VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

robert jadah · Guest

While resolute in my commitment not to shill, sell, or cajole for Savoa.org, I did need a new thread here to note that the estimable Connie Terwilliger has now joined the nascent movement as a Friend to Savoa.

After all, I couldn't very well mention it under the 'Frank Talk' topic on Chat.

There can be no doubt about Connie's credentials; any search engine or VO will recognize the name as a mover and shaker of our craft. She will without doubt help SaVoa in its drive to set, maintain, and elevate industry standards.

(The biggest problem now is where to put tomorrow morning's announcement.)

Hmmmmm.

Frank F · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 5:10 pm Post subject:

I think you need a special SaVOa thread... called Announcements...

What great fun to see Connie on board as a Friend of SaVOa. Even though she took my place at the top of the SaVOa page... I will forgive her... LOL

Toodles

F2

www.SaVOa.org 07009
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Deirdre · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 6:21 pm Post subject:

I think it would be just dandy to read these announcements at the SAVOA site.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 12:50 am Post subject:

I look forward to reading about changes in font sizes, the fact that Doobie Doughboy production director of PBS Moose Jaw has been appointed moderator of the sub site "savoa faire dot com" and that SAG and AFTRA have called a strike "just in case" while the management go on a conference to the Bahamas to discuss whether or not the unions should bill voice artists for free voice auditions.

robert jadah · Guest

Bruce · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 2:40 pm Post subject:

I'm sorry. I really don't aim to be a contrarian, but this SAVOA thing is sounding like a small money maker for the founders, and something that will do little if anything for the payers.

Points to consider:

Is there anything like this (that's widely respected) in any other art form? Is there an Actors Approval system, or a Painters Approval system? No. If you're a good actor or painter and you train and market yourself well, you'll get noticed, recommended and represented. No one needs to give you a stamp of approval. You will have video, or paintings, or reviews of your work that will show potential buyers your worth.

I understand the need for such certification for plumbers or doctors and the like. One, you can't go see their most recent toilet repair or surgery, and two, some official certification is helpful with someone who deals in public health situations. But actors? Painters? "Yes, he knows how to use a brush."

So this SAVOA certification will prove that you know how to speak into a microphone, record yourself and send audio files and that's it? How does that certification help a talent? Clients will judge them and hire them much more for the quality or style of their read.

And will SAVOA also judge the quality of the reader?...and rate them? This person is "National Network" quality, and this person is "Regional" quality, and this poor schmo just qualifies and we rank him "Small Market Capable"? Sorry, but who died and named SAVOA Talent God?

I don't know any of the people on the original SAVOA board. What are their qualifications to be in that position, and who outside of them has certified them? Anybody?

IF this thing takes off at all, how long will it take before producers, large and small, will recognize this designation as meaning anything? As soon as word gets out that some lame talents have gotten certified and some decent talents have been rejected, this whole thing could tumble like a house of cheap business cards.

Sorry folks. I don't see it. But I'm happy to be persuaded.

B
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Deirdre · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 2:55 pm Post subject:

Dieter suggested, back in the days of talking about a guild, of an elected jury.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:07 pm Post subject:

I have the same concerns, Bruce. What is a fancy shield logo on my website going to show that my reels themselves won't?

Also, I suspect the so-called "Friends of Savoa" did not have to audition or pay the processing fee and were "invited" as a way of attracting more interest due their stature in the industry.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:17 pm Post subject:

When I started as a voice over I was a senior consultant with an investment management company looking after $17.8 billion. No radio experience, no TV, no acting ... nothing. Where should I have started as a Voice Over? Real answer? Where I was especially taking into account the lack of better options.

Where has SAVOA started? Not from the best place but it has started. If anyone is empire building or just trying to create a money machine it'll come to nothing or it may at the very least get people talking and doing.

Will it give voice on Voice123 some credibility? No. There are too many on there that suck big time. Will it attract better jobs to Voice123? No, for exactly the same reason. Will it create a level playing field? No. There will still be 5% doing very well or ok and 95% wishing on a star.

glittlefield · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 5:04 pm Post subject:

Realistically speaking, I'm a long way off from qualifying for such a thing. Because of that, I'll be interested to see how this takes shape as I won't have to worry about it for a while.
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Bruce · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 5:25 pm Post subject:

bobsouer · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 5:33 pm Post subject:

Greg,

I too just listened to your demos for the first time in a long while. I agree with everything Bruce just said. Your character demo in particular is excellent.
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glittlefield · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:27 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Bob and Bruce! I appreciate your support. I'll let you both know when I have my updates online. (All will be updated soon thanks to the input I've also gotten from Double F, Moe and Mr. Christi...)

For the record, I am Microsoft, Siemens and CompTIA Certified already. None of those are making me any more money at my day job because the market is flooded with others just like me with the same certs.
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bobsouer · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:17 pm Post subject:

Greg,

And my guess is that each of those certifications ran a bit more than $75 to acquire? Smile

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glittlefield · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:40 pm Post subject:

When you factor in the training I went through in addition to the tests I had to take; you betcha!

It's not unlike the workshops and training one has to go through before qualifying for the SaVOA cert, I'm sure.
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