Career Advice

One of my greatest challenges as a voiceover talent (tell me if this is familiar) is inertia. As you may remember from your time in school, inertia is defined as a pair of rules.

Things at rest tend to stay at rest.

Things in motion tend to stay in motion.

In both cases you can add…

…until acted on by external forces or factors.

What does this have to do with voiceover work? Just about everything. First, I should note that my thinking on this subject was prompted by a recent post on Tom Asacker’s blog. He writes about the way he will often start a talk on this subject with this story…

“Do you remember when, as a child, you’d wake up to a pristine, snow covered landscape? You’d rush out the door on your way to school, zigging and zagging, pushing and dragging your feet to create a one-of-a-kind path? And invariably, the next kid in the neighborhood would leave his home and follow your crooked path, kicking away more snow on his way. And then the next kid, and the next, until eventually there was a well-worn, precisely defined route all the way to school.

Well, that’s what happens with your mind as well. If you think the same thoughts, or preformed the same task over and over again, you will develop a neural pathway in your brain. Like a dry path in wet snow, it becomes a comfortable route; a path of least resistance. To remove this habit or old way of thinking takes a focused effort. It requires that you step out of your rut and get your brain wet, cold and uncomfortable.”

Tom then drives his point home with these words…

The audience members typically nod, signaling their understanding. And then they go right back into their subconscious ruts, rejecting new concepts and rationalizing familiar ones. Men, and women, love inertia. And to my way of thinking, inertia is the silent killer of most businesses and, in some cases, entire industries as well.

All of this came home to roost recently when a friend was kind enough to point out that I had fallen into a terrible rut in my auditions. That everything was not only sounding very much the same whether I was auditioning for a hospital or an athletic shoe company, it was all very dark, slow and somber. In other words, not very appealing to the clients who are casting these jobs. So, it’s no great surprise that I’ve had a dry spell for a while in my efforts to book new commercial work, huh?

Now, you can always identify your true friends because they are the ones willing to tell you the truth, even if it hurts. And this is the kind of truth I need to hear, all the time. It’s so incredibly easy for me to fall into ruts, and not even recognize that I’m in one. While voiceover work is often a solitary business, as we talk all alone in our quiet little rooms, there’s no question that I’m learning just how important it is to stay connected with true friends.

Thanks for reading. Let me know if any of this has been helpful to you, today.
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Steve Mathews runs a company called Radio Garage, an audio production company. And Steve blogs about his work as well. I make a point of stopping by pretty often, because he often has something interesting to say. Recently he asks a question with a pretty obvious answer…

Okay, so the question is simple. Would you rather be bored to tears, or would you rather have fun?

Like I said, a pretty obvious answer. Is there anyone who would rather be bored than have fun? Now, if you have to create a project where you need a voice, you could just pick someone you know who has a nice voice and have her (or him) do the recording for you. But, we’re talking about fun, here, remember? Doing take after take after take, trying to make sure everything is said correctly isn’t fun. It’s drudgery. It’s painful. This is why it’s always better to hire a professional voice talent. That might be me.

Now, I’m not going to be right for every project. (I’m not very good at women’s voices, for example!) So, that might be someone on Steve’s roster of male and female talent. Or from any number of other places.

Here’s the bottom line. Spend the money for a professional who is going to turn that recording project into fun, by eliminating the drudgery and pain. And delivering your message effectively. Or spend the same or more money getting your project edited and produced because George in accounting (your know, the guy with the nice voice) took 3 hours to record your 20 minute script.

With thanks to my friend Dave Houston for the post that lead me to this article, take a few minutes to read these superb thoughts from Robert Dwyer, chock full of information that every voiceover talent should keep in mind.
Here are a couple of key thoughts from Robert’s article:

Over the years I’ve heard them all. The great, the good and “who ever told this guy he could do voice-over work,” and there are a few things that make the good ones hang around. The first is a solid voice, second flexibility, and lastly consistency…

A solid voice is…

They listen to national commercial spots. They take the time to learn what word to hit hard. What it means to add or subtract emotion. They are solid! Solid from the start of the read to the end with no softening up or losing focus. They pay attention to their voices, the copy and then they learn to demonstrate how to be flexible with a paying client.

Flexibility means…

VO people must learn to be customer service people. TV stations are 24 hours a day businesses and they want someone who will jump when called, or won’t give them attitude when a revision needs to be made.

And consistency…

Consistency day in and day out is money in the bank. When you create your mix bag of reads for sports, dramas, comedies, or whatever your client asks of you. Make sure you deliver the goods the same every time.

UNIQUE CHARACTER PRESENTATION

by Bob Fraser

One of the basic premises of all marketing (a fancy word for sales) is the USP. It stands for Unique Selling Proposition. For instance Avis “Tries Harder,” or Pepsi “Hits the Spot.” I like to promote an idea to actors, called the UCP or … Unique Character Presentation. Beat the casting directors to the punch — decide on your “type” yourself. Learn the basic types — and how they are sold — and then choose what fits you best. Pay particular attention to that word “unique.” It means that the product must be differentiated from other products. Here are the types — and the components used to sell them – in hopes that this list will help you develop your own Unique Character Presentation. (I’ll also give a few examples of actors who have used each type in building their career. Note how widely varied two people in the same type can be):

THE INNOCENT – A person whose goal and core desire is happiness, who fears being punished for doing something wrong. This person’s strategy is to do things the “right” way. This approach requires faith and optimism — so THE INNOCENT is expected to reflect goodness, morality, simplicity, nostalgia — the child. Selling this image generally requires a romantic, traditional approach. Or in some cases, mystical, saintly or dreamy. (David Schwimmer, Meg Ryan)

REGULAR GUY (GAL) – This is person whose goal and core desire is belonging and connecting with others. The strategy is to have a “common touch,” be a “down to earth” person with solid virtues. Known for realism, empathy and lack of pretense. This is the “good ol’ boy,” the girl next door, the working stiff, the solid citizen, the good neighbor and the regular Joe. Selling this image requires differentiating from elitist, powerful people and stressing the everyday functionality of this sort of person. (Ray Romano, Sandra Bullock)

THE EXPLORER – This sort of person wants to experience a better, more authentic, more fulfilling life. Conformity and the feeling of being trapped are what THE EXPLORER is avoiding. The strategy is seeking new things, escape from the everyday, autonomy, ambition and being true to one’s inner life. Selling an image like this is done with individuality, differentiation, ‘new and exciting’ are words to keep in mind. This is the seeker, the wanderer, the pilgrim. A Pioneering spirit. (Ellen DeGeneres, Johnny Depp)

THE SAGE – This is the type of person whose goal and desire are to use intelligence and analysis to find the truth and understand the world. Not wanting to be duped, misled or ignored, THE SAGE uses information, knowledge and self-reflection to reach the goal of the truth. Selling the sage is mostly a matter of projecting expertise, philosophy, good planning, solidity, a professional image. The mentor, the teacher, the guru. (Leonard Nimoy, Oprah Winfrey)

THE HERO – A constant in the telling of stories, THE HERO is the person who believes to their core that where there’s a will, there’s a way. The goal and main desire is to prove one’s worth through courage. The strategy here is strength and competence. From the superhero to the team player — the warrior to the winner — this person wants to improve the world with his mastery of fear. Selling this image is somewhat complicated as several of the other types can cross over to this role. But, straight-forwardness is a mainstay. Clear-eyed and capable. No reluctance to go into the unknown. This is someone we can depend on. (Sylvester Stallone, Linda Hamilton)

THE OUTLAW – This type wants to change what doesn’t work for themselves, generally through revenge or revolution. This person is a misfit, a wild man (or woman) who rebels against the norm. The strategy here is to disrupt, destroy or shock. Selling THE OUTLAW is mostly a matter of breaking with convention. Words to keep in mind are radical, outrageous, the “dark side.” Social outcast. Reactionary. Rebellious. (Al Pacino, Kathy Bates)

THE MAGICIAN – This person’s goal is to make dreams come true through a fundamental laws of how the universe works. The main strategy is to develop a vision and live by it. Always looking for the “win-win” situation. Appearing as the visionary, the inventor, shaman, medicine man, or charismatic. Selling this image is projecting a transformative nature. Specialness, spirituality, and ability to effect the outcome. This can be a “new age” approach. (Lucy Liu, Jon Voight)

THE LOVER – People of this type have a goal of relationships through intimacy and experience. The strategy of THE LOVER is to be passionate, grateful, appreciative and committed — to become more emotionally or physically attractive. This person can be a spouse, a friend, a partner or team builder. Selling this image is a matter of being outer directed and able to please others. A comfortable feeling of “belonging” differentiates THE LOVER from other types. (Aaron Eckhart, Drew Barrymore)

THE JESTER – With a goal of having a good time and “kidding” the world, THE JESTER plays, makes jokes, can be a trickster. Never wants to be boring or to be bored. A strategy of puncturing self importance, creating fun and live in the moment is what differentiates this person from the “herd.” Selling this image requires a welcoming, trustworthy, friendly approach. Truthful, open to change, easy to know are ideas that important to being this person. (Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah)

THE RULER – The goal of ‘the boss’ is to create a prosperous family, community or team. Success is a result of this person’s core desire to control the situation. The strategy is to exercise power, leadership, responsibility and authority to achieve a greater end. Selling this image is all in the areas of confidence, stability and trust. Differentiate from “regular” people. (Judi Dench, Alan Alda)

THE CAREGIVER – This type cares and protects other selflessly. The strategy of THE CAREGIVER is doing things for others with compassion and generosity. The parent, helper and supporter are people that fall into this category. Selling this image is about family, team, health, education — helping. Differentiate from selfish people. (Frances McDormand, Keanu Reeves)

THE CREATOR – This is a person who wants to give form to a vision and to create enduing value. The strategy here is to develop artistic control, culture, skills and to express her own vision using creativity and imagination. Selling this image requires innovation, self expression, and artistry. Differentiate from unimaginative, banal and usual. (Steve Martin, Bette Midler)

As you can see, there are many types and even more strategies for projecting the image that sells. Add to that, the ability of some actors to combine some types and you have, literally, thousands of choices. For instance, Harrison Ford is the regular guy hero, Robin Williams is the jester creator, Julia Roberts is the innocent explorer, and Sarah Jessica Parker is the lover caregiver. In fact one of the transitions every actor makes in a career is the expansion of their basic type — to include elements of other types — which, in turn, extends their staying power.

So the question is not “What type are you” as much as it is… “What’s your Unique Character Presentation?” All you have to do is look at yourself in an objective way and align your marketing efforts with your natural tendencies. It’s up to you to choose, or you can wait for someone else to decide for you … which might take a long time. Be the creative hero in your own career.
NEXT INSTALLMENT: SKILLS VERSUS TYPES

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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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If you’ve been keeping track, yes, we’ve skipped a few. That’s because the skipped articles are focused on people searching for on-camera and on-stage work and as such have limited value for us in the voiceover world. So, here’s #12:

THE AUDITION PARADIGM

by Bob Fraser

I am often asked about auditioning – “what’s the secret?”

There really aren’t any secrets, but there is a checklist. Here is my memory word, a word you can use to make every audition more successful – by going through the checklist.

The word is PARADIGM.

PREPARE. Preparation usually involves several steps. Here are just a few: Know what you are auditioning for. Ask questions, get information, listen carefully.
Familiarize yourself with the script (if there is one). If there is a script (or sides), study the character and make a couple of solid choices as to how you will perform it. If there is no script, but you have a general description of the character you are trying out for, again make some choices. Plan your trip to the place where the audition is taking place. Have your outfit picked out. Make sure you have gas in the car – or correct change for public transportation. Plan the day ahead of time. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready (hair, make-up, etc.).

The number one element in a successful audition – that most casting directors point to – is preparation.

ARRIVE EARLY. This is VERY important. When you arrive early you accomplish two crucial things: First, you are “on time.” This is a must in our industry. People who show up late are a pain in the ___ (fill in your choice of body part). Producers hate late. Directors loathe the lackadaisical. Other actors don’t like it much either.
Casting directors are unlikely to form a favorable impression of you if you are late. That’s because if you are cast (on their recommendation) and then you show up late for production, they will get yelled at. CD’s don’t like getting yelled at. They are unlikely to recommend you if you are late. (Don’t “sign in” early as this will cause problems. Get there and wait nearby.)

The second thing that happens when you arrive early is you have time to do the next part of a successful audition which is…

RELAX. Being relaxed is important to your results. If you are keyed up, stressed, rushed or still coming down from the trip to the audition – it will cost you. Almost everybody needs some time to “get ready.” Only you can know how much time you will need, but whatever it is – that’s how early you have to get there.

There are about as many techniques for relaxation as there are humans on the planet – so I’ll skip listing them. The bottom line? The relaxed actor is the more successful actor. Why? Because if you are relaxed, you help relieve the natural anxiety the casting director, producer and director are also dealing with in the audition process. Oh, yes, it’s tough on them too. If they don’t get it right it can ruin an entire production. So, believe me, they are stressed. Relax and the whole world relaxes with you.

ACT. A lot of actors forget the purpose of an audition. The CD’s, directors and producers are looking for a performer – which means it is important to perform. This is another reason to relax. It’s easier to remember to do the job when you are at ease.

DEAL. Every audition is just one of the many you will have in your career. If you are a normal human being you will “fail” 80% of the time. Not just at auditions either. The best piece of advice about this failure business is given by one of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates; “If you want to be more successful, double your failure rate.”

The most difficult thing to ‘deal’ with in the entertainment industry is the inevitable – “I didn’t get it.” – realization You must understand that this is going to be the case much more often than not. Rejection is not an easy thing to deal with, but if you want to be a successful actor you must learn to deal with it. It’s a central part of a professional acting career.

As I have pointed out, more than once, even successful established actors are rejected a lot. Every time a part is being cast (say, Batman or Scarlett O’Hara) there are hundreds of professional, money-earning stars who are dismissed as possibilities and dozens of others who meet with the producers and find out later that – “I didn’t get it.” Dealing with rejection is crucial to your eventual success. So, deal with it.

IMPRESS. If you accomplish the goals on this list, you will impress the people doing the casting. You will be considered a “pro.” Professionalism is the word you want attached to your efforts. This will happen if you are on time, prepared, entertaining, relaxed and able to deal with the inevitable rejection that follows most auditions. That’s your goal in every audition – to impress them with your professional attitude
.
Even if you don’t get this one, when you impress the CD, the director or the producer with your pro attitude, they will think of you for something else. Guaranteed.
GRACE. Gracious people have the edge. We like them, we trust them, we want to work with them. Be polite. Remember people’s names. Be helpful. Listen carefully. Follow directions. Don’t impose your ‘neediness’ on the CD. You will always leave a good impression if you are gracious to other people in the business. Think Cary Grant or Audrey Hepburn.

Your mantra should be; “I’m nice … to other people.”

MANIPULATE. If you hope to succeed you will probably need to manipulate somebody.

Of course, there is only one human being you really have any control over – and have any hope of manipulating: Yourself.

If you are a poor planner, you must manipulate your mind set to correct this deficiency.

If being turned down puts you in a deep funk, you must manipulate your reaction.

If you panic, you must manipulate your mental state until this is no longer a problem.

In other words, don’t waste a minute of your time trying to find the “reasons” behind someone else’s decisions and attempt to change her mind. Take a step back from every ‘failure’ and discover what needs manipulating in your own actions and
reactions.

You can only change the world by changing yourself.

That’s my audition PARADIGM.

Is it easy to do all these things? No way. If it were easy, everyone would be a successful actor and they’d have a difficult time finding people to type up annual reports for $6.75 an hour.

But make no mistake, you can accomplish all you want, once you set your mind to it. Of course, the important words in that last sentence are “set your mind to it.”
Go ahead. You can do it if you really want to.

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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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