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- Nadia Marshall on Voiceover Lead Generation
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 If you want to build a real video game voice acting career instead of just hunting for random auditions, you need a legitimate business strategy. So Nadia and I built a blueprint to help you navigate modern interactive casting. We call it The Video Game Voice Over Playbook. It's a breakdown of the business models and performance standards required to survive in the modern market. Click here to unlock the entire course. Because raw enthusiasm won't protect your career longevity. 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.
- How to Explore Voice Acting Beyond Fiverr
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.
- Why Voice Actors Love Explainer Videos
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.
- How Much?
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.
- Anna Garduno on Voiceover, Loop Groups, and Creative Inspiration (AMA Replay)
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/ BONUS CONTENT Check out our first AMA! 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.
- To Brand Or Not To Brand
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.
- Voiceovers And COVID-19 Financial Assistance
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”.
- Why Voice Actors Need Sean Pratt's Coaching for Audiobook Demos That Sell
Who Is Sean Pratt? Sean Allen Pratt has been a working professional actor in theatre, film, TV and voice-overs for over 30 years. He holds a BFA in Acting from Santa Fe University, NM. He has narrated over 1,000+ audiobooks….and counting! In the world of voice acting, a demo reel is your calling card, your ticket to landing lucrative audiobook gigs. But in a crowded industry, how do you make your demo stand out? The answer lies in coaching from a master of the craft – Sean Pratt. Here's why voice actors swear by Pratt's guidance to create demos that sell. The Audiobook Boom and the Rise of the Demo Audiobooks are booming. The format's surge in popularity has created unprecedented opportunities for voice actors. But with opportunity comes competition. In this crowded market, your demo reel is often your only shot at impressing producers and landing jobs. A subpar demo can relegate you to obscurity, while a great one can launch a career. This is where Sean Pratt comes in – a veteran voice actor and coach with a keen eye for what makes a demo unforgettable. Pratt's Proven Track Record Sean Pratt isn't just a coach; he's a successful voice actor with hundreds of audiobooks under his belt. His understanding of what producers want and what engages listeners is unparalleled. Pratt's students boast impressive success rates, landing jobs with major publishers and racking up glowing reviews. His coaching isn't theory – it's battle-tested strategies from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged victorious. Crafting a Demo That Tells a Story Pratt's coaching philosophy centers on the power of storytelling. He teaches voice actors to move beyond mere narration and craft demos that transport listeners. By focusing on character development, pacing, and emotional resonance, Pratt's students create demos that feel like immersive mini-dramas rather than dry readings. This narrative approach hooks producers and leaves them eager to hear more. Technical Mastery for a Polished Sound While storytelling is key, technical skill is equally crucial. Pratt's coaching emphasizes clean, crisp audio quality and a mastery of narration techniques. From smooth pacing to subtle character differentiation, Pratt drills down on the nitty-gritty details that elevate a demo from good to great. His students learn how to troubleshoot common recording issues and deliver a polished, professional product that showcases their full range. Confidence Boost and Ongoing Support Perhaps Pratt's greatest gift to his students is unwavering support and a confidence boost. With his encouragement, voice actors tap into their unique strengths and find their distinctive narration style. Pratt's ongoing coaching and feedback provide a roadmap for continuous improvement, helping his students stay ahead of the curve in an evolving industry. Investing in Your Voice Acting Future In the competitive audiobook world, exceptional coaching is an investment, not an expense. Sean Pratt's guidance offers a clear path to crafting demos that open doors and spark a thriving voice acting career. If you're ready to level up your demo game and start landing the audiobook jobs you deserve, Pratt's coaching is the smartest investment you can make in your future. Ready to transform your demo and launch your audiobook career? Explore Sean Pratt's coaching services and take the first step towards narration success. 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.
- Ask Me Anything With Carolina Ravassa REPLAY
Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Catch the replay - Video Games & Comic Cons AMA with Carolina Ravassa We answered questions like... How Carolina became an actor How Carolina broke into video game narration What it's like to make comic con appearances and much more! About Carolina About Carolina: Born in Cali, Colombia, Carolina Ravassa has appeared on The Affair opposite Dominic West, Mr. Robot with Bobby Cannavale & Rami Malek, and has done a few shorts with Reggie Watts. She produced, directed, and starred in the webseries Hispanglosaxon, which won an Imagen Award for Best Webseries. She is known for her voice work in the video games Overwatch (Sombra), Grand Theft Auto V (Taliana Martinez), Max Payne III, Red Dead Redemption II, Just Cause 4 and voices Disney's Hamster & Gretel/Big City Greens, Victor and Valentino (Cartoon Network), Loud House (Nickelodeon) and Maya and the Three. (Netflix) Connect with Carolina: https://www.carolinaravassa.com/ If you want to build a real video game voice acting career instead of just hunting for random auditions, you need a legitimate business strategy. So Nadia Marshall and I built a blueprint to help you navigate modern interactive casting. We call it The Video Game Voice Over Playbook. It's a breakdown of the business models and performance standards required to survive in the modern market. Click here to unlock the entire course. Because raw enthusiasm won't protect your career longevity. Up Next...Anna Garduno! 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.
- Marc Scott Says Online Casting Sites Hate Voice Actors. Is This True?
This week, my friend and VOpreneur Marc Scott posted this YouTube video: Is he right? To properly frame this conversation, we need to determine which voice actors we’re talking about. Who Are These Voice Actors? There is a good chunk of aspiring voice actor who should be part of this conversation but can’t because they don’t know we exist. These are the people who jumped on Google, YouTube, Reddit, TikTok, etc. and typed in something like "how to become a voice actor". They discovered free or lowball casting sites and got trained by predatory coaches & demo producers. They have little money and no critical thinking skills so they just dove in, drove rates down, and enabled the behavior of sketchy casting sites and scummy voice seekers. These aspiring voice actors also have little or no performance training. They don’t understand the craft of voice acting, the process of character development, the journey of emotional exploration, etc. That means their performances tend to be shallow with no true depth or level of connection with their audience or themselves. And there they wallow. This illustrates one of many problems with the voiceover industry right now. There is no barrier to entry. As long as home recording technology remains relatively cheap, social media sites exist, online search engines exist, and predatory scumbags exist, this strata of voice actors will continue to damage the voiceover industry. That is, unless AI sucks up most of the entry-level work. Whether that will happen or not remains to be seen. Hmm, maybe we should be rooting for AI… What About Successful Voice Actors? Do online casting sites hate the veteran voice actors who pay for the top-tier subscriptions, have learned how to feed the algorithms of v123, Fiverr, and Upwork, and make five or six figures every year via these sites? No. I think casting sites LOVE these people. They can point to them and say, “See? You CAN make a great living on our casting site!” Am I one of those people? Yup. Are other voice actors like me a part of this conversation? Nope. They're too busy booking. So Who Does Online Casting Sites Actually Hate? If you are reading this blog, you’re part of an ecosystem who knows that something exists beyond Fiverr, Upwork, Casting Call Club, Twitter, Discord, and Backstage. You have likely gotten some training, perhaps had a demo or two produced, maybe worked with me & Marc, are on some of the voiceover-related social media groups, possibly have attended a voiceover conference, and could be repped by one or more low to mid-tier agents. If online casting sites hate any group of voice actors, it's you folks. You have spent too much time, money, and effort to quit online casting sites but aren't sure what else to do since nothing else works. Marc says you have agency to walk away from online casting sites. Do you? What Are Your Options? If Marc is right, if online casting sites truly hate you and you walk away from them, where will you go? Will you focus on getting more and better Representation? Will you increase your Self-Marketing efforts? Send out even more cold emails? Post even more on social media than you do now? The same day Marc posted his YouTube video, our esteemed colleague J. Michael Collins posted an equally fascinating entry. JMC says there are too many white, 35-65 year-old voice actors out there who mostly sound the same and he is 100% correct. Authentic, inclusive, diverse casting is a long-overdue market correction that the voiceover industry is currently experiencing. This means there are less & less roster & casting opportunities for us honkies. The REAL Answer So, if you are of the aforementioned demographic, struggle on casting sites, can’t get on a higher-tier agency roster, and your marketing emails & social media posts go mostly unengaged, what should you do? The answer is simple but extremely difficult: Be a better storyteller. Get better at the art of voice acting. Improve your chances of booking voiceover work via online casting sites or your agents or your marketed-to potential clients by submitting more engaging, emotive auditions. Muscle through AI and the algorithms and the bottom-feeders by being a damn good voice actor. Get training in stage acting, on-camera acting, improvisational acting, opera, or stand-up comedy. Allow those teachings to inform your voiceover narration. Allow them to make you a more confident and less desperate voice actor. This will separate you from the rest of the pack and future-proof your voiceover business from getting swallowed up by AI. My Apologies I’m sorry if my blog, Marc’s video, and JMC’s blog have not been fun for you. They are not meant to be. They are meant to educate and empower you to make thoughtful, informed decisions about how to move your voiceover business forward. Take control of your voiceover career! Don’t let any casting site, rep, or self-marketing strategy steal your agency. And like both Marc and JMC said: quit whining online! Stop doom-scrolling on social media! Ignore the noise! Take your voiceover career by the reins and make your dreams come true! Keep Going - Watch this next: 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.
- Why Every Voice Actor Needs a Coach: The Case for Working with Carrie Olsen
Who Is Carrie Olsen? Carrie Olsen lives and breathes voiceover. She is represented by one of the top voiceover agencies in the country and records audio from her home studio for brands like Home Chef, Grammarly, Gatorade, Disney, TNT, Netflix, Schwab, and many more. As a former e-learning developer, she brings her passion for the voiceover industry to her students through engaging, carefully crafted online courses. When she first started in VO, she described her approach to marketing herself as "ferocious." In her business coaching and courses, she teaches her students that same ferocious approach to moving the needle in their businesses. When she's not in her recording booth, you can find Carrie "front porching" with her husband, Derek, and their two daughters, Amelie and Ruby. Voiceover work is a highly specialized field that requires a unique set of skills. While some voice actors may have natural talent, all need guidance to reach their full potential. This is where a voiceover coach like Carrie Olsen can be invaluable. Carrie Olsen is a highly respected voiceover coach with years of experience in the industry. She has trained numerous voice actors who have gone on to successful careers in voiceover. But what sets Carrie apart? What makes her coaching so effective? Expertise Across Genres One of the key advantages of working with Carrie is her extensive knowledge and experience across multiple voiceover genres. Whether you're interested in commercials, narration, or eLearning, Carrie can provide guidance tailored to your specific goals. She understands the nuances of each genre and can help you develop the skills and techniques needed to excel. Holistic Approach to Coaching Carrie takes a comprehensive approach to voiceover coaching. She doesn't just focus on technique – she also helps her students understand the broader industry and how to navigate it successfully. She covers everything from audition strategies and marketing to building a strong brand and maintaining a steady stream of work. By taking a holistic view of the voiceover business, Carrie equips her students with the tools they need to thrive, not just survive. Commitment to Personalized Learning While Carrie has a wealth of knowledge to share, she understands that every voice actor is unique. She doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, she works closely with each student to develop a personalized coaching plan that addresses their specific strengths and areas for improvement. This tailored approach ensures that each student gets the most out of their training. Testimonials and Success Stories The proof is in the pudding, as they say. Carrie's success as a coach is evident in the numerous positive testimonials and success stories from her former students. These stories demonstrate the transformative power of her coaching and the lasting impact she has on her students' careers. How to Get Started If you're a voice actor looking to take your career to the next level, consider reaching out to Carrie for a coaching consultation. You can listen to a short interview with Carrie to get a feel for her coaching style and philosophy. If you resonate with her approach, click the "Contact" link to get in touch and start your journey towards voiceover success. The Bottom Line In a field as competitive as voiceover, having a skilled coach by your side can make all the difference. Carrie Olsen's expertise, dedication to personalized learning, and commitment to her students' success make her an ideal choice for any voice actor looking to elevate their career. With Carrie as your guide, you can navigate the voiceover landscape with confidence and achieve your professional dreams. Want more voice over guidance & advice? Let's talk. Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs... He's the VO Strategist, a voice over business & marketing coach and demo producer since 2011. Tom Dheere is also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voiceover you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.
- Missed The AMA With George Whittam?
Subscribe on YouTube for the latest... Catch the Replay Main Topics Covered Understanding Acoustics: George discusses the importance of understanding acoustics and how it affects the quality of audio recordings. He explains that the room in which you record can have a significant impact on the audio's clarity, warmth, and resonance. Microphone Recommendations: George addresses the common question of which microphone to use for voiceover work. He suggests considering factors such as your budget, the type of voiceover work you'll be doing, and your personal preferences. Audio Evaluation and Feedback: George outlines the process of evaluating audio recordings and providing feedback and recommendations for improvement. He emphasizes the importance of being specific and constructive in your critiques. Use of Plugins: George discusses the use of plugins for audio processing, highlighting how they can be used to correct issues like sibilance and mouth noise. He stresses that plugins should be used judiciously and not overused. Continuous Improvement: George emphasizes the importance of continually improving as a voice actor. He advises being able to recognize when certain processing techniques are no longer necessary as your skills develop. Key Takeaways Importance of Acoustics: The quality of your audio recording depends heavily on your recording environment. Take the time to understand and optimize your space for the best results. Individualized Microphone Choice: There is no one-size-fits-all microphone for voiceover work. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a microphone. Value of Feedback: Seek out constructive criticism of your recordings to identify areas for improvement. Be specific and action-oriented in your feedback to others. Plugin as a Tool: Plugins can be a powerful aid in audio processing, but they should be used judiciously. Overuse can lead to unnatural-sounding audio. Focus on Skill Development: Prioritize continuous learning and improvement as a voice actor. Be aware of when processing techniques are no longer necessary for your skill level. About George Since 2005 George has dedicated his career to serving the technical needs of voice actors and recording studio owners. In August 2017 George launched GeorgeTheTech.com to assist anyone who records voiceover with tech support, training, studio design, and audio processing templates. George is a 1997 graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor's degree in Music and Audio Technology with a Minor in Communications. George went on to acquire considerable expertise in music recording by working with various musicians and artists in the Philadelphia area, and gained broadcast engineering experience working at 94 WYSP (now WIP) as the remote engineer for the NFL Eagles Radio Network. From a handful of satisfied clients, George has now built his reputation working solely with voice-over studios and clients. He is globally considered a top authority in voice-over recording technology, investing thousands of hours researching studio design, recording equipment, and creating training materials for voice actors. Among his many successful clients are the late Don LaFontaine, Bill Ratner, Melissa Disney, Randy Thomas, Joe Cipriano and Scott Rummell. George is producer and co-host with Dan Lenard of the webcast Voice Over Body Shop at VOBS.TV George is co-host of the podcast The Pro Audio Suite. Connect with George: https://georgethe.tech/vos Keep Going - Watch this Next: How-To Video: Voiceover Website Basics Watch this trailer then click the button below to rent this How-To video for only 5 BUCKS! (rental offer expires 05/31/24, purchase price is $20) Up Next... VOS Book Club I have built a collection of great books about voiceover as well as managing your finances, marketing, self-help, and much more! 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. He's the VO Strategist, a voice over business & marketing coach and demo producer since 2011. Tom Dheere is also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voiceover you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.











