The Society of Accredited Voice Over Artists is a new project you just might want to check out. Like any new enterprise, no doubt it will take a while for things to really get moving, but I think there’s a huge potential upside for this new organization.
$75 bucks for a VO blessing and only some of your money back if you are rejected? Hmmmmm?
I received my professional voice over accreditation regularly from my clients in the form of a paycheck.
It’s like a certificate only its worth MORE!
Best always,
– Peter
Peter,
I fixed your original comment. I don’t know why WordPress didn’t like your “more”, but it’s there now. I get those certificates, too. Thanks so much for stopping by and for commenting.
Be well,
Bob
Understood, Peter.
Since SaVoa’s aims are not geared towards individual advancement, it’s very likely that it will not suit every individual. That’s a given. Rather, SaVoa’s thrust is to protect the respectability of a professional segement of the voiceover community at a time when its standards are under siege from sheer numbers.
And $75 isn’t a large fee considering the day-to-day costs of operating any organization. SaVoa will also certainly run into legal counsel costs in its objective of mediating in collection disputes, and in defense of its logo and shield.
I also believe that half of it is applied towards a candidate’s second accreditation attempt.
Sincerely,
Robert Jadah
Robert,
Wonderful to see you stop by here and thank you for the cogent and informative comments.
Be well,
Bob
The 1st membership into SaVoa occurred on September 26th, 2007. The latest member settled in on July 7th, 2008. That brings the grand total of members to… 77. Putting aside the discussion about membership fees, VO blessings, and what SaVoa can do for you… I am puzzled as to why the growth of SaVoa memberships have been somewhat slow. I realize that some applicants may fall short of the “bar†that is set by SaVoa, and their membership is denied. This may not be the correct blog to ask this question, but is there anywhere on the Internet that I could find the accolades of what SaVoa membership has done for its members? I’m not talking about perks received from others in the VO industry; I’m looking for hard evidence of income increase as a result of the SaVoa seal of approval.
Jim:
Let’s be crystal-clear: there is zero direct income increase.
None. Zilch. Nada.
Revenue-wise, it’s absolutely useless. You can stop reading here.
Savoa membership only guarantees seekers that the talent will most definitely offer broadcast-quality sound and professional interpretation of your text.
It will, admittedly, be years before the production community as a whole comes to this realization.
Some voice sites, meanwhile, are already employing Savoa membership as a filter. One is even using it as a prerequisite for a free six-month premium membership.
Comparably, however, I can only suggest my $50/year fee to remain an authenticated Baseball Canada coach.
Or my $175/year stipend to ACTRA, which maintains my union status, with absolutely no job guarantees.
Or my $37.50/year to the Hemmingford Chamber of Commerce, which guarantees that I am a local merchant of scruples and accountability.
Or…the list goes on.
Savoa membership is only a mighty and echoing message that one is absolutely and unequivocably able to provide professional voiceover.
I’ll fly that banner proudly anytime.
Jim,
Thank you for the questions. And Robert for the cogent and thoughtful response. I’ve been supportive of SaVOa from before the beginning as Ed Gambill can tell you, should you wish to ask him. Who knows? Maybe it’s time to me to get off the dime and submit myself for membership?
Be well,
Bob