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Kim Fuller DC
Joined: 29 Jan 2011 Posts: 639 Location: Portlandish, Oregon
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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Dan, that's a very good point! |
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Mike Harrison M&M
Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Posts: 2029 Location: Equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia, along the NJ Shore
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 12:32 pm Post subject: |
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I tend to agree with Philip and Bish; that wannabes and newbies should possess the gumption to pursue a future all by themselves. Knowing that what we do is too often positioned by the less than scrupulous as an easy way to make six figures by "just talking," when I am asked how to "break into" VO, I turn around and ask "For what reasons do you want to pursue this line of work?" The answer will determine how much more time I'll spend, but it's only if they give me the impression that they're not interested for the wrong reasons that I will first recommend they listen to established talent in order to have a reference point as to what is considered marketable. I will also refer them to, for example, Paul Strikwerda's blog and/or book, because Paul (who's also been inundated with "how do I" requests) doesn't sugar-coat and he makes clear that this is not a means of making a six figure income by just talking; at least, not quickly. I'll also do what Todd does; send a pre-written "just the facts" to chew on. And, like Todd, I can't remember ever hearing back.
My first passion (at age 9) was to become a radio DJ. I learned by listening to New York City radio, reading whatever I could get my hands on, visiting any stations I could and, eventually, I even built a mock radio station in a spare room. In 1973, after a new station went on the air in my town, I needed to make a demo tape but was faced with the dilemma: how to make a demo tape of my on-air abilities without any on-air experience. But I had been developing my audio production skills, so I decided against the conventional demo and, instead, wrote a :30 promo for the new station and produced it on my Sony open reel machine and then hand-wound the tape into a broadcast tape cartridge. I was hired from that tape. (And, yes, I still have it.)
I learned much later that the guy on New York City radio who'd been my unknowing mentor (as he had for millions of others, as well), WABC's Dan Ingram, widely regarded as the epitome of Top 40 radio personalities for his quick and intelligent wit, impeccable timing, memorable live commercial reads and, of course, his great voice) made his demo tape for WABC by recording segments of one of the other DJ's shows and then replaced that person's banter with his own.
So, yes; those who have the passion will do whatever they can to pursue their goals.
By pointing VO wannabes and newbies to various examples of what's considered marketable, they can decide on their own whether to strive to achieve that level... or consider another line of work. But there'll be no hand-holding from me. _________________ Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.
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Dan-O The Gates of Troy
Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1636
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 2:06 pm Post subject: |
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Mike Harrison wrote: | Paul Strikwerda's blog...(who's also been inundated with "how do I" requests) |
gee, I wonder why...?
Look, this is humanity in general. Doers do and wannabes look for the magic button.
Welcome to the land of gatekeeping. |
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Philip Banks Je Ne Sais Quoi
Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11048 Location: Portgordon, Scotland
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 3:26 pm Post subject: |
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Paul believes that because he did radio in the Nether Regions for a few years he is the fountain of all knowledge so he has no one to blame but himself.
I've never read the Amsterdam Red Light District inspired "Making Money in your Pyjamas" because I am not a size zero 19 year old Latvian blonde. Were I, then it would certainly have enhanced my career prospects. No doubt the follow up will be equally unpopular amongst aspiring Voice Over people "My relationship with a pop shield - Iryna confesses" |
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juliaknippen Club 300
Joined: 25 Nov 2012 Posts: 348 Location: NYC
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 5:46 pm Post subject: |
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Philip, you are a very sweet man. I don't care what anybody says. |
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melissa eX MMD
Joined: 20 Oct 2007 Posts: 2783 Location: Lower Manhattan, New Amsterdam, the original NYC
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Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 9:20 pm Post subject: |
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Ssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.. Quiet Julia. You'll wreck his image. _________________ www.melissaeXelberth.com
from crime...to the divine(R)
bilingual vo |
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Philip Banks Je Ne Sais Quoi
Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11048 Location: Portgordon, Scotland
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 12:35 am Post subject: |
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I KNOW who they are, what they say and why they always fall down a flight of stairs ...EVENTUALLY!
Home Safety Tip - Never put a Shark Tank at the bottom of a flight of stairs.
WHO KNEW? |
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bobsouer Frequent Flyer
Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 9882 Location: Pittsburgh, PA
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 4:05 pm Post subject: |
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Or a batch of dragons, eh? _________________ Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
ISDN, Source Connect, phone patch |
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JohnV Been Here Awhile
Joined: 25 Feb 2016 Posts: 230 Location: Md/DC
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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 5:27 am Post subject: |
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Bish wrote: | I don't have to come here for abuse... I can go anywhere and get that!
(dammit... I must remember not give Lee such easy feed lines) |
What... you didin;t come here for that kind of abuse?
I am SO sorry.
What kind of abuse are you looking for..? _________________ SoundscenesDC, main talent and production offices just 385k km up the gravity well in LuNoHoCo Center, old satellite studios still bookable at the future site of Johnson City! |
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Mike Harrison M&M
Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Posts: 2029 Location: Equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia, along the NJ Shore
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Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 7:42 am Post subject: |
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I was genuinely shocked to read in a public forum a few days ago; a VO novice asking how much time one should spend on the website of a prospective client before deciding whether to contact them.
Is it me? _________________ Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.
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Yonie CM
Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906
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Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 1:01 pm Post subject: |
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What does that even mean? |
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Mike Harrison M&M
Joined: 03 Nov 2007 Posts: 2029 Location: Equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia, along the NJ Shore
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Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 1:35 pm Post subject: |
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The only thing I can think it means is: when have I done enough research about this company to determine whether they might be a source of work? _________________ Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.
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Bailey 4 Large
Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 4336 Location: Lake San Marcos... north of Connie, northwest of the Best.
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Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 3:07 pm Post subject: Re: Where do we send them now? |
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Mike Harrison wrote: | ... where should we be referring newbies in order to listen to demos of established talent? |
All I know... and that might fill a thimble or two... is that if I'm looking for demos of established talent, there are plenty of personal websites listed in the VO-BB that are "spot on", from people that are really making a living at it. _________________ "Bailey"
a.k.a. Jim Sutton
Retired... Every day is Saturday, except Sunday.
VO-BB Member #00044
AOVA Graduate 02/2004 ;
"Be a Voice, not an Echo." |
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Deirdre Czarina Emeritus
Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 13016 Location: East Jesus, Maine
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Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 7:21 pm Post subject: |
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Does this n00b think the prospective client is tracking his visits? _________________ DBCooperVO.com |
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