This is a forum for issues of concern to voiceover actors of color. Instead of grappling with post-Obama VO industry questions alone let's work them out collectively by sharing our experiences.
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Winter Thoughts

VOC Peeps,

Just noticed that Voices of Colors has over 100 members now. Amazing. Hopefully we're not all auditioning for the same work!

Anyway Winter is here and, to be perfectly candid, I've taken a step back from auditioning and am in the process of re-tooling my product. I'm trying to incorporate some of the comments I've gotten over the past year from Coaches and Agents both in terms of the "sound" as well as the Web site and promotional materials. There's a "new" sound out there that, to my ear, seems flatter, less musical, and definitely more "authentic" is the word that's used most often. Don't push, in other words. Even on the audition, I'm told, "tell it, don't sell it," though some coaches say just the opposite in terms of the audition; urging that to be made a little bigger.

So my plan is to spend some time in the studio and see what comes out as well as working with my webmaster, Corey Brown, on a new design which, by the way, will not include photos of me (see Photo Discussion Below).

The last coaching session I had was with Marice Tobias. One of the things she said that stuck was that agents have many ways of saying "no" but only one way of saying "yes" and that's with a signed contract. Which means that when they say "we'll send you some copy" or "we'll work freelance" it's usually a kind way of saying "see ya." Kind of like the equivalent of "we'll call you."

Enough already. I hope 2010 was a killer year for you (don't forget to keep records for the IRS) and that 2011 is even better. And don't forget that this is YOUR forum. Don't hesitate to start discussions, ask questions or just vent. This is YOUR PAGE.

All the best,
Mike H

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  • Greetings to my fellow "Ink-Dipped" Voices...hope all are well and here's too wishing us all continued success in '10
  • Thanks for the invite Mike! Greetings from London, U.K.
  • Mike,
    I do think the marketplace is expanding, thanks to changes in what is perceived as 'urban' by the people doing the producing. And having an eloquent African American President doesn't hurt at all! Thanks again for this forum Mike, and Happy New Year!
  • Scott,
    Thanks for sharing. It's good to hear about experiences like yours. What that seems to suggest is that the market is opening up to allow a "variety" of ethnic voices to be heard. This hasn't always been the case.
    Mike
  • Hello Mike,

    Thank you for the invite and I look forward to contributing to this group.

    Angela
  • Thank you for the invitation Mike, I look forward to participating in the group's growth and as a newbie, listening to the advice our group members have to offer. Happy Holidays!
  • Thank you Mike for your wishes and spreading your physic energy!
  • A Season's Greetings to all and a Merry Christmas to the Christians amongst us. May our voices of colors be heard far and wide in 2010!

    Take care.
  • Thanks for the invite Mike! looking forward to sharing and learning
  • Mike,Thanks for the invite. I'm in agreement with a portion of what Danny Reese said. With voiceacting, we get to be as many people as our range allows. And if that range reflects all the experiences that make me who I am, than I cease to allow an agency's category to dictate my 'sound'. I've seen my opportunities mirror that mindset, as I get less and less 'urban' bookings and more jobs that are based on what I sound like, not what I look like. I am looking forward to sharing thoughts and ideas inside 'voices'. Happy Holidays everyone!
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