What does "VO" mean to you?

Voiceover means many different things to many different people. What does it mean to you? I start this off reminding myself of the most important people that thought it necessary to expound on what it meant to them. Don Key’s a legend in broadcasting told me over 15 years ago, that Voiceover was making it real, telling a story, painting picture or taking the words and breathing into them. All are great example’s don’t you think? What does VO mean to you? www.57thstreetmedia.com

The magic behind the mic!

One of the nicest complements I think I receive as a voice talent is, is that’s you? It really never gets old when hearing it! because it is a small reminder of the magic behind the mic. I will never forget when I was assisting a studio engineer with a project while a short bald headed man walked into the studio and reminded us of his session…. now you would never believe what happened to me when I looked up and heard this guys’ voice! My jaw dropped and I just marveled at how polished and professional this man was. Never assume anything…take it from me 5 cities latter and 25 years in VO! The business is full of unassuming people that are unbelievably talented, and are so humble that it humbles me in the process. Just remember the magic is behind the mic and keeping it there will allow for moments of awe to fill the air when people learn it is you.

Be real!

There are two many Sunday Christians right? But not enough real people! I liken religion to this because what I find as a Voice-talent and Voice coach people trying to be something there not! Specifically the area in which they’re trying to break into, such as Movie trailer, or Narration to name a few. Why kill yourself when your not meant for that part? Be real and step back and allow true pro’s to look at what your doing to determine if what your doing is truly what you should be doing. I’m all for trying new things and expanding into new areas, but not to the point it hurts my chances in the business. Find your moneymaking voice/voices and go from there. I write these blog’s for those that need to be reminded or informed of the reality’s that face all… who do, what is known as VO.

State of mind

Billy Joel’s New York State Of Mind” is a classic song that evokes many good memories of New York growing up and working in radio. My central theme is, State of mind because like the song we have to be in some state of mind each day! I’m convinced that our attitudes largely determine our success or failures in life. Voice acting allows us to play different rolls and pushes us outside our comfort zones. Use your mind to paint the success you want…envision the future the way you want it, don’t hold back, make it as grand or bland as you want it to be. Perhaps Billy never thought a blog would be written in contrast to his song, but I think its very fitting when it comes to our state of mind! What do you think?

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Voices are subjective

Will I get the gig, or not? Will they like my voice style or delivery? If you’re a seasoned Vo talent, you know this is all subjective. So many things go on in the minds of decision makers, producers that sometimes it’s just they had something different on their minds, like Morgan Freeman or a Jay Leno sound alike and they never mentioned that in the audition. If you’ve been in the business long enough, you understand the game and don’t get bent out of shape if you don’t score every audition.

My rule of thumb is… get as much information possible, then understand to the fullest what the director is seeking! Then give my best performance in the booth. What we think & what happens on the other end, perhaps we will never no! So
Keep auditioning, keep sending stuff out…its what we do to persevere in this thing we call VO. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Change your thinking change your life.

Perhaps you have heard somebody say that thoughts are things? Well they are! And what you entertain becomes your reality. Positive thinkers like Norman Vincent Pele and Dr. Robert Schuler both said this and taught that negative thoughts created negative environments. If you really believe this, then what thoughts do you entertain? Is it of success and triumph, or disaster and despair? Take a moment and envision what success looks like, now think of what failure looks like. Both of these are reality’s, what one would you rather entertain and follow? I’m with the success one and will make that my daily focus as I endeavor to reach out and broaden my brand throughout the country. Maybe you need to change your thinking today and don’t be surprised in doing so what things might come. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Determination

Goals are important in life no matter what you’re trying to accomplish. When I embarked on this journey in 1986 in Voice-over I had a desire to win and allowed nothing, including age to hold me back. It is a fact that your dreams may not be anyone else’s, and chances are people wont understand your determination doing so! If you want to succeed at this business, reputation is so important! How you treat others ultimately comes full circle. Think of the people you talk to regularly and those who are in contact with them, etc. Just practice being the best VO guy or girl you can be…the future can be bright, be diligent in your quest for more work, and take each job as if it were your very first opportunity. I take nothing for granted; each job blesses my family and helps me stay in the game. I call what I do “fun”. But make no mistake about it…its still a business and there is money to be made. Be determined and live with purpose. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com