VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I am facing this potential dilemma for the first time.

Not talking about extreme and or/tasteless content, which I won't do.

But in the Republican vs. Democrat realm, are we hired guns or voices(or on-camera talent) that
only voice those spots we strongly identify with in real life.

Being somewhat of a centrist, there could potentially be dilemmas either way!

I found an earlier thread of a similar nature, but it didn't specifically address the Republican vs. Democrat question.

brianforrester · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:05 am Post subject:

In a very concerted effort to leave politics out of this, I'll try to provide my simple rule...

Is this a moral issue for you?

If you were paid to do your job, which is to provide your professional voice over services to clients, could you sleep at night, look your family square in the face, walk down the street with your head held high, if you provided your services for this paying client? A key word for me is "paying"... I'll only do pro-bono work for a cause that I believe in and am passionate about!

I'm not asking if you agree with the content, believe in the content or could provide a compelling off the cuff lecture on the content, I'm simply asking if you your moral conscience would be affected if you did this paid job. Furthermore, if you aren't comfortable with the content, could you still provide a compelling performance that would satisfy the client?

Some people can view it simply as a job, some people view it as something more, but everybody has their own set of beliefs and comforts, you just have to be able to be true to yours.

I try to apply this to every job that I complete, regardless of whether it's political, theological, technological, or just a good ole spot for a shoe store.

Cheers,
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Jeff McNeal · Guest

It's a little presumptuous to fret that ones own VO work is going to win or lose any election for a candidate, pass or defeat a measure, etc., so if you frame it that way, then it's easier to accept the assignment as a "hired gun".

Plenty of liberal actors have effectively portrayed conservative roles and plenty of conservatives have convincingly played liberals.

Voice actors can do the same. It's how you make your living. If you feel too strongly about the implied endorsement of a particular candidate, you can always pass.

In my case, I'm conveniently unable to do political spots in Los Angeles and several other markets, since there would be a clear conflict of interest for me.

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Good thoughts, thanks!

This is somewhat new territory for me, so I'm still feeling my way around it.

I guess I will just keep an open mind and rely on my gut instincts.

Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:30 am Post subject:

todd ellis · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:39 am Post subject:

Deirdre · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:44 am Post subject:

I just turned something down that was against what I personally believe. Not about a candidate, but about an issue.
It's kinda funny that I always seem to get requests for stuff that is opposite of my political views!

I've usually been able to shill for any candidate. Issues are different.
Sometimes the amount of money makes a difference!

Sometimes it doesn't.
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Frank F · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 11:12 am Post subject:

Politics. The reason I do not do political spots - period.

Personally I choose to not voice political spots locally. Doing so can create all sorts of conundrums down the road in small areas. Yes, "politicals" can be good money, and the pay is quick (under law), but to me, they are not worth the headache.

Toodles

F2
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Jeff McNeal · Guest

The timing of this thread is quite serendipitous. I was just sent an audition for a political spot that I totally, vehemently disagree with and find extremely offensive.

Heh. Time to put my money where my mouth is.

ccpetersen · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 11:37 am Post subject:

Well, this isn't quite VO, but a few months ago I was asked to write a series of exhibits about the topic of global warming and climate change. I had some knowledge of the issues involved, and I do have some academic/science background that would help me understand the issues. The client didn't ask if I supported or denied global warming/climate change, but they did make it clear that I would be writing about the scientific aspects and not to bring politics into it.

As it turned out, once I caught up on the literature, it was something I could write comfortably about, and so i took the project.

However, if someone asked me to write about something that was clearly NOT scientifically valid, such as, say, the contention that the world is flat and that we faked the Apollo landings, I'd have to say no.

The point here is that there will be those projects that you have to "gut check"...
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bobsouer · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 11:45 am Post subject:

todd ellis · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:11 pm Post subject:

i ran into this last year ... i did a couple - didn't feel great about it - then when they came back for more i just had to tell them no.
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Jon Morss · Guest

How timely for me. This last Wednesday I was booked to record for a Political spot locally without knowing fully what the spot was for. I just decided to go into it with an open mind and do the gig regardless of the content. Luckily it was for something that I do agree with and the best part was that it would only be aired for a focus group. But, even if it were for something that I don't necessarily agree with, I would have still voiced the spot to the best of ability. I felt I was hired to provide a voice and not to judge the content. I hope this isn't too risky of an approach.

Lee Gordon · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 2:30 pm Post subject:

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

I have no problems doing political spots. Someone is going to do them and do them well enough to make the make the candidate or cause sound attractive.

BTW, who ever did Cindy McCain's introductory video last night said "lay-ee-zahn" for liaison.
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