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Sunday, March 15, 2009

SUMMER VOICE OVER FUNTASY! VOICE ACTING WORKSHOP 2009

If you cannot read this properly, please go to this site: http://www.creativoices.com/workshops/voice.htm
This email was sent by, or on behalf of, CreatiVoices® . Thank you for your interest in CreatiVoices® products and services.

Learn how you can make your voice as an art and career

Do you love voice acting? Can you do voices for a living or as an art? Or are you are actively involved in preparing materials for speaking, or your work requires you to meet people and carry conversations well? Then read along. Creativoices Productions, the creator of 7 seasons of the premier Voice Acting and Dubbing workshop in the Philippines - VoiceWorx!, announces their newest activities this summer.

VOICE ACTING CLASSES

Basic Voice Acting for Radio Advertising Workshop - 1 April 1,2 and 3 / 8 am to 6 pm
Advance Voice Acting for Radio Drama Workshop - 1 April 15, 16 and 17/ 8 am to 6 pm
Children's Voice Acting Workshop - 1 April 27, 28 and 29/ 8 am to 6 pm
Basic Voice Acting for Radio Advertising Workshop - 2 May 4, 5 and 6/ 8 am to 6 pm
Advance Voice Acting for Radio Drama Workshop - 2 May 11, 12 and 13/ 8 am to 6 pm
Children's Voice Acting Workshop - 2 May 18, 19 and 20/ 8 am to 6 pm

April - May 2009

Alert of the Week
VoiceWorx! 8 Basic Voice Acting and Dubbing
ONLY 2 SLOTS LEFT- - Classes will start on April 4, 2009 at the Philippine Center for Voice Acting

4 April 2009

Join VoiceWorx and be part of the most prestigious Voice Artist group in the Philippines, The Society of Young Voice Artists of the Philippines (SYVAP) www.syvap.org

VoiceWorx! 7 Graduation
VoiceWorx 7 Graduation at RedBox, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City 14 March 2009
Join VoiceWorx! 9 this July! 1 July 2009

VENUE:

PHILIPPINE CENTER FOR VOICE ACTING 3/f, 1745 Dian St., Palanan, Makati City 1235 PHILIPPINES

Call - 729-27274 or 970-0971

Visit this for all your voice recording needs!

If you want to know more about the Art of Pinoy Voice Acting visit www.pochologonzales.com

PINOY VOICES ONLINE

The Art of Pinoy Voice Acting

The best Filipino Voice Over Talent and Artist



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For any enquiries, send us an email to voiceworx@creativoices.com and info@creativoices.com
© 2008 CreatiVoices Productions. All rights reserved.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Frequently Asked Questions about Voice Over Training

Frequently Asked Questions about Voice Over Training


Q: What are voice-overs?
A: Voice-overs are the spoken parts you hear in radio and tv commercials, automated telephone systems, answering machine messages, audiobooks, movie trailers, infomercials, training videos, video games, etc.


Q: Do I have to be a radio announcer or an actor?
A: No, not at all. In fact, people with normal sounding voices are in high demand.


Q: Do I have to join a union and pay dues?
A: No. You can choose to be union or non-union. Most of the parts you land early on will be non-union. Generally speaking, you only see union work in the larger markets.


Q: Do I need an agent or a manager?
A: No. Many voice actors never have agents. They manage themselves.


Q: How much money can I make in voice-overs?
A: That will depend on your level of talent and how much effort you put into it.


Q: How will I know if I have the talent for voice-overs?
A: Generally, you get a good sense of your vocal abilities during your first voice over coaching session. However, don't be too hard on yourself at first. It may take a few sessions to really find out if voice-overs are for you.


Q: What equipment do I need to get started in voice-overs?
A: Initially you don't need any equipment. All you need are scripts and a place to practice reading aloud. A small recorder is helpful when practicing, but not neccessary.


Q: What do I need to get auditions?
A: You'll definitely need a "Demo Reel" so potential clients can hear samples of your voice. You'll need a telephone, and a computer with Internet and Email is essential. You should have business cards and you may even want your own web site.


Q: Do I need a home studio?
A: Not at first. However once you get serious about voice-over, you'll probably want to set one up. Many voice actors find that a home studio enables them to work, practice and create at any time of the day or night.


Q: What is a "Demo Reel" and why do I need one?
A: The "Demo Reel" is a professionally recorded and produced CD or mp3 consisting of various segments that feature you doing your best voice work. You'll need a demo reel in order for people to hear your voice over samples to get auditions and parts.


Q: Do I have to take all the voice coaching workshops you offer?
A: No. It's highly individual and you only take only the voice over workshops that interest you.


Q: Do you offer private voice over coaching sessions?
A: Yes. In fact all our voice over coaching sessions are private, one-on-one.


Q: Why can't I just read a book about Voice-overs and learn that way?
A: There are several good voice over books, and I suggest you read them all. Each one strongly recommends hiring a "voice-over coach". Plus, you actually need to get into the studio to record and hear yourself. Private voice-over workshops are an easy and smart way to get off to a good start. Many successful people in movies, television, radio, music, the stage and even business professionals all work with voice over coaches.


Q: Are you a management company or talent agency?
A: No. I am perfectly happy to let you manage yourself. However, I am here to help and offer continous consultation. I also provide casting referrals on a percentage basis.


Q: Are there any additional fees or hidden charges for voice sessions?
A: No. You pay nothing except the fee for the sessions. Everything else, scripts, CDs and other materials are supplied without charge.


Q: What if I need help managing my voice-over business?
A: I am available to consult with you on marketing, self-promotion, web site design, demo production, studio set-up and continious voice over coaching.


Q: When and where are the Voice over coaching sessions held?
A: Most sessions are held on weekday afternoons or early evening, and on Saturday morning in my private, fully equipped home studio in Vernon, CT (13 miles east of Hartford). We also offer voice-over classes at Manchester Community College.


Q: How do I sign up and pay for a voice over coaching session?
A: To reserve and hold your spot, payment or deposit is required two (2) weeks in advance of your scheduled date. We accept cash, check and PayPal. For complete details contact me by phone; 800.970.5151 or by email; info@voiceoverworkshop.com


Q: I have more questions. How can I get answers to them?
A: I'm usually available by phone (800.970.5151) 10:00am to 6:00pm eastern, Monday through Saturday. When I'm in the studio (which is often) the answering machine will pick up. Please leave your name and number and I'll call you back shortly. You can always reach me by email; info@voiceoverworkshop.com


DISCLAIMER:
Voice Over Workshop LLC is not an occupational school or higher education facility. We do not offer graduation or issue diplomas or certificates for completion of our workshops. We do not guarantee employment or make any claims regarding future success or earnings.


REFUND POLICY FOR WORKSHOPS AND COACHING SESSIONS

Single Session Refund
If a paid session is cancelled 48 hours prior to the scheduled start time where no studio time has been used and no workshop materials issued, Voice Over Workshop LLC will refund the total amount of any deposits received.

If a reserved session is cancelled "day of" where no studio time has been used and no workshop materials issued, Voice Over Workshop LLC will refund the total amount of any deposits received, less $50.00 for the first hour of reserved studio time.

Multiple Session Refund
If a paid and unused session is cancelled anytime after a first session has taken place and where workshop materials have been issued, Voice Over Workshop LLC will refund the total of any deposits received, less $50.00 for the first hour of the next reserved studio time. All refunds are issued by check from Voice Over Workshop LLC within 30 days of determination.

Voice Exercises:

Voice Exercises:
The best exercise is to practice, practice and practice. In the car, the shower, wherever. Start with your regular, everyday speaking voice and read out loud. Use the newspaper, magazines, your kid's bedtime stories or your company memos. Just read out loud to build and strengthen your natural speaking voice.

Listening:
Record your voice and listen to the playback. Be honest with yourself. When you're having trouble, admit it, work to fix it and move on. When you're good, admit it and move on. Learn from the good and the bad, and over time the bad will go away.

Observation:
Listen to other voice-overs. On the TV, the radio, in movies, on DVD's, answering machines, automated help lines, etc. Which ones are good and which ones are bad, and why? Learn from the good ones and forget the bad ones. Observation is key. Listen to the voices around you. People you meet, talk to on the phone, or hear on TV can all be an inspiration for your own vocal styles. Even if you can't imitate the sound of someone else's voice, mimicking their attitude may give you some useful material. Listen to the range of voices in just one commercial break.

Writing:
Good voice-over actors are often good copywriters. Start writing your own copy. Learn how to be clear and concise. The art of creating an effective message within a 30 or 60-second time frame, will help sharpen your speaking skills.

In Chapter 4, we'll talk about Two More Things You Can Do Right Away.

Getting Started in Voice-Overs, Chapter 2 - What You Must Have and Do

Get Training and Coaching
You will need training and coaching, to learn how to use your voice. Your voice is your instrument and coaching will help you learn to play your instrument. Even if you're blessed with a silky smooth set of pipes, you'll need to learn how to use your voice and how to deliver as wide a range of vocal styles as possible. Can you be serious? Whimsical? Can you do accents or dialects? Character voices? Can you raise your performance to another level? The best way to get training is through other voice-over and acting professionals by taking classes, workshops and coaching sessions. Learning really never stops for a true voice-over artist. Take specific workshops on character voices, audio book, narration and even acting classes. Attend various workshops whenever you can. The more you learn, the better you'll be. The more versatile you are, the more jobs you'll get.

Practice, Practice, Practice
The next thing you absolutely need is practice, practice and more practice. Read out loud every day. Magazines and newspapers are a good start. You can even read road signs while you're driving!

**Tip: Get an inexpensive recording device (micro cassette recorder, or USB microphone that plugs into your computer), so you can record yourself and play it back. You need to listen and analyze what you do well and what you need to work on. A recorder will also come in handy if you're working on character voices. You'd hate to come up with something brilliant and then lose it forever because you can't remember what the character sounded like! Record those voices and give them names.

Be Highly Organized
Organizational skills are important, as anyone who has worked in an office will attest. A voice-over business is just that: a business, and you need to treat it as such. Set aside space that you can use as your office. Make sure you have a phone number where you can be reached (or at least respond to messages) quickly. A computer is a must for tracking income and expenses, as well as for online communication, marketing, promotion and job hunting.

Think about Legal and Tax Considerations
For legal and tax reporting purposes you may consider starting a DBA, a sole proprietorship, an LLC or become incorporated. At the very least, and if you're using a name other than your own, like "Super Cool Voiceovers," you may consider registering in the town where you live. The fee is generally small, and you may learn about some useful small business resources in the process.

**Tip: Always consult an attorney and a qualified tax accountant before starting any business venture or partnership.

Have a great Demo Reel
We're going to talk about this later in more detail, for now we'll just say this: your demo reel is a professionally produced recording, usually on CD, that offers samples of your best voice work. It's your calling card, your voice-over resume and one of the most critical tools for voice-over success. Don't cut corners on producing your demo reel.

In Chapter 3, we'll talk about 4 Things You Can Do Right Away to get started and keep going in your very own voice over business.

Chapter 1: What exactly are voice-overs?

Chapter 1: What exactly are voice-overs?

The term comes from the world of film, when a narration was referred to in the script as "Voice Over Picture", or VO for short. Now, voice-over can refer to any number of ways you can use your voice to get a message across.

You've heard about commercials, corporate narration and animation, but how about automated phone messaging, Automated Dialogue Replacement (also called "looping"), or reading for the blind? That automated message that calls you in the middle of dinner to say, "Hi, this is your credit card company calling with exciting news about your account." Someone was paid to read that. It could be you.

Voice-overs are a dynamic and flexible industry. You don't need a license or anyone's permission to do it. You can do it full time, or you can get started by auditioning and working in your spare time. Either way, you'll need dedication, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit to succeed. You'll also need to learn to handle rejection. There are a lot of people in this business and you'll hear a good number of "No's" (or no answer at all) before you get that first job. You need a thick skin. Don't take the "No's" personally. Learn from it and move on to the next audition. With that said, there's always room for new talent, no matter your age, sex or "voice type".

It used to be that voice-overs was dominated by the big, booming "Voice of God" announcer style male voice, but the industry has changed. While men still have a slight edge on women in the industry, more and more women are taking on roles that have traditionally been for a "guy's voice". The split is estimated to be about 60-40 today. There's also a push away from those big announcer style voices. Producers today want a more natural, conversational delivery, like a trusted friend or the girl next door. What this means is, even if you don't have a resonant "radio voice", there's a place for you in the industry.

Voice-over is a who you know, not a what you know industry. Many jobs go to the voice actor who knows the producer or who is a customer of the client company. Often, getting one job creates opportunities for more jobs. It may seem unfair, but producers and clients like to work with people they know, people whom they already know will do a good job. There's a way around this barrier, and we'll talk about it later, but for know here's a hint: voice-overs are about making contacts.

Voice-over is a very competitive business and there are more voice actors than there are jobs. Home recording and the wonders of the Internet have increased competition as well. On one hand, inexpensive recording equipment and online casting allow you to audition for jobs across the country or around the world. On the other hand, talent from across the country can audition for the same local jobs that you´d like to go for.

Speaking in broad terms, to get work as a voice actor you need three things...

1. An average sounding voice, with a wide range of styles.
2. Above average marketing.
3. A great demo reel.

In Chapter 2, we'll talk about what you can to do right away to get started in your very own voice over business.

Voice Over & Audio Production Services

Voice Over & Audio Production Services



Animated character and cartoon voices.
Audio articles and case studies.
Audio books and storytellers.
Audio commentaries.
Audio conversion and scrubbing: CD, cassette, LP, mp3.
Broadcast, narrowcast and podcast.
Commercials: radio, TV, point-of-sale.
Corporate tutorials, eLearning and training.
Games and entertainment.
Interactive presentations and slide shows.
Internet marketing & Private Label Rights audio.
IVR, on-hold messaging.
Narrations.
New product announcements and branding.
Public service announcements.
Trade shows, conventions and seminars.
Virtual tours.
Voice Over Demos.
Voice-over talent and casting.
Web audio.


Chances are you've heard us. On the radio, the web, the phone, somewhere.

American Cellular, Aspen Edge, Bakker Insurance, Barbarino Pontiac/Nissan/Kia, Beethoven Radio, Berlin Music Festival, Business Performance Technology, Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival, Clear Channel Creative Services Group, CondomClub.com, Connecticut Culinary Institute, CVS, Edutainment Media, Elmo's Dockside, Euphoria Audio, FLW Outdoors, Grafton Vermont's Old Tavern Inn, Hooters, iClassics.com, Kima Wireless, King of Fighters 2006, Medco Health, Metal Slug 3D, Minute Man Press, Mount Tom, Nestle, New Balance, New England Technical Institute, PartyPro DJ, Proflowers.com, Raising Cane's, RUF Records, Six Flags New England, Skillsoft, SoldOutTour.com, SRS Internal Shaft Repair System, StreamAlert, Suburban Motors, Talk Train, The Music Outlet, TSI Harley Davidson, Universal Music Group, Valvoline, VantagePoint Inc., Whitham's Nursery, 106.9 WCCC, WCCC AM1290, 107.3 WAAF, 95.5 KLOS, Q104.3, 94 HJY, 92.3 KROQ and more.



More than just a voice.

Our voice over talent, producers and web techs are ready to help you conceptualize, write and produce a wide variety of voice-overs and audio for your business, education or entertainment needs. We can even write the code to insert and run your audio or video on a wide array of web platforms and applications.





NEWS...

Stew Crossen Voice Over article featured on Voice Over Xtra


Read the article: Pacing Your Read: Fast, Medium Or Slow - How To Deliver On Time


Article URL: http://www.voiceoverxtra.com/article.htm?id=jd9r5ifk


Voice Over Xtra Home Page | Voice Over Xtra Email Feed


Subscribe to Voice Over Xtra



Eric Michael Summerer gets a 2009 Audie Nomination


Congratulations to Eric Michael Summerer.

Voice Over Workshop associate, Eric Michael Summerer is nominated for a
2009 Audie Award for his narration of "Childhoods End" by Arthur C. Clarke.

Eric has narrated a dozen audio books for Audible.com.

The nomimation by the Audio Publishers Association is "the only awards program in the United States devoted entirely to honoring spoken word entertainment..."


The 2009 Audie Awards will take place in New York City on May 29, 2009
at the New York Historical Society.






Voice Over Training. Get Started and Keep Going!


Private one-on-one coaching and training sessions.
Commercial, narration, character styles.
Listen to your playback and get instant results.
Helps to strengthen your vocal skills.
Builds confidence & helps conquer your fear.
Serves as a source of inspiration.
Provides tips and helpful suggestions.
Helps you find a sense of direction and develop a strategy.
Learn how to take direction, and how to direct yourself.
Explore your vocal range, styles and attitudes.
Learn how to adjust your energy and pacing.
Learn how to breathe properly.
Learn how to use the microphone.
Learn voice-over exercises you can practice at home.
1000's of scripts to choose from.
Includes a CD copy of your session.

Visit our VO Workshops page for more details.
See our Voice-Over classes forming at Manchester Community College.

Plus, we offer private voice over training sessions for Radio Announcers, Voice Actors, Speakers, Educators, Poets, Business Professionals and anyone interested in improving their vocal skills. Voice over training link.



What can we do for you?

Call or email for voice-over information.

Stew "Beef Stew" Crossen
800.970.5151
10am to 8pm, east coast

Member:
| Connecticut Broadcasters Association
| Media Communications Association International / CT Chapter
| Connecticut Production Coalition

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