Do That Voice!

Since setting up a MySpace page a few years ago, I've pretty much made it a home for VO networking. It's worked pretty well in that regard for me, and I'd like to think that those MySpacers who've come to me for VO advice have found it worthwhile.

I can't take all of that credit, however. A few months back, a gentleman named Chris Doohan left a comment on my page asking for suggestions on breaking into the voiceover biz.

Given that Mr. Doohan is the son of the late, great James "Scotty" Doohan of Star Trek fame, I half-jokingly advised him that he had something of advantage in breaking into show business. Chris seems to have inherited his dad's good looks and upbeat personality, along with at least a fair measure of his talent, so I figured he could certainly make quick inroads if he wished. I then gave him some general information and wished him well.

Turns out I was right. It didn't take long for Chris to get his VO career going, and a more appropriate first gig I can't imagine: he'll be voicing various characters in a new animated Star Trek series produced by NEO f/x and Farragut Films. While it's not an official Paramount production, the series promises to be true to the style of the original animated adventures, and the voice cast is highlighted by Trek alums Tim Russ (Tuvok on Voyager) and Chase Masterson (Leeta on Deep Space Nine):

                                  

So, as I said, I can't take any real credit for Chris' gig. Still, I'm glad he thought highly enough of me to ask for some tips before getting underway.

More info on Starship Farragut, The Animated Episodes here:

NEO f/x and Farragut Films Journey to the Animated Frontier

Posted by dhvoice at 08:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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My previous post, and its topic, reminded me of another online article I'd read recently. Talk It Up! is a busy, well-written blog helmed by Heidi Miller, a professional speaker who gives in-booth presentations at trade shows for clients all over the world. In the post in question, Heidi (ahem) talks up a website which offers free voiceovers to podcasters and others.

To be fair, Heidi isn't trying to sell anyone on the notion that it's useless to pay big bucks for VO talent when it can be had for free; she's careful to point out that the site in question is performing a kind of "public service" by offering voice services gratis to those who may simply not have a budget for professional VO.

Which, I say with no facetiousness or sarcasm, is all well and good. Still, I felt compelled to toss in my $0.02; while I know that Heidi isn't out to hurt the voiceover industry, it occured to me that a blog piece titled "Free Voiceovers!" ought to be counter-balanced. My response at the blog:

Just weighing in on this topic.

First off, let me say that as a professional VO artist, I have no problem with others in our business who occasionally work gratis or "pro bono" when it suits them. Sometimes scripts are just too much fun to pass up, sometimes one may believe strongly in an organization's message or cause. Still, most pro VO folks know that our business isn't like retail; loss-leaders don't bring in more traffic.

Non-profit organizations were referenced earlier as a kind of entity worthy of free VO services, but --- just to take things a step further --- even non-profits have budgets, even if they may be relatively smaller. In those cases, a VO artist should be willing to work at a reduced rate, but not an unreasonable one.

Most VO artists I know, myself included, make it a general rule not to work for free unless everyone involved is also going unpaid. I've worked on projects like that, especially when it appeals to me personally.

Voice artists at the "beginner" stage can help alleviate this problem by...well, not being beginners. That is, they need to be ready to provide professional-value service before opening up shop. As Stephanie mentioned above, there are plenty of ways for the VO to gain experience without giving away the store.

I'm not here to condemn RD or any other outlet that provides free voiceovers; however, I think that the words "caveat emptor" are important to remember --- both for voice artists and their clients.

Many thanks for the soapbox!

Posted by dhvoice at 12:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Had a great time at last night's Network Austin Mixer; a bi-weekly networking `get together' where various people in the Austin entertainment industry meet, forward their careers and share ideas and information. Met a number of actors (and made new friends with terrific people like Lexa Dell Prette, Doran Ingrham, and the inimitable Gary Wimmer) and at least one agent (Heather Collier), had some wonderfully animated conversations, and handed out a few business cards.

Last night's speaker was Casting Director Donise Hardy, C.S.A., from Casting Works LA. These events are geared toward TV and film actors, but her advice and knowledge of this Business we call Show is invaluble for anyone in the acting field --- and we voiceover types are part of that crowd (at least we'd better be!). The next mixer is a firm to-do on my calendar.

Posted by dhvoice at 09:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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