VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

[BALKY]

Hey everyone!

Some of you know me, but most of you probably don't.
I am a Russian speaking voice (not a very popular language today). I am in New York Metro area.

I was just wondering if it is possible at all for me to have an agent here in NY?!

I am non-Union.

Perhaps you could recommend agencies/contacts etc

Will be very much grateful ))
_________________
Best,
Pavel Kuklin
(Russian native vo artist)
*****
Greeting: https://vimeo.com/216249549
Source-Connect: voservices
VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/channels/russianvoice
AUDIO: http://audio.russianvoice4u.com

[Bob Bergen]

Well, anything is possible. Every agent wants to represent the next brilliant thing. Is that you? Take off your actor hat and put on an agent hat. You get about 100 submissions a week. Most are actually pretty damn good, but you have limited real estate to bring in new talent. Only the best of the best will make the cut. What does Balky have to offer those others do not? Great demos? Competitive website? A recent impressive body of work? Referrals by impressive people like casting directors, ad execs, etc?

Of course it is possible. But you need to have something worthy OF representing. Agents no longer develop new talent. They used to. My first one took me on when I asked what is a SAG card. This after 4 years of vo classes. No one discussed business or procuring work in classes when I studied. Classes just taught technique. The internet took that luxury of agents grooming new talent away. Now, not all vo actors need agents. Many do quite well procuring work on their own. I myself could not. But if that is what you want, you need to be desirable to agents. It is not a coincidence when that next brilliant thing submits to a dozen agents and gets a dozen offers for representation.

So, are you ready for an agent?

[BALKY]

Hello Bob,

Thanks very much for your reply. It is an honor that Bob Beren himself replied to my post. I cannot believe it

You are saying the absolute truth. We are in America and there are so many English speaking actors that want an agent. True. I am not an English speaking actor, my English is not that great. and I would never dare to encroach on your bread and butter. I do not have the qualifications - the main one is my accent. LOL after that, I can barely write and read.

I am a Russian speaking voice - and since this language is a minority on this continent, this city, some agents, perhaps, would find this beneficial Russian projects do happen every now and then, and sometimes even English with the Russian accent is needed. and I hear the voices that those agents select (regional dialects - it is like a hammer on my head) Why? because they do not know any better.

It is hard to speak up of my own talents and skills, we (the children of the Soviet Union) were taught to be humble and not upstarts -- "Let others praise you" was our motto. Here, on the contrary, you are taught from day one to BROADCAST about every little thing you're able to do, so Americans more outspoken and have fewer inhibitions. I try to do my job as a voice actor to the best of my ability. Unfortunately, Russian in not in demand here, so mostly that comes to me is narrations, and commercials, sometimes explainers, presentation, IVRs. That is it. If I were in Moscow, perhaps I could better myself at other areas of VO and maybe get into the dubbing, animation, etc.

So, yes, I'd say I need an agent. Maybe that agent needs me? because there are no more than 10 of us or fewer here in New York.

Every year it is harder and harder to find jobs. Technology becomes available to almost anyone, USB mics, cheap setups etc, "now anyone can do it." AI is now posing a threat.

Bob, you are absolutely right! I totally agree with you in the given circumstances (USA and the gazillion of English speaking actors.)

Thank you very much for your comment, I really appreciate

PS forgive me if I wrote too much and off subject a bit.
_________________
Best,
Pavel Kuklin
(Russian native vo artist)
*****
Greeting: https://vimeo.com/216249549
Source-Connect: voservices
VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/channels/russianvoice
AUDIO: http://audio.russianvoice4u.com

[Bob Bergen]

No need to apologize. I love a thorough response.

I totally get the cultural humbleness. I myself am painfully shy. In all honesty, I play the part of an outgoing guy. Not a joke. I really am a bundle of shyness. Use your acting skills to self promote.

I’m willing to bet most agents do not represent that brilliant Russian actor. Be that brilliant actor. Games love authenticity. You need to create your relevance. And do that here in the U.S. Even with your cultural differences, you are in a far better place in the land of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

😉

[BALKY]

Bob,

thanks very much! So beautifully said

I will try to do my best, if only I knew which door to knock upon
_________________
Best,
Pavel Kuklin
(Russian native vo artist)
*****
Greeting: https://vimeo.com/216249549
Source-Connect: voservices
VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/channels/russianvoice
AUDIO: http://audio.russianvoice4u.com