Packaging

I recently installed a private phone line in my studio. It was for a variety of reasons, mainly I never seemed to be where my cell phone was and kept missing calls. Now I have a land-line with a very loud ringer and voice mail.

After having the line activated, I set out to buy a new phone. When I found the perfect phone, I eagerly raced home to try it out. However, when I tried to open the package I absolutely could not get through the layers of plastic! They had been glued together around the phone, I'm assuming to keep thieves at bay. Unfortunately, it was also keeping me at bay! I grabbed a pair of scissors which I promptly ruined trying to cut through the thick plastic, then I resorted to trying to tear through the packaging with all my might.

After an hour, I finally got to the phone inside. Mind you, I was at this point 1) mad 2) really mad 3) hot and 4) covered from wrist to elbow in cuts and scrapes.

At last I could plug in my new phone and give it a try. Once it was properly plugged in, I gave it the required 12 hours to charge, and awoke the next morning to make my first call.

Only...

The line was filled with static and hissing. I called the phone company sure they had somehow messed up and discovered it wasn't them at all. It was my new phone. It was a dud.

In my haste to buy a phone, I did not do my research. I went a cheaper, easier route with a flashy package.

In the end, I returned the phone, did some thorough research and went with one that was a bit pricier but ultimately was clear as a bell. No difficult packaging to get through, no cuts, no scrapes, no anger.

The same can apply to us in our own voice over business. If your packaging is difficult to get through...meaning your website is cluttered, your demos filled with fluff...you are only going to make your clients angry. If they are willing to fight through the web, and your product doesn't deliver upon its promise, they will trade you in for a better model.

For the clients, if you are willing to settle for something that is easier and cheaper than the rest (as I did), you will ultimately get what you paid for.

In the end, it is worth the time and research to find a product that is reliable, un-cluttered, and priced appropriately.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some calls to make :)

Voice Acting is Big News!

A few days ago, I received an e-mail from my friend Moe Egan. She had been asked a few questions about voice acting from a reporter for CNN.com. She wanted to know if I would be willing to also answer a few questions since I have voiced characters for different anime. The main focus of the article was about how the Internet has changed the world of voice over. I happily typed out a very long response to the question for reporter Steve Mollman.

Today, this article appeared on CNN.com International! It's titled Internet Gives Voice to Unseen Actors. I was shocked to discover I had actually been featured in the article along with Moe, Voices.com, Voice123.com, CommercialVoices.com (of which I am not a member, but will have to check out!), and Michiru Yabu. What a start to the day!

Of course, there is much debate about the tone of the article in the VO world. Emotions run high in such a competitive industry. There are so many people trying to become voice actors now. It seems easy (it is not), inexpensive (definitely not), and fun (yeah, ok- it's fun). It's a bit overwhelming to those of us who have been voice acting for years. However, I do feel that the market will take care of itself. Those who have the talent, patience, and strong work ethic will make it. Everyone else will find another line of work. I've decided not to worry about it and concentrate on my own career.

Now, onward with more free publicity!

While in Raleigh, NC for Animazement 2007 a few weeks ago, I was interviewed along with my dear friend Kyle Hebert by the Ki Anime Community. They have now posted 20 minutes of video from that interview where we discuss...well, we just talk alot! You can see it here!

Finally, speaking of my friend Kyle Hebert, he has a segment on his site called Kyle TV. He posted a 2 minute clip of us talking. It's the only time you will ever see my rabbit impression on camera, guaranteed!

So, enough about me...tell me what you think of me? (Sorry, this post felt awfully self serving so I couldn't resist!)

I'm off to pray for rain...

Voice Actors Are Green People Too!

Stephanie over at Vox Daily recently wrote about going green with your branding. I believe she may be on to something here! You can't so much as turn on your computer anymore without having the word 'green' pop up. It's everywhere...your TV, your mail, your job...

It's no secret I'm an old hippie at heart. Always have been. I love animals, nature, anything wild and beautiful. In the past few years, I've begun gardening organically and eating the same way. I find it is easier and easier to become a more 'natural' person.

Let me clarify...this has nothing to do with global warming or Al Gore. My truth is not inconvenient, this isn't about politics. It's about finding simple ways to help the environment while saving yourself time and money in the meantime!

I find more and more lately that being 'green' ignites a certain passion in everyone. Those who are applaud you while others will become defensive or hostile at the mear mention of the color.

A few days ago, I was having a discussion with some people. I mentioned that we had a problem with rabbits and moles in our gardens and I was trying to find a safe, non-toxic, non-harmful, organic way to deter them. My goodness did this spark a conversation! Next thing you know, I was defending myself for owning a microwave- being challenged for having a cell phone. If I mention trying to live environmentally friendly- suddenly everyone wants to prove I'm not!

I don't live in a commune. My house is not an organic fortress...but I do try to find little ways to conserve and improve my own health by eating less harmful foods.

The bottom line is that I have a studio in my house that uses energy while emitting electro-magnetic waves. That's just the way it is. I could quit my job, but I don't want to. I love my electronic equipment...mics, pre-amps, computers, mixers...I really love having them. I love my career and don't want to leave it. So, what to do? I have a favorite book I carry around with me. It's called "1001 Little Ways to Save Our Planet" by Esme Floyd. There are some great and simple ideas in this book!

In reference to being a voice actor, and for all my friends who own studios...here are a few suggestions from Floyd and myself:

1. Add a potted plant to your studio for each piece of electric equipment you own. It will help counter the negative effects of radiation while freshening the air you breathe.

2. Use a fan. Our equipment is hot, so add an energy conserving fan to your studio to avoid having to crank up the AC.

3. Add a fresh bowl of warm water to your studio each morning...this will help maintain humidity that is depleted by electronic equipment.

3. Set up near a window if possible. This way you can use natural light during the day instead of turning on a light. It is good for your eyes and your spirits to look outside!

4. Power down. Turn off your mic and pre-amp when not in use. Shut down your computer at night. If possible, unplug as well. Even when items are turned off, 5% of electricity is still being consumed.

5. Use envelopes from junk mail as scrap paper for your notes. Conserve paper.

6. Dust and vacuum! Keeping your equipment and vents clean will increase their overall efficiency.

7. When possible, buy used equipment. Just make sure it is in proper working condition!

8. Don't throw out old equipment. Sell it or find a place that will recycle it.

These are just a few easy ways to save money and help the environment in the meantime. Think of it this way- you are already helping the earth. Did you know it takes 450 years for a computer disc to degrade? By sending audio through e-mail, you are saving our planet!

Pretty simple stuff, eh?

Paws Up!

What a month June is turning out to be! I hope it is a good one for you as well.

This last weekend, my dear friend Chris Sabat came to Charlotte to visit my husband and I. It was wonderful to catch up! Chris was the director on DragonBall Z and also directed me in Solty Rei. He is an amazing voice actor as well as a director. Of course, we did what VA's do best and took a trip to Shelton Vineyards for some wine tasting and a fantastic dinner. My husband and I can't wait for him to visit again!

Yesterday marked the debut of a show I've been working on for quite a while. The show is Raggs, and I voice a green puppy named Razzles. Raggs premiered in select cities throughout the country. Here in Charlotte, NC it is airing on WTVI, the local PBS, Monday through Friday at 11am and Sundays at 8am. It will air throughout the summer and will hopefully be a hit and picked up for more seasons!

Please check here to find out when Raggs will be showing in your area! I'm so excited about this show- music, fun, puppies...what more could you want??