The Adventures Of The VO Vagabonds or B.z. and 'Herbalishus' Hook Up!

One of the best reasons to be a part of the VO community is the community itself. There are a lot of very friendly, very talented folks who do what you do--and can feel your pain. B.z. The Voice (Pro mic rocker from Las Vegas) visited the L.A. area recently to attend a religious retreat. We try to keep in touch with each other and, knowing he was in town I gave him a call. It was perfect timing because he had a few days before the retreat and the VO Pro Workout Group was about to have it's regular meeting that Tuesday evening. A quick email request to VO guru Dave Fennoy and with his nod, B.z. was in! Neither of us were prepared for the powerful session that unfolded. With such gifted professionals as Cedering Fox, Teresa June-Tao, Marc Cashman, Townsend Coleman, Iona Morris, Ed Hopkins, Stew Herrera, Paula Tiso and others in attendance, the session was beyond electric. Each of us would go into the booth (under the watchful eyes of engineer/coach/vo talent Robin Armstrong)with copy (commercial, corporate, whatever) read the 'specs'-which are often quite silly- and then 'do the spot'. Everyone else then offers honest critique geared to making the read (and you)better, allowing for at least 3 different reads.
Honestly, folks--when Cedering Fox or Dave Fennoy give their first read it is usually PERFECT! But under the direction and fine tuning skills of the other professionals in the room, the reads get even better! Heck, even I sounded a little better after following some straightforward and simple directions.
Old friendships were rekindled and new relationships were established in an evening of work, laughter and more work.
Afterward, B.z. and I hung out in 'The Hole' just talking voice over and getting better acquainted. That lasted 'til about 2am when he picked the lock on his chains, escaped to his car and sped off.
Thanks to all of the wonderful voice over 'royalty' who give freely of their time and talent. They haven't forgotten what it means to have a dream--or what it takes to make it come true.
Happy Voicing...
Pictured: l-r Townsend Coleman, Cedering Fox, some guy on his way to a ballgame

Ain't To Proud To Beg...!

Recently I was involved with a job assignment that taught me several lessons...not the least of which was to ask for help when you need it.
We as voice over artists sometimes cocoon ourselves into our own little niches--working alone on projects both simple and extensive--relying on our talent, previous experience and know-how to get us through. Usually that combination of brains and savvy is enough to keep us consistent (and our clients happy). But what happens when equipment or experience or both leave you wanting...unable to deliver what you've promised?
In my case, I had simple one-sentence audio files to produce--the client had already enjoyed my audition and was ready for a complete product. After quickly recording and sending them, the client replied saying that the files were unusable and that there was a major audio problem. This news put me on high panic alert. 'Unusable!' 'Major Audio Problems!' I couldn't rest. Painstakingly, I re-recorded the entire project--lovingly auditing the files and assuring myself that, even though I may have rushed at first, this product would be much more to the customers liking. 2 days later my bubble was burst by the news that even though the files sounded better, they were still unusable and now the customer is expressing concern and even sent me samples of other audio files to give me direction. OH, NO! Faced with the possibility of forfeiting a much needed job, my mind began to race. What do I do? I'm obviously not getting it. That's when I realized that if I'm not getting it, I need to talk to someone who DOES get it. Someone local, with their own studio, who had the expertise, the equipment, and the patience to deal with such monumental incompetence!
Enter John Taylor--Hollywood voice over legend and newly-minted non-smoker!
After sending him an email filled with drama, he told me to send him a couple of the faulty files. Not much later, I got my answer--I record way too hot (and have been doing so for quite some time). John gave me a crash course in new era digital recording that sent me scurrying to my Soundforge program and resetting just about everything--including my own ancient ideas about audio reproduction.
Are you on the horns of a dilemma? Got a real head-scratcher that's not only costing you time and peace of mind but possibly money and reputation as well? You don't have to go it alone! Once you realize that others in the industry have answers and are willing to help, you can get better in your craft. If you remain 'teachable' you can overcome and excel.
Gratitude abounds...and I sound much better now! Lessons learned, job completed and John Taylor has shoved his cape back under his shirt--ready to come to someone else's rescue on a moments notice!
Thanks, John...and Happy Voicing everyone!

He's Baaa-aaack!

Hello, all you happy people (done in my best 'Droopy' drawl)!
Sorry about that looong pause between entries. I'd like to say that the reason for the delay is because of an excessive work load of voice over projects and production commitments that are worth thousands of dollars in revenue...but,alas, not this time.
Actually , there was some rewarding and exciting voice over related items that demanded some time (we'll be talking about those later), but there were also family issues that had to be addressed and work (day job) to be done.
That being said, look for new blogs in the near future dealing with new projects, new friends, new lessons learned and my new jeans!
Thank you to those who attempt to keep up with these rants on a regular basis...your patience will be rewarded soon with more useless trivia and personal ruminations in the coming week.

In the meantime--go hug somebody!

God Bless and Happy Voicing

Greetings and Salutations!

This is our second attempt at finding a blog home (a 'blome'?) and I think we can finally unpack and stay for a while.
Welcome to Megaphone Musings...where you will probably get a little TOO much information concerning the world of voice overs, voice acting and all things related,
Yes...I am the little golden guy with the megaphone that you've seen all over the internet, and yes...this will be a forum for discussion, enlightenment and empowerment for all throatsingers and voiceslingers ( I just made those words up!)
Mostly it'll be me venting about one thing or another, or sharing some type of experience...and everyone else (including YOU) commenting, critiqueing or correcting as is needed.
So, we are starting this puppy up with two previously written blogs that have a lot to say and we'd all love to hear what you think.
In the words of that great St. Louis philosopher, Nellie "Don't be scurred"!