In
this Issue: |
| VO Marketing.............First
things first. |
| Mike's Tips.........now
why did we not know that? |
| What's in a name?.........VO
talent using a stage name. |
| A few questions............a
subscriber seeks advice. |
| Your input..........feel
free to submit questions and concerns |
| Why join CV?.........What
do I get for my money? |
| |
| VO
Marketing
It's always a good idea to have a professional looking web site.
I know that in most cases this can be quite an investment but it
is "a must" to reflect your seriousness and professionalism
in this business. You can create one yourself that is so - so or
you can contact a good designer who will do it quicker and install
the features you need. Also, your designer should have some knowledge
of the VO business, if he/she has to learn, it will undoubtedly
cost you more because most have an hourly rate. First choose a few
existing web sites that you are impressed with, this will give your
designer an idea of your "tastes" and will cut down on
experimenting. Choose the features that you want and then forward
the URL's and ideas.
Next you need a web host to store your web site online and have
all the functions and tools that you or your webmaster needs. CommercialVoices.com
and VoicesInternational.com are hosted by one of the world's best
and we have found that not only is 
the price exceptionally low but they have the tools and resources
to maintain a fully functional VO web site with abundant storage
and transfer space that few can compete with. Their Affiliate program
is one of the best we've seen and is positively worth checking into.
CV's hosting costs are virtually $0.00. Click on the logo to check
this out.
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Mike's
Tips
Eliminating Mouth Noise (and other little tricks of the trade)
Several times during the year, I sometimes find myself with a little
extra juice in my whistle (to put it politely). The added water
in the mouth can cause clicking and other noises while recording.
Needless to say, my engineer usually catches it, but how to get
rid of it?
My solution is to carry a fresh apple with me into a session. The
astringent in the apple's juice tends to soak up some of that extra
water and does a great job of getting rid of those extra sounds
coming from my pipes. Plus it's healthier than some other things
you could do to dry out your mouth (holding a butane lighter to
your lips and sucking in the flames just won't cut it).
Another alternative is a glass of water with fresh lemon squeezed
in. That also takes away extra water and eliminates mouth noises.
Got a problem with words not coming out quite right--- sounding
like you're losing your breath at the end of a sentence or phrase?
Lift your rib cage up (without shrugging your shoulders) from the
inside of your body as you come to the trouble spot in the copy.
It adjusts you lungs so they give you a spurt of air that can take
you to the end of the phrase. That's part of a process called Voicercise(r)
as taught by my vocal coach, Margaret Riddleberger. It gives you
access to extra air that gets you to the end of a lengthy line without
sounding like a winded horse.
More tricks coming as time goes on.
Mike Weiner The
Naked Voice
Mike is a Founding Member of CommercialVoices.com
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What's
is a name? VO talent using a "stage" name.
Many artists in the entertainment industry (radio, film, TV, music)
often use a "stage" name that is either similar or entirely different
than their own. There is no exception to this rule in the voiceover
world. A voice talent's real name that isn't easy to pronounce and/or
remember shouldn't necessarily equate to a professional disadvantage.
But it can. Studies have shown that any words over 3-4 syllables
long in the English language often do give people problems in both
memory retention and speech delivery. It's no secret that one's
audio demo reel is ultimately their calling card, however, a name
is also important in an industry where marketing yourself is critical
to success. If you decide to use a "stage name" as a voiceover performer,
just be sure to advise your agent/client to use your real name for
payment purposes only.
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| Questions
from one of our subscribers
Hello, I am a non union voice talent in Toronto with a home studio
who has a few questions.
Microphones? What are some of the best cardioid condenser MICs that
VO talent use in studio under $1,000? That is the budget I'm working
with and I'm seriously considering the Rode NTK Tube MIC for it's
richness and warmth. I'm not too keen on the sibilance that it uncovers
but a de-esser plug in should rectify that.
I have test drove the AKG C4000B and Audio Technica AT4047 but didn't
find them as appealing.
Mini size CDs or Normal size CDs? Business Card sized CDs have become
more and more popular over the last few years as the cost has been
dropping on them. The size and convenience makes them attractive,
however, would producers and casting directors recommend these over
the normal size CDs for demo distribution by VO talent?
I look forward to your response.
Regards, Gus
(Please forward your advice here
for publication next month .........thanks Ed)
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Your
input
Your questions, concerns and comments are very important to us at
CV. Whether you are a client wishing you were a Producer or a Producer
looking for VO talent, contact us at your convenience and we will
point you in the right direction. Many of our VO talents wear Producer
hats, script writing hats and marketing hats, so questions in just
about any category are welcome. We will add a Q&A section as
these questions come along but at this point everything is wide
open. Send us an e-mail and watch for the reply in our next Newsletter.
Your query will be answered by one of our top VO talents. E-mail
us here.
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| Why
join CV?
The short answer is to get heard and get hits. We just celebrated
our 1st Anniversary and we are proud to say that not only did over
90% of our original members renew their membership but we have added
many new ones. Our reputation must be getting around :))) We have
a pretty good idea of what professional VO's are looking for and
we always listen to suggestions and ideas from members.
Evolving is a nice word these days. CV is adding more features like
this Newsletter for example and other features are in the planning
stages. Members are now able to find more marketing ideas and money
saving hints and tips in our password protected Members area.
A few of the ideas being worked on are:
A commercial contest whereby
members have the opportunity to offer their own commercial for CV
on the 1st page visitors hit, our index page. Liane.....we love
you but move over :))))
In our Who/Where/What? feature
we have an opportunity to tell other members what we are involved
in, where we have been and where we are going.
Employment Opportunities
is where members may advertise
their other talents and businesses they are involved in and what
positions they have available or are looking for.
And a new Collaboration program
where we can invite other CV members to help in a proposal, offer
their talents as a 2nd or 3rd or 4th voice to a project etc or ffer
writing, production or music opportunities.
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Contest
In issue #2 we are pleased to offer 2 copies of Harlan Hogan's
best selling book called "VO Tales and Techniques of
a Voice Over Actor". This really should be in your
collection. H2 is a legend in the industry. Lots of tips, information,
entertainment and resources. A very entertaining and thoughtful
read that you will want to enjoy more than once. To enter for
this draw click here Both winner's names will be published
in our December Newsletter ..........good luck!
Congrats to: Kimberly Poppke &
Karen Commins our October contest winners of
Mike Weiner's online book called "Is
There Money in Your Mouth".
Mike will contact you shortly, enjoy!
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