Voicing Images

New Marketing Plan!

2011-06-26T14:08:00.004-05:00

I've been getting emails from someone wanting me to purchase a video making plan. The emails came incessantly and I fielded one after the other. Finally I decided to do it. But instead of buying his plan, I've initiated my own. Over the last several days, I've made five videos. I've uploaded them to FaceBook, YouTube, and Thumbtack. I've already noticed some results. Advertising is the key.
I hope to have some great news to share in about a week. I think I'll have a new agreement for recording audiobooks. If I do I'll tell you all about it.

Constant Advertising

2011-01-17T16:53:00.002-06:00

Voice work does entail advertising. If you want to get work, you have to let the prospective employers know that you're out there looking for work. Only the immensely fortunate Ted Williams who was one day a struggling homeless man and the next a successful voice talent avoided the costs of advertising. I was advertising on Facebook and Google but have recently had to pause one due to rising costs.
During this time of a slow economy, one must weigh the cost benefit of advertising. If the yield in jobs gained there through isn't justified by the monies spent on advertising, a compromise must be made. I've had to make that compromise. Evenso, advertising must continue until I like Ted have been discovered.

Up, Up, and Away!

2011-01-11T14:32:00.002-06:00

I'm confident that when the economy rises, there will be more work for voice talents. It does matter what shape the economy is in. If things are slow in the economy then businesses will forgo advertising. Creators of shows and plays and audio tours will hold their funds and wait before they launch anything new. Voice talents are used in advertising, plays, audio tours, etc. We (voice talents) have to get work however we can until work is more easily found.
It looks though that the tide of job creation is rising. Business owners are starting to advertise again and hire again. Yea for the economy! It's coming back and yea for us voice talents, it won't be long before there will be a script on every music stand.

Auditions, Auditions, Auditions!

2010-12-19T18:53:00.002-06:00

If there is one constant in voiceovers it's auditions! Lately I've resolved to audition more (if such is possible). Seriously, auditioning is one exercise that is necessary to keep one's skills sharp. It's also very necessary to keep alive the chance of securing work. Today I auditioned for both reasons. A long script which the voice-seekers wanted recorded in three different moods. That was a good exercise for me. It's one of the skills my trainer periodically works on with me. I'll keep my fingers crossed that my next blog insertion will have the object of my latest audition efforts to talk about. Until next time then..

Social Networking!

2010-12-14T18:15:00.002-06:00

I'm now advertising on Facebook. The cost is certainly something to deal with but it's not prohibitive. It could be beneficial. I'll try it for awhile before I give it up. Voice work doesn't just drop out of the sky. Usually it's sent by past clients or through audition sites. Somehow the talent must get exposure so that his/her work can be noticed. Social networking sites seem to be pertinent here because that's where most people congregate these days. So I'm giving it a try. Wish me luck! I'll keep you apprised..

A Real Person's Voice!

2010-12-07T11:31:00.004-06:00

Occasionally a client will want the sound of a real person. Perhaps a guy who had an experience at the local hospital or one who saw first hand what it's like to have your house burgled. Well the client still wants a certain message conveyed and voice talents are still the ones who are good at this.
A few days ago I had the good fortune to win an audition to do a real person who has diabetes. I drew from within and imagined that I actually was the person. Some of my ad libs in the script was what helped me land the spot and helped me give the client a read he could use.
Whenever you're doing a real person spot, don't try to hard to be the voice talent, actually take the personality of the person you're trying to portray. It worked for me..

A new project!

2010-11-29T19:47:00.004-06:00

"I'm always looking for ways to help market my recording studio and audio engineering services. Thumbtack is a good way for me to help me show off my expertise in voiceovers, studio time, editing, and post-production effects. Check out my listing to learn even more about what I do!" I really am glad that I've discovered Thumbtack.com because I believe the additional growth I'm hoping for can actually happen now.

Today I started recording the story "Journey to the Centre of the Earth". My voice today isn't as smooth as it should be for this work so I'll just try again tomorrow. This should be a fun story to do. I have several characters to perform and coincidentally I attended a class tonight which gave me some great ideas on how I can better distinguish the characters. I'm highly motivated to implement what I've learned about how to accomplish this. I'll keep you apprised..

Voicing Images found at Thumbtack.com!

2010-11-22T07:37:00.005-06:00

Voicing Images can now be found at Thumbtack.com!

Visit voicingimages.com to listen to my latest recordings including a narration of the short story "Markheim" by Robert Louis Stevenson and a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' by Clement Moore

Now posted on Thumbtack.com!

2010-11-22T07:16:00.005-06:00

I'm now listed on Thumbtack.com!

Thumbtack is a great place to list your business so that you can be found for services you provide. Today I've taken the plunge and I'm now with that wonderful listing site.

If you visit voicingimages.com, you'll hear my latest recording. A reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'. Just click on 'narrations' and find the recordings in an audio player right there on the site! Enjoy.

Auditions anybody?

2009-03-16T23:05:00.002-05:00

Last week presented an interesting situation that I had't experienced before. Two local studios wanted me to do an audition for them for the same spot. Personally, I have no problem with providing auditions for whoever wants one. I believe that the engineers idea of what the client might want is a great place to start. If the engineer gets involved enough to give an opinion. If he doesn't, you're on your own to offer what you think the client wants.
I don't know about you but my loyalty is primarily to myself. The more places I audition with for the same job, the greater my chances of being the talent doing that job for pay. It did get a little interesting last week when I was asked whether I'd already auditioned for the spot. I guess I'll know in a couple days how things turned out. I'll keep you apprised..

Work, class, and study..

2009-03-02T05:39:00.003-06:00

I'm so behind on this blog! No matter, I hadn't done much exciting to tell you about until about a week ago. But now I have!

On Wednesday of last week I did two jobs on the same day! That's a rare occurrence for sure. I didn't have either of them scheduled and suddenly I had two local studios calling for me. My first job was a promotion for the Gap Band at the Hard Rock Live in Mississippi. The client called in via phone patch to direct. Everything went smoothly and the client and engineer were happy after only my first few takes. It always feels great when a job can be done quickly. It suggests that you as a voice talent is good at what you do and performances which require less time to perfect is the best validation I can think of. Frequent practice can be given credit for that.

The second job was a PSA piece pertaining to changing the lives of children to keep them from eventually ending up in prison. It went just about as smoothly even though the client was there in person. The number of takes were roughly the same but selection of the most appropriate background music to run with the vocals took more time than producing the vocals.

I was professional and helpful as usual. My class I just recently finished reminded us to ask questions before a job if there is anything we're uncertain about so I was able to implement some of what I'd just been reminded to do.

Over the years I've done this, I've learned to ask questions. How do you want this word pronounced? What tone should the first paragraph take? Should I say this number like this or like that? There is always a little something I'm uncertain about as I take the mic so there is always a good reason to get some more clarity before I get going with the read. Doing so makes me look more professional and capable rather than less so.

My study in Spanish is coming along well. I've created for myself a nemonic (an obvious misspelling but you know what I mean) to help me with verb endings. This help tool is only for singular verbs in the present, past and future tenses. I'll be learning the plural endings soon. I know that this will assist me mightily when I start attempting to read materials in Spanish. I'm proud of my progress thus far and I still manage to do some studying virtually everyday.

You know I'll keep you apprised so keep in touch.

Habla Espanol

2009-02-18T09:04:00.002-06:00

I'm presently deep in study of Spanish. I have tons to learn and it won't be accomplished in short order but I'm determined and dedicated. My goal is to be fluent by years end.
To me fluent means being able to communicate easily with hispanics who are unable to speak English. I also expect that this new ability will also increase my marketability in the voice over industry.
Regrettably, I've not had a job in awhile but I'm still auditioning often and I'm presently taking a voiceover class. I'll share that with you after Monday, February 23rd, my last of three classes. So, until next time..

Broadening Horizons

2009-02-11T07:14:00.003-06:00

Everything I do in this business has to do with increasing my opportunities to be successful. Well, now I've started something which I believe will give me a few new chances to survive in this business on my voice alone.
Are you bilingual? I've wanted to be for years and years. This year I plan to be. I've purchased a software and books to study Spanish. My goal is to increase the demand for my services. Whether its translation or voice I will be available by this years end to provide some of those services. So you heard it here first. I'll keep you apprised..

Certified!

2009-02-01T05:46:00.004-06:00

I'm finally certified! So what does that mean? I can prove to prospective clients who want a voice talent who not only have Source-Connect but who can be counted on to have a reliable system. A fast enough broadband, appropriately configured network, and proficiency in the use of the Source-Connect program are all very important in performing a job with that software. My recently earned certification says I can now do that.

That is one victory but I'm already in another battle.
I have Skype and I'm able to perform recordings using Skype as my phone patch. The client can hear me as I record and thus can critique my performance. The problem arises when the client wants to hear a spot immediately after I've recorded it. I'm trying to find the best, least expensive way to accomplish this and I'm not perfectly satisfied with my proposed solutions. One way compromises the audio quality of the playback and the other imposes a delay (not outrageous but potentially several minutes) before the client can hear the spot.

I'm still working this and I'll keep you apprised of my final solution.

Certification..so close!

2009-01-25T19:54:00.002-06:00

Friday I spent an hour working toward the certification of my studio in the use of Source-Connect software. I tried to ask all the questions I thought would eventually be asked either by me or my client during a remote session. I'm sure the technician lost patience with me but he was very professional about any impatience he must have been feeling.

We managed to open the ports (I'm not the most computer or internet saavy person) I'd need to use the software and a few other simple things I barely understood. Finally, though, we were ready to send a file from my studio to his to test my studios capability to competently deliver quality audio. The file was about twenty minutes long and it seemed to go fairly well. The technician said he'd email me about the results when he's finished.

I'm waiting a little impatiently to know..

The technician and my session seemed to go just fine. However, right after he and I finished, I called a local engineer friend to test my system and I couldn't understand why I was receiving echos when I spoke. I heard no echo of the engineer and he heard no echo of himself or of me but I kept hearing me about a second later repeat myself. So I guess I'm not there yet. Believe me I'm still working on that. In fact I'll address that tomorrow and I'll keep you 'posted'.

I found my impersonation of greatness on Youtube by searching with the words "mark fiore national day of service martin luther king" (without the quotation marks). Go listen and tell me what you think.

Characterization!!

2009-01-18T19:44:00.003-06:00

You can bet that I was delighted when I won an audition last week for a characterization (impersonation) of a historic personality. Guess who? Well let me tell you--Martin Luther King! Out of approximately thirty auditions, mine was preferred by the client.

Naturally I'm pleased. I performed the line given me and an additional one they requested. I was honored to be the talent whose voice will be representing King in the museum for some years to come I suspect.

This blog is supposed to offer some learning opportunity with each post so what is this weeks lesson? I guess it is to keep on trying and never let up. If it is your goal to work successfully in voiceovers, you must never quit. I attribute my success, such as it is, to my persistence and my never say die perspective.

I win very few auditions. Not because I'm appreciatively less talented than my peers but because that is the nature of this business. One must persist. Simply continue to try, plug along, don't be dissuaded by infrequency of selection. Just continue to throw your hat in the ring along with the others. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.

By the way, I did a very respectable impersonation of Dr King.

I'll keep in touch and keep you abreast of my voiceover exploits. Until next time..

Almost Certified..

2009-01-08T02:09:00.003-06:00

Once again, distractions have kept me from my weekly blog entry. Well, finally I'm back and ready once again to share what has transpired since last I wrote.
As always my notes pertain to voiceovers and , in that connection, I'm to be soon certified in the use of the studio-to-studio recording software Source-Connect. As soon as the holidays were over, I was supposed to schedule a time when the people at Source Elements could certify me. Just as the holidays ended and January 5th came around, my computer crashed! Obviously I've now had to postpone the session for certification. Bummer.
The benefit of being certified is that whenever a prospective client needs someone in this region who has source connect, they can confidently consider me because it will be listed in my profile on the Source Elements website that I'm certified in the software. This means that my bandwidth and network configuration and my proficiency in the use of the software will all insure that a great consistent connection can be attained for the project at hand. It bodes well for me to look good and professional to all prospective clients.
Fortunately the issue with my computer seems to be minor and I will be back up shortly. So stay tuned. You should soon be hearing all about my certification in the Source Connect software and you can be sure that I won't be shy when sharing. Until next time, peace.

Source-Connect..Connecting

2008-12-19T15:40:00.002-06:00

Folks, I've been so focused on setting up my Source-Connect that I've fallen behind a couple of days in writing my blog. Well let me bring you up to date.
Yesterday I spent the entire day (well it felt like it) with an IT guy trying to help me and a local audio engineer connect. The audio guy has source-connect too. Well, the audio guy was able to resolve his issue but I still have mine. It was discovered that I need a router to properly use this software. Who knew?
Well I've ordered it now, the router, and in just a few days I'll have it and hopefully will be able to painlessly set it up. I have more to say when I have good news to share. Right now my studio is frustrating me. I'll bring you up to date when I'm happy. That is, when Source-Connect is working flawlessly and I've run some sessions with an experienced audio technician.
Keep in touch.. you know where to find me.

All Together Now..

2008-12-09T13:51:00.010-06:00

My last blog told of trouble in my studio. Well I'm more than delighted to tell you that I had that issue resolved. Whew!

I was able to get some step by step directions from Digidesign who created the software Pro Tools. Their technical department held my hand and led me through the course of how to get me program to play again. I had to setup a new user (I have a pc) then delete several files if I found them, uninstall the software and reinstall it to the new user. Finally, after all that had been done, the program came up and I was back in business. Happy ending!

Now, about the new job I had the pleasure of working on last week.

Several talents had been booked for this job and we all were in the booth at the same time.We were performing separately but as a group. Each of us had a word or short phrase to say and we were to say it according to the rhythm of a click track. I'd never worked with a click track before but it was just a timing mechanism to ensure that each of the phrases would be spoken on the right beat. I have natural rhythm so it was easy for me but I'm sure that click track was probably very helpful for some of the others. Just kidding. But I do have natural rhythm.

The word I was responsible for was "Free". I said it several different ways, each time following the direction of the client. I think the client was happy when all was done.

Several of the talents were allowed some latitude with their phrase. They were allowed to use different affectations. Some of these might even find its way into the ad. We'll see.

I don't know where it will be aired but I look forward to hearing it. There will be music in the background and some special effects. It should be very good.

Well, I hope my next blog will find you well and happy. Come back to visit and I'm sure to have some interesting stuff to share next week.

Oh no!! Trouble in my studio..

2008-12-01T10:20:00.002-06:00

There's nothing worse than finding that your audio system is on the fritz. Mine is. Let me tell you what happened..

I have two versions of Pro Tools: LE 7.0 and LE 7.4

I wanted to upgrade my older version for the newer version. When I did so, following instructions each step of the way, I found that I couldn't open the software to record. I was distraught. I tried every trick I knew to get it to work but all to no avail. Well, what else was there to do but to uninstall the later version and reinstall the older version. So I did that. Now the older version won't open either!

I sent a note to the manufacturer of the software and since that note I've received detailed directions on what to do to fix the problem. I pray that all will be well after I attempt to correct this.

I want Source-Connect running on both systems and both systems running on newer version Pro Tools. I'll have something to say about what happened next week. Wish me luck!

Oh by the way, I have a studio session scheduled for tomorrow. I'll tell you how that went next week too.

Hands on Clients..

2008-11-21T20:04:00.003-06:00

Have you ever been given direction by a client as to what is wanted in the performance and then have that performance so micro-directed that the hoped-for-effect is lost? I believe it happened today.

When I arrived at the studio I was given some very useful overriding direction which was to guide my performance in the booth. The direction was designed to lead me to the type of performance which expressed the script according to the wishes of the client. I worked mightily to do that but I believe in the clients anxiousness to achieve that very effect, he tended to over direct. By doing so he squeezed out any opportunity of mine to interpret the script and perform it according to my interpretation and taking into account his overarching direction.

He was happy with the work but it left me wondering if we had indeed satisfied his initial objectives.

I'm the first to admit--the client is ALWAYS right. He's paying for the privilege to be right so if he wants it then give it to him.

This happens sometimes. Sometimes a client leaves the work in the hands of the studio and the discretion of the engineers and talent and sometimes the client is very hands on and wants to mini-direct every nuance of the script. Of course the client sometimes knows exactly what is wanted and should watch closely to ensure that what is needed is achieved. And sometimes the client doesn't know but feels compelled to control the read of each line in the script.

I say allow the client to have his way. As a talent, I never insist on a particular rendition of a script. I might see how it should be done but I'll only do what the client requests me to do. I advise any talent who wants to get more work from the same source to do the same. Because even though we might know how it should be read, doing so might lower your stock in the eyes of the client. Or worse. I'm always too grateful for the work to interfere with the style of the read. I'll interpret the script my way but will quickly defer to the wishes of the client.

So when the client is really involved in the talents performance, be happy O ye talents, it could be a harbinger of more work to come. Just give'm what they want.

Website Update

2008-11-14T01:28:00.004-06:00

My website was so deficient in audio choices that I knew I had to do something fast. I had maybe a total of twenty audio files for clients to select from. I have finally addressed that issue. This week I sent probably forty additional files in several different categories (promotions, ivr, narrations, etc) to my webmaster to include in my site.

Marketing is always very important in this business. "They" will never know how wonderful a voice talent you are if "they" never hear your work. So either you need to send out demos, have a website of your own, or be a member of someone elses site where your voice work can be examined and evaluated. This is the key to growth in voiceovers. When your work is being heard, you can never tell what job might fall into your lap next.

Before, my site didn't have the category of Character Voices but now it does. Who knows what client might want a voice that sounds just like mine to provide a voice for a videogame, audiobook, or generic commercial. Now my website, which is my agent online, can make it known what I'm able to do and how well I can do it.

The site is still being upgraded as of 11/14/08 but go by and see it anyway. I have such great work showcased there. I expect nothing but the best results from my upgrade.

If you have a comment to make about upgrading a website or marketing yourself, feel free to share it here.

How many ways can you say that?

2008-11-07T01:25:00.005-06:00

Voice overs can be quite unpredictable sometimes. I was booked for a spot yesterday and I had no hint of how long it might be. Thirty seconds or sixty seconds? I didn't know and I didn't care. I was just glad to be doing something in voiceovers.
I had to rearrange my day so that I could be ready to perform at 3pm, the time of my booking. I went to bed early and was up at 2pm so I could get to the studio early and perhaps get a glance at the script before I was expected to perform. I got there in plenty of time and got the script.

It was one line. The line read "Score a victory today!" I, for once, could enter the booth without a script. I warmed up with several different reads and settled on one that I saw as good (since I had no direction as yet). Finally the client called and told the engineer and myself how he wanted it read. I was to sound like a sports announcer. At first I was to use more energy, then less energy. Then I was to be dramatic. Then less dramatic.

If you read that line, you could put the emphasis on virtually any of those words. I had a great time mixing it up for the client.

It's always important to be punctual and professional. I brought my pen in case of changes in the script and I brought my water to help keep my voice tuned up. I was almost fifteen minutes early (early beats late like rock beats scissors) and ready to perform at my best. Clients are always right so I never get testy regardless of how many times he/she wants the script read or in whatever interesting ways I am directed to interpret it. I roll with it and try mightily to give the client what he wants. That's how the next job is secured.

Now I can at least look forward to a session fee for my appearance in the studio for the twenty-five minutes I was there (including the 15 minutes early).

I just love voiceovers.

Political Voice-Overing

2008-10-30T05:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had the great opportunity to work in my chosen profession of voice overs one more time. It's always great to have a client you've worked with before to call for YOU. They could have used almost anyone but they chose to work with you.

This blog will share with my readers everything I deem interesting that I do, plan to do, or did in voice overs. Yesterday I got to do another job.

I'm rather near-sighted so when I get into the booth, I have to pull off my glasses to see the script. I first had to ask the engineer to set up the script stand for me. It was too short for me to be within 6-8 inches of the mic and see the script too. I've heard that it's inappropriate to attempt to adjust that yourself so I asked for help. He was probably happy that I didn't touch his setup anyway.

The client had arrived at the studio five minutes before the scheduled time for the recording and I finally got a chance to see the script. I barely had time to paruse the script before I was asked to 'run through' it for levels. This means read it in the way I intend to read it so that the engineer can set the knobs and studio controls to record it in the way that the volume and clarity will be best.

I read it pretty good for a first time through. Timing is always important too. Sometimes you might be asked to perform it in 30 seconds, 45 seconds, etc. Sometimes there is just too much text for the time constraint. After my initial read through, I gave it a go for real and pretty much nailed it.

Political spots are pretty easy because there is usually no accent or characterization you have to attempt to do. Just a feeling you have to impart. Do you like the candidate? Are you comparing the candidate favorably or unfavorably with another candidate? You can use your own style and voice to simply impart a certain feeling. Confidence, contempt, shame, whatever the client wants you to convey.

I've done a lot of spots in my career and politicals are for me the easiest of the lot. If you're a newcomer to this field, read my blog and I'll make sure to share a kernal of wisdom (or what I deem to be wisdom) in every one of my posts. Check back in often to see what's new at Voicing Images.