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Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Voice Acting is Acting: The Power of Genuine Connection Voice acting is often misunderstood as being easier than on-camera or stage acting. After all, you only have your voice to work with, right? But that's what makes it so challenging – and so powerful when done well. Your voice is the only tool you have to connect with your audience, to make them feel something, to bring the story to life. The goal of any kind of acting, including voice acting, is to create a genuine emotional connection with your audience. When you're on camera or on stage, you have the benefit of body language, facial expressions, and physical action to convey meaning and build that connection. With voice acting, it's all about the voice. But that doesn't make it less impactful. In fact, the intimacy and immediacy of the voice can make it even more potent. So, how do you tap into that power and create real empathy and connection through your voice? Strong Acting Fundamentals I'm not just talking about voice acting classes, but full-on acting training. On-camera work, theater, improv, opera, singing, stand-up comedy – all these forms of storytelling and performance can help you learn to connect with an audience in different ways. Once you have that solid foundation, you can layer on specific voice acting techniques. Be You Authenticity is key in voice acting. You don't need to hide behind silly voices or accents. Just bring your real, unique self to the mic, and let your audience connect with that. I do a lot of e-learning work, which some voice actors might dismiss as boring. But I see the potential for real connection in those scripts too. Like when I'm narrating modules to help employees choose their insurance benefits, I'm thinking about that single parent with kids, including one with special needs, who's terrified of making the wrong choice. That's who I'm talking to, who I'm trying to reassure with my voice, to let them know I'm here to help and we'll get through this together. That kind of connection isn't about fantasy or entertainment stakes, it's about real life. And if you can make that kind of connection with a stranger, just through your voice, that's incredibly powerful. It can change lives. So next time you get a script for an e-learning or corporate project that might not be your dream job, don't dismiss it. Think about who you can connect with, who you can help. Make it matter to you, and that will make it matter to your audience. Conclusion Voice acting is acting, and it has the power to touch hearts and minds in unique and profound ways. Embrace the challenge, tap into your own empathy and authenticity, and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve, one voiceover at a time. Keep Going - Watch this next: AI and Voice Actors Watch this trailer then click the button below to rent this How-To video for only 5 BUCKS! (offer expires 11/30/24, regular price $20) Want to stream as many How-To videos as you want? Get a Video Subscription - use code FORWARD  for 20% off your first month! Upcoming Events & Appearances Here's what I've got going on in the next few months - register to attend and add your voice to the mix! Looking for help navigating the entertainment industry? Check in and Stay on Track... Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist , Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Catch the replay with Tara Sands Tara Sands is a name familiar to many in the voiceover world. With over 300 audiobooks under her belt and a plethora of anime roles, she's built a successful career that spans multiple genres. But how did this New Jersey native get her start in the industry? Tara's Origin Story It all began with a local singing competition, where a talent manager in the audience took notice of the young Tara. Her first audition, sent by this manager, happened to be for a radio voiceover spot – and she booked it. "I had to say something like 'ew, gross, a wart'... I loved it," she recalls. "I got to put on headphones and be in a studio. I thought it was super cool." This early experience sparked an interest in voiceover, which she pursued alongside her on-camera acting work. One of her most memorable jobs from this time was hosting "Fridays" on Cartoon Network, a live-action show that aired between cartoons. "We acted silly and got to do fun stuff," she says. The show even led to her eventual move from New York to LA, as she knew there would be more opportunities to work on the series in California. As her career progressed, Tara began to focus more on voiceover. She credits her early start in the industry with giving her an edge, as there were fewer audiobooks being produced back then. "I did my first one in 2006 or 2007, so it was before the huge boom in audiobooks," she explains. Today, young adult and kids' books are her bread and butter. "I love doing a great kids' book, like a Goosebumps book... I can picture some kids in a car who don't want to be on a long drive, and I understand my audience in that way." Pokemon One of Tara's most well-known roles is Bulbasaur in the Pokémon anime. She originally auditioned for a different character but was asked to try voicing Bulbasaur during the same session. The role turned out to be recurring, much to her surprise. On the topic of pay, Tara acknowledges that anime and audiobooks tend to be lower paid, even with union rates. "Unfortunately, I've been successful in the lowest paid areas of voiceover," she says. "Anime didn't used to make a lot of money, and now that it does, the rates haven't changed to reflect that." She hopes to see this change in the future, as the popularity and profitability of anime continue to grow. Conclusion Tara's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and a willingness to take on a wide variety of roles. As she continues to build her career, she remains passionate about the unique challenges and rewards of voiceover work. "If I can connect with some kid who's in a car and make their day a little brighter, that's powerful. That's why I do what I do." Up Next - Paul Schmidt! VOS Book Club Studio Gear & Recommendations Looking for a new microphone, audio interface, or other gear? Click the button below to check out my recommendations! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist , Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience  who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Working From Home Is Hard! The toughest thing for most voice actors when it comes to working from home is the ability to focus and the ability to prioritize. What should I be doing today? What's the most important thing that I should be doing today? What are the less important things I should be doing today? When should I be doing them? What order should I be doing them? How should I be doing them? A Chinese Proverb One disease long life. No disease short life. Work Within Your Limitations You have strengths, but if you have weaknesses, you want to compensate for them. The voiceover industry is a freight train and it keeps chugging along. All these casting opportunities and networking opportunities and educational opportunities and all these other opportunities are just going to keep going and you need to be able to keep up with it. Seize as many opportunities for yourself as possible. Not An Early Riser? If you can't be functional or or even, more importantly, vocally functional before 10 a.m. you need to figure out how to deal with that. Figure out when you are vocally at your best and figure out when you are creatively at your best. If you are vocally at your best early in the morning get those auditions done early save the marketing and the invoicing for later in the day. If you are creatively at your best at 9:00 at night then lean into that. Note Your Own Behavior Figure out what works best for you on a on a vocal level. on a performative level, and on a creative level. Make that the scaffolding of your day. Drape each day over that to get as much done as possible and to be as effective as possible. Keep Going - Watch this next: Work From Home as a Voice Actor Watch this trailer then click the button below to rent this How-To video for only 5 BUCKS! (offer expires 10/31/24, regular price $20) Want to stream as many How-To videos as you want? Get a Video Subscription - use code FORWARD  for 20% off your first month! Upcoming Events & Appearances Here's what I've got going on in the next few months - register to attend and add your voice to the mix! Looking for help navigating the entertainment industry? Check in and Stay on Track... Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist , Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Voice Acting Success Requires Persistence and Consistency For aspiring voice actors, the road to success can be long and challenging. But giving up too soon is the biggest mistake hopefuls make. In our recent chat, Anne & I said that persistence, consistency, and a deep understanding of the voiceover industry are key to breaking in and finding lasting success. Pride in Pursuing Your Passion We encourage voice actors to be proud of their decision to pursue this competitive field. Investing in yourself and your craft is essential, and recognizing that you're taking risks to chase your passion is something to be proud of. The Importance of Education Educating yourself on the various voiceover markets and opportunities is crucial. Understanding what different clients and projects need can help you tailor your approach and stand out in a crowded field. Turning Challenges into Advantages Rather than getting discouraged by obstacles, successful voice actors find ways to turn challenges into advantages. This might mean leveraging a unique voice quality, gaining skills that others don't have, or finding underserved niches to specialize in. Finding Motivation Staying motivated is key to the long haul of building a voiceover career. I suggest finding both intrinsic motivation (love of the work, desire to tell stories) and extrinsic motivation (financial goals, desire for recognition) to keep you going. Storytelling at the Heart of Voice Acting At its core, voice acting is about storytelling. Approaching every script and project with this mindset can help you create compelling performances that engage audiences and attract clients. Tom's Top Takeaways Overnight success is rare in voice acting. Having a long-term perspective and being willing to put in the work for years is often what separates those who make it from those who give up too soon. If you're passionate about voiceover work, invest in yourself, stay educated, motivated, and focused, and be prepared to put in the time and effort required to build a successful career. Keep going - watch this next: Control Your Voice Over Time Watch this trailer then click the button below to rent this How-To video for only 5 BUCKS! (offer ends 9/30/24) Want to stream as many How-To videos as you want? Upcoming Events & Appearances Here's what I've got going on in the next few months - register to attend and add your voice to the mix! Looking for help navigating the entertainment industry? Check in and Stay on Track... Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist , Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Catch the replay - Voiceover Lead Generation with Nadia Marshall In a recent Ask Me Anything livestream, veteran voice actor and opera singer Nadia Marshall shared her expertise on lead generation in the voiceover industry. With her unique background in opera, Nadia has built a successful voiceover career and now helps others do the same through her lead generation course. Finding Your Path into Voiceover Nadia's journey into voiceover began with her opera career. She discovered that her opera training provided a strong foundation for voiceover work. This highlights that there are many paths into the voiceover industry, and identifying your unique strengths and skills is key to finding your niche. The Importance of Lead Generation Nadia emphasized that knowing how to find clients is crucial for voiceover artists. Lead generation is about more than just finding any client - it's about finding the right clients for your specific services and building relationships with them. This requires understanding their needs and wants. Diverse Lead Generation Strategies Nadia discussed the various methods and platforms voiceover artists can use for lead generation. In today's digital age, there are many tools and platforms available, from online marketplaces to social media to personal networking. The key is to experiment and find what works best for you and your goals. Asking for What You Want and Need A crucial part of lead generation is asking for what you want and need from clients. Nadia provided tips on how to do this effectively. This includes being clear about your rates and terms, setting boundaries, and communicating your value. Building Relationships At the heart of successful lead generation is building relationships with clients. Nadia emphasized the importance of understanding client needs and delivering high-quality work to build trust and loyalty. This leads to repeat business and referrals. Learning from Nadia's Expertise Nadia's lead generation course offers voiceover artists the chance to learn from her extensive experience. By applying her strategies and tips, artists can improve their lead generation efforts and grow their careers. Takeaways There are many paths into the voiceover industry - identify your unique strengths and skills. Lead generation is crucial for finding the right clients and building relationships. Experiment with various lead generation methods and platforms. Clearly ask for what you want and need from clients. Build relationships by understanding client needs and delivering quality work. By applying these insights, voiceover artists can improve their lead generation efforts and build successful careers. Learn more about her lead generation course at https://www.blueprintcourseware.com Up Next - Pokemon star Tara Sands! VOS Book Club Studio Gear & Recommendations Looking for a new microphone, audio interface, or other gear? Click the button below to check out my recommendations! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist , Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience  who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Let Me Guess. You decided you want to be a voice actor... Did some Google-izing, and discovered Fiverr. You built some Gigs, self-recorded & uploaded some samples, and booked nothing. OR, you did book voice over work on Fiverr, leveled up, started making good money, and the bottom fell out and you’re making much, much less than you used to. What happened? What happened to Fiverr? Two letters: A I. It is my understanding that as a result of voice seekers using AI to create voice over audio instead of hiring humans, voice actor revenue on Fiverr has decreased around 70%. Fiverr was a competitive environment for voice actors even before AI came around, but now…? If Fiverr is the only way you know how to book voice over work, what can you do? A lot! Your job as a voice actor First, whether you’re trying to book voice over on Fiverr or anywhere else, understand that your job as a voice actor is to be a better storyteller than the robots. And the only way to do that is through training. You must get training! Quality training from quality coaches! I have compiled a list of amazing voice over coaches who can help you develop your storytelling skills, microphone technique skills, genre proficiency, and much more. Click this link to check out the coaches I recommend . And tell them Tom Dheere  sent ya! Home Studio Quality is Critical Second, make sure your home recording studio is in great shape. When you audition for a voice over project, and yes if you’re trying to book work beyond Fiverr you need to actually audition, they’re not just evaluating your performance, they’re evaluating the quality of the audio file you submit. Most, if not all of the voice work you book will be recorded from your home studio so this is really important to get right. If you don’t know how to set up a home studio or need help troubleshooting your existing studio, book a session with one of the amazing audio engineers at George The Tech. Click this link and you’ll get 10% off. And tell them Tom Dheere  sent ya! Your Voice Over Website Third, build a voiceover website. A website establishes credibility and showcases who you are as well the kind of voice over work you have, or have the potential, to book. I recommend www.VoiceActorWebsites.com . And oh, tell them Tom Dheere  sent ya! Once you have your training, home studio, and website in place, now you can explore ways to book voice over work beyond Fiverr. And how do you do that? Portals! Portals connect voice actors to casting opportunities. In the voice over industry, there are three Portals: Representation Online Casting Sites Self-Marketing Now you know that there are ways to book voice over work beyond Fiverr. But this is just the beginning of your journey... Keep Going - Watch this next: Work From Home As A Voice Actor Watch this trailer then click the button below to rent this How-To video for only 5 BUCKS! (offer expires 9/30/24, regular price $20) Want to stream as many How-To videos as you want? Get a Video Subscription - use code FORWARD  for 20% off your first month! Upcoming Events & Appearances Here's what I've got going on in the next few months - register to attend and add your voice to the mix! Looking for help navigating the entertainment industry? Check in and Stay on Track... Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist , Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Catch the replay - Animation, Coaching, and SkillsHub AMA with Jennifer Hale In a captivating interview, renowned voiceover artist Jennifer Hale opens up about her journey in the world of acting and voiceover work. With a career spanning iconic video games like BioShock Infinite and cartoons like X-Men '97, Jennifer shares the unique challenges and rewards that come with bringing characters to life with her voice. As a co-founder of SkillsHub, Jennifer is passionate about nurturing new talent in the voiceover field. SkillsHub provides valuable education and coaching resources for those looking to break into this competitive industry. One of the most compelling aspects of the interview is Jennifer's emphasis on diversity and representation. She stresses that the voiceover world must reflect the richness of real life, with a wide range of voices and backgrounds. This is a powerful reminder of the impact that more authentic representation can have on audiences everywhere. Jennifer Hale's story is one of dedication, resilience, and the joy of creating memorable characters. Her insights offer a fascinating look behind the scenes of voiceover work and the gaming industry as a whole. Learn more about Jennifer: www,JenniferHale.com Join the SkillsHub family: https://acting.skillshub.life Up Next - award-winning voice actor and lead generation expert Nadia Marshall! VOS Book Club Studio Gear & Recommendations Looking for a new microphone, audio interface, or other gear? Click the button below to check out my recommendations! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist , Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience  who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... I Love Narrating Explainer Videos I love narrating every genre of voice over, but Explainer Videos hold a special place in my heart. Why do I love narrating Explainer Videos? I like explaining things. I like telling stories. I like breaking things down. I enjoy the formula of it – I call it the five-act play of explainers. I enjoy the structure of it. It's just fun! Explainer Videos are Short and Sweet Also, they're relatively short. Most of them are a minute and a half, give or take. So when it comes to booking them, they're relatively quick. Ergonomically speaking, the money is good, too. Most of the time I'm getting $300 to $500 to do one explainer video, which can take only about ten minutes if I'm recording it on my own, maybe a half hour to 45 minutes if it's a directed session. Short Voiceover Narration Doesn't Mean Easy No matter how short, no voice over genre is easy to narrate. All storytelling is a challenge. Explainer videos tend to have a five-act play structure, but I think of it more like this... You've got 60 to 90 seconds tell the story. All stories have a beginning, a middle, and end, an arc, and a message, just like an audiobook or a video game or any other form of voiceover so you don't have much time! The ability to be able to shift gears vocally, psychologically, emotionally, mentally in such a short period of time and be able to nail the CTA, or Call To Action, is not easy. In Conclusion All voiceover genres are a different kind of difficult. I love the challenge of explainer videos or any other genre of voice over that I am tasked with bringing to life. Keep Going - Watch this next: Explainer Voice Over Explained Watch this trailer then click the button below to rent this How-To video for only 5 BUCKS! (offer expires 7/31/24, regular price $20) Want to stream as many How-To videos as you want? Get a Video Subscription - use code FORWARD for 20% off your first month! Upcoming Events & Appearances Here's what I've got going on in the next few months - register to attend and add your voice to the mix! Looking for help navigating the entertainment industry? Check in and Stay on Track... Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist, Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Financial Literacy For Voice Actors Anne & I had yet another fantastic conversation, this time about how much to charge as a voice actor. This is a subject that is confusing & intimidating for many who enter the voiceover industry, but we demystified and clarified the world of voiceover rates! Tom's Top Topics Understanding Rate Guides Maintaining a Rate Sheet Psychological Aspects of Pricing Keep going - watch this next: Want to stream as many How-To videos as you want? Upcoming Events & Appearances Here's what I've got going on in the next few months - register to attend and add your voice to the mix! Looking for help navigating the entertainment industry? Check in and Stay on Track... Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist, Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Catch the replay - Ask Me Anything with special guest Anna Garduno (2nd appearance!) I was thrilled to welcome back the talented Anna Garduno to the Voiceover Strategist Ask Me Anything program! As a commercial and cartoon voice actor, coach, on-camera actor, and movie producer, Anna brings a wealth of experience and insights to the conversation. Bi-Coastal Creative Living Anna splits her time between New York City and Los Angeles, a testament to the flexibility voiceover work allows. She summers in LA to escape the sweltering NYC heat and to tap into the different professional opportunities each coast presents. Whether it's immersing herself in Broadway theater in NYC or attending film festivals and in-person animation auditions in LA, Anna believes this bi-coastal lifestyle enriches her creativity and makes her a more interesting conversationalist. The Power of Cultural Enrichment Inspired by our previous conversation, I have been making a point to experience more of what NYC's vibrant cultural scene has to offer like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to the Metropolitan Opera, museums like the MoMA and the Whitney, and a range of other theatrical productions. Anna emphasizes the importance of feeding your creativity by engaging with diverse artistic experiences. Loop Groups: The Voiceover Dream Gig Anna shares her enthusiasm for loop groups, a specific type of voiceover work that involves filling in background voices for films and TV shows. These gigs are often union jobs with residuals, making them highly sought after. Anna recounts her experience joining a loop group for an animated film and TV series, where her library of distinct characters gave her an edge. She stresses the importance of cataloging your characters for quick recall in auditions. Getting into Loop Groups: It's About Community While getting into loop groups can be challenging, Anna believes it's not impossible. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships within the acting community, attending plays, film festivals, and networking events. Seeing fellow actors in action, being present and available, and sometimes getting recommendations from within the group can open doors to these coveted opportunities. Key Takeaways Voiceover allows for incredible flexibility and the ability to tap into different opportunities based on location. Cultural enrichment fuels creativity and makes you a more interesting conversationalist. Cataloging your distinct characters is essential for success in auditions, especially for voiceover work like loop groups. Building relationships and being an active part of the acting community is key to accessing opportunities like loop groups. I'm so grateful to Anna for sharing her insights and inspiring us to nurture our creativity and build meaningful connections within our community. Catch her full conversation for even more valuable advice and anecdotes from her journey in the voiceover world. Connect with Anna: https://voiceforward.com/ Up Next - X-Men '97 star and SkillsHub co-founder Jennifer Hale! VOS Book Club Studio Gear & Recommendations Looking for a new microphone, audio interface, or other gear? Click the button below to check out my recommendations! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist, Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... In This Episode... In the ever-evolving world of voiceover work, establishing a strong brand is crucial for actors looking to stand out in a crowded industry. In this VO BOSS podcast episode, Anne & I delve into the ins and outs of branding for voice actors, offering valuable insights for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. We discuss the changing landscape of branding, the importance of consistency, and how different types of voice actors can leverage their unique strengths to build a compelling brand. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing brand, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you establish credibility, attract clients, and tell a story that sets you apart. Tom's Top Takeaways Consistency is Key: In today's digital age, having a consistent brand across all platforms is more important than ever. Your website, social media, and even your vocal style should all align to create a cohesive image that establishes trust with potential clients. Focus on developing a strong visual brand with a recognizable logo and color scheme, and ensure your online presence is professional and engaging. Branding is About Storytelling: Your brand is more than just a logo or tagline - it's a way to tell a story about who you are and the value you bring to clients. Consider what sets you apart and how you can solve problems for your clients. Do you specialize in a particular genre? Do you have a unique vocal style? Your brand should clearly communicate your strengths and the benefits of working with you. Know Your Niche: The type of voiceover work you do should heavily influence your branding strategy. If you're a public figure doing work in cartoons, video games, or audiobooks, you may need to be more mindful of your online presence and how it could impact your career. If you're just starting out, don't try to force a specific brand - instead, focus on booking gigs and let your brand evolve naturally from the types of projects you land. Remember, your brand is a living thing that will change and grow as your career does. Keep going - watch this next: Branding For Voice Actors Watch the trailer above then click the button below to stream the How-To video! Want to stream as many How-To videos as you want? Upcoming Events & Appearances Here's what I've got going on in the next few months - register to attend and add your voice to the mix! Looking for help navigating the entertainment industry? Check in and Stay on Track... Don't know where to start? Let's chat. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... Through VO Strategist, Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.

There is a lot of information (and misinformation) out there about getting COVID-19 financial assistance.. With that in mind, the following video is an interview with attorney, voice actor, and good friend Robert Sciglimpaglia. We talk about how freelancers like voice actors can get COVID-19 financial assistance. In the interview, we cover : The Stimulus Check: who will qualify for it, when will they get it, and how they will get it Filing for unemployment: who qualifies, where to apply, how much could be gotten, how to file a claim weekly, what income should be declared Applying for a (hopefully forgivable) loan as a sole proprietor, a corporation, and as a small business Rob, thank you very much for providing some much-needed information to help voice actors get through these “interesting times”. TIP OF THE WEEK The COVID-19 financial assistance websites Robert recommends are… https://quicksignup.com/small-business-guidance-loan-resources/ https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Unemployment%20Assistance https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/stimulus-check-calculator/ To retain Rob Sciglimpaglia’s legal services, go to www.ctworkerscompattorney.com To book him as an actor, go to www.robpaglia.com. To purchase a copy of Rob’s book “Voice Over Legal”, click here. NEWS AND NOTES SOLD OUT! Tuesday, April 7th @7:30PM EST: I am giving a FREE webinar to benefit the VANYC Emergency Fund. With all the changes in the world today, remote learning and eLearning are essential. Learn how you can set yourself up for success in this fast-growing genre of voice over. THEN… Ask Tom Anything!!! I will answer any and all of your questions about voiceover, the voiceover business, and more! This is a free class, but if you’d like to make a donation to the Emergency Fund in honor of the class, please PayPal any amount to VoiceActorsNYC@nullgmail.com. Click here to sign up. Thursday, April 16th @8PM EST: My next Edge Studio Business and Money 201 webinar will be ‘Cost/Benefit Analysis’. In this one-hour webinar, we’ll talk about how to determine how & why you generated your voiceover revenue and how to repeat what worked. This webinar is capped at 25 attendees and sells out fast. Click here to sign up. Tuesday, April 30th @8PM EST:  My next Edge Studio Marketing 201 webinar will be ‘What Your Website Says About You’. In this one-hour webinar, we’ll talk about how your website can help you gain or lose clients without you ever knowing it. This webinar is capped at 25 attendees and sells out fast. Click here to sign up! Wednesday, May 27th @2:00 PM EST: even though the Audio Publishers Association Conference (APAC) has been cancelled, my meeting table has gone from live to virtual! From 2:00-3:45, you are welcome to book a FREE 15-minute consult with me. We can talk about audiobook marketing, business, or just chat. This is capped at 7 slots and will fill up fast so sign up ASAP. Click here to book your free 15-minute consult! Thursday May 28th @2:30 PM EST:  my “Learning to do eLearning” workshop has also gone from live to virtual! In this two-hour workshop you will learn what eLearning narration is, it’s sub-genres, narration tips, how much to charge, demo specs, and there will be live coaching! It’s $100 to attend, but if you use the promo code EARLYBIRD528 you get in for only $75! This webinar is capped at 50 attendees and is filling up fast so sign up ASAP. Click here to register! HAPPY HAPPYS Happy Caramel Day and Read a Road Map Day! QUOTE OF THE WEEK Good character is like good soup: it's made at home. Herm Edwards Tom Dheere is a 20+year veteran of the voice over industry who has narrated thousands of projects for hundreds of clients in over a dozen countries. He is also a voiceover business & marketing consultant known as the VOStrategist and produces the comic book “Agent 1.22”.