VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Gregory Best

Joan Baker's book “Secrets of Voice-Over Success” is more entertaining than educational. You read how others have made it despite challenges, prejudice and discouragement. For example, there is the part where Don LaFontaine talks about how he rarely produced a demo reel because he specialized in a very specific filed and everyone knew who he was so work just kept coming to him. “On one occasion I did put together a compilation of a few spots and sent them to a major agency that handled announcers, with an eye on breaking into the Madison Avenue commercial field. The tape was returned by the head of the agency, along with a brief note advising me to forget it – I’d never have a career in voice-over. Luckily, I was to busy working in voice-over to take his advice.” One of the message is to ignore those voices that tell you that you can’t do it. I like both Joan’s book and Harlan Hogan’s for the day-today VO stories. Don't be afraid to read it just may open your mind to new ideas.

Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 2:34 am Post subject:

One thing that comes across from the majority of postings is the vibe that the person posting and fellow board members are all children of a lesser God. We must be mustn't we? We post HERE for goodness sake, how sad is that? If we were proper actual pro voice overs, actually voice overing pro actual proper voice jobs or teaching the underclass to be great voice artists or writing a book about it we'd be far too busy to post...HERE.

The best book on voice overs is evolving here, the best coaches are you. "Don La Fontaine (singalong now) In your awesome splendour, we say to thee our love will never part. Oh saviour mine herewith we cry, with humble hearts HOW GREAT THOU ART". Brothers and sister go into your booths, sing it loud and proud, get it out of your systems once and for all. When you've finished, reflect on this. He like a lot of others is just another voice over with more money than you. OK, I've killed God. What now?

Step forward Greg, Deirdre, Frank, Anthony, Katrina, Mary, Dan, Bailey, Peter, Drew, Anita and YOU. I believe you're great, have things to teach and are overdue success beyond your wildest dreams. Of course you need someone worth looking up to. Don't panic, you'll find them every time you look in the bathroom mirror.

Here's to the season of goodwill my friends and to a wonderful 2006 and beyond.

Drew · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 4:11 am Post subject:

Okay, I'm stepping forward. Who'd you kill, Phil? Don, Harlan? I understand where you're coming from. A book can't make you better at anything. Only YOU and make you better. BTW, thanks for the compliment.
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Skype: andrew.hadwal1
Although I have a full head of hair, I'm quite ribald.

anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:28 am Post subject:

I've put in a request for Koch's book at the library. Anybody else read any good books - outside of the voiceover books - that might be helpful on the business side - especially marketing?
_________________
Elaine
The Youthful Mature Voice (Emeritus)
Senectitude is not for the faint of heart.

audio'connell · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 10:13 am Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 10:18 am Post subject:

Well if someone ever shoots an arrow at you Peter you'll survive as you're guaranteed to miss the point. Laugh

Bruce · Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:38 pm Post subject:

Well, I'm a voiceover coach (as a sideline with a handful of clients each year), and I've had a number of students/clients go on to reasonable success for the market we're in. I've also happily hired quite a few of them for various commercial and narration projects.

Of course I may be cheating a bit. I'm counting the people who actually end up with a demo. I turn away two-thirds of the people who come to me for consultation. They just don't have the drive or the ability to listen, take and use direction. I also drop about half of my clients after two or three sessions when I see they just can't loosen up and let their creativity flow. I can teach them basic acting skills, but I'm awfully expensive compared to most theater classes, and I can't bear to rip them off. I also have a reputation in the local ad community, and if someone uses me as a credential to get work and then flounders in the studio....oww.

I think there are some good VO coaches among the so-so and the bad. You have to check them out. By the way I think learning VO from a book is a bit like learning golf from a book. Interesting, but it don't do a thing for that actual swing.

Bruce

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1636

Bailey · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 6:53 am Post subject:

Drew · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 7:07 am Post subject:

A goal (success?) is a journey not a destination.
_________________
www.voiceoverdrew.com
Skype: andrew.hadwal1
Although I have a full head of hair, I'm quite ribald.

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1636

Frank F · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 11:19 am Post subject:

Hey, thanks for the Bently! Laugh

Reality is simple. For those who can remember these words from "The Desiderata" (by Max Ehrmann, circa. 1922; vocally done by Les Crane in 1968), it states:

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

There is more, but this gets my point across. There is a new world out there everyday, it's your duty to explore it. Do not compare yourself to me or Banksey or D.B., or Greg, Anthony, Katrina, Mary, Dan, Bailey, Peter, Drew, Anita, Dave, or even Don LaFontaine. Be yourself and judge your success by your own standards, not those of others.

Peace, and long life be with you.

Oh, I drive a Honda and a Hummer... a Lamborguini Countach would be nice though...

Frank F

nick reed · Guest

I drive an Element, which is basically a Honda Hummer.

I have nothing more intelligent to offer here... sorry.

Nick