What if Life Had a Soundtrack?

I received an e-mail this morning from my friend Stephanie Ciccarelli about something new they have put together at Voices.com. This is just one of the many reasons I love that website (and company!)- they are always trying to find new ways to attract clients- thus giving 'us the voice actors' new leads as well!

If you've ever wondered what a difference a good voice over can make for your project, check out 'What if Life Had a Soundtrack?'.

These are just the first two videos they have put together, there are more on the way!

A New client, A New Friend

The last couple of weeks have been very busy for me- which I am SO delighted about! In fact, I've spent as much time working as I have marketing- which is a first for me in my new profession. The new kids show I've been working on managed to fill a few days, I recorded a new set of radio commercials for KB Homes in Charlotte, and I picked up three new clients! One of my new clients is the Cartoon Network- and I had a blast with all four words I voiced! (seriously- it was four words and a giggle- heheh!) A big thank you to Brian Haymond for helping me make the connection.

OK- I promise this won't be an entire blog about the work I've been getting- although it is very exciting! This is a blog about one new client in particular.

His name is Jim and he owns a video editing company in Florida. Jim contacted me to voice an employee training video for a company that creates fairs and amusement parks.

Right off the bat, in the very first e-mail, I knew I would like Jim. He had the normal professional job proposal, but the last line was something like, "I also liked Shawshank redemption but didn't like Saw- must be a generational thing." Jim was obviously doing his homework on me.

The e-mail exchanges have continued over the last several days, both of us asking questions about the other's lives in addition to passing along scripts and audio samples.

In fact, I've noticed the 'job' portions of the e-mails tend to be short and toward the end, while the 'conversation' portions fill the pages. Yup. I really like Jim.

It turns out Jim began his company after retiring. He was good with a camera and wanted something new to do. He continues to strive for great success so that his two young employees will have a secure future ahead of them.

I've learned a lot about Jim...his kids, five grandchildren, and wife. He's been to my Myspace page and says my husband reminds him of 'Storm' from X-Men.

Jim is the type of client that comes along every once and a while and reminds you what a great business we work in.

Not only do I have a new client...I have a great new friend.

When You Least Expect It!

Yesterday evening I received a hilarious e-mail from my new friend Caryn Clark. She is a talented fellow voice actor, check out her website at http://www.carynclark.net/. I asked her permission to re-tell her story, as I think there is something to be learned.

Caryn told me she isn't much of a gardener, a tomato plant here or there. However, she has had this one Basil plant sitting in her kitchen for quite some time now. Unfortunately, this plant has finally seen its last days.

Caryn writes, "I figured it was just my neglect. I kill everything I grow. Matter of fact, my husband just put fake grass in my little garden out by our pool. Yes, fake grass. So, I broke off the dead little limbs, and left the one green branch.

This past Saturday morning, my husband was doing something at the kitchen sink... he noticed the dying plant, and grabbed it to throw it under the faucet... and then called out to me, "Honey, did you not notice what's in your plant?"

I came into the kitchen and asked him what he was talking about, all the while saying, yeah, I know it's dead, blah, blah. He said, "Go take a look at your plant." So I did.

Half buried in the soil, with his big eyeballs peeking out, was a big ole frog.

I grew a frog."

I love it!

Her e-mail started me thinking of all the hard work I have put into my business recently. The networking, the contacts I have made in trying to have a new website built. The lunch dates with producer friends…the list could go on and on.

However, things can grow in places you aren't even looking or pursuing. A month ago I received an e-mail from a company in Louisiana I had never heard of. They had heard of me from a client I had recorded with ages ago and wanted me to voice a series of radio commercials for them.

Sometimes frogs grow in plants you figured were long-since dead. Surprises happen, and that is why I adore this business.

As Caryn said, "I guess frogs in the kitchen are better than frogs in our throats, huh?"

Thanks Caryn. Be sure to check out Caryn's website and blog (listed below)- I'm sure you can find a much more detailed story of the froggy stow away!