VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[robert jadah]

With teeming masses of voicers over-running the voice sites and burying producers in avalanches of demos, the time has probably come for some small order.
Since neither the sites, unions, producers nor market will provide it, the VO community itself is left with the challenge of quality control.

Hence, the Society of Accredited VoiceOver Actors at:
www.saVoa.org.

Savoa is a serious initiative intent on providing a much-needed peer accreditation process. The hope is that serious and capable VO talents will soon have a tangible indicator of a high standard of professionalism.
This, of course, will eventually serve to untangle much of the undergrowth which is choking our craft today.

Now, it's been years since I wrote that many serious words in a row. It's plumb wore me out.
All that remains now is for you to head off to the web site, read for hours, and then agree or disagree to your hearts' content.

But one thing is undeniable: only WE have the motivation, wherewithal, and urgent need to bring standards to our craft.

Thank You.

PS: I'll neither argue, cajole or stump on these pages. I firmly believe the VO family needs to establish some standards, else our collective reputation risks being dragged down by the anchor of mediocrity. Savoa is a necessary and laudable effort at peer accreditation.

(But really, that's enough seriousness. Thankfully, I just spilled anchovies on my Silver Surfer jammies.)

[Frank F]

Thank you Robert,

SAVOA is the first real attempt at doing what should be done for our industry.

Accreditation is important, and I applaud the effort, however until such time as the producers, agencies, agents, clients, and talent come together to support and focus on any one direction of value - we will have a paradox. We as VoiceOver Artists must create value and respect within our business. We must hold high the virtues of our industry and enforce those values with fervor.

Support must come from WE; the VO Artists, and be presented with a focused architecture which is accepted by our peers.

I believe I will be supporting SAVOA in this effort to begin the process of change from collective bargaining dominated monopolies of our industry to a determined peer group effort. I will also remain steadfast with my current obligations and promises.

Good luck to SAVOA.

Toodles

F2
_________________
Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[Jowillie]

So....steer me right -- Certification by SAVOA would qualify you for acceptance by other organizations, unions or even agents that promote or control job opportunities?
Willie Edwards
_________________
Wild Willie Edwards
www.hometowntvtoday.com
http://vomictest.blogspot.com

[Philip Banks]

Great idea, but ...no, I don't think so.

First thing first, get a credible powerbase. With apologies to all the people named on the site it really needs a few names to get the eyebrows raising.

"Oh! He's (she's) on board ....well then ...."

I'm sure you understand what I mean and that my intention is not to imply those involved are nobodies.

[todd ellis]

i think it's a great idea. but i agree with philip. although i know 5 out of 7 on the board (virtually) and think they are all top-knotch talents and great people in general - i believe saVOa would have to have some "star-power" to generate any interest. not saying there wouldn't/couldn't be mind you ... jmho
_________________
"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

[voicesdotcom]

Hi Robert,

I've been in communications with Thom and Voices.com is pleased to help promote SaVoa.

So far, we've:

Published a podcast on VOX Talk on behalf of SaVoa:

http://podcasts.voices.com/voxtalk/2007/09/savoa.html

Written an article on VOX Daily:

http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2007/09/savoa.html

Crafted a press release about Voices.com's support for the objectives of SaVoa (being distributed right now).

Best wishes,

Stephanie

[robert jadah]

Thank you, Stephanie: your publicity and interest speak volumes for Voices' commitment to matters of interest (and importance) to VO.
I'm probably not talking out of class when I note that 10,000 plus site hits and an accreditation process well underway for a couple dozen applicants may well indicate an idea whose time has come.

I may, however, be lurking on the edge of the playground if I casually mention that Messrs. Banks' and Ellis' suggestions are diligently being pursued.
So I won't.

I also will not - under any circumstances - divulge my Chicken a la Moosehead recipe.

So there.