VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

HeatherMasters · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 10:21 am Post subject: Do agents care where you live?

I'm about to invest in training with Nancy Wolfson, with the intent that someday, many moons from now, I'd love to be agent-ready. Does where you live matter? In my mind, I think, "Why would an agent bother with someone in Alaska, when there are thousands of talented VOs who live in more accessible places?"
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Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 10:42 am Post subject:

Any excuse will do if they don't want you so don't give the matter another thought.

"What do I need to do today?" Jenny asked her boss.

"Here's the copy for some promos that need the VO recording" replied the Guvnor "Your voice is Philip Banks" she continued.

"Cool, when's he gonna be here?"

"Oh Philip's in Scotland so you'll dial him on the ISDN"

When we chatted later that day I was told how awesome Jenny thought it was that the voice of CNN was sitting 100 yards from a beach on the north east coast of Scotland. The company originally approached me by contacting my agent in London ..England. Please keep in mind I was a nobody then and am still a nobody today.

When you find you and what you can do others will find you too!

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 11:39 am Post subject:

Depends on the agent. The big agencies in LA and NY do care, unless you have an exceptional track record of success and ISDN. They want to be able to direct you.

The smaller boutique agencies are more likely to rep anyone with a mic and pulse regardless of location.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I'm in Florida

My agents are in Milwaukee, Kansas City, Cincinnati and Columbus

DougVox · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 1:13 pm Post subject:

Every agent cares about whether you can make them money.

The only agents who care where you live are the ones who care where you live.

The others?

Not so much.
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Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 981

Jeffrey nailed it for LA/NYC. If animation is your thing, ya gotta be in LA. I get called at 10 to be there at 11. And they don't ISDN animation from a home studio.

I think the best thing one needs to decide is what do you want out of your career? Want to compete on a national level, that means top markets, top agents, and joining the union. But you certainly can pursue some level of VO anywhere. Just don't lie to yourself and stay out of the major market hoping a top agent will be interested. There are brilliant actors already in the major markets who cannot get arrested by the top agents. That's show biz!!

Deirdre · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 1:54 pm Post subject:

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 2:21 pm Post subject:

Yeah, I've been trying to land one of the big LA agencies for a while now and have had zero luck. It's insanely difficult to get on their roster because the competition is so fierce. And, honestly, I'm not brilliant.

Thank god I have audiobooks or I'd be screwed.
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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

Being in Portland, OR and having a few colleagues here too that are represented in NY and LA by top agencies, the short answer to your question is: no, it doesn't matter where you live. Only exceptions are for animation and commercial work in NY. Otherwise, they don't care if you can compete. And that's the trick. Can you bring something to the table that's unique, efficient, ISDN, and a great attitude.

HeatherMasters · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 6:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks all for your wonderful responses. Bob, I had thought about pursuing animation because of my theatre background, so it's good to know and be realistic about that one.

I've got a ways to go before ISDN would be feasible for me, and I'm hoping by that time, ISDN alternatives will be more acceptable, because I've got a hunch that ISDN in Alaska will be massively expensive.

Thanks for the help. It is greatly appreciated!
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Heather

www.heathermastersvo.com

Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 1:48 am Post subject:

Write a list of 20 reasons why your career will not work out, be brutal. Get opinions from everyone who knows why it won't work out. Spend a few hours agonising over every single reason. Print the list. Go outside with the list and either a cigarette lighter or and box of matches. read the list one final time and then burn the list.

Next, learn levitation. It's simply the art of being able to rise above things.

Deirdre · Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 5:35 am Post subject:

I have one excellent agent in Austin, Texas.
Nobody else can spare the time of day.
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HeatherMasters · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2015 7:31 am Post subject:

Philip, fantastic advice. I want just the right balance of realism and "eye of the tiger"...ism

Dierdre and Jeff, thanks for your posts because it's that kind of reality that helps me be realistic about my goals. It is a bit disheartening because you both are brilliant, and so it kind of leaves one with a "What the...?" but I'd rather know the truth going in.
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Heather

www.heathermastersvo.com

Rick Riley · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2015 8:17 am Post subject:

The thing I have learned, and try to stress, is that it’s a personal journey. If we all had a cookie cutter life, every food store would be the same, every hobby shop, hair salon, auto repair, etc. But the fact is, they aren’t, because each person conducts their business in their personal way. Their work ethic, their drive or lack of it, their integrity, what they want to accomplish and so on. All of those different combinations lead us down different paths. That’s why when people ask advice about things like P2P’s, you’ll get the bashers, because in their journey it didn’t work for them, but you’ll get supporters like me, because in my journey they were hugely helpful. Without them, I wouldn’t HAVE agents. WITH them I established a track record and sold myself to what I think are some of the best agents in the country. But I tell people to try it for yourself, don’t live off of other people’s adventures.

I live in Portland, OR. I’m represented by DPN in L.A. DPN is an elite agency. People say, ‘How did THAT happen… you don’t live in L.A.?’ The fact is, it happened in a unique and personal way. Part of ‘My’ journey. And I’ll tell you, when it happened… that was a big deal for me. A Woohoo Day! for sure.

We live in a shrinking world thanks to advances in communication. Living on the West Coast, I get up early to do work in NY. Promos for Sportsman Channel. With current technology, there’s nothing that separates us from each other anymore. When I’m recording with them, it’s like we’re in the same room. They have their coffee, I have mine, we yak, catch up on the latest in each other’s lives, record, and say ‘talk to you later!’, just like if we were in the same building and got together for a meeting. A quick email later in the day and we’ll do it again.

In this day of communication, the only thing holding you back is you. If someone else can do it, so can you, and as evidenced by replies here, someone else is doing it. There’s a few essentials in getting it done, but that’s the journey.

It’s Monday morning, just getting rolling and I thought I’d throw my two cents in, as on occasion I like to do. I do it because I thoroughly enjoy this business and like to share the positive aspects with those who might be on the same path. Mine has been, and continues to be, a great Journey. I wish you well with yours!
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ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 10:44 am Post subject:

If you have something special to bring to the table, then you can (should be able to) get an agent wherever you live.

As many have said before in many different forums, the world doesn't need another voice talent. But people are always looking for something special.

Use some of your training to help you know when you are special.
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