VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:15 pm Post subject: How would a client take this?

Scenario: You see some jobs popping up on one of the online VO agencies. You notice a number of them are coming in from the same person and for the same company. It is stated in each one that there are a number of different "characters" they are looking for, and each job they post is a different character.

I decided to do a bit of online detective work since the contact information was in the job request. How do you think a client would feel if I bypassed the online agency and went straight to that person, emailing a request to audition for several of the parts? Would this be looked at as:

a. A diligent VO person who looks into the leads and is showing enough interest to contact directly.

or

b. A faux pas for doing an end-around?
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ronharpervoice · Club 300 Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 347 Location: Ohio

Hi Bob
I tried that a few times myself. No reply. I don't exactly know what the "mood" of the client in that situation is...although I've seen the postings you refer to. I dont know why they dont just pick a voice or two and move on, without having to post each script.

...now go eat some Price's Fried Chicken (GOD, I miss that!)
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ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 3:22 pm Post subject:

The end around you are describing is why the Voice123 people make it so easy for people to remain anonymous. Had a long chat with them over this a couple of months ago. Voices.com seems to be much more open with the contact information.

I have heard people complain that talent came in the "back" door and didn't use the system. And I have also heard from a voice talent that the only jobs they got was by bypassing the system and going direct. I think that is orobably rare - which is why Voice123 adopted the Confidential option.

I have a usual method of handling this - when I see contact information and it looks like a legitimate production company or ad agency that is probably doing lots more work than what is being offered at the moment, I will audition through the system for that particular job (or not - my audition rate is way down right now because I am pretty busy), but put them on my quarterly enewsletter marketing list and introduce myself to them completely separate of that individual project.

(Wow, that was a long convoluted sentence...)
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 3:26 pm Post subject:

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 3:49 pm Post subject:

This is a text only version with the image that goes on the top - I use a restricted margin (a single row, single column table), indents, links to the client's website if they want a link and a font color that compliments the image...I send it out myself using Outlook and manage the several lists by region. Not easy - and perhaps I'll try Constant Contact or something like that when it gets to be too much. The first thing is to get permission to use quotes and links. Always ask about that first!

If I am introducing myself to someone for the first time, I tell them that I found their information online - and wanted to introduce myself - and that I am including a copy of my Quarterly eNewsletter.

www.voiceover-talent.com 1st Quarter 2007

Based in San Diego…Serving the World

The big news from here is that my term as MCA-I President is over and I will be able to get paperwork done and maybe even audition for some plays this year!

Fact ‘o the Month…

It is the year of the Pig – according the Chinese Calendar. And as you know, each of the 12 years in the Chinese lunar calendar is named after an animal. Now, the story is that Buddha invited all the animals to pay him a visit before he left for that big mediation mat in the sky. Apparently only these 12 animals came by to say bye. Why these 12? Why didn’t the gecko go? Or the mongoose mosey over to say goodbye? Just wondering…

Regular clients kept me hopping this Quarter with the usual mix of spots, in-store announcements, corporate presentations and IVR work. I’m doing some fun new character work for a series of animated cartoons which is very cool! And at least three “old” clients (one after 4 years!) returned with interesting new projects recently.

I was thrilled to be included on a Christmas CD produced by Jeff Gelder for distribution at Children’s Hospitals. And at the end of March I will be a featured speaker at the first ever V.O.I.C.E. Conference in Las Vegas.

As usual, I close with a few kind words from some of the folks I’ve worked for this Quarter.

“I just wanted to thank you for your service in helping with the Quantum script read. My client…was very pleased with your efforts and the final piece.”
Rob Powell, Macro Communications

“Thank you for fitting us into your schedule today. The messages sound great.”
Mark A. Kaiser, Venadar

“Thanks for the quick turn around...we hit the deadline and the client loved what you did.”
Tom Versen

“Than you so much for the excellent work Connie!”
Dr. Thomas, SottoPelle®

“Great job! The client loved it.”
Jason Ogle, Atomic Curve

Let me know when you might need an experienced female voice for a project. Happy to provide you with custom auditions as needed.

Regards and Happy New Year!

Connie Terwilliger
Voice Talent
619-280-0420 Studio Line
PO Box 161018
San Diego CA 92176
www.voiceover-talent.com

Media Communications Association-International
MCA-I Past President—Board of Directors
www.mca-i.org

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Available Equipment:
ISDN – Musicam Prima
Adobe Audition and Vox Studio Recording Software
Gentner Phone Patch
AKG 1000 and 3000 mics
Mackie Mixer
High-speed delivery using email or ftp
CD delivery as required
Acoustically treated studio
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

To be removed from this Quarterly Publication, please let me know by sending a quick reply to connie@voiceover-talent.com
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TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:57 am Post subject:

Connie,
Long convoluted sentence or not, I like your approach. This way you are submitting an audition through the proper channels, but using the information obtained for future reference and potential future work.

Thanks.
_________________
Try to imagine a world where there is no such thing as hypothetical situations.

The Voice of Bob

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject:

interesting, thanks for sharing, Connie.
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