Voice-over demos and studios

Home studios have definitely caught on across the fruited plains, so much so that if you needed to build an army air force, navy, or marine barracks you’d be all set! The only problem with that notion with having a studio and kick ass equipment is someone that has brains enough to know how to produce a quality spot. It drives me crazy when Lee Roy tells Jimmy he’s got the hook up to produce the world’s greatest demo, yet Lee Roy hasn’t a clue as to what a VO demo is! One of my main functions I think besides being a talent and teaching others the art of VO…Is “good old common sense” I say all this to caution you from making the mistake so many people have in thinking they made the right decision when it came to their all important demo.

My company 57th Street Media www.57thstreetmedia.com is one of many company’s who assist people in their pursuit in the world of Voice-over. It’s not all about money with me; it’s about training a person to be able to discover the many facets of the industry and with evaluation, formulating a plan that makes sense for them! It’s never a one size fits all world. Be careful for the Lee Roy’s out there! http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Mentors

I think about my beginning years how instrumental and pivotal each person was to my development in Voice-over. I have been at it since 1986 moving up on 40 in January I believe the best is yet to come! What made my mentors special was the no holds bar approach that seemed to stick with me the most, tighten up, open your mouth, breath…don’t breath! Their love for the business and professionalism inspired me to reach higher and to believe in myself. I find myself hearing a mentor Don Keys saying things like, Keith is that the best you have? Are you proud of that?

Many of you have fond memories of those who showed you the ropes and continue to have affection for him or her. You will find becoming a mentor yourself, an accelerating experience showing others the methods you use to get the job done. If you have not had the unique privilege of having a mentor, look around Voiceover universe, you will find many who would assist you and befriend you. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Knowing your good, ain't good enough

In school you may have wanted to try out for the team, only to find the coach wasn't much interested in you. Meanwhile your frustrated and agitated, as to why the coach didn't try you out! On a Thursday the same kid who didn't get the chance to pitch was pitching after school with some friends...the coach noticed the kid and made note of the ability he saw and the next practice the coach asked the boy if he would pitch, the kid excitedly answered yes..then said do you think I have what it takes?

you have never seen me pitch! the coach smiled and said yes I have... and you got it kid..now show the team what you can do. Now that was a happy ending, not all get the chance to be called into the game. In the field of Voice-overs knowing your good, ain't good enough..its what your fellow colleagues say, and its what producers say,& what the agent says after reviewing your demo. Never forget... know one go's it alone out here..you need feedback and critique to propel you towards success. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Follow-up

It’s not the easiest thing to get a good agent, let alone a great agent! It’s really an interesting process in New York for instance the heat is on there and you can be really good at your craft; however so are100 s if not thousands of others. If I thought I had every agency nailed as to what they were thinking, I would be a house hold name worldwide. It sometimes can be a mystery because you are not in the room or have a clue as to what their full talent roster looks like. The variables are plenty and can leave you wondering what you did or didn’t do. Have you been there? I have and still find it strange when things are said great talent, Good raw talent? That one always kills me! I had this twice said two me in my 20 + career. Take a breath and pursue another agency and be sure to check back with the others as things change often in this business, sometimes daily.

You cannot win them all, but you can have a decent cut if you allow yourself the discipline and determination of not giving up! I will tell you the follow up is the main ingredient and yes timing is sometimes everything, right time, right place...But if you’re not marketing yourself and getting yourself out there, nothing is going to happen. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Laser beam intensity

Thomas Edison worked around the clock on improving the light bulb for home use; he failed hundreds of times until he found the necessary carbonized filament that proved successful. He has been quoted as saying for every failed attempt is another step forward. I subscribe to this way of thinking, how about you?

You can allow location to stop you, you can allow poor talent agencies to stop you, and you can allow yourself to stop you! Become something great my friend whoever you are, break the barriers break the stigma of doubt and be like a laser beam with its intensity focused on the goal. My words I live by right there with you, knocking on doors jumping through hoops navigating steep hills.

I know that my efforts will benefit my family and others by what I do. How about you? What is it that you want? Write it down, confess it as happening and set your feet towards that direction. If it wasn’t for Edison finding a better way to light up the world, who knows how much longer, we would be sitting in our homes with candles! It’s time to get your laser beam out and aim for the stars. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com