Don LaFontaine's Health

Yesterday was THE superstar of the voiceover world Don LaFontaine's b-day! Not only is his voice heard on countless movie trailers, promos etc., Don has developed a reputation as being down to earth, generous, professional, grounded, approachable, talented, accessible...the list goes on. Over the years, Don has earned the admiration and love of so many in the voice over community, and now the VO community is rallying behind him and his family as he currently lays in the hospital dealing with several health issues. Here is an official update I received via voiceoveruniverse from his best friend of over 30 years, Paul Pape.

August 26, 2008 - UPDATE 5:24 PM PST (8:24 PM EST)

To all of Don's friends in the Voice-over Community:

Don's condition continues to stabilize. There is significant progress
and while he has quite a ways to go yet, there is every reason to keep
the faith. Many of you have expressed your feelings and chosen to
respect the privacy that Don and his family need right now. One could
ask no more of you. This show of respect is deeply appreciated by
those closest to the situation. Don and I often remark that we are
more brothers at this point than just best friends. Yet, as your
outpouring of support shows, Don has many "best friends." He is
clearly important to us all .

Don's wife, Nita, read every single comment that has been posted and
was truly touched and strengthened by your words and prayers. Please
see Nita's response below. As for me, please accept a simple "thanks"
for being there for my ol' pal.

Sincerely,

Paul Pape

FROM DON'S WIFE NITA

To all of you beautiful voice angels,

I am overflowing with gratitude for the responses you've sent on
behalf of Don and our family. I read each of your comments and tears
of joy fell with each sentence, prayer and good wish. It's so easy to
live your life in pursuit of your dreams and not realize how you are
affecting others in a positive way; that in some way by living your
dreams you inspire others to pursue theirs. I am so honored to have
you all praying and rooting for us during this time. Don is a
warrior, larger than life, but in all this he is always slightly
amused that you find him some sort of "guru". He never gets used to
that and lives his life with a kindness, humility, and dignity of a
"small town boy who done good". Your kindness overwhelms me and fills
me with great peace. My husband is a great man to me not just because
of his work and the trail he's blazed in your business, but because he
is so generous of spirit, a terrific husband and father, and the love
of my life. Thank you for being in our village of believers and
pray-ers as Don works his way back to the mic! I'll be sure he knows
of your kindness.


Please keep Don in your prayers.

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My Imaging DEMO & Patti Labelle

I figured the relatively easiest demo to put together would be my imaging demo. Why? because I wasn't doing it! HAH! (not that I am doing the others but still) So I was trying to dig into the "crates" so to speak to pull out some work I have done in the past. I reached out to my friend Dave who has his own radio imaging company called Splat!. I hadn't spoken to him in years but this morning, he sent back to me all of the reads I did for his company. Now I am in the process of gathering together my other reads from other formats. I also need to check out some imaging demos too. Any suggestions? I need all the help I can get.

Aaaahhhhh this is fun. I love the creative process!


Oh on another note, I was spending time in just about all of the discussion groups on Voiceover Universe. I joined alot of them. ( I think there is a radio imaging one, I have to check)I found a Christian one, and the moderator just sent me an email this morning, saying they started a new thread called the prayer closet where members can post requests. I think I may post my brother and his wife, whose children have been diagnosed with autism; and you know that check that I told you a while back was delayed? Well I need it to come thru....I got billz to pay!!! Jesus, hold my mule b4 I have a Patti Labelle moment and roll around on the floor, flailing my legs, while hitting some high notes like a crooked holy ghost preacher on crack withdrawal. That would not be pretty. See what I mean @ around 3:56.

Isn't it a shame?...Gotta love Patti.

I'll keep you posted!

In Search of a Coach pt 3: Cool Peeps in DC

Let me tell you what happened to me when I finally got in touch with DC voice talent Ilene Russell. The nerve of her! So far, I have found the VO acting community to be filled with down-to-earth genuinely nice people, who are open to helping others. When I finally got to talk to Ilene Russell regarding coaches in DC, my impressions about the community were further solidified. (Yes, solidified, not shattered lol psych!) Ilene was very open about how she got involved in the biz, her coaching experience and her current pursuits; and even though I am the newbie in the biz, she picked my brain about VOICE 2008, since she was unable to attend. Ironically, she asked, what will I remember most about the event, what was the most impactful? I told her it was the people I met. The genuine friendships I started (like the one I just made with her). We chopped it up about VO work, blogging and life in general.

As far as coaching is concerned, here r a few things (among others) that I took away from our convo....

1) Chemistry between u and the coach, do we work well together?

2) That all of us are at different levels, some have more production experience, others more acting etc., so it is important that your coach meets you where u r and grows u from there.

3) Don't be surprised if that professionally produced demo you paid to have done a year ago may sound dated or "stale" after you start gigging and growing in your craft. (Shoot, my self-produced demo I did about three weeks ago has mildew all over it!)

4) This is a business of relationships. Stay in contact with people and continue to make friends in the community.

On that note, I am looking forward to talking to more folk, making more friends and learning more about the VO biz (and life in general too). Any advice you'd like to share (must read articles/books, websites I should visit, people I should stalk lol.) By all means, hit me up!

Thanks for reaching out Ilene. (Gotcha!)

Peace.

Infamous Voices

As I was exploring voiceoveruniverse today, I grabbed a couple of gems to share with you. One is a video from the Today Show. It's a great segment on some of the big VO stars -Joe Cipriano, Don LaFontaine, George DelHoyo, and Mark Elliott. See how many you recognize.

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What will VO be like in 5 years?

Here is a post I found in one of the Voiceoveruniverse groups I joined, bettyezollersvoiceoverinformationcentral. The topic was "What will the VO Industry look like in 5 years?" This post blew me away. I thought it was quite compelling and broadened my perspective on what my VO career could be like in the future.

From the advancements in text to speech and voice synthesis technology I've seen, Bettye, we won't have to worry too much about competition from VO talents that charge peanuts for their labors on pay-to-play sites. They'll be replaced with "VO in a Box." For a few hundred bucks, someone in need of voice talent will be able to buy software that will convert copy from text to a voice-over in your choice of voice, male or female. You'll be able to select from, say, 500 different voices and be able to tweak the read simply by indicating emphasis, inflection, and pauses in the copy text or after the VO is rendered. A small ad agency or production house could buy this software to crank out spots and narrations without needing to shell out for real human voices.The technology to do this is here now. You can hear how close technology has gotten to real-sounding synth voices at YouTube and other video sites in videos by virtual singers like Hatsune Miku, which are created with software called Vocaloid 2.

Check out this song on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ-SnC50HQU. Listen closely and you can tell the voice isn't quite human, but it's close and as time goes on it will get closer still. Check out the original Vocaloid product here: http://www.vocaloid.com/en/index.html. Listen to the demos. Again, not quite human, but very close.After convincing voice synthesis arrives, there will still be a market for real human voices, but my guess is that the number of people that can make a living from VO full time will shrink because the low-paying gigs will go the Vocaloid route. There will be a market, of course, for real voices. My guess is that it will support a much smaller supply of the best VO talent--those that can elicit that little extra emotion and, well, humanity--that will be able to command enough to make a living. Whether this scenario is just five years away is certainly up for debate, but the technology that could make it reality is moving quickly. If technology can save someone money, technology will get the nod. And, every time I hear a badly acted local radio ad, well, that might not be a bad thing! :)Cheers, Peter Drew

So could this mean that I could be fired b4 I am even hired? lol

Btw, Peter Drew's website is an awesome resource, filled with very helpful articles along with great samples of his work. Thanks Peter!

Bettye Zoller's group is da bomb! Click here to check out her personal website.

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My Search For a Coach pt 2: DC

No I have not written in my blog recently, why? because I have been partying like a wild woman LOL. The DC Salsa Congress happened this weekend Fri-Sun. Yes I went salsa crazy! I danced so much with so little sleep that my voice was an entire octave lower all day Monday. (Awww sookie sookie Don LaFontaine look out! lol) I am so glad I did not have to do a live shift at my radio job on Monday.

A couple of things have happened in my VO world since I last blogged

1) I posted a discussion at Voiceoveruniverse, asking if anyone had found the phone I lost at VOICE 2008...Two have responded, directing me towards other people who they believe had a clue. I've emailed those folk and am waiting for a response.

2) I also posted another discussion asking if anyone knew of any good coaches in the DC area. My friend at work got coaching from Melissa Leebaert, and I wanted some more feedback. So I asked if anyone had any thoughts on her as a coach. Well I heard from someone. yea!!!!! Ilene Russell is her name, a very talented DC based talent. (I went to her website and got a big kick out of her character demo) She told me Melissa was a fine coach, almost hers in fact, but at that time the money wasn't in her budget (oh I can relate to that one Ilene!!) Later on, she was referred to John Burr, who she said was excellent. Not only am I doing some research on both, but I also asked Ilene if I can pick her brain. She consented.

I'll hit her up tonight.

3) Also got an email from Peter Rofe in regards to his small intensive training program that will take place in September. Even though I want to do it SO BAD, I may have to pass since it is not definite at this moment as to whether I will be in NY at that time. (I plan to move back there in case you didn't know)

After all that dancing I am happy to say that today, my voice is back! Me Me Me Meeeeeeeeeee! Ahem, excuse me, I meant Mi Mi Mi Miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

Tootles!

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Making My New Demo???

OK ...right now, I know I need to do some voice coaching and have a "reel" professionally done. Still it may take a little while b4 that actually happens in light of the transitional state I am in (looking for a new job, making extra money etc)

In the meantime, I figured I would do research on what makes a good demo

I've listened to some more demos critically now, breaking down their presentation etc. I am also looking for scripts via magazines, friends etc. to practice breaking down and reading copy.

I figured I might create an interim demo. The process of doing it, I also find, will be a great learning experience too. It's like I will have a much greater appreciation of the process when I have it professionally done.

I know that I need professionals to really assess my strengths and weaknesses and provide direction, since I have an idea as to my range, but they would be able to assess better and see things I may totally be unaware of, and of course provide a seasoned perspective. Once my money comes in, that is one of my immediate goals.

I lOOVE learning, so I am really enjoying this adventure!!

I'll have to talk to God and visualize the right advice, scripts. etc.. to come my way (and anything else I need)

At this very moment tho, I am off to the DC Salsa Congress. So, I also may need to visualize God oiling up my Salsa chops 'cause man I am RUSTY! lol

Adios!

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Gigs & Connects Through Friends

At VOICE 2008, I heard several stories of people kind of "falling" into a gig through a friend. For example John Doe was doing a documentary and upon finding out his friend, Sue, was a radio jock, he asked her to voice the narration. Stuff like that.

So even though I have fellow VO friends, I decided to also look outside that circle. Last night, I im'd my dear friend who designs video games, and told him that if he ever needs a voice, remember me. He then went on to say he will, but that his mother-in-law, an award winning anchor woman, Reynalda Ware-Iverson, also does voiceover work. He recommeded we hook up and gave me her info.

I'm to give her a call this weekend. If she is anything like the folk I met at VOICE 2008 , and from what he told me, she is, it will be a cool connection.

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In Search of a Coach pt 1: DC

When I returned from VOICE 2008, I knew I needed a coach. I was curious as to who is in the DC area. Yeah I know I can engage in telephone-coaching, but I wanted to see who was here in the FLESH! and I believe that it is important to SEE someone engage copy especially if they may be doing character work, one of the areas in which I want to excel.

Some friends at my job have gotten some coaching, so I am waiting for them to send me thier coach's info. Once I get it, I may ask folk at VO universe (VU) to give me feedback. In fact I will ask the VU community if they have any DC coach recommendations. DUH!

I also plan to be in NY soon, so I can wait until I get there, or in the words of Peter Rofe "Wait til October". I should definitley be in NY then.

DC is not too far from NY anyway. Nevertheless I am curious. Can DC "represent" when it comes to top-notch coaches?

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Another check - DELAYED!

OK, that delayed check that kicked off my first trial as a voiceover actor may be delayed some more, according to an email I received yesterday and a phone call this morning. There was a hint that I may actually get it today, but to not keep "hope alive" unless I contemplate getting it next week around Wednesday.

You know what's going to happen? I already see it. (and I BELIEVE it) The money from that check and then from some other hustles I have my hands in are all going to come crashing into my account the next two weeks. Thank God!

That would actually be consistent with my visualization of money falling down from heaven as I swim in the currents of life. So I am expecting a financial tidal wave -- as my landlord expects my rent (for this month and next), and the bills become due LOL!!!

hey just like folk use their vo skills to make money, why not use faith too? After all how many of us right before an audition have said "God help me, or God I hope I get this job/help me get this job?"

Goodness, there is a song right now on the radio about rain. A divine sign? I'll take it! Why not? I got nothing to lose. LOL! I'll take it as confirmation, a promissory note.



I'll keep you posted.

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Look what I found on Voices.com!

Now those of you who have been in the biz already know about voices.com; however I just came across the site TODAY while doing some research on one of my future voice coaches Mr. Peter Rofe and interestingly enough, guess what I found on the site?


A podcast By Peter Rofe on "How to choose a VO coach"
How's that for syncronicity?


He also did one on "How to breakdown commercial copy"

Not only were both informative, but I also became excited about the Voices.com site. What a great resource! (Newbies like myslef are always excited until we get some perspective and then we become somewhat cool and confident lol) So, for now I am excited about searching it out and absorbing all the tips the site has to offer.

The internet is da bomb!!! I'm so glad I got a computer! LOL

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VOICE 2008 - the day after

Alright I am still sleep walking and need to unpack. I also need to inquire about that delayed check.

First things first tho, I signed up for Voiceoveruniverse. LOL finally. I know that should not be the first thing on my list, but I couldn't resist. I now (but not right now) have to spend time to familiarize myself with it.


I have resolved that everyday from here on out, I would so something to advance my VO career, from doing research on line, reading magazine copy like a script, going to a VO class, an audition etc.. I know a couple of my immediate objectives is to re-connect with my VOICE 2008 friends, find an acting coach and get that demo together!

I am also learning more about improving and maintaining this humble blog. Over the next few days/weeks, I am looking forward to increasing my VO blog roll. There are many out there!

Hasta Manana!

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VOICE 2008 - BACK HOME!

I had an early flight and could not catch the last workshop with the dialect pro Pat Fraley. I enjoy learning accents and such. Bummer. If you happened to have gone, let me know how good it was!



You know what else was a bummer? My phone got lost! I had it on the table at the Cipriano Promo panel and it disappeared. I went to security, searched the ballroom, went to the VOICE 2008 lost and found. Nothing. I may have to post on Voiceover Universe asking if anyone picked it up by mistake. I am praying it turns up




OK I'm exhausted and am ready to sleep in tomorrow. I couldn't sign off, however, without congratulating Penny and James on a very successful conference! It was worth it. I learned so much about the business, how to do well in it, accessed valuable resources and made great friends. In addition, I know their vision consisted of accomplishing the aforementioned in an welcoming inclusive environment. Mission accomplished. Congrats!




VOICE 2008 actually inspired me to do this blog, and was the best launching pad for my career. Thank you James and Penny! You two have great vision and great spirits! I wish you only the best.

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VOICE 2008 - the third day

I ditched Sunday service at Bedside Baptist to catch the early session today with Marc Cashman, Looking for a Muse. It was refreshing to have a comical session kick off the morning. He totally poked fun at the ridiculous directions talent receive at an audition/session like "That was too Cabernet...Try to sound a little more Beaujolais" (huh?!)

He ended the session with an hilarious radio drama performed by an ensemble of seasoned vocal actors and coaches. It was nice to see the vets in their element, providing me with a little peak of the kind of work I'll be doing in the future!

James, Penny, Powers, Deb Munroe, Karly Rothenberg, Bev Bremers, Chris Allport and MJ Lallo.

( Thx to Bobbin's Blog for the px)

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VOICE 2008 - Bob Bergen

Hands down, for me, Bob Bergen's character workshop was THE BEST session of the conference. From start to finish, I couldn't stop taking notes. He just poured into us. Here are just a couple of highlights

He talked about three parts to making up a character:

1) Voice

2) Acting

3) Signature -- what u bring to a character that makes it memorable like Homer's DOH!, Flintstones Yabba dabba doo, Beavis and Butthead's laugh.

Only have 3 characters? How to make those three be thousands simply by taking the signature of one, the voice of another, and the acting choices of anther. Shuffling these three elements can make an arsenal of characters.

Audition difficulties

Let's say you have a script with disjointed lines
Bobs says that is when they are actually looking for acting choices and adjustments
In this situation, there are three things you want to ask yourself

1) Look at the lines as SCENES and handle them as such

2) Who am I talking to

3) What is my relationship to them and where are they physically (are they near, am I whsipering, are they far - so am I yelling at them etc..)

Want more? Bob will be doing workshops across the county. Based on this one hour 15 minute session, I say do it. Pay whatever it costs. You are going to get your money's worth! I learned so much in this session, I was bursting at the seams. I left with PAGES of notes.

His presentation was entertaining, focused, organized, helpful, engaging etc......

I'm making plans now to be able to do another workshop with him before the year is out!

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VOICE 2008 - Cipriano Promo Panel

Another highlight of the conference was the Promo Panel moderated by the awesome and personable Joe Cipriano. Many of the who's who of Promo work gave us some insight as to the challenges and rewards of Promo Work, including Paul Pape, Beau Weaver, Kat Cressida, Stew Herrera, and Melissa Disney. Even Don Lafontaine called in, but the signal got lost. Someone asked if Joe Cipriano auditions regularly. Yeah he says, about 3 times a day. Don't get it twisted! The hustling never ends, even for the established big wigs.

They also shared that there is really about 7-9 people who have the Promo gigs on lock, then usually after 2 years or so, 1 falls off and another can come up into the ranks. I predict that this talent could very well be the next one!

Find more videos like this on voiceover universe presents...

Recognize the voice? It's Rick Party!

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VOICE 2008 - Rick Party & The Banquet

My favorite part of the banquet was the Voice Community Award, given to my friend Rick Party founder and maintenance man of voiceoveruniverse. I am so proud of him! He is truly good people and voiceoveruniverse is an awesome site and concept. Apparently he was not in the audience when they initially paid tribute to him. He walked in late unsuspecting, and folk were like there he is! as he walked up fashionably late to give his acceptance speech. He had NO IDEA that he was up for any award. LOL! Congrats Rick!

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VOICE 2008 - The Friendly Wrap Up!

I learned alot at the conference.

One major lesson was that I approached voice over as a radio announcer with an actor's background, but I learned instead to approach scripts as an actor first who uses her voice.

I also learned that walking in faith never disappoints! Yes I made valuable contacts but even moreso, I made new genuine friends and great memories




..

Rick, Traci, Me, "G" and Norman having lunch

I am looking forward to VOICE 2009. By then, my skill set will be sharper! I'll have a kick ass demo, with kick ass branding, a blossoming resume, and be pumped to take my career to the next level. I'll also be excited to reunite with all of my friends, as well as create new ones.

Cheers!!

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VOICE 2008 - the second day - Nancy Wolfson

I missed the General morning Session. I was busy worshipping at Bedside Baptist until the Lord raised me from the dead. I got up and rushed to Nancy Wolfson's 10:45 breakout session "Why Branding Breaks You In" I was sooooo excited to attend this workshop. I had heard and read so many positive things about Nancy (braintracksaudio.com/) and now I would get to experience her first hand.

Unfortunately, she was a tremendous disappointment. Some people are great at what they do, but aren't great at presenting it. I don't know if that was the case with Nancy. Honestly the workshop seemed like an extemporaneous run on. Very unstructured. What happened? Perhaps she had a rough day or a bad start. I don't know, but this was one workshop I had hoped would be the highlight of the conference. Hopefully I will be able to catch Nancy on a better day, especially since I know this lady knows her stuff!!

Bummed and frustrated, I left early and decided to catch the second half of the other workshop, The Technology of VO with George Whittam, which was very helpful, especially for non-tech people like myself.

BTW I love the branding on Susan Berkely's website. I think it is VERY creative and effective, not too abstact either. I wonder if Nancy is behind it. Check it out!

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VOICE 2008 - Peter "Voice for Hire" Rofe

As I was checking out the booths at the exhibition hall, I had an opportunity to talk with VO superstar Randy Thomas. Very down to earth cool people. I loved her energy. I also got to chop it up with premier Voice Over coach Peter Rofe and can I tell you? I ate him up. His dry delivery just vibed with my dry sense of humor. He was friendly, cool, honest and confident. He also carried a straight-no-chaser diplomatic demeanor that I appreciated. As he was talking, I felt like God said, go ahead ask him to listen to your demo. So I did. The first thing Peter did was warn me, flatly saying "I'm going to be honest..." I said yes that is what I want! So I pulled out my ipod and he listened. He then told me that for something that I threw together, I have production skills which is good; he said I also need coaching and then generously gave me pointers about putting together a demo.


Again another person who didn't "sell" his services, but gave me some genuine feedback. We talked about some of the VO books that were out. One of my favorite recommendations he gave me was the forthcoming book written by him and Randy, Voice for Hire. He just calmly said "Wait until October"

I decided to coin this phrase and add my own twist to it. It became an inside joke with my new friend Norman of Voiceoveruniverse. Anytime we had something to eat or drink that we didn't like or was disappointed by, we would look at each other and say "we should have waited til October"



Seriously tho, my conversation with Peter as well as the one I had with Keith yesterday really made the conference special. To me, there is nothing like someone giving of themselves without pitching their products/services. Mind you I am not mad at that. After all, we all have bills to pay. However, it is also nice to just vibe and exchange info without my feeling like I am being courted as a potential client. There was another coach who wasn't on any panel that I knew of, but she came over to my friend and started giving all kinds of advice. Connie Terwilliger I believe was her name. I appreciated her so much, even though I never got to tell her. So I say to the Universe -- Thank you for Connie.

Wow, God was really blessing me at this conference, I didn't expect anything less, but it still blows my mind when the answers to my prayers and intentions manifest, which leads me to Randy Thomas' session "Living The Dream"

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VOICE 2008 - Randy Thomas

Randy Thomas "Living the Dream" was the most unique and perhaps the most thought provoking session. Yes it started with Randy's story of rising to the top of her voice over game, but it also consisted of the stories of two of her friends, Arielle Ford and Martha Quinn.

Briefly Areille's story consisted of the accomplished rich/well-to-do business woman who starts to feel unfulfilled, quits her job/business without knowing what to do next, but knows that it has to be meaningful. For Areille, it was something that would be for the good of others and the earth. (that's wassup!) Like many folk, she was inspired by Eckhart Tolle. And two weeks after quitting her job, other opportunities opened up for her that were consistent with her intentions and desires. Ultimately, spiritualcinemacircle.com and earthcinemacircle.com were born, along with her Director of Affliliate Marketing position with Gaiam.



Martha Quinn's story was one of things just falling into her lap. From being the first MTV VJ to her now having a state of the art top knotch georgeous production studio that she says she "has no idea what to do with."

The purpose of these stories? To inspire us in the room. Spirituality was the thread. Visualize, intend, believe and it can happen. Feeling fulfilled and being financially sound doing what we love is obtainable for all of us. Indeed many of us were inspired. I really appreciated the spiritual approach to fulfilling our dreams. If you have read this blog, you know this is definitely an approach I take.

One of my new friends hated it. He said the whole thing smacked of "white woman privilege with their rich husbands" Now I was like WHOA! Wait a second. Then I stopped, took a breath and tried to put myself in his shoes to understand his perspective and then I said, Wait a second, Wait a second. What was it about the presentation that would make you think that? He went on to say that "C'mon she (Arielle, a successful business woman) quits her job, as if she was really living from paycheck to paycheck and had no money in the bank, no assets to liquidate if necessary. Please. "

When he said that, I immediately remembered one of my thoughts in the session: how easy it can be for many of us in that room to visualize, dream and have faith. What about women of Eastern Europe/Asia/Africa caught in the sex slave trade, whose working/living environments reinforce hopelessness, low self-esteem and death overall. What about child soldiers? How much harder is it for them to manifest their visions, dreams or desires for a different life?

Personally I don't necessarily hate on folk who have privilege whether it be race, class or gender. For me it is what someone does with that privilege that speaks to their character and world view.

I personally thought that one of the flaws in the presentation is that the stories were told in such an incidental way. What happened to when preparation meets opportunity? Using my friend's example with Arielle -- OK she quit her job, but did she start to put money aside when she knew she was going to quit? What other things did she do, putting faith into action, that helped her realize her goals? That was actually one of the questions an audience member asked -- After all the visualizing, what did you DO....?

We all know that if it was as simple as visualizing and believing, many of us would meditate on having a flat wash board stomach and never exercise a lick.

My friend then made the comment "Martha Quinn has a state of the art studio that she has no idea what to do with hummmph" To which I said -- hold up, don't hate on that, flip it, look at that as a manifestation -- how many of us, like Martha and that studio with it's tremendous abilities and capacities to do great work, have incredible talents and skills within us but have no idea how to use them?"

On that note, I know I have to find me a great Voice Over coach. Marc Cashman, Peter Rofe, I may be giving you a call.... lol

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VOICE 2008 - the Panels

2 other panels took place today -- The Business of the Business hosted by Bob Bergen and the Professional's Panel moderated by Peter Rofe. Both had actors, coaches, agents provide their perspectives on the business. Both panels were very insightful and reinforced my need for a professional demo. That demo is the key to opportunity for work, and for an agent. It also reinforced the idea that work is plentiful and that each voice can have its own niche in the market.

For more details on Bergen's Panel check out Dave Courvo, he breaks down alot of what was covered in more detail.

Can't wait to hang and make new friends tonight. So far this has been an enriching educational experience.

BTW I became something like the 1100 subscriber to voiceoverxtra. Check them out!

VOICE 2008 - the first day!

I missed the networking happy hour they had last night, but today is a fresh start. I registered and went to the first session. It was supposed to be Susan Berkeley "Why there's never been a better time to be a voice over talent". Susan had a death in the family (my condolences) and couldn't make it. So Exec Producers of the conference, James R Albruger and Penny Abshire, (voiceacting.com) took up the slack. They struck me as genuinely very nice people and set the tone of the conference as a non-competitive and all inclusive learning experience. "The universe is abundant" they said. Kool. I can hang with that.

VOICE 2008 - Deb Munroe

The first break out session I went to was Deb Munroe's Audition Wizardry (mic-n-me). A vet in the industry, she is passionate, comical, knowledgable, entertaining and skilled in her craft. I learned alot about auditioning and took lots of notes. Some of the tips confirmed what I had already known but were great reminders. The Voice staff had us write our names on raffle tickets as we entered the ballroom. Little did I know these raffle tickets were used to pick out folk in the audience to do cold reads and illustrate various voice over ideas/principles. I PRAYED my name was NOT chosen and God obliged me LOL. Btw, Deb's daughter is soo talented! She helped with the cold reads. I was like You go DEB-my-daughter-is-fierce-MUNROE!

VOICE 2008 - Marc "Cool" Cashman

Next up Marc Cashman of the award winning cashmancommercials. I met him in the "vendor hall" at his booth. He was so cool, confident and easy going and playfully chatted it up with my friend and me. I appreciated his energy and decided that I probably will do some coaching with him. First though, to make sure, I decided to go to his workshop. Voiceover Master Class. His presentation was organized, engaging and informative. I filled out one of those raffle tickets again and guess what? My name was called!! but I missed it. Yep I was in the ladies room...The guy sitting at my table when I returned asked if I was Nikki Strong. He then told me that they called my name, and treated me like I missed the opportunity of a lifetime. He scolded "Nikki timing is everything!" I think he was a bit surprised by my calm response. I told him look I can't cry over spilled milk. It happened. I missed it. I'll just learn from it and move on. When the person did the read that I was "supposed" to do, I said to myself "Darn, I would have killed that!" I then went and talked to Marc again afterwards.

VOICE 2008 - Chris M All(About-Me)port"

I then went to Chris M Allport's workshop "Mastering Self Direction"; however it was really about Mastering Self Promotion. This workshop was one whole infomercial. He played demo after demo that his company (allportproductions) produced and then had folk read a section of a new animated pilot he was creating. One thing I will say I learned from Chris All-about-me-port's workshop was the importance of a well produced demo, from the proper scripts, reads and production quality. My demo which was already 30seconds too long paled tremendously in comparison. What a valuable lesson.

VOICE 2008 - Keith Carson & Top Hat Productions

In the course of Allport's session, a friend of mine asked his advice on whether someone like a Production Director at a radio station could produce someone's demo. He plugged himself yet again. After the workshop however, a gentlemen, Keith Carson of Tophatproductions.net approached her to give some advice. Come to find out, he used to work at WBLS in NY, one of the stations I grew up listening to. I then asked if I could pick his brain. He kindly obliged. I asked him about VO books, coaching, branding and of course had him listen to my demo and asked for some straight-no-chaser feedback. For something really thrown together, he said he could see me having a successful career. (I said to myself hey that's a diplomatic constructive answer I'll take it!) My demo needed work, obviously, but unlike Chris All-about-me-port, Keith made no attempt to sell his services. He just endeavored to be as helpful as possible. I think we talked for like 30 minutes. He was very generous with his information. I told him our conversation made this conference worth it to me. It's invaluable when people are helpful for the sake of being helpful. This was exactly what I wanted from the conference, and I got it. Thank you GOD!

Keith and I, needless to say, became buddies.

VOICE 2008...VOICE OVER UNIVERSE

After a busy and satisfying day at VOICE 2008, my friends Keith, Traci, (px on right) and I hung out downstairs at the X bar where we met and connected with other folk, including Rick Party and Norman Lee of voiceoveruniverse, the myspace of voiceover artists. I realized that my initial voiceover family was starting to form. Rick became a great resource, clueing me in on players I was just learning about and providing all kinds of insight into the biz. Norman and I were like silly sidekicks. It was fun

Rick, Me & Norman

Because Rick is the hub of voiceoveruniverse, everyone came to talk and meet him. In the process I also got to meet alot of interesting cool people. I knew once I got back to DC, I would have to join voiceoveruniverse. Apparently everybody and thier voice over MAMA is on it and loving it! Go Rick!

GOD Give Me An Agent!

So soon I will be at Voice 2008. What do I expect to get out of it? What do I want? Shoot I want be Ms. Nikki Don LaRandy Cipriano Strong and then some! I wanted Ellen's role in Finding Nemo. I wanted to be Robin Williams in Happy Feet and I always thought Bugs Bunny was da bomb. How do I get to those roles? How do I land jobs like ones Joe Cipriano and Randy Thomas have? An AGENT!

I am a strong believer in praying with specifics. Many call it putting it out in the universe. Well universe, give me an agent. Holla!

Seriously, before arriving at Voice 2008, I spent some time meditating, visualizing myself walking in divine favor and that the people that could help me would cross my path, and that people of influence would also connect with me. A genuine natural connection, not that fake fru fru stuff, and so now I have to walk this out. This kind of faith gives me butterflies at first because the temptation is to try to make it happen yourself instead of letting go and letting God. Well here I go! Will let u know what happens.


Time to check into the hotel!

IN THE STUDIO Creating My Demo

You know I work in radio, so I went to the studio to do my demo. Now, I have very little experience creating a voice over demo, and did not do any real research. I checked out the demos on Voice 123 and some on the William Morris website and just decided to go for it. After all time was not on my side. I had to pack, clean, work....

I figured if nothing else a demo should show some range and not be too long. So that was my objective.

I did my character demo first. I just opened the mike and did a bunch of character voices, with no sound effects. Nothing. I didn't have much time. For scripts, I found some commercial copy on extraneous websites. It's like 11:30 pm and I knew a co-worker of mine who has his own production company was doing his live radio shift, so I asked his opinion of it. He was surprised. He thought I had range and then gave me some technical pointers. The EQ was on and even though it sounded fine when I was recording it, as I played it back for him, it sounded horrible. So I had to do the whole thing over. UUUUUUGGHHH. I did all those reads and scripts on the fly. I tried to recapture them to the best of my ability, edited them together and then called it quits to work on my commercial demo.

OK now a radio demo I can do, but a commercial voice over demo. Lawd have mercy, help a sista out!

It was late and my behind was tired so again I threw some different kind of reads together to show some range. By the time I was done with both demos, the sun was coming up.

I then looked online to look for the cheapest ipod I could find. I had planned on putting these two demos on an ipod and have people listen to it and give me feedback. I found one for $20 at Staples. Thank you LAWD!

Now to take a nap, do some laundry, clean up and pack....After all I leave TOMORROW!

MY FIRST STEP: MY FIRST TRIAL

What happens to a dream deferred? Don't know just yet since I am trying to catch up with one of them -- and that is to be one of the star voices in an animated film.

With things at my radio job going a bit koo-koo, I figured there was no time like the present. Soon after, I was spending time with a friend and fellow radio professional and told her my thoughts. She told me she was going to Voice 2008, a big voice over conference from beginners to professionals with all the big wigs present. I was down for the cause. She told me if I took care of my own travel and registration, I could room with her for free. Hallelujah! That was all I needed to hear. It was early July.

Within a week, I purchased my ticket, and guess what? A VERY IMPORTANT paycheck I was expecting was being delayed indefinitely. WHAT?!!! That check was to pay for my registration, let alone rent.

But I had already purchased my ticket. So I talked to God (which I do daily like all day) and said "OK now you knew this check was going to be late, when I purchased my ticket, so I believe you still want me to go, even though it puts me in a financially challenging position" If I knew this check wasn't coming, I would have never thought about going to VOICE. So, there are several things I did. First of all I said in my best southern preacher charismatic voice "GOOD Gawd almighty, have mercy on me!" See, I keep a very modest liquid cushion. Any other money I have takes a while to get my hands on. Some of it I can't even access right now; and I live debt free. I don't have a Visa or Mastercard; and just in case you were wondering, I am currently not swimming in excess money (can I get witness?), and don't come from a (financially) rich family. Now I still would be quite OK if that delayed check wasn't delayed, but right now that was not the case.


So, I prayed, meditated and visualized that delayed check coming soon. I also visualized money just coming to me, and believing according my Christian belief system that the charity I have consistently exercised would be reciprocated, that God has nothing but the best in store for me and that the fact that I just believe God was all I needed. The meditations calmed me and boosted my faith and confidence. The following day a $700 "appreciation" check came in the mail from my best friend, for the many times I have helped him in a tight spot. The next day my $200 monthly payment from my flexible spending account came in too. I still needed more money to cover all my bills. Still, I wasn't going to let my $430 plane ticket go to waste and I really wanted to go. I said "I see you GOD! This is a faith move. Just help me be wise" So July 31st, I hit that paypal button and paid $600 to register for the conference.


Did I have enough to pay my rent? Yes, but I wanted that as cushion. I also for the first time in years, applied (and was approved) for a visa credit card with a zero interest rate for a year. I figured it would come in the mail when I returned from the conference. I also called my landlord and told him my rent would be late this month (the first time in the five years I lived in this apt), but he would get it b4 the month's end and would get next month's on time.


Now how could I promise that? Well, I recalled a side gig assignment that I had temporarily put on hold until I got the software I needed. This week, I found the software brand new and cheap on ebay, paid for it and determined to complete the gig when I got home from the conference, if not b4. Once it was completed, I knew it would pay at least 2 grand. Enough to cover me until that delayed check came in.


All of the above, leads me up to this point....I'm about to leave for the conference in a day or two and don't have a demo, so I am off to the studio to throw something together....YIKES!

Pray for me!