Thursday, December 30, 2010

Agent Interviews

So I got a call about my demo today from an agency.  It was an agency I had sent a CD copy of my demo to who has apparently moved offices. The first time I sent the demo to them, it came back as undeliverable, so I jumped on Google, got the new address, and sent the sucker back out (it does me no good just sitting around in my bedroom) This goes to show that persistence pays off. . .for now, anyway.

Now, in my limited experience with agent interviews, I have learned that early is not always best.  I went on an agent interview back about two weeks ago and ended up sitting in a reception area for about 35 minutes.  I even saw the agent come in and walk around before she called me back.  All the time I was thinking, "How will I get home once they've towed my car from the Metro Ride Share lot after discovering that my car was the one out of about 500 cars parked there "illegally."  Anyway, the meeting was, to be generous, "brief."  I sat down, she introduced herself, asked for a headshot (I was a little surprised that voiceover talent gets asked for these), and explained what she was doing.  Five minutes later, I got a handshake and the "we'll be in touch" farewell.

Not sure if I expected more, but I was a little disappointed.  My instincts going in told me not to get my hopes up, but what the hell, I had to be positive. . .right?  The person I consider my mentor in this endeavor put in perspective when he said, "Hey, it's better than no agent interviewing you."  I cannot refute that logic one bit.

So here I am on the cusp of a second interview.  I did some research on the agency (thanks again, Google!) and found out they are small (just like the last one) and may be good for someone getting started.  My interview time is for "anytime after 12:30," which I suspect is more of a "cattle call" than an actual interview.  Who knows?  All I can do is show up, dazzle them with my brilliance, and hope for the best.  Good thing I just put new tires on my car.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Another Idea

So I'm thinking that another way to get my voice out in the world is to offer to do some radio spots locally.  Not sure how many stations there are in my immediate area (there used to be several), but I'm going to give it a shot and find out.  If they like what they hear, the price goes up, naturally.  This is similar to what drug dealers and Hickory Farms do; give out free samples to get you addicted, then reel you in to buy the good stuff at full price.

With 2011 looming and looking like 2010's uglier sister with less personality, the need for some income is becoming keen.  Hopefully someone stumbles across this blog, reads it, and can at least point me in the right direction.

*crosses fingers*

Monday, December 27, 2010

Getting That Break

During the holidays I find I have time to think about how to get my voice out there are hopefully start getting results.  I have been sending my demo via e-mail and regular mail, I've started this blog (which is akin to a tree falling in the forest), and now what?  How do I generate real interest in my talents that may lead to being signed and then to a booking?

One way is to offer my services for free.  This isn't such a bad idea because I have a full-time job now that allows me to do some work on the side.  I figured I could do a spot or two for a business and even offer to record their phone commands or hold message while I'm at it.  I could offer to narrate a web site or a corporate presentation.  I'm willing to do most anything short of sweeping up after the company holiday party.

Let's hope I get the chance.  If anyone has a lead, I'm available, and I'm listening.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Experience? I Haz It

Sending out my demo has me wondering about the word, "experience."  See, I may lack what some might call "experience" when it comes to voicover work.  Believe me, it's the farthest thing from the truth.

See, I'm no "one-trick-pony."  Doing voice work is not my only profession.  I have been a practicing attorney since 1996 and a classroom teacher since 1990.  My degree is in radio/TV communications with an emphasis on production.  I have some acting and singing experience to add to the resume as well.  So,  why is it that I would be considered "inexperienced?"

The answer is probably because I haven't had my voice recorded in a studio and played on a radio station for about 20 years.  Hell, my voice has been on TV in the interim.  So, I don't really consider myself "inexperienced" when it comes to commercial voiceover work.  Here's why.

I took the one-day voiceover class at the (world famous) Marc Graue Voiceover Studios in Burbank.  Marc is a great guy, and I consider him to be a mentor.  The most important thing I learned that day was that my entire life's experience made commercial voice work come easy for me.  I was nailing reads of all types (with the exception of some medical jargon that trips up everyone):  commercial, narration, animation, and ADR.  I was pretty stoked.

So, based on that "experience," I have cut my demo, sent it out, and wait for replies.  Sure, I don't have a SAG or AFTRA card (yet), but I have plenty of "experience."

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Looking for a Voice

Hey there and happy holidays! (should that be capitalized?).  My name is Ron and I'm getting into the voiceover industry.  I've already met with a couple of agents and I'm being mentored by one of the best in the industry (he produced my demo).  So, things are on track so far; the only thing missing is a gig.  Le sigh.

Granted, I've just started sending out my demo via e-mail and on CD, but that won't keep me from being impatient and from getting depressed when no one calls.  So, if anyone is looking for a commercial voice guy with a great range and a sense of humor (unique, I know), living in Orange County, but willing to travel for the job, then by all means, CONTACT ME.

Once I figure out how to post my demo and other stuff here, I will.