VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[mythwoman]

Hello,

After many inquiries to various agents I have found that most require industry referrals. I have one from my mentor here in Texas which has helped me get an agent here. But I am wondering if there are other kinds of referrals that agents seek and how I can go about receiving one. I would appreciate advice from some of you out there who have been in the profession longer than me (I started training and learning about voiceovers only last year!).

Thanks,
Mythwoman

[Spacegypsy]

Here in NYC, they have agent seminars where you pay $20 - $35 to meet and read with and for an agent. Worked for me, and I really should do some more.
Do they have anything like that in your area?

[mythwoman]

Unfortunately no. In fact in my area alone there are few voiceover seminars that are truly good. Bettye Pierce Zoller is the best in North Texas. One other workshop charges too much money and gurantees a great demo at the end. I listened to a student's demo from that particular class and it was one of the worst I had ever heard in my life. Before Bettye I signed up for a 6 week workshop with a voiceover performer who simply gave copy and asked students to read it and then gave little to no coaching at all. There was no recording, no proper feedback, no guidance, and certainly no information provided on the business of voiceovers. I learned everything I know now from Bettye Pierce Zoller. If I hadn't found Bettye I would have given up on voiceovers.

My guess is that since Texas is not exactly a huge market for voiceovers (like NYC or LA) there are few seminars or workshops that truly understand the business. My mentor even travels across the country to give workshops and seminars in other states. She's one of the best as I said.

[Philip Banks]

While everyone bows down to worship the best of the best as named above. I feel I ought to stand up and name the best of the best of the best, Brodie Castle, my source of inspiration and the talk of those who know a thing or two on the LA voice circuit but more importantly voice overs who live in Moray.

"When the copy makes a difference to you then you'll make a difference to the copy".

Any way, industry referrals. Producers with whom you have work, recording studios where you have worked should be approached with a request for a short letter saying how they felt you delivered on the day and whether or not they would work with you again. When you get the letters pass them on to potential new clients or agents. I would also strongly suggest sending a small gift as a thank you to those who help.

[anthonyVO]

The seminars that Katrina speaks of are different than the workshops you mentioned. These seminars are usually attended by actors (on-camera, stage, voice-overs) and they go in and read for the agent. The agent then gives you feedback. If they like you enough, they might have you come in, but that is a very small percentage - as most of these places that have seminars, have no "real" selection process - so most may be people with little training.

The seminars are also very controversial because there has been alot of talk among actors (and some casting directors) as it being a way for CD's and agents to make some extra money. You make your own decision about this.

Anyway, getting to know casting directors, managers, and other actors can lead to some good referalls. In a market like yours, I don't know, but in NY there are some intructors that have good contacts.

-Anthony

now back to the Dayonta 500

[Spacegypsy]

We-e-e-ell, folks may gripe, as they oft do, but the kind of money an agent is going to make from the hard graft of seeing 10 or 15 actors in 2 hours is neither here nor there for the effort involved. They might walk away with $100 after splitting it with the host/s. Not only that, some send copy in advance, and, the hosts are duty bound to manage the lists and keep everything moving along.
If the hosts were asking more than they do, I would smell a rat. But really, most of them are reasonably priced.

[anthonyVO]

i'm with you on this - i've attended a few, just to meet CD's, but with these things i always leave it up to the individual, you know?

-Anthony

[Bruce]

This is definitely one of those chicken or egg conundrums. Experienced talent don't usually get asked for referrals. Your demo and client list either grabs the agent or it doesn't. But if they won't help you get experience until you prove you have experience, how do you get it?

Experience in performing your craft is the only way to get proper referrals, so if you've done any work at all that seems appropriate, list the job and client. And if you don't have much of a resume, try getting some free or low paying gigs just to get those credits. Everything from reading for the blind or for children, to commercial or public service announcements for local radio stations. Theater is a great choice in my book. If you've had a good experience with these people, ask if you can use them as a referral with an agent. Chances are slim that the agent will call all, or any, of your referrals, but it's a good idea to make sure they're good just in case.

Bruce

[dmgood]

[Spacegypsy]

Haha! Speed Dating for Agents....

There's a few I know if - and they send out regular emails with who is coming up, what they specialize in casting-wise etc.

Here's the addys:

1) www.breakthroughstudios.com (info@breakthroughstudios.com)
2) ananiaseminar@verizon.net - email Joe and ask to go on his mailing list
3)go to http://www.voiceoversunlimited.com/news.html#schedule and select "seminar schedule"

I have never been to one at Breakthrough as yet, though I have been to audit a class. Nice place.

I went to one seminar at voiceoversunlimited and they are very nice peeps too.

I had success with both seminars I went to of Joe Anania's.

Only picked the ones which were relevant to me.

G'Luck!

[dmgood]

Hey, thanks for that info.

A little while back when I was at Edge for an Act Up! workshop people were saying good things about Actors Connection (http://www.actorsconnection.com). Their seminars start at $33 with discounts if purchasing multiples. They look pretty good...

[Spacegypsy]

This looks good! Their seminar roster is chock full of VO CDs.

[Philip Banks]

Are we allowed to mention that on the 28th at 3rd West 5th and Lexicon the regular Di O'Rhea seminar is taking place? Any delegates leaving anything behind will be expected to clean it up.

[Spacegypsy]

OK, I deleted this test to not put people off their brekkys.

Brits are prone to toilet humor.

[Bruce]

Quick! Get the Immodium, and see if we can't get these two to stop running off at the.... .... ... whatever.

May Montezuma have his revenge upon you for ruining my corned beef hash with runny eggs this morning!

B