VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2019 1:30 am Post subject: 2020 Vision!

See what I did there?

For some time I've been testing the knowledge base in our business and have concluded that there doesn't appear to be one. I use the word business advisedly because I want to exclude craft and tech.

Craft - Take acting lessons.
They may help with something but probably not your business as anyone waiting on tables in LA and New York will tell you.

Tech - Buy a Neumann U87 and a Avalon M5 pre.
Fabby kit but, like a computer GI-GO.

Now let's get down to business.
Option 1 - Run your voice over business like a business.
Option 2 - Get a Business Manager and pay them to do it.
Option 3 - Place your trust in serendipity.

Best option? 1
Most popular option? 3

What about 2? Here's the deal. They get paid on results. You work as a VO and at the end of the month your business manger sends you your fees less their percentage.

In exactly 2 months it will be the 30th anniversary of my first paying radio commercial job, the fee was about $85 and was the result of my first demo which cost me $130 to produce.

2020 Vision? Turn off the noise by simply concentrating on Option 1. Our business is now so full of noise and nonsense it's not only the right choice, it's the only option.

scottnilsen · Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2019 12:48 pm Post subject:

I like it.
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Frank F · Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2019 3:32 pm Post subject:

Thank you for clarity. I am a #1 type person. Have been that way since I recorded my first paying commercial.

F2
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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

Jack Daniel · Cinquecento Joined: 23 Jun 2016 Posts: 585 Location: SoCal

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

Option 2 is incomplete.

Focus on your craft, find advocates for your product and accountants for your business

My dad once said to me "One day your business will overtake your art."

After dabbling in commercial acting for ten years, in 2005 I went full-time into VO. I ran it like a business and it was successful financially speaking. I primarily focused on customer service. (It's stunning how many talent are passed over simply because they are unreliable or take their sweet time to turn around a project.)

Around 2010, however, there was a sensation of wanting more. But it was the "more" that I couldn't define. As I grew as a talent and was shifting from car ads towards scripts that needed internal reflection I came to realize my art would define my business.

In the following years, I slowly started to bring into the fold others to focus on the daily business chores, while I solely focused on the product of that business and its direction. And that's when the rubber met the road; coastal reps, national/international brands, TV shows, promo, trailers, and Jack Daniel all came into my life.

Creatively speaking, I am fed well almost every day. Projects have moved me to tears, while others produce goosebumps. I'm brought on to entertain, educate, scare, and elevate audiences to an emotional high. And I can't separate myself enough to be able to put a price on that. But, I now work with people who can and do.

todd ellis · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 5:38 am Post subject:

Deirdre · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 11:49 am Post subject:

Part of running my business like a business is getting the hell outta Dodge.
I'm moving (really for reals) to Columbus, OH in the spring.
Comminuty, Opportunity, Afforability.

I'm eager to see what happens next. 2019 was a disaster.

This is a decent article, and gives me the satisfaction that I'm making the right decision:

Your Professional Decline Is Coming (Much) Sooner Than You Think
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todd ellis · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 2:30 pm Post subject:

.gif" alt="W00T" border="0" /> here's to 2020!!!

and - you're less than 7 hours from the farm!
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
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Bruce · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 4:11 pm Post subject:

Regarding a "Professional Decline" in our later years...

Voiceover is one of the few professions where age matters a whole lot less. There are plenty of busy voice actors in their 60's, 70's is not unusual at all, and there are some stalwarts in their 80's. Look at Peter A. Thomas Sr. still cranking out narrations and Burger King ads in his late 80s's. He's gone now. Died with his pop screen on though.

There's hope for me yet as I head in that direction. One of the reasons I got into acting was watching all the great old actors on Carson's Tonight Show. They were lively, bright, and interesting. I wanted to be that way too when I got that old.

I can't play 20's anymore in fact I haven't for some time and 30's are a stretch, but there's beaucoup work for mature announcers. You just gotta go get it, in any mixture of Philip's 1, 2, or 3 plans of action you fancy.

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. .

JohnV · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 8:21 pm Post subject:

FIRST.. a remarkable article... thank you

SECOND... when I hit his mention of being a french horn player little bells were ringing in the back canyons of my mind,,, something...

after finishing the article they were in focus and I found why I KNEW about this guy... he has a TED TALK , as a political conservative, about getting ALL of us together and TALKING about stuff TOGETHER... here, have a listen:
https://www.ted.com/talks/arthur_brooks_a_conservative_s_plea_let_s_work_together

Deirdre · Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2019 6:33 am Post subject:

Deirdre · Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2019 6:35 am Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2020 3:09 am Post subject:

"Y'know Philip Banks is doing so much better than me, dontchya?"

THEY know no such thang!

I've set no voiceover business goals for 2020, I first did this in 2019 and it changed my world. Lack of ambition? No. My business has one purpose only. It must pay for itself and leave enough to supply my needs. Good idea for 2020? Get off the greed and envy Roller Coaster.

Here's the key. Only attempt things you know you have a reasonable chance of influencing the outcome, walk away from everything else.

Late October 1987 stock markets around the world collapsed. Late October 1987 D Day +1 and for a week or so thereafter every day my life was get up, throw up, go to work. Why? Philip Banks was trying to influence the FTSE, Dow Jones, Nikkei Dow and Hang Seng. I wasn't able to do it! WHO KNEW!

Mandy Nelson · Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2020 10:06 am Post subject:

I was going to just thank Philip for his reminder about business and carry on my merry way but then there was a lot of other great stuff in this thread. THIS is why we come here. And for the love. Kiss

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006 member of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Mic. Bonded by sound.

Manfillappsoc: The Mandy and Philip mutual appreciation Society. Who's in your network?

Have you seen my mic closet? ~ me to my future husband

Bruce · Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2020 11:11 am Post subject:

We love you indeed Ms. Mandy. ❤️

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. .