VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Philip Banks]

Permit me to clarify something. King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table are legends. My Father, gassed and blown up in the 1914-18 war was a hero, decorated too! The voiceover people you admire are neither. Buy a dictionary or a thesaurus.

If you know of a time when Don La Fontaine did a movie trailer whilst pinned down by machine gun fire or have a photo of Peter Cullen sipping coffee from the Holy Grail whilst sailing to somewhere on the Argonaut I'll stand corrected.

[todd ellis]

i recently saw garth brooks muddle through "calling baton rouge" while 40 pounds over weight in a flop-sweat ... does that count?
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

[Bish]

Considering we are in the business of communications, we don't always choose our own words with the care and attention they deserve. Hyperbole is the norm. Where do you go when you've substituted "awesome" for "competent"? ... Something that is mildly interesting is now "mind-blowing".

I'm also very concerned about the growing idolatry and cult-like following some of the more visible members of the voiceover business seem to be garnering (if not actively encouraging and promoting). Strangely enough, these "legends and heroes" all have something to sell (or am I being cynical?)
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

[todd ellis]

i've never been much "star-struck". i've never been much for conferences, training or meeting "people". i'm not one of those guys that hears a national vo on tv and says "i could've done that!" i have my little niche here and i serve it and it serves me. i make the money i need and try to help some others make a few bucks along the way. when someone asks me for help - i try to help. sometimes i need help myself ... it all works out in the end. peter cullen and i both put our pants on one leg at a time --- it's just harder for him because he has two fists full of cash.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

[Bish]

I think "where my head is" is best demonstrated by the fact that I had to Google Peter Cullen to see who he was. The name rang a bell, but I had no idea about who he was or what he did. Does that make me a bad voiceoverist?

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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

[todd ellis]

see there? you went the extra mile! i just blindly took philips word for it.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

[Mike Harrison]

[audiblyandrea]

I've been researching, dabbling in, and stalking this industry for a few years now. I've had circumstances in life pull me from actively trying to create my niche in the vo world, but I've never stopped keeping myself informed and entertained by the vo world. I've also never stopped doing voice over, even if it was just for my own fun and development. I just love it. I adore watching all of the podcasts (when I make the time), scoping out the websites, reading the forums, etc. If it can be promoted or sold it's been in my inbox. Some subscriptions I've kept and I find value in the information being shared with me. I appreciate having them there. Others bombard me what they are selling next, followed by the special rate, followed by the last chance offer.... I unsubscribe from that ShI$ pretty quick.

The most consistent, practical resource for answers to my questions has always been this forum.

None of the voice over actors I admire have tried to sell me anything. I admire the work. I like voices. And good delivery.

And coffee.

[Bruce]

I suggest a better term for voice talents that are widely admired is “icon”. I believe iconic is best used with contemporary figures in our culture while legendary should be reserved for people whose actions will be told and retold for centuries. While we could easily list a few dozen voices we admire for their recorded achievements and unique sound, our industry is less than a century old, and as much as we love what they’ve done, few if any will be lauded a century hence. We produce ephemeral art. Enjoy your favorites while you can.


B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

[Lee Gordon]

[Mike Harrison]

What Bruce said, and what Lee said.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

[Karyn OBryant]

[Dan-O]

There is the real world and there is the VO world.

I've often compared VOs to architects. When people walk down the street and see a building they admire, they may compliment it with a simple "Oh, that's pretty" and move on with there day. There was an architect who created that building and the name of that architect doesn't mean a thing to the general public. However, in "the world of architects" that name may have a level of respect. A career full of high profile structures that became so well known they are studied in classrooms. The students look up to their creations for inspiration, and the architects themselves for mentoring and possibly career advice.

Context, people.

A legend (in the VO world)
A hero (in the VO world)
An icon (in the VO world)

No one is comparing Mel Blanc to Ghandi. However, in a hundred years he will may likely be the only VO that is still mentioned in the history of early television and animation. Heck, eight years from now will mark the hundredth anniversary of the start of his career doing voices for radio shows. A legend in the VO world.

[Philip Banks]

Next, Harold Pinter on pausing. A vehicle for performance, essential stage craft or simply a means for actors to take a breath.