7/26/2010 – Audiobook Narration Reality: Webinar Aug. 2 Reveals Techniques & How To Get Hired
Despite the gyrations of today’s economy, audiobook sales rose 4.7% in 2009, according to the Audio Publishers Association. And that’s surely great news for audiobook narrators. “But if you dream of narrating in a gorgeous publisher’s studio in Manhattan while enthralled listeners listen to your golden tones from a chaise lounge by the pool, it’s time to wake up,”"says award-winning voice talent and coach Bettye Zoller. On Monday night, Aug. 2, Zoller and
Career: The Yin And Yang Of Voice Overs – Coping With Contrary Forces, by Paul Strikwerda
The ancient concept of Yin and Yang is well known as applied to the sexes – the complementary opposites of female and male. But voice over veteran Paul Strikwerda sees it every day in this profession, too: our need to interconnect seemingly contrary forces. Like, should we specialize or generalize? Play it safe or experiment? It’s truly a balancing act …
Refocus & Achieve
For us as voiceover professionals – and people in other careers as well – there are always a ton of things to be done to keep all the balls in the air! How can we manage it all? Here’s an article from Success Magazine on focussing that gives a bit of well-appreciated guidance! “Refocus in Four Steps The average person loses focus every six to ten seconds. When you find yourself drifting, recognize it and make a conscious effort to set yourself back on course. Here are
the value of celebrity voices
If some group or organization wants to bring attention to a cause or event, the easiest way to do that is by celebrity endorsement. If the famous person is well liked, chances of the group or organization’s “ask” being answered (donation, signature, whatever) are probably better. Celebrities like to do this because many of them are big-hearted and like to help. The challenge is so many celebrities are supporting so many causes, the message can fade pretty
Taking Control | NogginLabs, Inc.
My friends and clients at NogginLabs have an interesting blog post today about how they use behavioral science to create more compelling and memorable e-learning courses. Taking Control | E Learning Development | E-Learning Software | ELearning Design | NogginLabs, Inc.. Filed under: voice over
Optimus Prime and Megatron: Together Again
I normally don’t post things like this here (that’s what Twitter and Facebook are for), but Peter Cullen is probably the main reason why I work in voice over today, so videos like this make me a little crazy excited. Looks like Peter Cullen (the original voice of Optimus) and Frank Welker (the original voice of Megatron) will be working together again! Listen to the crowd reaction when Welker
Friday Facebook FUN! Oh Yeah!
My status last night: “Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks. I don’t care…about dieting…” Congrats on a game one victory last night for the Rutland Rockies as they opened a Best of Five against West Kelowna. My son, Justin, finished on the mound. Here is a picture of the team. Thursday morning link from Wednesday night in Vancouver: Lights (fireworks!), America, Action! Celebration of Light raw
Marketing Tip of the Month: VO Meet-Ups!
A large aspect of marketing yourself as a voice actor involves networking. Networking not only with potential clients, but also with fellow voice actors. Forming and maintaining relationships with other voice-over artists is important for both your career and for your sanity! One of the few drawbacks of doing voice over full time is that you get used to spending time alone. Lots and lots of time in a small, padded cell — er, room. Meeting with other voice actors will give you the
Marketing: The Old Fashioned Way … Face-to-Face Networking & Referrals, by Paul Payton
“Reading the recent articles and comments about an Internet-based scam makes me glad I work the old-fashioned way, making personal networking contacts either through live contact or referrals from others,” says voice talent Paul Payton. Now in his 23rd year in this biz, he shares some networking strategy – and his success with the one time he engaged a client via the net …
7/22/2010 – Scam Update: Voices.com Suspended ‘Con Artist’ Account, by Scott Lumley
An online scam running through the voice over community apparently began with a job posting on Voices.com in early May. It’s now evident that the job poster – Charles Thamesmead or Frank Mayfield … several names are involved here – didn’t really want to hire a voice talent. Rather, the goal was to collect names and email addresses for conducting the scam. VoiceOverXtra asked Voices.com for a comment, and Scott Lumley, Job Postings Manager, details the scam