VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Philip Banks

A few days ago I sent an email to a London based VO agent and this was the response.

Dear Philip

Thanks for writing in apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

Unfortunately at the moment with the current economic crisis and the shortage of work, we are having to concentrate on what work is out there for our current list. I cannot therefore at this moment take your application any further.

I will however keep your details on file and if the situation changes, I’ll get back in contact.

I think your reel is excellent and I wish you all the best in your search.

Best wishes,

Matt.

He could have waffled or simply ignored me but he didn't. I think the honesty is to his credit. In these tough times I wish him luck.

bobsouer · Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:04 pm Post subject:

Matt is clearly a credit to his profession. Just as you are to yours, Philip. Smile

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TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:27 am Post subject:

I wish you luck too Philip. I hope you can drum up some business.

Wink

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Moe Egan · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:27 am Post subject:

Wow, They do exist.
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flaspots · Contributore Level V Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 191

Yes, we do.

JBarrett · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 6:00 am Post subject:

It's great to see examples like this. At the same time, it's sad that they're (apparently) so rare that we have to point them out. If such honesty were the norm instead of the exception, I doubt this thread would exist.

A breath of fresh air is nice, but whatever happened to fresh air in large quantities? Shocked

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Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 6:25 am Post subject:

Yes. An honest response from an agent is always good.

An honest response from anyone is good.

These days, a response at all from some people is good!
It's a real shame that what seems to be an increasing number of business people simply do not reply to calls or emails at all.

<sigh> The reasons could be many, I suppose. Yet, we remain ever hopeful.
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Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 12:04 pm Post subject:

Hey Philip, I see quite a few gigs on Craigslist calling for British accents. Most of them aren't paying, but I'm sure they'd make great stuff for your reel in the hopes that you'll land an agent. Let me know and I'll forward them to you.
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CarynClark · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 12:26 pm Post subject:

I too received a very similar response from an agent in NYC last week. My reply? "I appreciate and respect your response. If I were on your roster, I'd certainly want the same consideration and would be grateful that you look out for your talent."

Good people. Makes me want to sign with them even more.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Ditto.

I got a similar response from an agent in the Atlanta area not too long ago, though it was a little more brief in nature.

That was one of the few I actually heard from, but hey indifference is part of showbiz, right?

Philip Banks · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:12 am Post subject:

Lee Gordon · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:57 am Post subject:

Michael Palin made me laff. I mean Philip. Philip made me laff. No, wait. Philip made me lahff. Laugh

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voicy1stef · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 3:55 am Post subject:

you're mad Philip! bless! think you have no prob keeping yourself busy with vo work. Kiss

whenever i get a really sympathetic letter from an agent i save it for encouragement, and a reminder to get back them in the future to see if there are any changes!

thanks for sharing your experience!
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Lee Gordon · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 3:36 pm Post subject:

By the way, while we have all been effusive in our praise for this agent's integrity, shouldn't we also be questioning his judgement? He had the opportunity to snag Philip as a client and turned it down!
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Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
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