My Voice & An Australian's view of OBAMA

B4 I talk about Australia, I just have to say that my voice is back!!!! YAY!!! I can move forward on my demos and even run my mouth with my amigos. Me Me Me Meeeeeeeeee! lol


Now that that is out the way, I just wanted to share an email I got from a co-worker. The company I work for is international and he is based in Australia. Do I know him personally? No, but in his company wide letter/email of resignation, he added a PS to share his thoughts on the upcoming American election.


I know in general, many Americans do not concern themselves with the perception of America abroad, or even concern themselves with what occurs in other countries (except for perhaps the Iraq war, and even Palin admits that she doesn't know too much about it despite her son's deployment). Still it really moved me that an Australian co-worker took the time to express his case to his American co-workers about the US election. I know that people all over the world are closely watching this election. His comments made for a very interesting read.

Please keep in mind that this was written prior to the Wall Street crisis.




PS- Im sorry, but in closing i just have to take this opportunity to make a plea to all my colleagues in the US. I beg you please dont miss out on the once in a lifetime chance of having one of the smartest and compassionate presidents the US is ever likely to have and i beg you even more, please please do not vote for those idiotic numbskulls in the republican party who are destroying this world and destroying the chances of middle class America to live decent lives. Barack Obama is the only way forward for you guys, he has amazing vision and a fantastic team of people to help him- he will change your image overseas for the better and he will bring you once more international respect and integrity. I can tell you that the whole world is watching this amazing election campaign and that the whole world is watching with disbelief the propaganda peddling and the stupidity of the republican party- they are fooling you(with the help of a certain news channel) and they are lining their pockets with your money! Voting the GOP in again will destroy middle class America, it will bring more instability to the world, they will do nothing to address climate change and eventually it will be sure to topple you from the worlds superpower status. I hope for the sake of the US and planet earth Barrack Obama wins this election.

Wow even Australians are campaigning for Barack from abroad. lol. It makes me think that if the world voted in the US election, who would they vote for and why?

Talk to ya soon!

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The power of a COLD

My goodness, I have been shaking a cold that I have had since last week, Monday. Now mind you, when I first got it, I pretty much kicked the bulk of it in the butt within three days. However, it is Monday and even though I am only just a little bit congested, and I do mean a little bit, my voice is not normal yet. Ugggh, and I am supposed to have a demo session tomorrow. What am I to do? Well, here's to maximum strength sudafed, echinacia and some maximum strength meditation on healing! LOL!!!!!

Wow if I was doing VO full time, this would be like a week without pay. OUCH!

So make sure you take care of yourself as the seasons change.

Let u know what happens!

BTW, I saw one of my absolute favorite soul artists and producers of my generation last night, Raphael Saadiq LOVED IT!

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My Friend's Gig!

Here I am interested in Voice Over and I get an email from my friend Kenya Brome, an actress in NY, who recently narrated a book. They say, voice over is really voice acting, and an actor is better than a "great voice". I am proud of her. We were partners in crime (lol) in college, so of course I had share her work with you and the write up. Tell me what you think? The author apparently loves it. It's always great when a client is so satisfied and pleased with your work.

Actress Kenya Brome
from shanaburg.com

When I first heard a clip from the audio CD version of A Thousand Never Evers, goose bumps sprang up over my entire body. I couldn’t believe what a spot-on job Listening Library did casting it.

Dr. Teri Lesesne, a.k.a. the Goddess of YA Literature, writes, “The narrator of this audio, Kenya Brome, is perfection. She gives singular voice to Addie, creating something that moves beyond the text.” (Click here to listen to a clip from the CD.)

Kenya has worked as an actor in New York since she was a child. Her many theater credits include Tranced, A Young Lady From Rwanda, and Valley Song. Her television credits include Law & Order, Third Watch, Law & Order Criminal Intent, and All My Children. She was also in the award-winning commercials for Citibank Identity Theft Protection.



I recently caught up with Kenya. She told me about her experience recording the audio CD for A Thousand Never Evers:
“Working on A Thousand Never Evers was a rewarding experience. I got a sense of accomplishment by telling this story. I felt like I was contributing to the civil rights movement by helping to convey some of what life was like for black people in this country not too long ago.

“I read the book quickly a few days before the first session, and I made some mental notes on how to vocally approach a few characters, but I was acting on my feet. Sometimes the director said that I was too much of a perfectionist in my trying to get the best or what I felt was a natural or an ‘authentic’ read on some sections; but I didn’t want to just get through it. I wanted to give my best; the same attention to detail and specificity that I would give to a stage performance, because all the audience has is my voice to help the listener hear and visualize the story.

“I hope the recording of A Thousand Never Evers can be a tool to help young people get a sense of themselves in the historical context of this country. It’s very unfortunate how people today dishonor the memory and fight of the civil rights movement by cavalierly using ‘the N word’ in their everyday language. That gives everyone license to abuse that word and ingrain its connotations into the fabric of society. Thousands of Black people were killed and oppressed with the venom of the N-word. Why make it the catch phrase of so-called hipness?”
In a few weeks, Kenya will be packing up to work in a play out of town; a regional production of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the Berkeley Repertory Theater, directed by the Tony nominated film star Delroy Lindo. She also has a supporting role in an upcoming film called Order of Redemption starring Tom Berringer, Armand Assante, and Busta Rhymes.
Click here to order the audio CD from Amazon.com


You go Kenya!!!

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Acing the Audition

No I haven't gone on any auditions lately, (my voice is not 100% right now) but here is a great article/interview from the online mag Voiceoverxtra.com . It has some solid tips. Enjoy!

"Turn On Your Energy!"

By John Florian
©2007 Voice-Over Xtra LLC

Audition anxieties? Bring ‘em on, says Robert Sciglimpaglia, who for two years has been learning – and speedily climbing – the voice-over ropes. He welcomes anxiety as energy to channel in a positive way. And it works. He gets jobs as both voice talent and a TV and film actor.

“You need to get your energy up before you step into the studio,” says Sciglimpaglia. “Even as you walk through the door they'll be forming an opinion on whether to hire you.
“So go in there confidently, smiling and happy. They want to see you take control. Make the booth your space for a couple minutes, and that'll go a long way toward getting the job.”

THAT FIRST LINE …
Yet “the most important thing” to Sciglimpaglia is how you read the first line of the script. And that takes preparation.
He'll study the script to prepare two or three ways to voice the copy – but also remain flexible for direction from the control room.
Deciding how to read the copy is easier when you're selective about which auditions to take, Sciglimpaglia adds. For instance, he'll limit efforts to jobs calling for his “everyman” or “guy next door” style.

Moreover, being prepared for the read helps quiet the nerves. “If you're not relaxed, it'll kill the audition,” he notes. “Believe it or not, when I'm doing an online audition in my home studio, I prepare the same way. I figure my character and do two or three takes (before the final).” The file he sends will include several reads if requested, or if he feels strongly about alternate interpretations.

DON'T CHIT CHAT
What not to do?
At an in-person audition, “Don't hang around to chit chat with the casting people after your audition unless they want you to. They're busy. Sometimes they don't even want to shake hands.”

Prior to the audition, Sciglimpaglia keeps to himself in the waiting room, studying the script and staying focused.

And “Never get caught up in a numbers game in the waiting room by thinking, ‘Look how many people are auditioning for this job!' “ That only ruins your confidence, says Sciglimpaglia. Instead, think: “Look at all these people I'm going to beat for this job.” “You need to keep reinforcing yourself like that, or this business can get the better of you very quickly,” he explains.

AUDITIONING FOR THE FUTURE
And it may surprise some, but Sciglimpaglia says his audition goal is not necessarily to get that job. “There are a million reasons why you might not get a certain job, even if they like your voice,” he explains. “So I want them to remember me” when a similar type of script comes along. "And this has happened. I'll read for a spot and not get the job, but they'll call me back for another.”

Being memorable counts.
“We practice auditions in my acting classes, and it's often just a teeny, teeny bit that separates one actor from another,” he says. “It's the same with voice-overs. Just a teeny, teeny bit separates us.”

To contact Robert Sciglimpaglia:
Email: mailto:robscig@usa.net
Web: http://www.robertpaglia.com/

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WOW it's been a while

...since I last blogged. I have been busy, in transition and sick, but feeling better today. I must admit I was touched by some of you who asked where have I been. I'm happy to say I'm here and yes I am still blogging.

Have I found a coach in DC yet? No. I may very well do the long distance thing. A friend of mine did her fist long distance tele coaching session with Nancy Wolfson. I'm going to pick her brain and see how it went...

This week, I have a session to do my imaging demo, but since I have been under the weather, my voice is a bit nasal, so I'll have to postpone it until next week....

Oh yeah guess what? I have been wanting to do a professional photo shoot for a while now. Well I won one with the photographer I wanted. How? In a silent auction. The package costs $450. I got it for $150. YES!!!

Talk to ya soon!

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A Tribute to Don LaFontaine

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

We'll miss you!

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Don LaFontaine Dies at 68

I'm really at a loss for words right now. I am shocked by the news, saddened by the loss but so grateful for his life and his wonderful contributions to this world as a friend, father, husband and an inspiration for so many. I never got to meet Don, but he was always well spoken of, obviously well loved and respected. My prayers and condolences to friends and family.

Here is the story posted by Entertainment Tonight. Of course it doesn't do justice to his character and the many lives he touched, but it gives some perspective...

LaFontaine, known as the "King of Voiceovers," died Monday afternoon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. LaFontaine's agent, Vanessa Gilbert, tells ET that he passed away following complications from Pneumothorax, the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity, the result of a collapsed lung. The official cause of death has not yet been released.

Over the past 25 years, LaFontaine cemented his position as the "King of Voiceovers." Aside from being the preeminent voice in the movie trailer industry, Don also worked as the voice of Entertainment Tonight and The Insider, as well as for CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox and UPN, in addition to TNT, TBS and the Cartoon Network. By conservative estimates, he voiced hundreds of thousands of television and radio spots, including commercials for Chevrolet, Pontiac, Ford, Budweiser, McDonalds, Coke, and many other corporate sponsors.


He recently parodied himself on a series of national television commercials for Geico.

At last count, he has worked on nearly 5000 films, including appearances as the in-show announcer for the Screen Actors Guild and Academy Awards. Based on contracts signed, he has the distinction of being perhaps the single busiest actor in the history of SAG. Don is survived by his wife -- singer/actress Nita Whitaker, and three children: Christine, Skye and Elyse.

Catch Up...

Pardon me for the break. Everyone takes a few days off and boy did I need them. Well several things have happened since I last blogged.

-Don LaFontaine is benefiting from our prayers for his health and family. (Keep 'em comin!)
-You know that delayed check I was waiting for? It finally came through along with a bunch of other cash I prayed would come in -- Hallelujah lol!!
- I made arrangements to get my imaging demo produced. YES!!!!
- Finally, I heard from Voice Talent and Coach Melissa Leebaert. She told me of a day long VO workshop she was doing for $400. I had to pass on that, at least, for now. I didn't want to invest that much money in someone about whom I still had many questions. (Auditing it would cost 250+..) I'm on her email list though, so hopefully another opportunity will arise that I may take advantage of.

- I am so grateful that Gustav is not having the same impact as Katrina, but it is scary nonetheless. I am still praying that the levees hold up, the storm surge diminishes and that the overall impact/damage is minimal.

BTW - did Michelle, Hillary, Bill and Barack rock the mic or what?!!

Talk to ya soon!

The DNC & VO

Ok as I was watching the roll call, I kept listening to how people would introduce their state and themselves. When I realized what I was doing, I cracked up...After all announcing your state at the roll call is not the same as voicing a tag for the West Wing, but perhaps seemed just as much fun nevertheless.


I must admit I was touched by the whole thing. I NEVER thought I would live to see the day that people, particularly older folk of the Caucasian persuasion would passionately rally behind an African American as their leader. Truly we are entering a new era. Racism is still alive and well but the impact of Barack's nomination is so empowering and inspiring. In a time where the pervasive images of Black men as pimps, "playas", and criminals is glamorized and commercialized, Barack as the next President of the United States is such a powerful alternative. Even more so, since Barack is the real thing as opposed to some actor/entertainer living up to an image. (Even though, we know any sort of public official has to have an idea of "how to act/behave" in public)


With that said, I think not being in the public eye is one of the reasons I have been in radio and interested in voice over. In these two fields, I access the entertainment world without intense public scrutiny. What I look like does not have the same weight as a TV personality or movie/stage actor. Consequently, I don't have to be as concerned with how my looks may inform my range of my opportunities and by extension the potential quality of my work.