VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Bob Bergen]

Hi gang!
So it looks like my book on vo agents is finally a go! I'm in the writing stage right now.

To refresh your memory, in this book I'm interviewing (well, I hope to) every vo agent in the biz, asking them each the same questions. The purpose of this book is to be a reference to voice actors in every region of the US and Canada. For instance, if you live in Denver and want to know how to submit to each Denver agent, how they prefer demos submitted, what they want (or if they want) a cover letter, should you follow up, etc., it's in there. If you are moving from Denver to Orlando and want to know how to target your marketing specifically for Orlando agents, it's in there. Which agents want only union talent? Which agents are ok with clients having representation in other markets? What's the most professional way to leave your agent?

Etc.

SO-being that I am in the early stages of the book, I want to hear from you. If you could ask agents anything, what would you like to know? I plan to ask each agent the same 50 questions, as each agent will have their own take on the same topics. I've got what I feel are the questions you want answered. The questions I'd want answered. But I'd love to hear from you all. No question is dumb. I'm sure I've got many, if not most of the obvious questions covered. Or not.

I have a deadline, so I'd love to get these asap.

Thanks!
Bob Bergen

[Bailey]

Bob... It looks like a must have book when it gets published!

Please tell me it wont be "The complete idiots guide to working with VO agents."
_________________
"Bailey"
a.k.a. Jim Sutton
Retired... Every day is Saturday, except Sunday.
VO-BB Member #00044 .gif" alt="W00T" border="0" />
AOVA Graduate 02/2004 ;
"Be a Voice, not an Echo."

[Mike Sommer]

Being the smart-ass that I am. A question I try to always ask everyone, is simply- WHY?

The answers I often get can be amazing, if not rater revealing of the person.

But to be more exacting:
~ Why does an actor need an agent?
~ What can or does an agent do for for the actor?
~ What should the actor expect?
~ How long should it take to start seeing results? and if results are not forthcoming should the actor get on the agent?
~ What questions should the actor be asking prospective agents? And vice versa?
~ Is changing agents frequently a good idea?
~ Would you rather take on an actor that already has an agent, and is not happy?
~ What kind of talent or category of VO does your agency specialize in?
~ What should be stipulated in a contract for new actor?
~What stipulations should be in a contract if an actor has more than one agent?
~ What does an agent look for most in an actor?
~ For a soliciting actor, are eye catching gimmicks just that - gimmicks? (Examples and why?)
~ CD or website for demos?
~ Who do you think is the best agent in the biz? And Why? (Self, is not an answer; only a distant third)
~ Who do you admire the most in VO?
~Where do you see VO in the next 5 and 10 years?
~ What Voice Actor do you wish you had on your roster?
~ What are the most: Unpleasant features of being an agent?/ The most gratifying?
~ What are the biggest mistakes actors make before, and once on an agents roster?




Bonus questions:
~ Truthfully, have your ever forgotten about an Actor on your roaster? Come on, tell the truth!
~ Since the agent is working for the actor, shouldn't the agent be giving the actor the larger more expensive holiday gift?
~ Does bribery work?
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

[Dale Leopold]

Hi Bob,

I remember you talking about this book a couple of years ago; glad to hear it's moving forward.

Here are a few questions that come to mind:

1) What are the biggest mistakes made by potential clients trying to get representation?
2) What are you sick to death of hearing on demos submitted to you?
3) What are some of the best ways an existing client can stay "top of mind" with you (besides, you know, booking...)?
_________________
Dale G. Leopold
Bilingual ISDN Voice Actor (English & Spanish)
"Low Maintenance/High Drama Voiceovers"
http://www.DaleLeopold.com

[Pam]

As a follow-up to do you take out of state talent? Ask why you choose to not take out of state talent? What's your rationale for this position?
_________________
Pam Tierney
www.pamtierneyvo.com
imdb profile http://imdb.com/name/nm1941932/

Now what did I come in here for?

[imaginator]

i'll add:

...how important (if at all) is ISDN or other real-time home studio capability?

...do you take time to know what your clients are capable of, or do you just forward notices from voicebank?


thank you, bob. this sounds like a book i'll want to read, whatever the outcome.
_________________
rowell gormon
www.voices2go.com
"Mr. Warm & Friendly Voice...with Character!"
Rowell Gormon's Clogged Blog - http://voices2go.com/blog

[Eddie Eagle]

What makes your agency's top 10 VO talent the top 10 for you? (why do they book more than others?)

[Diane Maggipinto]

bob, i hope you'll appreciate this input. it's not suggested questions but a general suggestion. for both you and the agents, it seems a
50-questions-questionnaire is a LOT to complete. i wonder what kind of rate of return you'll have ... and then how much you'll be buried in it, sorting and determining what is worthy to include in your book.

were i you, i'd cull that to 25, 30, even 40 ...

it's a great idea for a book, sounds like it will be a very useful reference on the shelf for all players, and probably some fun to put together. good luck!
_________________
sitting at #8, though not as present as I'd like to be. Hello!

www.d3voiceworks.com

[Michael Schoen]

Sounds like a great project, Bob.
And knowing you, I am sure you will put max effort into it.,

Something you have said and I have heard from others, is you only get one chance at an agent. If your demo is not up to snuff, you won't get a second listen.
Do agents ever account for talent growth and do they GIVE a second chance?
Good luck with the project.
Who's doing the audio book version?
_________________
http://MichaelSchoen.com

[JBarrett]

Thanks so much for taking this on, Bob. Here are a couple questions to add to the mix:

Do you require talent to record auditions at the agency, or can they record in a home studio if they have one? What factors affected this decision?

When submitting auditions to the client, do you submit them as you record/receive them, or do you wait to submit everything until all auditions have been recorded/received? If you submit auditions as they come, do you find that talent who submit sooner have a better chance of being chosen for the job?
_________________
Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/

[mythwoman]

Awesome news Bob!!!!
I can't wait!
Mary