As I’ve noted previously, I think Philip Banks is not only a wonderfully talented voiceover artist, but a man with remarkable insights about this business as well.
These are his words, recorded in the archives of VO-BB.com:
1 – Worry as much about Don La Fontaine as he does about you.
2 – Don’t like what the client is offering? Memorise the following phrase “No thank you”.
3 – They critiqued your demo and you lost how much work? Usually nothing. How much is a worthless opinion worth to you?
4 – Find out if your voice coach likes your voice or your $100 per session.
5 – Learn from the voiceovers you respect but don’t try to be the voiceovers you respect; that’s their job.
6 – It’s your demo. Make sure the producer puts all of you in it and none of him.
7 – In a session when the phrase “that read sucks” is uttered, make sure it was by you.
8 – Your voice will get you your first job but your people skills may prevent you from getting your second.
9 – Don’t make false claims, you will get found out.
10 – Count your blessings every day and ensure you pass a few on to others.
Here endeth the lesson.
That’s cute dad….very nice.
Sheesh. Phil’s more full of himself than most out there. He certainly doesn’t need you to tout his talents and success stories.
Donny,
You just broke rule number one. Worry about your own career.
It’s not that Philip can’t defend himself, but I wanted to say Philip is extremely generous with his advice. I owe a debt of gratitude to him for it. He has been a mentor to me from across the pond. One day I hope to shake his hand and share a few pints with him.
Dan