VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

skynet74 · Guest

I used to belong to Voice 1-2-3. I think I got one job that paid for my membership, but that was it. 700 Demos submitted and one tiny little job as a result. It basically was a very unsatisfying experience. Sure I got lots of practice, but unfortunately practice doesn't put food on your table.

Yesterday I joined Voices.com. Obviously I have not received any work from these guys yet either since I've only been with them for less than 24 hours. But I do have to say that I like the overall feel much better than the other place. It seems to hold more promise.

So I want to ask those of you who have been using both sites, which has worked out better for you?

Deirdre · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 9:36 am Post subject:

Isn't there perhaps something in the archives about this subject?

I'm just askin'.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 9:42 am Post subject:

why yes, Deebs, I believe there is! A simple search for Voices.com and/or Voice123 will yield several discussions on this topic!
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skynet74 · Guest

Awww.. you announcer types are oh so helpful. Thank you. I shall go look and see.

Bailey · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 1:50 pm Post subject:

Unless I am misinformed, V123 and Voices are probably the largest voice corrals on the net (If I am wrong... I stand corrected.).

Many have come to this board looking for the secret to making it big in the VO world... sometimes not that big, but big enough to make it worth our while to own all this equipment. When it comes to where's the best place to get VO jobs... you wont get a definite answer, just opinions from personal experience.

I've been with V123 in the past. Did it work for me... no. Who was at fault?... me. Why?... Because I didn't put the best that was in me, into every MP3 that I sent to each client.
I intend on joining Voices soon... when the finances are right. Hopefully I'll have my act together by that time, get my voice together by that time, and maybe... just maybe... I'll land a few gigs.

Two important things I've learned on this board.
(1) You and the client must agree on the rate of payment.
(2) Your voice has to be DAMN good... not just good enough.

... guess I'd better get back to installing that pre-hung door.
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User440 · Guest

The new voice123 system in nice, you can see stats on who is actually opening up the auditions or not. The new invitation system is a big improvement; you can be 1 out of 20 invitees instead of 1 out of 300.

I have gotten several nice jobs from them, or from people who have just approached me later with different work through my own site after seeing the 123 profile.

I am only a free member with voices, so I can’t say too much about them.

I guess it has all been said before, just not by everybody.

- Jason

ronphi · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 4:57 pm Post subject:

I don't mean to beat a dead horse here but I need to get something going if I want to actually make any money at the VO game.

It appears from numerous previous posts that V123 and Voices are pretty much comparable in the types of leads you get; landing the job is a matter of giving your BEST performance each and every time you audition and then let the chips fall where they may; audition for as many jobs as you can because it is a numbers game; most of the jobs are at bargain basement fees. These are the givens.

My question is about value. V123 has recently revamped their process. It appears there is now a limit on the number of auditions accepted for each job. You are now able to accept the audition and hold your place for an hour while you record the audition. Do these factors outweigh the considerable cost differential to join and actually play? You can enter Voices for $100 but you must jump all the way to $295 for V123.

I just don't know if Voices has same features as V123 re: limited number of auditions, holding your place while you record, number of leads available, etc.

I have seen the names of several of our members on both sites which is good to see. But just starting out I have to make some decisions.

So I put it to you, is there real value in the higher priced spread for a beginner? I'm thinking not, but I would like some input please.
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ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 6:46 pm Post subject:

skynet74 · Guest

The deciding factor for me was yesterday when I saw that I could become a paid member of voices.com for $19.95 a month with the ability to cancel at anytime! This defintely influenced my decision to join since I won't have to spend $300 just to find out in a year that they wern't even worth it. Now for less than $20 bucks I can test the waters on a month by month basis to see if they are worth it. It was a no brainer to sign up. Now I don't feel like I'm being ripped off.

On my first day I sent out 12 auditions and there are about 20 more pages of leads in my box. Not 20 Leads, but 20 PAGES of LEADS! So many leads that I can't even get to them all! Now THIS is what I wanted. The non stop opportunity to work as much as I desire.

I don't know what the end result will be. But I'm confident enough in my abilities to believe that with all this work available I'll do OK. Only time will tell. At least I don't feel ripped off while trying.

robert jadah · Guest

Lizden · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 7:36 pm Post subject:

CarynClark · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 5:43 am Post subject:

I agree with Robert.
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skynet74 · Guest

I agree with Lizden. Who wants to break the tie? Wink

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 7:59 am Post subject:

I agree, we need to break the tie.
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ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 9:04 am Post subject:

The desire to audition is an addiction - or is it just a habit? If it is a true addition, then the only solution is to go cold turkey. If it is a habit, then we can find ways of controlling it.

For me the jury is still out on all of these pay to "play" sites. It is a new way of doing things and that takes time to figure out. This is a radical shift and may completely change our industry. Will it create two levels of professionals? There have actually always been two levels of pros - Union and non union. My biggest concern is the downward trend in rates from some apparently major players. I also do not like the "bidding" aspect of these sites. While some of the "producers" using them do not know how to set a budget, some of the more experienced producers are using these sites to fish for good talent willing to offer their services at a cut rate.

The on-camera casting side of things is changing as well. Headshots are being scanned by the thousands and soon the days of bringing two headshots with you to an audition will be gone forever. Not overnight, but it will come.
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