THANK YOU!!

     Since this terrific, tumultuous and sometimes terrifying year is winding down, I take this opportunity to communicate to the world from the Cavern of Crazy Creativity (aka 'The Hole'). And this time, it will be brief (Hallelujah!)

    

THANK YOU:

...for sharing your time, your money, your meals, and your hearts.

...for teaching me my worth and value (without inflating my ego)

...for being there--technically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

...for laughing and putting up with some of the corniest gags in history (ba-dumbum)

...for loving my family through hard times and , in some cases, making yourselves 'family'.

...for hiring me and entrusting your vision, products, presentations and characters to me.

...for taking me to places and events I've only dreamed of (and then being seen publicly with me!)

...for keeping me encouraged, excellent and excited all the time.

...for allowing me to (not-so-subtly) share my faith and love on you just a little bit.

Here's to a bright, prosperous and passionate 2013! God bless--and Happy Voicing...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb; sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." Prov. 16:24...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you." Prov. 4:24...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Prov. 15:4...

A Life...and Its Legacy

Some people are 'larger than life'. Their influence and imprint is felt not only by those around them, but also by those who even know 'of' them. Some people--because of character, conscience or conviction--stand apart, above and beyond the norm. Never inaccessible--just enjoying their existence on a different level and inviting others along for the ride

Cuda in action with great grand son 'Munchie'

Willie George Graham (Cuda) was like that. He aspired to greatness and he achieved it! He looted the treasure that God placed in him for one purpose--his family. He used his 'gift of gab' (as he called it) to influence others to righteousness. He used his keen business sense and discernment to build businesses, ministries, foundations and relationships. He used his raw, physical strength to move and to mend. He used his wacky, bent sense of humor to get a laugh out of ANY one (James Coburn, Vidal Sassoon) and to help keep a family of uptight, 'Type A' personalities grounded and giggling.
At one time he was the neighborhood 'pharmacist', but after meeting a chick named Rosalind he changed professions to become Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Poppa and 'Big' Poppa!
He also became 'Pops' to scores of gang banging youths who wanted and needed a change. He gave them jobs, attended court hearings and talked with probation officers. He didn't have to do that. He had his huge hands full with his own family. But--they WERE his family and so they got the same life/love as everybody else!
One article or blog would never fully describe or present Cuda in all of his complexity and coolness. Let me give you an example of his influence and just a small part of his legacy. 26 years ago Cuda and Roz extended a real (no b.s.) invitation to me to a "new start" in California. They would help me and the kids establish ourselves until I got on my feet.
Any article, blog, voice over project or anything else even remotely related to my career as a voice actor is due to their generosity! If you've enjoyed any of the craziness and characters that have leaped out of 'The Hole'--you can pretty much thank Cuda for that.
Willie Graham's influence continues to grow--and so does his wonderful legacy!
Happy Voicing...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." Col.4:6...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks what is right." Prov. 16:13...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "A man (sic) has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is." Prov. 15:23...

...VO Verse Of The Week: 'I will bless the Lord at ALL times, and His praise shall continually be in my mouth.' Ps.34:1...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1...

...'To avoid clutter--manage your indecision'--Elizabeth Holmes

...special thanks to producer/dancer Priya Narthakii for allowing me to be a part of this upcoming, multicultural event! http://bit.ly/L35y7J

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Let the words of my mouth , and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord..."Ps 19:14...

...testing, testing---new communication system. This is only a test...

VOICE 2012: Where Do I Start?

Even though the dust will never really settle (and we've all still got Disney music in our heads) we still have to say that VOICE 2012 has ended (Aaawwwww!). But now comes the task of trying to put such a massive, necessary and unique event into some sort of perspective.

But--where do I start?

Do I go back to the incredible banquet affair where I met a couple of real animation heroes (Joe Ruby and Ken Spears) and got to rub elbows with VO royalty? 

Do I start with the varied and valued Exhibition Hall where I reconnected with dear friend (and audio guru) Dick Burdon at Airs-LA?

Maybe I should talk about the incredible Garden Party, hosted by Joe Cipriano and attended by--well--some of the busiest and brightest voice actors anywhere, bar none.

Or do I start with the really important stuff--like how Wil, Simone, Darryl, Mehmet and Herb followed Yelp! to some of the best Thai food in California? Or do I talk about the wild tattoo party that broke out at Tim Keenan's fabulous studio facility in Anaheim (hey Annie--VO Peeps)?

No, it's got to be the crazy late night messages to Turkey and the Philippine's sent by the Four VoiceMen--me and my infamous roommates: Andy Boyns, Mehmet Ohnur and Pocholo Gonzalez!

Quiet dinner with longtime friend and new buddy Stephanie Ciccarelli and Ashley Davidson; or Target shopping spree and lunch at BK with the great Dave DeAndrea and the uber-talented Paul Hernandez (don't listen to him unless you're ready to LAFF)?

Now my decision has gotten even MORE complicated because I'm certain that I'm forgetting some things and some ones!

I sat with Tammy Trujillo during the banquet--she was sweet enough to announce and explain the menu to an old hippie from St. Louis. On the other hand, Mike Owens and I established the "Herb & Herb Urban Bourbon" franchise. We split the profits right down the middle (70% Mike-30% me). When I get some people, he's gonna get some people--and then my people are gonna talk to his people and we'll get those contracts squared away. Who sez we didn't conduct business at VOICE 2012?!

Anyway--now it's your turn. I charge you to check in and help me fill in the blanks!  I really don't know where to start!! Pre-convention (the fabulous bag-stuffing, pizza party at the Voice Acting Academy in San Diego) or post-convention (the radio spot I was honored to do with a new Convention friend)?

I just don't know where to start!! But it sure was/is awesome, huh?

Huge props, much love and respect and big, BIG HUGS to the event promoters and dear friends Penny Abshire and Jim Alburger.

God Bless and Happy Voicing!!

P.S. As I finish mauling my keyboard, I cast my gaze to the left of my monitor in the direction of my yodeling pickle. Gotta hear it just once...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Hear my voice according to thy lovingkindness, O Lord; quicken me according to thy judgement." Ps.119:149...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth, Yes I will praise Him among the multitude." Psalms 109:30...

...VO Verse Of The Week: 'He who guards his mouth preserves his life...' Proverbs 13:3...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips." Prov. 27:2...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether." Ps. 139:4...

...VO Verse Of The Week: 'Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." Prov.16:24...

...HALLELUJAH!!! GOD IS AMAZING!!...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; yes, I will praise Him among the multitude." Ps. 109:30...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." Ps.12:6...

...maddeningly magnificent and munificent meanderings multiply in 'The Hole'--on Monday!...

..."...why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!..."...

...free to all (great bargain)!
http://www.christianstuff.co/audio-books/smith-wigglesworth-ever-increasing-faith.html...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." Prov.21:23...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." Prov10:19...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment." Prov.12:19...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight." Prov. 12:22...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Prov.18:21...

A Different Kind Of Paycheck

Voice over has been called a 'lucrative' career by many simply by virtue of its perceived physical ease and huge paychecks. Sometimes--but we really get rewarded in this business in many different ways: that odd mix of accomplishment and 'guess who did it' when the job is finished and airing; the 'mountaintop moment' when you book it; the intense focus and taut self-direction when auditioning. Geez--we haven't even mentioned money yet!
But what happens when you book a job and --personally--get a lot more out of it than you bargained for?
I'd always worked toward and dreamed of the opportunity to work on an audio book and the chance finally came with a recent project via Voices.com. A great paying job that was right in my wheelhouse! Having never read the original work (but being very familiar with the subject matter), I was surprised to find out that the book ("Ever Increasing Faith" by Smith Wigglesworth) was not just a book in the traditional sense, but a collection of his sermons--transcribed during the time of his groundbreaking ministry. This was not going to be a narration--it had to be a portrayal!

Portraying historical figures accurately can be a real challenge because people remember them! Portrayals must bring the integrity of the characters existence and yet leave room for the artistic interpretation, however nuanced. With some of these characters there is a video or an audio reference along with a caution to not just imitate. For others, there is detailed documentation, eye witness accounts and photos that will help flesh out a general, a president, a dictator--or an evangelist.
Wigglesworth was widely known for his miracle services where great spiritual outpourings would occur. A plumber by trade and illiterate until adulthood, his is a fascinating story of great manifestation based on the simplest truths. Not eloquent of speech (nor timid by nature), he constantly found himself in front of thousands, ministering all over the world at the turn of the 20th century. In fact, many of today's  preachers have a close connection to the principles espoused by this man. So--how do you portray such a figure? Pretty much the same way Wigglesworth functioned...by faith! But in the faithful presentation of such a powerful figure comes the unexpected benefits. A deepening...an enlightenment...an education...a renewed passion and awakening to what lies within you by way of Gods mercy and love.
Others have experienced much the same thing: Jim Caveziel, Max Von Sydow, Robert Powell all spoke of a profound difference when playing the role of a certain Galilean carpenter. Ben Kingsley said performing (Ghandi) "was one of my greatest challenges". Several actors have taken on historical roles and by virtue of their performances, have elevated the characters to unforgettable and iconic status (Charleton Heston, Yul Brynner, Mel Gibson).
I'm pretty certain that I have NOT had that effect upon this character--rather this character and the portrayal of same has left a lasting, nay, indelible mark upon me, my outlook and my own demeanor.
Yes...voice acting is VERY lucrative in many different ways...
God Bless--and Happy Voicing!!


Ever Increasing Faith by Smith Wigglesworth available soon at Christianstuff.co 

...VO Verse Of The Week: "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Prov. 15:4...

Attending 'The Annie's': MJ Lallo Invites The Inhabitants Of 'The Hole'!

Good friends are great to have! It's a blessing when folks see something good in you and try to drag it out. Voice over producer/director/artist MJ Lallo did just that recently when she invited me to be a part of the backstage crew at this years Annie (Animation) Awards. MJ has worked as stage director for the event for the past 10 years and she gave me the chance to work as 'Traffic' assistant--shooing folks onto the stage and off in the right direction at the proper time. That doesn't sound too difficult but with presenters, recipients, guests and nominees all traveling at once through the same narrow space it proved to be-- well--exciting! 
There were tremendous networking opportunities, not to mention a chance to rub elbows with such animation and film luminaries as Kathleen Kennedy, Garry Marshall, Phil Lamarr, James Hong, Jim Cummings, Diedrich Bader, Tara Strong, Nika Futterman, Judy Greer, Weird Al Yankovich (who's not 'weird' at all), Siedah Garrett and waaaay too many others to try to mention here.
My personal highlight of the night was NOT the 'River Dance' that MJ and I did during a short break in the action (although that was cool)--but it is reflected in the attached photo. Yes--that really IS legendary voice actress June Foray with one of her millions of fans! She was there to present the 'June Foray Award' for significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation to the great Art Leonardi of 'Pink Panther' fame. She is beautiful inside and out and I am grateful for the chance to say to her "I love you and I appreciate your work".
There were plenty of other things happening to keep the event lively, including host Patton Oswalt who yelled "Occupy Hotness" after one of the 'hot' presenters mistakenly opened the envelope for the winners in another category!
Great fellowship and good food were available for all and many new friends were connected. A great, big 'Hole'-y thank you to MJ Lallo for her gracious invitation. Maybe next time we're there, I'll be nominated for something--like weirdest voice over sound produced by a human!

God's best blessings to ya--and Happy Voicing!

...VO Verse Of The Week: "In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty." Prov. 14:23...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Righteous lips are the delight of kings. And they love him who speaks what is right." Prov. 16:13...

...NOTICE: Hilarity, hi-jinks and much heralded hoo-hah will continue to be produced in 'The Hole' (somebody's gotta do it)...

...VO Verse Of The Week: "Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation. Preserve my life from fear of the enemy." Psalm 64:1...

...HAPPY NEW YEAR! VO Verse Of The Week: "Yes, My innermost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things!" Prov 23:16...

...Use the following link to listen to the 2012 Rose Parade Audio Description
http://www.larrs.org/roseparadelisten.html