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.
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
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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I've read diff. books on marketing yourself but those books are GENERAL guides. I believe I need something more specific being African American. I could be wrong, but I'm not sure.
On the agenda today... medical narration, auto commercial, museum tour recording... and, WNBA Basketball. http://ow.ly/2vfBp
Thanks
Jerry Wells
The 2nd "TOM: MID 40’S CAUCASIAN. INQUISITIVE,BUT POLITE. LOOKING FOR THE BEST DEAL, SO DETERMINED, BUT ALSO FRIENDLY. More notes: We need guys that sound more like actors and regular dudes, and less like they’re trying to sell something – that would be ideal. Don't try too hard needs to be believable."
My questions to the forum are.. 1. Would you have submitted an audition being an African American? 2. If you did submit an audition.. would you include any commentary concerning the race issue and if NOT.. then why?
I look forward to your replies and thank you for reading!
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