Posted March 31, 2007 by Bob
As you probably know, Don LaFontaine is the most famous voiceover guy in the world and has been for some time. But, now, thanks to a Geico television commercial, his name is known to everyone, not just those of us in the voiceover business.
Here is an interesting article and interview with Mr. LaFontaine. (My thanks to Tom Ackerman for linking to this article on the VO-BB.)
Category: General, People | Comments (4)
Posted March 30, 2007 by Bob
Be sure to check out Stephanie’s posts at Vox Daily. She’s written a very nice summary of the first 2 days, as well as a story about the winner of one of the 3 iPod Shuffle players they’re giving away here in Las Vegas this week.
Category: General | Comments (0)
Posted March 29, 2007 by Bob
It’s been an amazing 2 days so far. We began on Tuesday evening with an opportunity to meet and greet one another. While I’m naturally a rather shy and introverted person, I actually really enjoyed these 3 hours. It was truly a joy to meeting, in person, so many of the friends I’ve made through the Internet, in particular through the VO-BB.com. And to make a number of new friends as well.
If you haven’t been involved in voiceover work for very long, you may not have realized this yet, but unlike most other kinds of performance work; voiceover is filled with tremendously nice, helpful people. So, it’s a sheer joy to meet and talk with so many nice human beings in one place. There are about 200 voiceover talents, ranging from “not even hardly started” to “working professionals,” gathered here in Las Vegas. And it has been one amazing time, with so much to learn it feels like I’m trying to drink from a fire hose. I think a lot of us feel this way. But, it’s still a wonderful feeling.
I’ll add further updates to this and one or two more posts about this conference in the next couple of days. But, please believe me, you are not going to want to miss this event next year. Discussions are under way about where to hold it, so there’s a good chance it won’t be in Las Vegas next time. But, where ever it is, you need to be there. I know I will.
Category: Career Advice, General, Getting started in Voiceover | Comments (4)
Posted March 28, 2007 by Bob
VOICE2007 is nothing short of amazing. Hopefully I’ll have some photos and plenty of stories to tell in the next few days, but for right now I must get some sleep! You should be here. And I sure hope you’ll plan to make the trip next year. And this has only been the first day!
Category: Career Advice, General, Getting started in Voiceover | Comments (6)
Posted March 27, 2007 by Bob
If you’ve visited this voiceover blog more than a few times, you know that we’ve gone though a few changes to the theme or appearance of this blog recently. I’ve been searching for a different theme that would retain most of what I like about this one while adding a bit of flexibility about the way this main content in the middle is displayed.
I especially regret the times when many of you found nothing but a bit white empty space in the middle. Unless you happened to scroll down, you wouldn’t know that one of the modifications I made to a test theme ended up pushing the main stuff in the middle down toward the bottom of the page. I’ll leave well enough alone for a while. Thank you for reading.
Category: General | Comments (0)
Posted March 26, 2007 by Bob
When I started publishing interviews on this voiceover blog, I knew the first person I wanted to feature was Mary McKitrick. Who? Oh, if you don’t know by now, you need to strap yourself in for a bit of a ride. Mary’s is a remarkable story. In the last few years she’s made the transition from college professor to voiceover talent. And quite successfully, I might add.
Indeed, a bit part of the reason I admire Mary so much is that in just a couple of years of voiceover experience, she has far surpassed me in her understanding of how to build and grow her voiceover career. And I’ve been making professional money at this game since 1983.
But, this post is about something specific that you’ll find at Mary’s voiceover blog. She has carefully documented her efforts to market her voiceover business through her local Chamber of Commerce, specifically…
I signed up for a table at the Tabletop Expo sponsored by my local Chamber of Commerce. The tables were quite inexpensive, putting the expo within reach of small business owners such as me.
Next came the question of what to give away. Mary, for some time, had…
been longing for MCM Voices pens…
The local business she chose to help her with her pen supply turned out to be a great choice, because not only did they do a terrific job with the pens, he asked a lot of questions…
…what I expected to get out of my participation in the Expo – what kind of people would I be marketing to and what would I be trying to sell? This was very important, because if not for his questions I might not have realized that the one thing I was most likely to be able to sell was something I don’t usually market, namely on-hold messaging and telephony. I subsequently designed a brochure that featured that part of the business much more than I would otherwise have done.
I highly encourage you to read the whole thing from Mary. It’s well worth your time and might yield some valuable lessons for your own marketing efforts.
Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (0)
Posted by Bob
This video has been around for a while, but I just ran across it myself today. You’ll hear some good thoughts and a few funny comments along the way. Enjoy.
Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (0)
Posted March 25, 2007 by Bob
Linda and Robin, over the The Nice Blog, have posted a really cool story they found in the New York Times that illustrates the power of nice, beautifully. Here’s just a brief bit…
After each show on his thirty–city tour, comedian Jim Gaffigan looks out into the packed theater and offers to meet every single person who would like to. He then stands in the lobby, sometimes very late into the night (he pays ushers overtime out of his own pocket), and shakes hands, signs CDs, and poses for pictures.
This story underscores how simple it can be to distinguish oneself from the ordinary. There are lots of nice voices in the world, lots of talented people. The goal is not just to book a voiceover job, it’s to make a lasting impression. After all, clients who are delighted with the experience of working with us, are much more likely to work with us again.
Category: Career Advice, General | Comments (0)
Posted by Bob
Gary Terzza is a voiceover talent and coach based in the UK. On his voiceover blog he writes about what’s really required to deliver the goods as a voiceover artist.
I suggest you read the whole thing, it’s not long; but here are a couple of key lines…
Voice-overs are all about bringing a script to life…voice-overs come from the mind not the larynx.
Category: Career Advice, General, Getting started in Voiceover, People | Comments (2)
Posted March 24, 2007 by Bob
With thanks to my friend David Houston for pointing out this video on his voiceover blog, check out the excellent video interview with Rodney Saulsberry.
I think we’re going to learn a lot from Rodney at VOICE 2007.
Category: Career Advice, General, Getting started in Voiceover, People | Comments (2)
Posted by Bob
Jeffrey Kafer is a fellow voiceover talent to whom I can now refer as a fellow professional voiceover talent. He just posted on the VO-BB that he’s landed his first paying voiceover job. Good for you, Jeffrey. May there be many more!
Update: Obviously, Jeffrey has seen this post. To which I can only say, if you’ve been paid Jeffrey, you’re a pro in my books. May you find a bright future ahead as you pursue your dream.
Category: General, Getting started in Voiceover, People | Comments (0)
Posted March 23, 2007 by Bob
Stephanie, over at Vox Daily, as written an interesting post about the 5 different styles of voiceover for commercials and industrials.
Category: General | Comments (0)
Posted by Bob
WHAT AGENTS THINK
by Bob Fraser
Agents are salespeople working in an employment agency.
That’s what they do. They call people who have jobs to fill and they try to sell the business people they represent (actors). They are just like salespeople at a temp agency. Just because they sell actors doesn’t change the job.
The most important thing to understand about them is that they do it for money. Like many people in many professions – no, like all people in all professions – agents like to make money for their efforts. Unlike lawyers, however, agents rarely do pro-bono work.
I’ve only had two agents during my acting career, but I know a lot of agents – including some of the biggest in the business. I’ve gone to parties with them, played poker with them, and softball – seen ‘em at picnics, awards ceremonies, golf tournaments … you name it.
Bottom line: I know these folks.
THINGS AGENTS NEVER SAY
Read the following very carefully:
I’ve never heard an agent say, “Yeah, I just took on a client who’s thinking about being an actor. She hasn’t done much on her own but I think I can teach her to work. I’ve got plenty of time to show her how to be a pro. And even though she’s got the wrong attitude, it probably won’t take too long to explain why her attitude is problematic. I know she hasn’t managed to get going on her own but I’ll just send her out for every part in her age range until she gets work. I know it’s risky, but she’s got a feeling she’s going to be a star, so I’m going to give it a shot.”
I’ve never heard anything like that.
WHAT AGENTS REALLY WANT
This is the kind of thing I hear agents say when I’m playing cards or lining up a putt, “Yeah, I just took on a real comer. This guy can do it all. He’s a good actor – wait’ll you see this little student film he did. He’s smart. He’s been making pretty good money – all non-union, but he’s ready. Hustle? The guy’s been in like a hundred plays, he teaches a class to kids. He’s doing a one-man show over at this Equity waiver theatre in West Hollywood – go go go. I tell you, Bob, I’m going to make a fortune off this kid.”
Do you see the difference? Of course you do.
In your heart of hearts you know that this is reality.
You know it.
So, how does this help you to get an agent?
In this crucial way: Now, you KNOW what agents are really looking for.
INTEREST = MIND-SET + RESULTS
1. Actors who are acting for money. Because 10% of that amount is what the agent lives on. It is his income. If the actor cannot book work – nada.
2. Actors who are getting cast. They’ve been in plays, student films, non-union work, it really doesn’t matter what level of work is, as long as the actor has a history of getting cast. It’s a good indication for most agents.
3. Actors who work hard at getting good enough to compete for jobs – actors with the right attitude. (They know they have to commit and work hard.)
4. Actors who hustle.
NO INTEREST = LACK OF COMMITMENT & HARD WORK
You now also know what they are NOT looking for.
1. Actors who haven’t made the commitment to act for money. (This kind of self-induced commitment is probably harder than you think it is.)
2. Actors who haven’t bothered to do much without anyone else’s help.
3. Actors who believe that an agent can “make it happen.” (Rule of Hollywood: Agents don’t make actors – actors make agents.)
4. Actors who take an attitude because of that belief. (“They just don’t care about talent,” is a hollow complaint – and changes nothing.)
5. Actors who think agents don’t know what they are doing. (Maybe the agent knows what she’s doing and the actor doesn’t know what he’s doing. It’s a possibility.)
Now, these ‘observable realities’ can lead us to only one conclusion with regards to your “getting an agent” problem.
IT CAN BE DONE
IF … you are the type of actor they are looking for.
NEXT INSTALLMENT: THE STAR’S CREED
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Category: Career Advice, General | Comments (0)
Posted March 22, 2007 by Bob
I noted the other day that Joe Cipriano had posted on his blog about an upcoming appearance that was supposed to be in the Today Show this morning (March 22, 2007). It was bumped off the show. But the silver lining is that the cancellation prompted Joe to write another post for his blog.
Thanks for the laughs in that wonderful post, Joe. And I sure hope Today reschedules your piece sometime soon. (Long before you’re out to pasture DJing in Pacoima!)
Update: Joe emails this evening to say “So, have the heard the one about me appearing on the Today Show?” 
“Today Show – 9:00am to 9:30am tomorrow, Friday. Just set tivo and place your bets.”
I believe that would be Eastern and Pacific, adjust as needed for other time zones.
Further Update: Joe gives us a link to a fabulous, extended version of the segment. Great fun.
Category: General, People | Comments (0)
Posted by Bob
…here is one you should read and think about. My friend Steve Rae has written the 10 Most Important Service Phrases. All of us involved in voiceover work need to know these phrases and how to use them. For that matter, all of us involved in any kind of service business.
Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (0)
Posted by Bob
Death and taxes. They can’t be avoided, at least not forever. And, in the case of taxes, it only makes sense to deal with them now rather than later.
Thanks to my friends at The Big Fish Voice Company, here are a few links you may find helpful.
http://www.actorstaxprep.com/
Has a great listing of deductible expenses.
http://www.excel-lentsolutions.com/actors.php
Is a great source for Excel spreadsheet programs.
http://www.foolscap-quill.com/aptginfo.html
This is the Actor’s Pocket Tax Guide
Category: General, Tools | Comments (0)
Posted March 21, 2007 by Bob
I’ve written previously, more than once even, about how highly I think of Nancy Wolfson as a voiceover coach. After hearing about Nancy from two of my good friends who live and work in Southern California, my first direct experience with her training was during a teleseminar she conducted with Anna Vocino some time ago. And I’m delighted to let you know that very teleseminar is now available as an audio download for the same price we paid to be part of it in person, the rather modest sum of $49.
Details and order information is available at BreakIntoVoiceOver.com. I think you’ll find this valuable information is worth way more than the price.
Category: Career Advice, General, Getting started in Voiceover, People, Tools | Comments (0)
Posted by Bob
Today, while following links that sprang from my server logs, I came across Kristen King’s blog called Inkthinker. Among other treasures, Kristen has compiled an excellent page of links with Tips for Bloggers, which I’ve just added to my blogroll, in the Blog Helps section.
I especially recommend the top two links on that page, first What’s In a Name? and second 10 Ways to Destroy Your Brand; both from Chris Garrett.
Very good stuff.
Category: Blogging, General | Comments (6)
Posted by Bob
Bobbin Beam has written some good thoughts on this subject on her voiceover blog. Read. Learn. Apply. Vanquish those mouth noises forever!
Category: Career Advice, General | Comments (0)
Posted by Bob
The folks at Voices.com are at it again, this time with more YouTube videos. Check out the newest two here and here.
Category: General | Comments (0)
Posted March 20, 2007 by Bob
This evening I received a very nice email from Doc Phillips, one of the many talented people it’s been my pleasure to meet on the VO-BB.com, letting me know that he’s started a voiceover blog. I’ve added Doc’s blog and main site to my blogroll.
Welcome to the blogosphere, Doc. I’m sure, from reading the articles you’ve posted on your site in the past, that I’m going to enjoy reading your blog too.
Category: Blogging, General, People | Comments (2)
Posted by Bob
My friend Jeffrey Kafer is blogging about his experiences using Google adwords and Microsoft AdCenter. The first post in the series is here. The second here. The third here. No doubt more will be added to his voiceover blog in coming days.
Thanks for documenting this experience Jeffrey. I’m interested to see how it turns out.
Category: Career Advice, General, Getting started in Voiceover, People, Tools | Comments (0)
Posted March 19, 2007 by Bob
Well, of course, he does. He is, after all, among the very elite in the voiceover business. And my friend Michael Minetree has an interview with Mr. LaFontaine that he’s published. Nicely done, Michael.
Category: General, People | Comments (0)
Posted March 18, 2007 by Bob
This voiceover blog, which was named The Voiceover Boblog on a whim when my blog father and good friend Steve Knight suggested I do so, has a business purpose. In other words, while there are lots of personal stories and comments from me here, my focus is on blogging about my main professional passion, working in voiceover.
I want to call your attention to a link I’ve just added to my blogroll under the Blogging Helps section. It’s to a superb article from the brilliant minds at Future Now. I highly recommend it to you, especially if you are now or are thinking about blogging with a business purpose.
Category: Blogging, General, People | Comments (3)
Posted by Bob
Bobbin Beam is a lady I’ve added to my voiceover blogroll in the last several weeks. As I was reading through her blog today, I noticed an interesting post that deals with both working on new demos and controlling sound in one’s home studio. Thanks for the good thoughts, Bobbin.
Category: General, People | Comments (0)
Posted by Bob
Something I’ve noticed in posts at the voiceover blogs written by my friends Adam Creighton and Tom Dheere among others is the idea that if you’re working on your voiceover, voice acting or just acting career, and your not booking a lot of work “right now”, don’t sit around moaning about your lack of work, do something. Make your own work.
For example, Tom’s working on film projects (for one of which, Project: T.E.R.R.A., I even got to provide some voiceover bits) and Adam has created this brief, but interesting animation that he’s posted on YouTube.
Adam not only did the stop motion animation, but also wrote the script and provided all 4 voices. Nice work, Adam. And Tom, you’re doing some really interesting stuff too. Good for you. You guys are doing it.
Category: Career Advice, General, Getting started in Voiceover, People | Comments (0)
Posted March 17, 2007 by Bob
My friend Dave Christi has posted both audio and print versions on his blog of a delightful story with a valuable lesson included. Read. Listen. Or both. It’s well worth a couple of minutes of your time.
Category: General, People | Comments (2)
Posted by Bob
Joe Cipriano is part of a new television story on famous voices. He has all the details at his blog.
Category: General, People | Comments (2)
Posted March 16, 2007 by Bob
There’s a lively exchange going on over at Vox Daily regarding the merits and demerits of doing voiceover work under union contacts exclusively. You might want to join the discussion.
I should point out that there’s a lot of confusion about the term “financial core” floating around, some of it in the comment thread of the above post. You’ll find some good, hopefully clear, examination on that issue of you search the archives here and at the VO-BB.
Category: Career Advice, General | Comments (0)
Posted by Bob
But, my friend Michael Minetree has prepared a list of some of his favorite voices and voiceover talent, and the name at the top of his list is a surprise to us all.
Category: General | Comments (8)
