I’ve spent this past weekend with some truly wonderfully talented people “playing full out” to use the term Marice Tobias uses and learning how to raise my voiceover work to the next level.
I always have at least one “aha” moment during these weekends of study and play with Marice. This weekend was no exception. More about that in a moment. First, though, here’s the group, or almost all of us.
From the left, Sheldon Smith, Peter Cutler (our engineer), Karen Hutton, me, Bill Lloyd, Scott Fischer, Sadie Medley, Marty Wall, Thompson Howell, Robyn Moler, and Steve Lawrence. Missing from the photo are Marice Tobias (she’s behind the camera) and Alex Vishniakoff, who was … uh … indisposed while we were shooting this quick photo during an afternoon break on Sunday.
This was a unique weekend because this time we dealt with all of the major areas of voiceover work (trailer, promo, commercial and narration) and how to keep a given genre from “leaking” into another as we switch from one to another through the day … just like we have to do in our real work.
It was also unique because the group got to hear everyone’s performances. Usually Marice will have us do at least a couple of reads in isolation from everyone else, but this time we were all in the studio for every performance. It was really enlightening to hear how we all were true to our own personalities even though we were hearing one another reading (some of the time) the exact same piece of copy.
My own “aha” moment came on Saturday when for the first time I began to grasp just how important it is to have a personal connection with the copy in order to deliver an emotionally honest performance. I think this one insight is going to have a significant influence on my work, especially as I incorporate this insight into my performances in the coming weeks and month.
Bob,
Thanks you so much for sharing again!
I can’t WAIT for my very own first MT experience in a few weeks! 🙂
Peace!
Liz
Bob, it was an amazing weekend; said even with several of these under my belt at this point. What a group – and inspiration! It was fabulous to see you – and hear you. And may I say, as witness to that said breakthrough of yours; it will take you farrrrr into that “next level” we all seek and work so hard for. It was breathtaking to behold! I can’t wait till the next time… Your fan, Karen.
Liz,
You are going to have such a fabulous time and guess what? It’s less than 2 weeks away now!
And Karen, you are so right and it was a real joy and delight to get to see you and talk with you again.
Be well,
Bob
Bob,
So sorry I missed you this weekend, but it was nice to speak on the phone. I’ll be at next week’s event in LA. Can’t wait.
Best,
Bobbin
Bobbin,
You are going to have such a great time. I’m sorry I missed you, too; but I’m glad we got to chat for a bit. See you in June if not before.
Be well,
Bob
Bob, I’m glad you had a wonderfully productive, creative weekend.
Could you say more about what you mean by “My own “aha” moment came on Saturday when for the first time I began to grasp just how important it is to have a personal connection with the copy in order to deliver an emotionally honest performance?”
What does it me to you to have a “personal connection with the copy?”
Thanks and be well,
Chris
Chris,
Here’s an example. Reading on mic this past weekend I was working on a piece of commercial copy that had to do with Mom’s taking care of their family’s health. When Marice was directing me she helped me remember a time when my daughter was very young and broke her arm, which then helped me connect with the copy more specifically and personally. My read went from being a nice, generic presentation to something much more genuine and connected to the story.
Be well,
Bob
Bob,Thanks for explaining this concept. It is one familiar to me from stage acting.
Chris
Chris,
You are very welcome.
Be well,
Bob
Bob – Thanks for posting that picture. It was great to be in such talented company!
Steve
Steve,
It’s was very talented company for all of us and I’m glad you were part of it.
Be well,
Bob