tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82987726534279241762024-02-20T13:31:22.010-06:00Voice Over StudioMelanie Haynes blogs from her voice over studio on all topics related to voice over and voice talent. Topics range from current projects to marketing, current trends in voice over, advice for beginners or voice over professionals new to the internet, and everything in between.Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-60376489552362719632014-02-17T09:09:00.001-06:002014-02-17T09:09:56.322-06:00Please Join Me on My New BlogI'm happy that you've found this Blog. There are many posts here that pertain to new voice over talent, starting with <a href="http://voice-over-studio.blogspot.com/2008/02/voice-talent-advice-1.html" target="_blank">Voice Talent Advice #1 For The Beginner</a>. And if you are new to the world of voice over, I'd suggest starting from the earliest posts and working your way forward.<br />
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Through the years, I've posted what I hope have been useful information and comments on the business of voice over. This blog will remain here, and I may still post here now and then, but most of my blogging will occur on my new website: <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/blog/">http://www.melaniehaynes.com/blog/</a><br />
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In addition to catching up on this blog, please join me on the new site for more information and observations about life, acting, and the world of voiceover!Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05897170076234740909noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-10439666123821695792013-07-10T13:02:00.001-05:002013-07-10T13:02:29.727-05:00Audiobook Narration InsightAlthough my posts have been few and far between lately, I plan to change that soon. I'll be moving both my completely redesigned <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/" target="_blank">site</a> and blog to Word Press in the next month or so. In the meantime, I wanted to share some information regarding Audiobook Narration that I have either experienced personally or have learned from other successful audiobook narrators.<br />
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Audiobooks have never been more popular, and accordingly, there's never been as much work for audiobook narrators as there is now. There are a number of ways to connect with audiobook narration projects: direct contact with an author, working via production houses whose business is hiring narrators for their roster to work on multiple projects at a set hourly rate, or connecting with authors and/or publishers via ACX, <a href="http://www.acx.com/" target="_blank">Audiobook Creation Exchange</a>.<br />
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While some narrators, even "stars", earn large salaries for narrating best selling titles, the reality is that most audiobook production pays relatively little compared to normal voice over rates in commercials, documentary, and corporate narration. Payment models cover everything from an amount paid per hour worked (fairly rare), to pay per finished hour (common), to royalty share only or in combination with a lower pay per finished hourly rate, which are often found on ACX.<br />
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To do royalty share or not is a debate among many audiobook narrators. Some have had great success with royalties coming in steadily from multiple books. Others have basically just narrated a book for free because royalties do not materialize due to lack of sales of the particular audio book/s. Apparently, the key to the difference is to do your research before accepting an offer of a royalty share only project. By asking the author or producer the level of sales of the book in all other formats, it is easier to predict the possible sales for the audiobook. Then, you can decide if it is worth the risk of spending your time and talents narrating and most likely producing a 10-14 hour book, which, by the way, will take you 3 to 4 times that amount of time. Some narrators, myself included, agreed to take on royalty share projects without knowing or in spite of the numbers, simply to acquire some audiobook narration experience and to build audiobook credits.<br />
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If you're thinking of working as an audiobook narrator, these are all considerations as you approach the craft and the business of audiobook narration. All the best to you!<br />
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<br />Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05897170076234740909noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-66547068984801090122013-02-26T13:30:00.000-06:002013-02-27T07:56:04.684-06:00Are You an Actor as Well as Voiceover Talent?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m sure many of you are actors in addition to being <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/" target="_blank">voice-over talent</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two can go hand in
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your acting abilities affect your voice over work by helping you to “get into character” for a 30 or 60 second
radio or television commercial, vignettes for e-learning or corporate
narrations, and as the voice of authority or guy or gal next door in narrations
of all kinds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever thought of
how your experience with voice over work can actually help your acting –
especially, your audition skills?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You have to be a great reader to do voice over work,
especially, long form narration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re
constantly “reading ahead” in order to keep from being caught off guard as to
where that sentence is actually going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
don’t usually have time to study your script and would never have time to
memorize it in order to “make it your own.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At most, you may just have time at the beginning of a session to quickly
read through, get a sense of who you are – with a little help from your
director, if you’re lucky - and take off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, you can stop or just restart if you make a mistake while recording,
but you have to maintain your character, your momentum, and stay present in the
scene.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the best case (and most cases) with on camera auditioning
for film, you are given a side or sides to prepare for an audition and access
to the whole script if you are very lucky!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You usually have at least some time to prepare your character’s point of
view, relationships, intentions, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, often times, you might be given another scene to read or even
another character to read during an audition which cuts down dramatically on
the time you have to prepare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In these
cases, your voice over experience of creating “instant characters” can help
immensely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a voice over talent, your
ability to read unfamiliar material and make sense of it, or even paraphrase it
almost immediately can make a huge difference between floundering and taking
charge in an audition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently had an audition experience which made me realize
how my voice over work helped smooth out a potentially excruciating
audition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A week before the audition, I
was told by the director which role to prepare and told to read the entire
script if possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when I
asked if there were particular sides/scenes to prepare for the audition, I was
told, no, they’d be provided only at the audition, but that I should be
familiar with a 2 page scene in particular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I read the script and pulled all of the scenes for my character and
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Part-Without-Falling-Apart/dp/1580650147/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247180057&sr=8-1" target="_blank">prepared them thoroughly</a>, especially the scene he had mentioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon my arrival (early) to the audition, I
found that there were no sides provided in the waiting room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, I had mine, at least, so I continued
preparing while I waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when
I was brought in to the audition room, the director handed me a completely
different scene for a different character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately, I knew the script and who this character was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had not, however, prepared this scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was to read with another actor who, to my
knowledge, had not prepared this scene, either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were to do the scene immediately, without preparation, and be placed
on video. I found that my eyes quickly scanned the script as the director was setting
up the scene for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I placed myself in
the scene from what I remembered from my previous reading and I was able to
read/paraphrase the dialogue without having to keep my nose buried in the
script. I’m not sure why the director chose to deal with the actors in this way
for this audition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His reasons are not
clear to me, but I’m sure he had some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could have balked and asked to be given time to go out to review the scene,
which is usually the case in a situations such as this, but I got the feeling
that’s not what he wanted even though he was friendly and kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed to like what I did, and I really
didn’t feel particularly stressed over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe that all the voice-over work with last minute scripts and creating
“instant characters” helped keep this from being a disaster or at the very
least, extremely uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just
gave me another reason to say, “Thank goodness for voice over!”</span></div>
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Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-19795909751746063052012-07-25T13:32:00.000-05:002012-08-02T15:59:27.910-05:004 Reasons Why Voice Actors Lose Clients<br />
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As <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/" target="_blank">professional voice over talent</a>, we certainly want to
create and maintain our great client relationships. There are many things we can and must do to
grow our voice over business. When we
lose a long term client or simply don’t get repeat business from a new client,
there can be many reasons. Some of those reasons are out of our control: the client doesn’t really hire talent often,
they lose THEIR client, their client wants to change the gender, age, style of
the voices they use, etc. However,
sometimes, we might lose a client due to something we have or have not done.</div>
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The following is an article written by <a href="http://www.edgestudio.com/" target="_blank">Edge Studio</a>
addressing four common and likely culprits that might cause us to lose
clients. Do you see yourself neglecting
any of these areas? Have you let some
things slide due to keeping busy with other matters or just letting yourself
get off track?</div>
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Read the article, and double check yourself to make sure you’re
doing all you can to remain marketable and employable!</div>
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4 Reasons Why Voice Actors Lose Clients</div>
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<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The fact is, the voice over industry is continually evolving. So
if you don't evolve along with it, YOU'LL LOSE CLIENTS.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Voice talent continually ask for our help. They say, "I'm
getting less work than I used to." We ask why. They're either not sure, or
they guess it's because they've been battling allergies, their clients must
have wanted a new voice, there must be more competition, their demo may be
getting old, a new agent opened up in town,....... On and on.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">There Are 4 Reasons Why Voice Talent Start Losing Work. Read the
sections that pertain to you</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">-----</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #404040; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">Vocal Delivery: ARE YOU NO LONGER TRAINING?</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Story:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">A
while ago, one of our clients hired a student we had just trained to narrate a
large series of videos. They loved his voice.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Recently we hired him back to narrate another large project.
This time, he no longer sounded good. He lost a good client. I asked if he'd
been practicing. He said no.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">There are 3 reasons why CONTINUED TRAINING IS SO IMPORTANT:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">You can fall into bad habits (no one tells you why you lose
auditions!) Other voice talent will get better than you (watch out!) Clients
always need new styles (new styles for podcasts, self-guided tours,...)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Solution:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">At
minimum, work with a coach every other month to ensure you maintain.
Preferably, work with a coach every month to become better and offer more
clients more styles! Remember: your vocal delivery is your livelihood!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">-----</span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #404040; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">Home Studio Quality: ARE YOU RESISTANT TO TECHNOLOGY CHANGE?</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Story:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">A
voice talent sent me an audition recording. Their voice was PERFECT. But their
home studio quality wasn't. The client did not like them. (Note that some
clients CANNOT DIFFERENTIATE between poor home studio recording and poor vocal
performance.) After telling the talent this, she replied, "But this used
to be fine." Yes, 5 years ago, her quality was considered good for a home
studio. Today, however, clients are used to better quality.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Here are a few other examples of not keeping up with technology:
Talent ask if they can fed-ex a CD to me. "Huh?" Why can't they FTP
it to me? Or oftentimes we hear slight noises in recordings. Why? I guarantee
the talent will lose some work. Fall behind in technology, and your clients may
leave you behind.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Here are technology items to stay current with: equipment
(editing on old software is slower, so you charge more, and bid too high)
editing software / file type knowledge (unfamiliar with the new file extensions
for flash? this scares clients) delivery methods (still have "fed-ex"
on your rate card? you look outdated)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Solution:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Hire
someone to visit your studio once every 6 months for a tune-up. Have them
update your software, show you new editing features, check sound quality, and
set you up for new file types.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">-----</span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #404040; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">Marketing: ARE YOU COMPLACENT?</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Story:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">At
a recent voice over event, I was re-acquainted with a lot of old-timers who
told me, "I'm not getting the amount of work I used to get!" Funny, I
thought they hadn't marketed to me in years and subsequently I had forgotten
about them and how talented they are.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Trust me: there is a reason why major retailers (Honda, Sears,
McDonalds,...) continue to promote themselves. If they don't, competitors will
eventually take over. IT'S THE SAME THING IN VOICE OVER.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Many old-times got all their work from a few clients and/or
agents. But things change. Sometimes suddenly. Are you prepared? Or do you rely
on a few select clients (who could suddenly go out of business), and meanwhile
you're not prepared to market?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Here are marketing to stay current with:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">marketing frequency (do you think single marketing efforts are
still enough?) marketing types (do you think business cards are still all you
need?) marketing messages (still trying to be a jack of all trades?) marketing
quality (perforated edged, matrix printed business cards don't work today)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Solution:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">hire
someone who knows voice over marketing to review your business plan (do you
even have one? if you want to grow, you should have one). take a workshop at
edge or even at a local college.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">-----</span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #404040; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">Professionalism: ARE YOU BUSINESS-LIKE?</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Story:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">One
of our clients got VERY upset with a voice talent who we hired recently. So
upset, they chose to replace him with another talent! Obviously we won't hire
that talent anymore. But the weird thing is that the voice talent didn't even
realize what they did wrong!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Face it: our little industry has grown up. It's now a big,
professional industry complete with a set of do's and don't's. And sure, as
with anything, as time goes by, there are more and more changes. So for those
of you who are beginning your voice over career, you MUST LOOK PROFESSIONAL
from the start. And for those of you already immersed in the industry, you MUST
CONTINUE looking professional. If you don't, you chance losing clients.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">You MUST always stay on top of: appearing professional (the
jargon, the sequence of events,...) dealing with corporate types: knowing when
to ask which questions the general in's and out's of the industry the
ever-changing politics of the industry (unions, agents,....)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Solution:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Study
the industry. Speak with folks who are in it. Read books. DO WHAT YOU CAN to
come across business-like. This makes a BIG difference in the amount of work
you get.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.edgestudio.com/careerbuilding.htm"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Edge
Studio</span></a><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-53360571872359416792012-07-11T12:54:00.003-05:002012-07-30T11:27:36.193-05:00Voice Over CoachingWhile I am not currently coaching voice over (never say never!), I do hear from many prospective voice over performers who want information about how to get into voice over. I always direct them to the <a href="http://melaniehaynes.com/professional-voice-talent-how-to.php" target="_blank">How To Pages</a> on my web site. In those pages, I have tried to give a thorough, general overview of the voice over business, what you need to know, and what you need to do. You can scroll down to the bottom of that page for links to specific information on my site such as: <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://melaniehaynes.com/Voice-over-articulation-excersises.php" target="_blank">Voice Over - Articulation Exercises</a></li>
<li><a href="http://melaniehaynes.com/voice-over-how-to-read-copy.php">Voice Over - How To Read Copy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://melaniehaynes.com/voice-over-demo.php">Voice Over - Demo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://melaniehaynes.com/voice-over-talent-agent.php">Voice Over - Agents</a></li>
<li><a href="http://melaniehaynes.com/voice-over-talent.php">Voice Over - Talent</a></li>
<li><a href="http://melaniehaynes.com/voice-over-studio.php">Voice Over - Studio</a></li>
<li><a href="http://melaniehaynes.com/professional-voice-talent-how-to-for-beginners.php">Voice Over - Internet Professionals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://melaniehaynes.com/professional-voice-talent-how-to.php">Voice Over - Profesional Voice Talent</a></li>
</ul>
In addition to this information, there are blog posts numbered 1-10 scattered throughout my blog that discuss these items, including a discussion of <a href="http://voice-over-studio.blogspot.com/2011/11/voice-talent-advice-10-voice-over-coach.html" target="_blank">why it's important to work with a voice over coach</a>. <br />
<br />
Today, I was asked how one should go about finding a good coach. <span style="font-size: 100%;">Word
of mouth and referrals from working voice over talent are the best
means of locating those coaches who can truly give you what you need to
succeed. Then, you need to talk
with the coaches, which may require paying for an evaluation session in order to determine where you are, your potential, whether personality types mesh, and to see what
kind of a feeling you get for how this coach works and how they plan to
help you reach your goals. This is an important investment in your
career and not something to be taken lightly. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Some top notch voice over coaches that I have experience with are: <a href="http://www.braintracksaudio.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Wolfson</a>, </span> <a href="http://www.voiceacting.com/" target="_blank">James Alburger & Penny Abshire</a>, <a href="http://www.cashmancommercials.com/" target="_blank">Marc Cashman</a>, <a href="http://www.rodneysaulsberry.com/" target="_blank">Rodney Saulsberry</a>, <a href="http://www.provomaster.com/private_coaching" target="_blank">Jim Conlan</a>, and <a href="http://www.edgestudio.com/voice-over-class" target="_blank">Edge Studio</a>. All of these coaches work in person or remotely, if you do not live in their locale. <br />
<br />
Explore their web sites, get in touch with them, and find out who seems to be the best fit for you. And who knows, one of these days, I just may add my name to this list!Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05897170076234740909noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-47218005773768465402012-06-20T10:14:00.000-05:002012-06-27T11:44:08.411-05:00The Audiobook Challenge<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
There are a great many wonderful audiobook narrators out there with tons of experience. I am fortunate to have begun connecting with more and more of them via the <a href="http://www.audiopub.org/" target="_blank">APA</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/audiobookcommunity" target="_blank">Audiobook Community</a>, and I'm learning a great deal just following their discussions and posts. Although I've been a <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/" target="_blank">working professional voice over talent for over 20 years</a>, I'm new to this area of voice over. So, here, I feel almost like any new voice over talent. Granted, I already have the pro home studio. I've been recording and editing my own tracks for about 10 years - hard to believe it's been that long! I already know mic technique, have a good acoustical environment, and of course, know how to use my voice. I do have an acting background. In fact, I was an actress long before I ever thought of doing any voice over work, and as far as narrating books, in addition to reading constantly to my sons when they were little, I always volunteered to be the "mom reader" in all three of the boys' classes all through elementary school. It was such fun reading to the children, visiting their classes each week, and yes, even being made to feel like a celebrity by the adoring "fans" - students and teachers alike. :)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Now that I've decided to broaden my horizons by getting into narrating audiobooks, it would seem like just a natural next step after the years of commercials, corporate narrations, e-learning course narration, etc. I'm no stranger to long form narration, but it is not an easy transition to fiction, and at times it can be downright scary! There is so much more prep time involved. A narrator needs to read the book and determine the tone, mood, etc. In addition, I must note all the characters and determine the type of voice I will use while recording their dialogue, and I must sustain all this through the entire book. I must know and follow the recording and editing specs required by the client in addition to any and all <i>deadlines</i>.</div>
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While all of the extra preparation does take time, the real difficulty for me is finding the long stretches of time to actually record. I really need to be able to devote several hours at a time to get and stay in the mood and rhythm of the book. And then, of course, it all has to be edited which takes 3-4 times as long as the recording! This can be tricky while keeping up with a busy schedule of other types of recordings and often, last minute in person or ISDN sessions. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All that being said, it is very creatively rewarding to record an audiobook. My first audiobook was </span><a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B006L9BMVU&qid=1340127304&sr=1-1" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" target="_blank">The Call of the Wild by Jack London</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> for </span><a href="http://www.cherryhillpublishing.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Cherry Hill Publishing</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> last year. I am currently working on </span><u style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Four Window Girl or, How to Make More Money Than Men</u><span id="btAsinTitle" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> by Shepherd Mead (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) which is a fun "vintage" romp, circa 1959. Next, I'll be recording the classic, </span><u style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Little Women</u><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> by Louisa May Alcott.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not sure that I see a constant string of audiobook recordings in my immediate future, but I do believe it is something that I'd like to continue pursuing as my schedule permits. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05897170076234740909noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-4493579771818007542012-05-02T07:30:00.000-05:002012-05-02T10:17:20.199-05:00PBS Series Narration: A Nuclear FamilyIt's been an incredibly busy start to 2012! I apologize for not blogging in months (!) and I promise to really make an effort to keep up on a more regular basis. One of the voice over projects that I found most interesting over the past few months was a documentary series I narrated for PBS titled "A Nuclear Family". This series chronicles the beginnings and transformation of Y-12 National Security Complex at Oak Ridge, Tennessee from World War II until today. After airing on PBS, the episodes reside on the <a href="http://www.y12.doe.gov/library/gallery/video.php?mov=m2388_anf4&w=480&h=270&v=8">Y-12 website in their video library</a>. This is the promo for the 4th episode:<span id="goog_1991451986"></span><span id="goog_1991451987"></span><br />
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I found this documentary narration assignment particularly interesting because my grandfather helped to build the complex. He left his home in Kansas to temporarily live in the area and work on the facility. He was a steamfitter and, as everyone else working on and in the facility, he had no idea what he was working on until after it was finished. Narrating an important part of history that a family member shared in was particularly interesting and poignant for me. If you are at all interested in the era and the events of that time, I encourage you to visit the website and watch those particular videos.<br />
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I've also recently launched the newest version of <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/" target="_blank">my website</a>, including a brand new mobile version, as well as a new look for this blog! To me, the updates were long overdue, and I'm very happy with the results! Kudos to my talented son, Josh Petryk, for his creativity and especially his technical expertise! Watch for a link to his new website coming soon! In the meantime, if you are in need of a mobile version of your site or a complete new website, just let me know, and I'll put you in touch with him.Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05897170076234740909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-29806565384334729722011-12-17T12:34:00.002-06:002011-12-17T12:36:50.213-06:00Our Christmas Light Show!Had to share this awesome light show that my talented husband created!<br /><br /><object width="400" height="224"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/2566703324447"><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/2566703324447" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="224"></embed></object>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-11082241521294735982011-11-10T17:26:00.005-06:002011-11-10T18:14:17.481-06:00Voice Talent Advice # 10 - Voice Over Coach, A Necessity!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Although one of the Voice Over - How To pages on my web site is titled <a href="http://melaniehaynes.com/voice-over-how-to-read-copy.php">“How To Read Copy”</a>, it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">very </i>basic practice information for you and not in any way meant to be a substitute for working with a Professional Voice Over Coach!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I started working as a voice over talent, there weren’t as many people out there coaching voice over.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many voice over performers began as radio personalities or DJs and started doing voice over for commercials that way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some, like me, came from an acting background and migrated into the world of voice over.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And, yes, people had always told me I had a great voice, too, but then, as now, that is not nearly enough to help you become successful as a working voice over talent!</span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When I produced my first voice over demo, I found ad copy from magazines and other sources including radio station DJs who shared copy they had at the station.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I probably even picked up some from <a href="http://www.soundworks.com">Soundworks</a> - known as Cook Sound back then- where I was producing the demo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not having a coach, I relied on the expert guidance of the audio engineer who produced the demo to direct me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Later, I always created demos from snippets of spots I had actually recorded for clients. At the time, that was what everyone wanted to hear - actual work you had done.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today, everyone with any experience in voice over will tell you that it’s best to study with a qualified voice over coach and only create your first demo when you are ready. You can waste a lot of money producing a bad demo which may not help your career and could, in fact, end it before it begins! There’s just too much competition out there.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Agents will not want to represent you if you present them with a substandard demo, and producers will not want to hire you directly with it either.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So, how do you find a qualified voice over coach?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Word of mouth and referrals from working voice over talent are the best means of locating those coaches who can truly give you what you need to succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then, you need to talk with the coaches, which may require paying for a session in some cases, in order to determine whether personality types mesh and to see what kind of a feeling you get for how this coach works and how they plan to help you reach your goals. This is an important investment in your career.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Getting into voice over requires an investment, especially if you intend to build your own home studio as well. (More about that in another blog!)<br /></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you’re still not convinced that you need a voice over coach to give yourself the best shot at succeeding in voice over, please know that after over 25 years as a professional working voice over talent, I studied with coach Nancy Wolfson, of <a href="http://braintracksaudio.com/">Braintracks Audio</a> in order to stay current and in top form.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In addition, I have worked with others in workshops and tele-seminars.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You always need to keep learning. In my blog post titled <a href="http://voice-over-studio.blogspot.com/2011/06/im-not-voice-over-talent-agent.html#comments">“I’m Not a Voice Over Agent”</a>, I list Nancy’s link as well as links to other reputable voice over coaches I know.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>I hope this helps you on your journey into voice over! </span></p>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-9476529001432568302011-07-07T11:52:00.004-05:002011-07-07T12:50:42.559-05:00Voice Over Advice: Redundancy is a good thing - especially when it comes to your computer!!We usually try not to be redundant. But when it comes to our computers and important documents, pictures, and audio files it's a VERY good thing! I was reminded of that last week when my computer became infected with a serious virus even though we have a very formidable firewall. The virus attaches itself to some other benign file which you download and then wreaks havoc on your computer. All of a sudden, it appears that your hard drive is full and a window pops up as if it's from Windows which runs a scan, "detects" many issues with your hard drive, and offers to "fix" it. Even though I knew better than to follow through with this, it was impossible to close the window, and once my computer was shut down, it would not boot up again. It's called Windows XP Repair virus, and more about this particular virus can be found at http://www.2-viruses.com/remove-windows-xp-repair.<br /><br />While this did put my computer out of commission for a couple of days, we were able to copy all of my files from the hard drive onto another drive before attempting to remove the virus. There was nothing wrong with the hard drive and only minimal files are kept on it. All of my important documents and audio files are stored on my server - which backs up daily to another server. Of course, we had to reload the programs I use, but it did give us the opportunity to do some housecleaning as well.<br /><br />I have intended for awhile to have another hard drive waiting in the wings to take over in case mine should fail, and this has only emphasized the need to keep a back up with current information ready to go at all times making it even easier and quicker to get up and running in short order.<br /><br />To further complicate things, I was scheduled to leave town just the day after this happened. Actually, since it's hard for me to leave town knowing I might miss something, it did have the effect of making me feel better about leaving since it was impossible to record on my own anyway. I was still able to record via ISDN before leaving even though I had to read the script from my iPhone! My FAX machine came in handy, too. Where there's a will there's a way to make it happen for dedicated <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com">voice over talent</a>!<br /><br />I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have multiple back ups of your hard drive contents and all of your important documents, pictures, and audio files! Keep it all safe, and be prepared.Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-68873711530889022342011-06-27T15:34:00.003-05:002011-06-27T15:45:03.267-05:00Melanie Haynes Southern & Texas Voice Over DemoAn agency just requested a "Southern" demo, so I just put together some spots I've done with a Southern or Texas dialect. One or two of them are on my generic <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/demos/Character_Demo_lo.mp3">Character Demo</a>, too. Always fun digging through old spots looking for the right thing to use on a demo. It used to be that everyone recommended only making your demo with actual work that you've done, but that doesn't seem to be the trend anymore. Of course, you have much more control when building a demo from scratch.....sometimes, there just isn't time for that, though. It does help to keep a library of your voice over work for times like these - neatly organized in folders on your computer or server. It's not always easy to get copies of the finished spots, but it's sure worth a try!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/owSpg2E5LU0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="480"></iframe>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-33616608749337315052011-06-26T12:08:00.004-05:002011-06-26T12:18:24.965-05:00Melanie Haynes Medical Commercial Voice Over DemoI've done quite a few medical commercials in addition to other <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/commercial-voice-over.php">commercial voice overs</a>. I just created and uploaded a new Medical Commercial demo to You Tube:<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jYHT1HQjL6w" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-73320047447958211922011-06-17T14:24:00.003-05:002011-06-17T14:32:20.342-05:00What does it mean to be a Successful Voice Over Talent?Bill DeWees shares another of his voice over videos on being successful as a voice over talent. Good points and interesting info. I enjoy watching Bill's videos and find that he's no nonsense when it comes to running your <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/">voice over</a> business.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AwZtgOi2tKI" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="640"></iframe>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-16100603975286439162011-06-02T23:35:00.004-05:002011-06-03T00:14:37.490-05:00I'm Not a Voice Over Talent Agent!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">Almost daily, I receive calls and emails from prospective voice over performers looking for an agent. I'm not a voice over talent agent. I talk about agents in the "How To" pages on my web site and in my blog posts, so I think my <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com">voice over talent web site</a> may be picked up by the search engines because of that. <br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">If you are truly interested in pursuing voice over as a career, I'd suggest you read my "<a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/professional-voice-talent-how-to.php">How To</a>" pages on my web site and also my blog posts. I hope those pages and my posts will be of some help to you – at least point you in the right direction. I have received many appreciative emails and calls from prospective talent thanking me for the quality and depth of information I have provided free of charge on my web site and blog.<span style=""> </span>I’m happy to help with some basic advice.<span style=""> </span>I do appreciate receiving emails from prospective talent as opposed to phone calls.<span style=""> </span>I spend much of my day recording in my audio booth, and I cannot often take time out of a busy day to go through a step by step process of how to get started in this business.<span style=""> </span>That’s one of the reasons I have provided the information which is accessible at any time on my web site and in my blog posts. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">To begin your journey, you need to understand that it's not just about having a great or unusual voice that counts, but what you do with that voice and how you market yourself! <br /><br />Those of us who work as voice over artists study and work hard continually honing our craft and marketing ourselves just to work and survive in this business. However, there are many talented people who do that and still do not make a living at voice over. Also, realistically, getting started by taking classes, making demos, marketing, building a web site, creating your own voice over studio, etc., requires an outlay of approximately $4,000 - $5,000. All things to be considered......</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">It is best to work with a voice over coach (in person or via phone!) in order to make sure you are ready to create a demo and start distributing it. The last thing you want to do is create a demo before you are ready. It will not serve you well in trying to get an agent or trying to get work. There are many good voice over coaches out there who are willing to work via telephone if you do not live in their area. Several coaches that I have personal experience with are: <a href="http://www.braintracksaudio.com">Nancy Wolfson</a>, <a href="http://www.voiceacting.com">James Alburger & Penny Abshire</a> , <a href="http://www.cashmancommercials.com">Marc Cashman</a> , and <a href="http://www.rodneysaulsberry.com">Rodney Saulsberry</a> <span style=""> </span>If you contact them, please tell them I referred you.<span style=""> </span>I don’t make any commission for referrals, but I just like them to know that I’m thinking of them!<br /><br />Do your homework, find a good coach, and dig in! All the best to you in your pursuit of a career in voice over!<br /></p>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-64633868792183971222011-05-17T10:09:00.001-05:002011-05-17T10:10:56.591-05:00Email Newsletters - Good Idea or Bad?My first ever <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com">voice over</a> email newsletter. Good idea or not? I was never sure.... On the one hand, I like to keep in touch with clients and let them know what I've been doing - hoping to stay front of mind when they are casting. On the other hand, I don't want to be a pest. I don't plan to send updates often, but still, I would never want to clutter anyone's inbox. Of course, they can opt out, but that's just one more step for them to take if they're already annoyed.<br /><br />Any thoughts on the true effectiveness of emailing newsletters to clients?<br /><br /><a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Melanie-Haynes.html?soid=1105531001782&aid=iprO4AaU0j8">http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Melanie-Haynes.html?soid=1105531001782&aid=iprO4AaU0j8</a>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-29634337580088748182011-05-10T14:43:00.003-05:002011-05-10T14:53:44.122-05:00How Much Money Can You Make In Voice Overs?This video,<span style="font-size:85%;"><span id="eow-title" class="" dir="ltr" title="Anatomy of a "Winning" Week Recording Voice Overs"> Anatomy of a "Winning" Week Recording Voice Overs, </span></span>by Bill DeWees is a down to earth look at a successful, working voice over performer. I've found many of the same things to be true in my <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com">voice over business</a> as far as diversity in clientele, staying connected, marketing, and hiring help when you need it!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mmttfmkv_uw" allowfullscreen="" width="640" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-13702857570135433622011-04-18T08:50:00.003-05:002011-04-18T09:02:48.885-05:00Voice Over "Salad"Interesting and helpful VO news and information posted by <span class="prs fwb"></span>Dave Courvoisier in his blog <a href="http://networkedblogs.com/gMxUL">Salmagundi :</a><br /><br />Salmagundi "…a hodgepodge or mix of widely disparate things…” usually in relation to a salad presentation, but I was just tired of the word “potpourri”. <p>You would truly have to be living in a cave to NOT feel the wave of VO information washing over you these days. However, I know there are some social media holdouts among you, so the following is a quick list of links and summaries of some “disparate things” I found on the internet lately that defy categorization other than “VO Salmagundi”.</p> <p>1) VO friend <a href="http://mattcowlrick.com/" target="_blank">Matt Cowlrick</a> dropped a link on FB about <a href="http://dawbox.com/" target="_blank">DAWBox.com</a>. Interesting and simple site revealing what looks like a diagram for a whisper room.</p> <p>3) Speaking of which, another VO acquaintance, just finished his new recording studio, and he posted a video of it on YouTube: See <a href="http://www.ukvoiceoverguy.com/" target="_blank">Darren Altman’s </a>new digs at this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6vjUYmuGFE" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a>.</p> <p>3) Dan Friedmann of ProComm writes to say: “…Just wanted to announce that SOUNDADVICEVO and SOUNDADVICE – Voiceover have changed to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sound4VO/114113278668866" target="_blank">SOUND4VO</a>! He’s referring to his FaceBook page. Dan’s a good one to stay on top of. He’s written a book with great advice about audio production, and he was a big hit at <a href="http://www.faffcon.com/" target="_blank">FaffCon</a><a href="http://www.faffcon.com/">2</a>.</p> <p>4) Stephen James Smith directs your attention to NOLA by saying: <em>TO non-profits worldwide seeking voice actors pro bono for PSAs: NOLA Voice Talent is here to help</em>. Check out the <a href="http://www.nolavoicetalent.org/" target="_blank">NOLA Voice Talent Foundation</a>. Maybe you can help.</p> <p>5) <a href="http://www.synthopia.com/" target="_blank">Synthopia</a> is offering a <a href="http://www.synthtopia.com/content/category/computer-music/free-sample-library-computer-music/" target="_blank">free library of 1,000 free sound files and loops</a> (and there are other free offers on this page). As far as I can tell there are no strings attached to this offer.</p> <p>6) <a href="http://podcast.wor710.com/wor/2886980.MP3" target="_blank">Click here to listen to WOR’s Valerie Smaldone’s podcast featuring an interview with top Vo Pro Joe Cipriano.</a></p> <p>7) Cair0, Egypt-based VO talent <a href="http://www.voiceoveruniverse.com/profiles/blogs/tajis-embarassing-twitter" target="_blank">Mahmoud Taji posts his Embarrassing Twitter Confessions</a> on VU, which is actually an excellent review of Twitter/Social Media etiquette.</p> <p>8) <a href="http://www.backstage.com/bso/content_display/news-and-features/e3i63bf1284006b3956530ee4872f446166" target="_blank">A Backstage.com article on whether SAG and AFTRA </a>will <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><em><strong>finally</strong></em></span> merge.</p> <p>9) OK, I think that’s about all I got…Oh!…one final thought: Do you keep a public calendar of your VO appointments so that potential clients can see your availability? That’s a suggestion made to me by the owner of a voice over studio, expressing frustration about scheduling.</p><p>Thanks for such a great recap, Dave!<br /></p><a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com">Melanie Haynes</a>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-15636030497076972762011-04-16T08:42:00.004-05:002011-04-17T08:58:33.790-05:00Dan's Two Cents - Worth Much, Much More!<div class="post"> <h4>An excellent article from Dan(Daniel Eduardo) Hurst!<br /></h4><h4><a href="http://danhurst.com/posts/the-brutal-truth">THE BRUTAL TRUTH</a></h4> <small>Published April 15, 2011</small> <div class="post-content"> <p>A young man I know that’s trying to break into the voiceover business asked me what advice I might give him.</p> <p>There are a lot of websites that have lots of information on them about this very topic. There is so much information that needs to be considered when you go into this business, and I don’t need to rehash what so many others have already said so well. Google the subject. You’ll find barrels of info.</p> <p>However, there are five things that I’ve found extremely important as I’ve grown my voiceover business. I’m not being mean here, I’m just stating the brutal truth.</p> <p>1. It’s a business, not a hobby.</p> <p>I’m always amazed at the folks who try to make it in this business who treat it as a hobby, yet expect to deal with people for whom it is a business. I mean, think about it. Why would I trust my project that is part of my full-time business effort to a hobbyist?</p> <p>If you’re going to make it in this business, invest in it! Get some training. Get some decent equipment and learn how to use it. Work hard at it. Treat it as your job.</p> <p>Or get out of the road.</p> <p>2. It’s a small person that carries a big grudge.</p> <p>Let’s face it. Business is tough. You will run in to a lot of people that will take advantage of you if you give them the chance. And sometimes you will get stung. Learn to be smart, aware, and cautious, but don’t let the stings make you bitter and angry. Nobody wants to do business with people like that.</p> <p>The people that try to take advantage of you are not going to contribute to your success. Quit taking their phone calls and delete their emails.</p> <p>3. Always drink upstream from the herd.</p> <p>I often get asked how I manage to get some of the great voice jobs that come my way. The answer is simple: you find them where they are. Looking for them where everyone else is looking for them is herd mentality. Looking for the little jobs that get through the herd…well, that’s just drinking downstream.</p> <p>But if you go upstream, where the herd hasn’t been, you’ll find lots of fresh opportunities.</p> <p>4. Plow around the stump.</p> <p>There are some things you just shouldn’t do. If you’re not a movie trailer voice, quit jumping in that puddle. If you’re not a fluent reader, quit pretending that you can do long-form narrations and audio books. If you don’t know how to act, quit acting like you’re acting.</p> <p>In other words, do what you do well. Because if you don’t, you’ll get a reputation for not being very good at what you’re not very good at.</p> <p>And finally,</p> <p>5. Your biggest problem watches you from your mirror every morning.</p> <p>You’re the one that’s going to make the right decisions or wrong decisions about your business every day. Your success or failure isn’t up to anyone else.</p> <p>You’re business isn’t going to make it or fail because of someone else’s choices. If they don’t choose you to do a job, it’s still up to you to find someone that does want your service.</p> <p>All you’re doing everyday in this business is selling and delivering a product. Regardless of what some sales gurus have taught, your clients aren’t buying you, they’re buying your product. If your product doesn’t measure up to what the client needs, no matter how much they like you, you’re out of work. That means your product has to be exactly what the client is looking for. And that means you need to focus on your best product, go sell it, and deliver it on time.</p> <p>So, there’s my advice. And it’s only worth what it accomplishes.</p><p><br /></p><p>Reprinted with permission here by <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/">Melanie Haynes</a><br /></p> </div> </div>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-19960860801242202622011-04-09T14:07:00.001-05:002011-04-09T14:09:23.818-05:00Melanie Haynes Voiceover Corporate Narration Demo.wmv<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TULA3SrmhMM?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com">Melanie Haynes Female Voice Talent</a>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-12312116089594769972011-04-06T18:31:00.002-05:002011-04-06T18:42:13.139-05:00Free Marketing Listing on ThumbtackCheck out my <a href="http://www.thumbtack.com/profile/widgets?s=155633#"></a><a href="http://www.thumbtack.com/Professional-Voice-Over-Talent-Houston-TX/service/155633">Professional Voice Over Services Listing</a> on <a href="http://www.thumbtack.com">Thumbtack</a>! It's free!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thumbtack.com/Professional-Voice-Over-Talent-Houston-TX/service/155633">Professional Voice Over Talent</a><br /><br />Thanks to Randy Kaye for sharing the info!Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-34317429509393835812011-04-04T08:47:00.003-05:002011-04-04T08:54:48.311-05:00Zombie Alley - The Story<span class="agText"></span><h3><span><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span><i style=""><span style=""><a href="http://www.zombiealleythemovie.com">Zombie Alley</a> </span></i><i><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></i>A meteor falls from Outer Space and Momma, (the moo-moo wearing, shotgun toting, brains of the operation) and Earl (her greasy, dead beat mechanic son), find the rock, discover it has highly addictive properties, take it back to their auto shop and make white trash meth out of it, which starts a zombie apocalypse."<br /><br />This fun Rock and Roll/Horror/Comedy follows a struggling rock band as they wrestle with drugs, sex, rock and roll…and our own unique twist on Zombies and the monster genre, the mutated Momma, Earl, and their “Juicehead” lackeys as they ravage the town and spread the infection in their attempt to build their Evil Auto Empire.</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><br />Yes, I play Momma - quite a departure from my normal persona, of course. Should be fun! Just waiting to hear a few more details before filming starts later this month. If all goes as planned, I'll be working on location for this, and I have my remote audio set up ready to go. So, I'll be able to record <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com/voice-over-services.php">voice over work</a> practically from the set! Great deal, huh?Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-79124690868690807522011-04-03T15:13:00.000-05:002011-04-03T15:13:55.921-05:00Melanie Haynes Voiceover Commercial Demo.wmv<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Opy6CAvHLU4?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-65883608608144113622011-03-31T11:26:00.004-05:002011-03-31T12:58:10.312-05:00Cold Calling - Sharing an article from Maxine DunnHere's and excellent article written by Maxine Dunn in her weekly newsletter, <span><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;" ><span style="color: rgb(192, 88, 109); font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;font-family:Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif;font-size:100%;color:#c0586d;" ><span style="font-size: 24pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs026/1103390819180/archive/1103476544915.html">The Creative Business Advisor</a>, regarding Cold Calling. <br /><span style="font-size: 18pt; color: rgb(47, 29, 131);"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Feature Article</span></span><br /><a name="LETTER.BLOCK10"></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;" > <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(170, 0, 120);">Anatomy of a Successful Cold Call </span></span><br />by Maxine Dunn<br /><br />First, let's just get clear: What is a "cold call?" A cold call is a telephone call that you make to someone you do not know to ask for information, make a request, or offer a product or service.<br /><br />For some reason the term "cold call" has received a bum rap as of late. While it's true that your website should be pre-qualifying leads (customers and clients) for you, I firmly believe that reaching out to people by phone should be an integral part of any entrepreneur's marketing strategy. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Some of my biggest-grossing client relationships - clients for whom I've been working steadily for years - started off with a cold call from me.</span></span><br /></div><br />Even if you're not interested in creating a branch of your marketing strategy that includes calling prospective clients on the phone, there will still be times in your life where you have to pick up the phone and call someone you don't know to ask for information or help. Knowing how to handle yourself in that situation will be an asset to your business and subsequently to your bottom line.<br /><br />First, I want you to let go of the idea that the purpose of a cold call is to get an appointment. Forget the "sales objective" training modules that lead you through a step-by-step trajectory to "get the sale." People do business with people they know, like, and trust, and your cold call is opening the door and initiating that relationship. My techniques will make your cold-calling experience easy and fun. You'll be amazed at how much better your prospective clients respond as a result of following these guidelines.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(170, 0, 120);">1. Adjust your expectations </span><br /></span><br />Make your cold-calling expectations easy-to-meet. If your expectations are to "make a sale" or actually even reach the person you're calling, you may well be disappointed.<br /><br />Decide that your #1 goal for the call is simply to have a pleasant conversation with whoever you get on the phone. That's it! Even if you just speak to the receptionist for thirty seconds, your sole objective is to make the conversation pleasant and enjoyable. See how much easier the call is already?<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(170, 0, 120);">2. Be prepared - part A</span></span><br /><br />Know a lot about who you're calling. Research their website. Watch every demo reel. Read every bio. Read reviews. Know their company's history. What products they make. If they use your type of products or services. Their business hours. Their location. Everything.<br /><br />Being knowledgeable about the person and company you're calling is not only respectful and professional, you'll be able to ask intelligent, spontaneous questions and give informed responses in your conversation.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(170, 0, 120);">3. Be prepared - part B</span></span><br /><br />Write out an outline or a brief "script" of what information you'd like to share and what information you're calling to discover. This is not a "pitch" that you read. Having an outline of the important points you'd like to convey will help keep you succinct, on track, and prevent too many of those fumbling-for-words moments you might experience if nerves take over.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(170, 0, 120);">4. Be respectful</span><br /></span><br />If you hear phones ringing in the background or get put on hold immediately by a hurried-sounding receptionist, pay attention! If you can tell it's not a good time to call then get off the phone. You can simply say, "I was calling for Bill Russell but it sounds like you're super busy right now. Would it be better if I call back later?" <br /><br />You will amazed at how showing empathy for the person on the other end of the phone will immediately soften their tone of voice, allow them to relax momentarily, and will very probably get you transferred right away.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(170, 0, 120);">5. Be sincere</span></span><br /><br />I want you to talk into the phone as if your best friend is sitting in front of you. I want you to be totally engaged and present. Do not multi-task when you are on the phone. Listen. Care. People can sense when you're just politely listening and waiting for them to finish so you can speak. They can tell when you're reading from a script and not being sincere. Really, really, listen and respond as if you're responding to a friend you care deeply about.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(170, 0, 120);"><br />6. Ask for what you want</span></span><br /><br />After following the previous steps, simply ask for what you want. Simple. Clear. No hidden agenda. Direct, short sentences are best. "Would you prefer to receive my CD in the mail or would you like me to email you the link to my site?" "What do you suggest is the best way to submit my article to your office?" People (even big, C-level corporate types) like short, honest, direct questions with no "salesy" agenda.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(170, 0, 120);"><br />7. Get off the phone first</span></span><br /><br />This is self-explanatory. Do not be rambling on so long that your prospective client finally has to say, "...well, I really have to get back to work here..." Make certain you end the call first. That way they'll be more likely to take your calls in the future when they know you won't be taking up too much of their time.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(170, 0, 120);"><br />8. Stay organized</span></span><br /><br />During or after your conversation, take detailed notes: The name of the person who answered the phone. The date and time of your call. Details that were mentioned in the call. Did they just get back from vacation? Is the office being remodeled? Did they mention they had a project coming up in six weeks that could use your services? Keep extremely detailed records of your call so you can refer back to talking points if you need to. When you get your prospective client on the phone the second time and you remember to ask how his son's soccer game went, they'll practically faint. Rarely do people remember important information. Stand out. Be organized. And pay attention to the smallest details.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(170, 0, 120);">9. Follow up</span></span><br /><br />The fortune is in the follow-up. Remember, you are developing a relationship. And be very patient. Sometimes it can take a couple of weeks or five or more phone calls to reach the person you want to talk to. Make sure you factor in marketing time in your business day for your follow-ups. Keep in touch with your prospective clients by mail, e-mail, fax or phone. If you say you're going to call back next Tuesday at 10:00 am, then call back next Tuesday at 10:00 am. Touch base to see if they have received what you sent, have any questions, or would like any additional information. Send a thank-you note with a Starbuck's gift-card to the receptionist who was so helpful on those five different occasions. Keep in touch!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Making phone calls to prospective clients can be fun, exciting, and rewarding - it's all in how you approach it. So remember to:<br /> </span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">· change your expectations - make it about having great conversations, not making a sale</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">· be prepared, Part A - know a lot about who you're calling</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">· be prepared, Part B - write out an outline or brief script so you can stay on track and not ramble</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">· soften your approach - be sincere and respectful </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">· be patient and gently persistent - know that relationship building takes time and be okay with that</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">· keep highly detailed records - your conversations are gold-mines of information</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">· follow up, follow up, and then follow up again</span><br /><br /><br />I guarantee that if you follow my guidelines you'll discover that not only can cold calls be a wonderful way to introduce yourself to new clients and customers, they are a great way to get you out of your comfort zone while developing a very important entrepreneurial skill-set.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">* * * * * </span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">© 2010 Maxine Dunn<br /><br />Reprinted with her permission by <a href="http://www.melaniehaynes.com">Melanie Haynes</a><br /></span></span>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-11396290528633213852011-03-21T22:40:00.001-05:002011-03-21T22:40:58.107-05:00Niko Red Star, Zombie Alley<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_eNF68C9anc&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_eNF68C9anc&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298772653427924176.post-57191986739456230782011-03-20T17:00:00.000-05:002011-03-20T17:02:05.097-05:00New Movie Project - Zombie Alley<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><iframe src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/widget/22668" width="210px" height="400px" frameborder="1" scrolling="no"></iframe></span>Voice Over Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02965695997534125924noreply@blogger.com0