| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
SherryRichelle
Joined: 07 Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Location: Ooooooklahoma
|
 Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 8:35 am Post subject: |
 |
|
I'm a bit of an information and knowledge connoisseur, and boy, this industry has a ton of it out there. When my search began in late 2018, I googled, youtubed, and facebook grouped my face off. I joined a year-long training program after watching a specific coach on YT for hours and hours. I felt I had done my due diligence in choosing this program and without the contacts in the industry and being from the Midwest, I figured it was my best shot. Unfortunately, as time has passed and new information has found it's way into the spongey, developing VO section of my brain, this program isn't as bright and shiny as it was when I bought-in.
Did I gain skills from the program? Yes. Did I find a valuable contact by being involved in it? Absolutely. The private coach they set me up with was invaluable. She taught me the basics, boosted my confidence, and has since sent me a client that has become a repeat.
All that being said, I can't say I now recommend the program. It's far too expensive for a starting VO and the information that is included in the lessons are available nearly everywhere for little to no cost.
I do feel a bit taken, but with the endless and overwhelming amount of training options for new VO talent, and a complete lack of knowledge when beginning, I'm starting to feel that it was a rite of passage.
This career like any other, is just work. I didn't choose it to get famous. I didn't choose it to get rich. I chose it because it suits my personality better than any other job I can imagine taking, and every other job choice feels physically painful to endure. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Lizden
A Zillion
Joined: 04 Dec 2006
Posts: 8851
Location: The dark recesses of my mind
|
| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 8:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'm 2 hours North of NYC, but it might as well be Timbuktu. 
I love where I live, WHO I live with, and like Moe, I am able to pay my bills and keep a roof over my head via my VO work.
THAT is my definition of success
I'm another one who came to VO by accident, and having had no "formal acting training" that "imposter syndrome" is strong in this one at times.
But, after 15 years, and clients still hiring me, today, I'll just record what's in front of me and then check and see if Hockey is on. 
_________________
Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Philip Banks
Je Ne Sais Quoi
Joined: 20 Jun 2005
Posts: 10986
Location: Portgordon, Scotland
|
| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 9:03 am Post subject: |
|
|
"I need coaching to be a real top pro voice over!"
No you don't so save your money. Talk to me for about an hour on skype and you'll have everything you'll need as long as you have the intuitive skill; the latter part no one can teach you - My skype is voiceoverist |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lizden
A Zillion
Joined: 04 Dec 2006
Posts: 8851
Location: The dark recesses of my mind
|
| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 9:14 am Post subject: |
|
|
Whoever needed to see Philip's post above - FOLLOW THROUGH!
I have greatly benefited from his insight (& friendship) 
_________________
Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bruce
Boardmeister
Joined: 06 Jun 2005
Posts: 7813
Location: Portland, OR
|
| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 9:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
Philip is in Scotland and therefore 5 to 8 hours ahead of the US time zones.
B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005
I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. . |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lizden
A Zillion
Joined: 04 Dec 2006
Posts: 8851
Location: The dark recesses of my mind
|
| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 9:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
True.
Wouldn't want to catch him with bed-head.  
_________________
Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
George
Been Here Awhile
Joined: 09 Dec 2019
Posts: 257
Location: Seattle, WA
|
| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 9:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Seconded (thirded? fourthed? i lost count) on the undeniable value of spending a little time chatting with Philip. If you can find some time to make that happen, you will not regret it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
melissa eX
MMD
Joined: 20 Oct 2007
Posts: 2762
Location: Lower Manhattan, New Amsterdam, the original NYC
|
| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 10:54 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: | | It's far too expensive for a starting VO and the information that is included in the lessons are available nearly everywhere for little to no cost. |
This. ↑↑↑
I'm an information junkie too - and prefer doing my own research on anything and everything. Many "coaches" (especially those who coach but don't VO or are/have been on the casting/hiring end of VO's) have made a career out of simply recycling information readily available online. There are entire "funnels" dedicated to teaching people how to sell coaching for anything.
For some aspiring VO's, not having to do any research themselves is worth the money in getting all the basic info pre-packaged. But that's how it should be sold. Not "take my course and you'll be making 6 figures in 6 months."
There are some great coaches out there, but they're not the ones who are constantly littering the interwebs with their "must take" classes to the exclusion of all else.
I've been a "voiceoverist" (vo-bb terminology invented by the inimitable philip banks) since the late 80's - and the industry has gone through massive changes. As with everything else in the world the internet changed everything. I was a part time VO in NYC from the 90's until 2008, when I got canned from my "part-time job with full-time salary and benefits". I had signed up here in 2007 after lurking for years. Thanks to the help and support from the people I'd become friends with here I was able to ramp up to full-time VO in about a year).
The collective knowledge here is immense, and the archives are gold. And a conversation with Philip is priceless. Sherry, (or anyone else who is serious about this and willing to do your own heavy lifting) give him a shout. You won't be disappointed. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lee Gordon
A Zillion
Joined: 25 Jul 2008
Posts: 6808
Location: West Hartford, CT
|
| Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 12:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
| melissa eX wrote: | "take my course and you'll be making 6 figures in 6 months."
|
Also note, those six figures include the two to the right of the decimal point. And even that is not guaranteed.
_________________
Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Moe Egan
4 Large
Joined: 11 Sep 2006
Posts: 4329
Location: Live Free or Die
|
| Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 5:59 am Post subject: |
|
|
[quote="melissa eX"] | Quote: | | There are entire "funnels" dedicated to teaching people how to sell coaching for anything. |
This blows my mind in the worst of ways.  I know there are some great coaches of all stripes out there, but I also personally know people I wouldn't trust with shopping list who have hung a virtual shingle and call themselves a Life Coach. I'll take caveat emptor for a thousand, Alex.
_________________
Moe Egan
i want to be the voice in your head.
~~~~~ |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lee Gordon
A Zillion
Joined: 25 Jul 2008
Posts: 6808
Location: West Hartford, CT
|
| Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 7:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
If you go to a Life Coach and then you die, do you get your money back?
_________________
Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Moe Egan
4 Large
Joined: 11 Sep 2006
Posts: 4329
Location: Live Free or Die
|
| Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 7:36 am Post subject: |
|
|
Lee will be here all week. Try the veal. Tip your waitress.
_________________
Moe Egan
i want to be the voice in your head.
~~~~~ |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
