My friend Mahmoud Taji has written a blog post about voiceover life in the current economic climate. Well worth a few minutes of your time to read.
It’s easy?
Career Advice
Break Into Animation
Nancy Wolfson and Anna Vocino have been doing a superb series of teleseminars for nearly 3 years now. I’ve been there for every one of them and each has been worth way more than the price of admission. Now comes an opportunity to dig into the topic of voiceover for animation with not only Nancy and Anna, but also Richard Horvitz. This teleseminar will be held at 6:00 PM Pacific / 9:00 PM Eastern on Wednesday, January 27, 2010. You’ll be able to sign up soon at Nancy and Anna’s site, but right now they need you to email your questions about how to break into animation to Anna ASAP.
Your relationship with your agent
Rudy Gaskins continues his series of articles at VoiceOverXtra, his latest is on your relationship with your agent.
Get more commercial work
I just added Kyle Whitford’s blog to my blogroll this evening. Clearly, Kyle’s got something excellent going on. Just one example from a few days ago is this post about getting more commercial voiceover work. Or check out his wonderful post about our mutual friend Kara Edwards. VoiceCommercial is the name of the blog. I’ll be back.
What Clients Expect
Creative director/producer Rudy Gaskins offers some very helpful insights on what you’re expected to know if you’re going to be serious about your voiceover business, over at VoiceOverXtra. Well worth a few minutes of your time.
What does a money mill look like?
My friend Blaine Parker isn’t just a superb voice actor, he’s also a gifted writer and a superb marketing mind. Over the last couple of years I’ve re-published (with his permission) several of his columns. Today is another. And if you read all the way to the end, you’ll find something that might make the journey even more worthwhile than usual. So, without further ado …
WHERE THE WHILE MONEY THINGS ARE, by Blaine Parker
I’VE JUST SEEN A MONEY MILL IN OPERATION
As we all know, the restaurant business is hurting.
You wouldn’t know it by the way they’re packing it in at a place on the edge of Hollywood–a place named for a common class of wild animal.
I was in there Friday night with some friends who knew the owner–a woman whom they hadn’t seen in almost two decades. She and one of my friends happened to run into each other that morning. She said to come on round to her place and she’d buy the lads a couple of drinks.
After fighting to find a parking space about a quarter mile away, I walked to the restaurant–and proceeded to fight my way in the door.
The place was bursting at the seams.
Every table was full. The bar was packed. People were standing (including me).
Earlier, when I’d mentioned where I was going, someone had said, “Oh, I know that place. That’s a hipster joint.”
Calling it so implies a lot of posing and affectation and not a lot of happiness.
THIS WAS NO HIPSTER JOINT
Indeed, there were some hipsters. This is, after all, Hollywood.
But the crowd was mainly normal (for Hollywood) people, packed cheek-to-jowl.
The crowd skewed a little young. There were a lot of 20-somethings.
But there were also people old enough to know better.
Everyone in the place was happy. No hipster posing.
And everyone working the place was working like a maniac. They were moving as fast as they could, and all the service was with a smile.
I was marveling at this, when I finally met my friend’s friend, the owner. She came behind the bar to greet us and help out her bar staff.
SHE WAS THE ELECTRIFIED NUCLEUS OF THIS HUMMING, ENERGIZED MACHINE
She was excited, she was happy, and she was working her people with a degree of hustle and fire unmatched by any similar operation I’ve ever seen. (And while she doesn’t show it, she’s probably pushing 60–making her unceasing energy all the more impressive.)
It’s easy to discount a place as a “hipster joint” when there happen to be hipsters in evidence.
This was no hipster joint. This was a happy joint.
The staff was happy. The patrons were happy. The air in the place was charged with happiness electrons humming from wall-to-wall.
And there was no doubting it: the reason for the success of this place hinges directly on the owner, who has built it up around her own personal brand.
ONCE AGAIN, THE ENTREPRENEURIAL HELMSMAN INFORMS AND INFUSES
We’ve talked about this previously–how the driving personality behind the company dictates everything about the brand.
The high profile example we’ve used is Sir Richard Branson. The Virgin airlines are a distinct and unmistakable reflection of who Sir Richard is.
And while he has billions of dollars coursing through the corporate veins and a legion of marketing people to help chart the course of that brand, he’s still The Man.
He’s the reason Virgin is everything it is.
The same goes for any small business–only more so, because the business is so close to the owner.
Everything about the company culture, the marketing, the treatment of customers and–ultimately–the business’s success in a recession i
s linked to the owner’s brand personality.
And I was sitting there in Hollywood, watching a recessionary success in action.
It was astonishing.
A place in a frequently unhappy town packed to the gills with happy people–all because the proprietor insisted on bringing happy to the table.
AN OBJECT LESSON FOR ANY SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
You’ve heard the expression, “don’t sell the steak, sell the sizzle.”
This restaurant, which is slamming like crazy in a time when others are shutting their doors, is a brilliant example of where the sizzle comes from.
It comes from the heart of the beast.
Howard Schultz’s Starbucks story is called Pour Your Heart Into It.
It’s an excellent directive.
Just make sure to keep a smile on it, and pour it out into the hearts of your employees who serve it up to your customers.
There are many factors that contribute to success–but none as vital as informing a brand with joyous servitude.
| As always,
|
Blaine Parker
Your Short, Fat Creative Director in
Park City
www.slowburnmarketing.com
www.spotsbeforeyoureyes.net
Follow on Twitter @blaineparker
The above came from Blaine’s newsletter called HOT POINTS. If you would like to get HOT POINTS directly, visit Blaine’s Slow Burn Blog.
Being prepared
Take a moment to read Michael Lenz’ latest blog post about the value of preparation.
Voice stalking
My friend and mentor Philip Banks asks the question on his blog today Are you a Voice Stalker? Well worth a few moments of your time.
(edited to fix typo)
Do you voice internationally?
Ed Victor offers some thoughts about working around the world.
Find more videos like this on VU
My thanks to my friend Dan Nims for sending me the link to this video today.
How to Book More Voiceover Auditions
Voiceover coach Nancy Wolfson did a teleseminar just the other day on the subject How to Book More Voiceover Auditions. While it’s not possible to transport yourself into the past so you can listen to the teleseminar live, you can still experience the call through the 2 hour and 24 minute MP3 that’s available for less than a week.
A webinar on the business of voiceover
Bettye Zoller will be holding a live webinar in conjunction with VoiceOverXtra on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 6:00 PM Pacific/9:00 PM Eastern on The Business of Voiceovers, subtitled Getting Starting and Growing Your Career. Tuition is a very reasonable $39.95. Click through for all the details including registration information.
Actors Tool-Kit #26
From time to time, and with his permission, I’ve been re-publishing a series of columns from Bob Fraser for actors … concentrating on those that are of most value to those of us who are focused on voice acting. Today Bob quotes himself, sort of.
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ACTOR’S TOOL-KIT #26
BOB QUOTES HIMSELF – SORTA
by Bob Fraser
I thought I’d do another set of great quotes and I was hard at work, doing research (finding quotes that are applicable to acting is not like finding pebbles on the beach, believe me) and sweating my self-imposed deadline, when I came across this oldie but goodie:
“The immature writer suffers, the mature writer steals.”
Actually that’s not an accurate quote, but it fits with the theme, today. I’ve decided to indulge in a little unabashed plagiarism.
And so, I offer you my “rewrites” of some classic and not so classic quotations — slanted, naturally, to our narrow show biz interests.
“Pursuing success in show business is like boxing … talent is a left jab – but character, persistence, hard work and good planning are the knock-out punches. Being likable is the fancy footwork.” Bob Fraser
“Acting is not emotional. It is the ability to re-create the emotion in the audience’s heart that defines the craft.” Bob Fraser
“The most encouraging thing about show business is to see folks not as talented as yourself, who have gotten to the top through conscious endeavor.” Bob Fraser
“Happiness is not a red-carpet you are going to arrive at someday. It’s a way of making the trip.” Bob Fraser
“There is nothing new in show business — except talent.” Bob Fraser
“It’s impossible to become a movie star. Which is why so few people try it.” Bob Fraser
“The secret to popularity in show business is just this; be very nice to everyone before lunch. The rest of the day will take care of itself.” Bob Fraser
“The first a greatest law of show business is: Don’t let them scare you.” Bob Fraser
“Success in show business is not so much a matter of what cards you’ve been dealt as it is playing them like a Royal Flush.” Bob Fraser
“Happiness is doing what you like and making a fortune.” Bob Fraser
“There is nothing more irritating than a person with less talent and more success than we have.” Bob Fraser
“Fraser’s Theory – If you pay attention, you can observe a lot just by looking.”
“Stardom is all a matter of luck. Ask any extra.” Bob Fraser
“The 7 essential ingredients of success in show business are; sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom and charity. Wait that’s only 6. Oh, right … tenacity and humor. Hmm. 8. Let’s face it, there are a lot of essential ingredients… like an innate desire to tell stories and … er … Aw, make up your own darn quote!” Bob Fraser
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PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may reprint articles from Actor’s Tool-Kit, on your website or electronic newsletter. However, in order to comply with my copyright, you must also include the following paragraph with your reprint:
“Reprinted from ACTOR’S TOOL KIT, the email course just for subscribers of Show Biz How-To — The Free Actor’s Monthly. Get your own free subscription by going to: showbizhowto.com Copyright © 2006 Bob Fraser Productions All Rights Reserved”
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PRIVACY STATEMENT: Bob Fraser Productions will NEVER share your personal information with anyone. Ever. Period.
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Who will be speaking at VOICE 2010?
I attended both VOICE 2007 in Las Vegas and VOICE 2008 in Los Angeles. I enjoyed both a great deal. VOICE 2010 will be the 2nd through the 5th of June, 2010 and will again be in Los Angeles, CA. If you’ve been holding off registering until you knew more about the presenters, then click through on the Conference Schedule and check out the names.
Early-Bird registration savings of $150 ends the 31st of January 2010.
Make it personal
My friend Peter O’Connell understands marketing. I always gain something of value when I learn from him, and yesterday’s blog post “Take the time to make it personal” is well worth a couple of minutes of your time. It will be worth even more if you take his suggestions to heart and start doing them.
Want to book more voiceover work?
Nancy Wolfson shares her insider’s view (in addition to being a top VO coach, she used to be an agent) in a teleseminar she’s just announced.
She’s promised to answer at least three dozen questions collected from voiceover people worldwide.
Check out the list of questions here.
Auditioning techniques
My friend Terry Daniel provides some tips for your auditions.
This video was originally posted on Voice Over Club.
Opportunities to study with Marice Tobias – Fall 2009
Here is the schedule of Marice Tobias for the remainder of 2009, just arrived in my inbox.
NEW YORK
November 7 & 8: Promo/Trailer & Commercial Intensive with a limited number of spots open. Private sessions with Marice can be scheduled 11/05-11/09.
LONDON PROMAX/UK
Vinopolos
Guest Speaker: November 12 on the subject: “Directing Voiceover Talent”
Special One-Day Intensive “THE EXCELLENT VOICE COMPANY” also in London on November 14. Private sessions with Marice can be scheduled 11/13, 15-17.
PARIS
November 18-22. Private sessions only.
NEW YORK
November 22-25. Private sessions with Marice can be scheduled 11/23 & 11/24
SOUTH FLORIDA
November 25-30th. Private sessions with Marice can be scheduled 11/27-29
Please call ASAP to book as these events and times fill up quickly.
Contact & Info:
Stacey Stahl: CEM Management 503.246.2239
stacey@creativeentertainmentmanagement.com
First time attendees: 775. Returning: 650.
Full payment reserves your spot. Industry referral required.
Paypal: tobiasent@tobiasent.com
or by mail: TEG, PO Box 15396, Beverly Hills, CA 90209
Seminar Hours: 10-5 Sat/Sun.
Group Dinners Friday, Saturday or Sunday depending on city.
Acting for Advertising part 9 teleseminar is tomorrow
Nancy Wolfson and Anna Vocino will hold their next teleseminar, Acting for Advertising Part 9, tomorrow, or to be specific, Wednesday, October 14, 2009, starting at 6:00 PM Pacific/9:00 PM Eastern.
So what’s in store?
-
- If Only…Know Your Buried Promise
How to ferret out the insidious & possibly unsupportable Sneaky Ad Strategy Subtext.
Learn where they bury it and how to tease it properly.
Miss it, and you miss a paycheck.
-
- Behind The Agent Curtain
Managers: What are they, and what do they do? Why are people paying
so much for them? Do I need a manager for voiceover?Be careful what you Twitter!
How to adjust rates “in this economy.” Should you be lowering yours?
-
- Actor to Actor
The one piece of equipment that will keep you from losing jobs.
Give your job to a friend if you’re not available.
What to do when you are sick.
-
- And as always, a Killer Q & A!
Registration is simple. Click here to visit Break Into Voice Over. All the details you need are right there on the page.
Acting for Advertising part 9 teleseminar is coming up soon
Nancy Wolfson and Anna Vocino have emailed with news that their next teleseminar, Acting for Advertising Part 9, is coming up on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, starting at 6:00 PM Pacific/9:00 PM Eastern.
So what’s in store?
-
- If Only…Know Your Buried Promise
How to ferret out the insidious & possibly unsupportable Sneaky Ad Strategy Subtext.
Learn where they bury it and how to tease it properly.
Miss it, and you miss a paycheck.
-
- Behind The Agent Curtain
Managers: What are they, and what do they do? Why are people paying
so much for them? Do I need a manager for voiceover?Be careful what you Twitter!
How to adjust rates “in this economy.” Should you be lowering yours?
-
- Actor to Actor
The one piece of equipment that will keep you from losing jobs.
Give your job to a friend if you’re not available.
What to do when you are sick.
-
- And as always, a Killer Q & A!
Registration is simple. Click here to visit Break Into Voice Over. All the details you need are right there on the page.
Everything?
Pat Fraley announces his new class Everything They Expect You To Know, but Nobody Teaches seminar. Date is Saturday, October 31, 2009. Details and registration information can be found when you click through on the link just above.
Here’s Pat’s first lesson, to help you decide if this seminar is for you.
