VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Peter Katt · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 8:09 pm Post subject: A belated introduction

I joined VO-BB a few weeks ago but haven't formally introduced myself, though I've posted a couple of replies to various topics.

"Well, it all began at a 1000-watt radio station in Sandy Creek, New York..." -- but I got better. Actually, I got out of radio about 25 years ago, worked various jobs and ended up on the production crew for a local TV station (WTVH Syracuse) where, ironically, I specialized in graphics and tinkered in computers (I wrote little programs to feed headlines and election returns to an old Chyron in Master Control so the station wouldn't have to spend money on a ticker system). I did community theatre until I was put on the evening shift. I still got the chance to act occasionally when the station did a silly late-night bad-movie show, and the host would enlist crew members to take part in comedy skits, one of which can be seen at http://homepage.mac.com/pkap/

A few years ago I signed up for a one-day workshop on voice-over at an adult education center. Turned out to be a fishing expedition for a voice training outfit, but I bit and could afford what I now realize were overpriced lessons. Still, I learned the fundamentals, and got a passable demo out of the deal, which caught the interest of a local audiobook publisher. Unfortunately since they record in the evenings radio-show style (using local actors), my regular job prevented me from participating.

I've been doing Librivox, Hear the Bill and other pro-bono projects from my home studio on a part-time basis to hone my skills. A year ago I began narrating short stories for a podcast produced by an author/editor I know, who uses it to promote his books, and he pays me a modest fee for each.

My life got... interesting last March, when WTVH laid off almost its entire staff in a shared-services deal with another station in town. I've done the usual career workshops/job search dance, and read "What Color Is My Parachute" -- and I keep coming back to wanting to do voice acting. (I blame it on my love for BBC Radio comedy and "A Prairie Home Companion.") I also like audio production and am training on Pro Tools.

So, as Ray Bradbury put it, I'm taking a risk, jumping off a cliff and building my wings on the way down, although I'm hedging my bets by still looking for a regular job. Looking forward to share experiences here with others!
_________________
Peter Katt
"Katt's Got Your Tongue"
vo-bb@peterkattvoice.com
http://www.peterkattvoice.com/

Michael Schoen · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 9:38 pm Post subject:

Welcome aboard, Peter -- lots of things to discuss here and good people to meet
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http://MichaelSchoen.com

Chrissy · Guest

Welcome Peter. My family is based in Albany, N.Y. I wish you the best through this transition.

COURVO · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 11:00 pm Post subject:

Nice to see you here Peter... check out the archives, and watch out for the crazies...oh...wait-a-minute...that's everyone.

....never mind

CourVO
_________________
Dave Courvoisier - Las Vegas, NV
http://www.CourVO.com
CourVO@CourVO.com
Courvo's "Voice Acting in Vegas" Blog: http://www.CourVO.biz
on your phone at courvo.mobi
702.610.6288
"I'm not a news anchor, but I play one on TV."

bobsouer · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 11:30 pm Post subject:

Peter,

Welcome to the VO-BB. As Dave said, the archives are full of gold. And laughter.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Lizden · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 6:08 am Post subject:

Another skier!!!! (At least I think so...with your avatar Laugh

)
Welcome Peter!

Yeah...we're crazy...but mostly harmless Wink

_________________
Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com

JBarrett · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 6:48 am Post subject:

Just don't feed the watercress after midnight. Ninja

Welcome aboard!
_________________
Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/

roger · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 7:13 am Post subject:

Peter,
There's a now defunct religious group called the Shakers who said it best:
"we make thee kindly welcome".
Glad to have you join our merry band.
You'll love it hear.
-roger
_________________
Roger Tremaine
www.MyFavoriteVoice.com
http://rogertremaine.voices.com/
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. AESOP (The Lion and the Mouse)

Diane Havens · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 7:19 am Post subject:

Thanks for all your work on Hear the Bill, Peter -- and a warm welcome here!
_________________
Diane

Veni, Vidi, Voci
http://www.dianehavens.com

audio'connell · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:11 am Post subject:

Hi Peter from your neighbor down the road in Buffalo.
_________________
- Peter
audioconnell Voice Over Talent
Your friendly, neighborhood voice over talent

Brett GeRue · Joined: 12 Oct 2009 Posts: 9 Location: Rockford, IL

welcome Peter! I joined this site a few months back as well and have been exploring the archives ever since. there is an overabundance of resources, tips, advice, and humor to say the least.

best of luck to you![/url]

Mandy Nelson · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 10:00 am Post subject:

Well, hello there. Welcome to the group!
_________________
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

Adam Verner · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 11:23 am Post subject:

'ello, and top 'o the mornin' to ya!*

*(sponsored by the Society for Advancement of Apostrophes)
_________________
Adam
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Natural Voice
adamverner.com
adamverner.com/blog
twitter.com/adam_verner
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samowry · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 11:58 am Post subject:

Welcome and good luck on the way down. Might as well enjoy the ride.

Bailey · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 12:42 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the VO-BB Peter.
Hmmm... "The Purr-fect Voice"... Katt.
Got it.
_________________
"Bailey"
a.k.a. Jim Sutton
Retired... Every day is Saturday, except Sunday.
VO-BB Member #00044 W00T

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AOVA Graduate 02/2004 ;
"Be a Voice, not an Echo." Ninja