Well Rounded

I receive many e-mails each week from people wanting to break into the voice over industry. I sometimes find it difficult to explain just what it takes to make a living in this business. This morning I was thinking about it, and may have come up with a decent comparison.

I was watching the movie 'Funny Face' starring Fred Astaire and Audry Hepburn. It was released in 1957. My husband came into the room and remarked that I love watching old movies. I explained to him that I especially love old movies because the actors had to be multi-talented. They had to act, sing, dance, etc. Without special effects, the directors had to rely solely on the talents of the actors to carry the movie, and I love watching true talent!

Being a successful voice actor is much like being a successful actor in the 'old days'...the more well rounded you are, the more uses there will be for your services. For example, the most famous movie stars are able to transform into any character. In voice over, animation is not the only place where we transform. In the last week I've gone from a woman gabbing with her friends over lunch, to a 12 year old giving advice, to a mom reading a story to her children, to a voice selling a product. In these instances, it was less about 'changing my voice' and more about 'selling the real person'. None of these involved a silly cartoon voice, they were each very realistic and very different.

2008 has also brought about several projects that required me to sing. I am not a trained singer, and never thought much of my voice...but I decided that if I had the confidence to use my voice to speak, then I could be confident in my ability to carry a tune. Turns out I have a stronger voice than I thought I did! Like the legendary actors we admire, a voice actor must be willing to tackle any role, and never say 'I can't'. How can you know what parts you are right for if you aren't willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone?

While voice actors are rarely seen, there is a form of 'dancing' involved with each job. One of the many things Bob Bergen teaches in his class is to physically become the character. When I voice a child, I fidget like a child. When I voice a mom, I put my hand on my hip and an all-knowing smile in my voice. We also must be able to 'dance' with the mic- otherwise known as mic technique (something that must be taught by a coach in person).

A great actor on the big screen must clearly possess natural talent and drive, but the best have also spent a lifetime studying their craft. I've been studying voice acting for over a decade, and I am nowhere near done with my lessons. I believe learning never ends. Not only do I study with some of the best coaches, I try to take something away from each session I do. What can I do better, different? How can I continue to stand out from the crowd?

Being a voice actor is much, much more than having an interesting voice. Even with technology as it is, with the ability to alter voices and add effects, you want to give the producer as much to work with as possible. You want to be well rounded, multi talented, and endlessly flexible. That is what I believe it takes to be in this business, and I make this my goal each day.

A Few Things...

John Florian, creator of Voice Over Extra, has posted the results of a survey he conducted regarding health insurance for freelance voice actors. It's an interesting read, thanks John!

After a whirlwind April, I welcomed a couple of days this week that were relatively slow. Anytime I get the sense that a day may be open, I always try to schedule in some rest and relaxation. Genetics gave me high blood pressure at an early age, and I have found that through diet, exercise, and self discipline- I can stay medicine free.

Yesterday I planned to take a day off, or so I thought! I scheduled a morning massage and planned an afternoon hike with the dog. Shortly after my massage, work came calling...which is never a bad thing! My afternoon was spent recording, including a fun ISDN session with a great client! (Don't ya just love the clients that are happy with everything you do?)

It was a reminder that as freelance talent, we are never really 'off' for a day. We always have to be willing to be available with little to no notice. This is one of the main reasons I became a freelance voice actor, I love not always knowing what exciting jobs may pop up at any given moment. It keeps life fun and spontaneous!

Now, back to that glorious massage...I've been seeing Vera for a little over a year now. My wonderful husband got me a membership to a nearby spa that specializes in all types of massages. I'm a believer in the overall health benefits, so I try to make it in at least once a month.

In each of the rooms of the spa, music plays over a loud speaker. It is always something calming: a tropical beach sound, an Asian garden, soft piano, etc. However, yesterday- right in the middle of my massage- a very strange song came over the speaker. I'm not sure of the name (I plan to look it up later), but it is the song often played during a formal wedding when the bridal party makes their entrance. It is also the theme song of a national jewelry commercial- though I can't think of which jeweler at the moment.

All I know, is the song is beautiful....and very, very formal sounding. In an instant- my mind went from lying on a sunny beach listening to the waves lap onto the sand...to sitting in a pew wondering if my shoes really match my dress. It completely took me away from my environment and transported me to a cousin's wedding I once attended!

It started me thinking (imagine that!) about the person that chooses the songs for the spa. Technically, it is a beautiful song with lovely piano and a rolling chorus. However, put in the context of a relaxing massage, it just didn't 'fit'.

Now, I always find a way to relate everything back to voice over, so here it goes...

Have you ever listened to a demo and there is one spot that doesn't seem to flow right with the rest of the spots? It really takes away from the overall effectiveness of the demo. Your mind gets 'stuck' thinking about the strangeness of the transition, while you miss the 3 spots that follow.

It is important when compiling a demo that you tell a story, that each spot flows easily to the next- taking your listener on a journey. While a particular commercial, narration, imaging bit, etc might sound great on its own, it doesn't mean it will sound good in the overall context of your demo. It is important to have objective ears listen to your demo before you post it for clients to hear, someone else may hear something odd that you hadn't noticed.

If your brand is that of "young, fun, and fresh", you don't want to have a demo that only showcases your 'mature' side. Sure, you can fit something in to show your range- just make sure it flows naturally and doesn't distract the listener from your overall message.

It is remarkable how music and sound can transport us, so make sure you transport your listener to the places that best represent who you are as a voice actor.

VOICE 2008

If you are someone that has followed this blog for a while, then you are likely someone who has visited some of the voice over message boards from time to time. Lately, there have been many threads posted discussing the upcoming VOICE 2008 conference going on in LA in August.

I attended VOICE 2007, and had the time of my life. I had been hesitant to commit to attending VOICE this year for a variety of reasons. The majority of the reasons were personal (my husband and I hope to put our house on the market around that time, but we may push that back). However, I really wanted a confirmation of some sort that VOICE 2008 would be as great as 2007. I wanted to know that I would learn a ton and have an opportunity to connect with some of the best in LA.

While I did pick up some great morsels of information at VOICE 2007, the best part was networking with fellow voice actors and producers. My fear this year was that it would be too tailored to those new to voice over. I also worried that some of my pals from last year might not be there this year.

I'm someone who likes to see a 'sign' that lets me know what I should do. So- I sat back to see if anything would pop up letting me know I should go.

My sign came 2 days ago in the form of an e-mail from Judy Steidl. My pal Bobbin Beam had thrown my name into the hat of folks to join the Advanced Team for VOICE 2008. I recognized the sign, and immediately signed up for VOICE!

Let me say, I am SO glad I did! I just finished my first conference call with the Advanced Team (including James and Penny). I can not express how thrilled I am with some of the items James and Penny are cooking up for the conference.

I'm not allowed to spill the beans just yet, but I want to encourage each of you to sign up for the newsletter at the VOICE 2008 website. Announcements are coming soon that will really put VOICE on a new level. Whether you are just getting into voice over, or are a seasoned professional- this is going to be an amazing event.

Early bird registration ends May 15th, so if you are planning to attend, you'll want to hop to it!

I know I can sometimes be a skeptic, and I believe asking questions and making people think is a good thing. I will say- for me- it has now been confirmed that this event is going to be worth every penny . [Although I'm still amazed at the $20 a day parking, which I'm told is normal in LA! This small town girl has never paid $20 to park a car!]

I'm pumped about VOICE, and I can't wait to see what else James and Penny have up their sleeves. If tonight is any indication- it's going to be a wild weekend!

If you are attending, make sure to say hello!