deirdre · Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 4:23 pm Post subject:

Audiobook narrators have my supreme admiration.

And the test I give people is even quicker than that bloke's.

When I get pinned at a gathering, I'll give them my card and tell them simply to read aloud for 5-10 minutes a day for a couple of weeks. Once they've done that, call.
They don't.

People still just want to sign the hell up or something.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 3:41 pm Post subject:

Voiceoverist, easy life! My first session today was at 0630 UK time and I finished work about 20 minutes ago. All I have done all day is work and walk the Collies. It's a living. I have just had a beer and you have no idea how good it tasted.

As far as I know I have no family to miss me but it could be that I do I've just been too occupied to notice.

paulstefano · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 4:25 am Post subject:

Hello Everybody,

You'll be happy to know (or perhaps not based on some of this thread, lol) that I signed up for the introductory class at Edge Studios. I start tomorrow night. After that I get an evaluation and will look for a permanent coach.

I reached out to Scott Burns (thanks Kevin) and he and I have been chatting over email. What a great guy! I'll either stick with Edge or go with Scott once I hear back on the evaluation from Edge.

Either way I'm excited to take the next step.

Onward and upward!
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Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 981

Good for you, Paul!! And I say do em both! Not at the same time, of course. But it's a good idea to study with a variety of coaches. I studied with everyone who offered a vo class in LA before I was demo ready. And I still workout with a coach from time to time. Hell, many Oscar and Emmy winners continue to study with their acting coaches. Broadway stars are in voice and dance class during the day so they are good to go for their evening performances. You don't take 1-2 vo classes and call yourself a working pro. Eventually look into workout groups. Bottom line is, the comments and critiques posted here should light a fire under your ass. I admire your availability to everyone's critiques and comments.

paulstefano · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 5:46 am Post subject:

Yeah, I'm getting that VO acting, like any I guess, is akin to being a Golf pro. You will probably always have a coach if nothing else to bounce ideas off.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Yes Paul, the fact that you're still standing with at least a partial smile on your face after going a few rounds with this crew is a promising sign. cool

paulstefano · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 7:22 am Post subject:

LOL, I'm either a glutton for punishment, or really determined. I know it's a tough world out there, but willing to try to get better.
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Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 981

I've probably told this story before, so if I have please send all residuals for this rerun to Atlas Talent.

I took my first vo class at 14. My voice had not yet changed and I was in a half body cast as I'd just had leg surgery. VO was something I'd wanted to do since I was in kindergarten. My first class had a guest director who shall remain nameless, but is vo royalty. He gave me a gritty R rated trailer to read. Now, this is not the type of script I'd be right for today, let alone at 14. I sucked. Of course he knew I sucked and his advice was to consider other career choices like medicine or law because I had zero vo skills. Well, I was devastated. But I thought to myself, this is one man's opinion. After some training if this is a consistent analysis of my talent, perhaps then I'll make some other career decisions.

This guy also lit my fire! I was more determined to do whatever it took to be the best vo actor I could be. I was in classes at least once a week and all day Saturday workout groups for 4 years, studying with anyone who offered a class. Some were great, some not so much. I spent 2 years at an acting conservatory and 3 years studying improv. I made my first demo and secured my first agent a week out of high school. And I booked my first cartoon about this time as well.

The actor who guest directed that first class was at this cartoon session. I walked up to him and said, "You may not remember me but about 4 years ago you told me I didn't have what it takes to make it in vo. I'm playing 4 characters in today's show, how bout you??" I admit this was a rather rude choice of words and it took a good 10 years before this actor even slightly liked me. We are now good friends.

Bottom line: be willing to work harder and do more than everyone else. No one needs another voice. They need brilliant actors. Technology has really changed the landscape, making opportunities, good and bad, quicker and more easily obtainable. This is not necessarily a good thing. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. If you want the best out of your career and this industry there are no shortcuts. Don't settle, and don't compromise. Have fun along the way! Don't put yourself out there until you are ready. Second chances are hard to impossible. Just strive to be the best you can be!

DougVox · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 8:55 am Post subject:

If I had a highlighter, these are the words from Bob's previous post that I'd mark as being most important to this conversation:

– best vo actor I could be
– all day Saturday
– workout groups for 4 years
– acting conservatory
– improv
– the actor who guest directed
– they need brilliant actors
– work harder
– do more
– don't compromise

(Great stuff – as always – Bob!)
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