Bobbin's Blog

Podcast/ Interview with Andy Boyns from Voice 2010

2010-07-29T03:23:00Z

I am honored to say that my voiceover friend from Istanbul, Andy Boyns, who interviewed me at the Voice 2010 conference after a long afternoon presentation has published the audio as part of his "Person Behind The Voice" podcast series.

The interview was probably recorded at not such an opportune time. We were both pretty tired, I was feeling pretty "off the cuff" (not very articulate) and hoarse from talking...a LOT, but it works.

Here is the link in all its glory .

After listening and reading...I commented on his blog:

Hi Andy,
It was my pleasure to meet and speak with you and be part of your podcast. I must say we were both pretty tired by the time you recorded this segment. Some parts make me laugh and squirm! Thank you for the opportunity here, and for all the wonderful "treasure trove" of sound bites from all of the fantastic voiceover artists you've interviewed! You are truly creating an archive of vast experiences, which will be of service for voice actors for years to come.

Lunchin' with the VO Ladies

2010-07-24T02:50:00Z

Today was fun! I did some recording in the morning for Hilton, State Farm and some others, and then actually had a chance to venture out of the booth and head out to have lunch with my voiceover pals, Connie Terwilliger from San Diego and Larissa Gallagher a transplanted Aussie visiting the area by way of Washington, from D.C., where she's lived for 3 years.

And did we "talk shop"? Only a little bit. A lot of laughs, too.

Thanks, ladies! I had a wonderful time.

Voiceover Scam Alert

2010-07-21T14:33:00Z

Another Day, another scam...this one targeting voiceover actors

Scams run rampant on the web. We've all been aware of or have received the old Nigerian schemes where you could stand to gain millions of dollars from some dead king's fortune inherited by a guy needing to shelter the money from rogue or corrupt governments, if you'll only cough up some bucks to make the bank arrangements.....yada yada yada.

So many unsuspecting folks get fleeced, which is why I suppose these scams continue to proliferate. And now they've morphed into a somewhat sophisticated, almost convincing cloak of legitimacy.

This morning I read about a new one circulating from two different resources involving a TV commercial for voiceover for a "Hybrid Energy Drink" in the voiceover yahoo group I subscribe to, and at VoiceoverXtra.

Be sure you look at the Voiceover Xtra article!!!!

I was contacted too in the last two weeks. Same deal here, but from a "Frank Mayfield".

I am pretty good at sniffing these scam things out, but since there was a detailed script that included specs, direction and timing that arrived with the Energy Drink copy, and other factors, like "Mayfield" sounded and wrote in good English grammar, and seemed to pose pretty well as a production coordinator-- I accepted the gig with reservations, because I've seem plenty of scams. I too sent an invoice in advance that was forwarded to a Mr. Arola.

In my last email to Mr. Mayfield, I requested payment in advance via paypal, certified bank check or money order, or cash ONLY in the amount of the talent fee. If check was indeed to be sent, I would wait several weeks to be sure it cleared. I wasn't holding my breath, nor was I too excited about being cast as the "lead voice".

In reading this today, my suspicions are confirmed.
But I have to say, the level of sophistication with scams like this one has improved. I have been able to spot 'em a mile away. With this one however, the perp's ability to write in clear English (no grammar or typo issues) and posturing himself convincingly as someone knowledgeable in production gave me pause to question the motives! Plus the script looked legit.

It is a huge service to our industry to call this one out everywhere on the web, so no one falls prey. BEWARE!

Thanks to the Reader's Digest 2010 Podcast Team!

2010-07-20T03:20:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2010

Bobbin Beam Announces 2010 Reader’s Digest Podcast Team for AIRSLA

Escondido, CA: Bobbin Beam, voice actress and production coordinator for monthly Reader’s Digest podcasts, has announced the latest lineup of readers.

Several of America’s best known voice actors quietly give the gifts of their time and talents each month to record Reader’s Digest Articles for the blind for the AIRSLA website, based in Los Angeles. The AIRS website - which stands for Audio Internet Reading Service of Los Angeles (AIRS), offers an Internet-based radio station that broadcasts to visually impaired individuals. In the past, radio reading services have used FM radio sub carriers as a broadcast medium. AIRS uses the Internet because coverage is accessible world-wide. Programs can be received on any computer or, by those who do not use a computer, through an Internet radio.

The monthly podcasts co-produced by voice actress Bobbin Beam , remain a production of voice-overs.com can be heard at http://airsla.org/readers_digest.asp,

Featured voices include: Harlan Hogan , Larry Wayne , Julie Williams , DC Goode , Janet Ault, Connie Terwilliger , September Day Leach, Doug Turkel , Dave Courvoisier , Colin Campbell , Dave Shropshire , and Kara Edwards .

Many thanks to the Team! It's my honor to work with you!

The Success Creed

2010-07-14T17:12:00Z

Bob Fraser, based in Hollywood, is an actor, director, writer, producer, acting coach, and author of "You Must Act! The Bible of Acting" Success."

For me, he is a trusted resource from time to time for handy materials, books, and career guidance.

Here's a little inspiration that arrived in today's email.

The Success Creed ...by Bob Fraser

This is a short 'exercise' that can help you to get

where you want to go.

Simply say these words each day - until they become

second nature.

Does it work? You bet.

* * * * *

I have decided to succeed.

I now know that this decision is critical - it will

determine the results I get.

Furthermore, I have decided to succeed wildly.

I will make enough money to become financially secure

and comfortable - with plenty left over to do good

and make a real difference in the lives of people I

love.

Because I know that it takes just as much effort to

think big as it does to think small - I will think

big. I will also work hard - very hard.

Success that is permanent and sustained will require

massive effort on my part.

Overnight success is a fiction.

I cannot plan for fictional success.

Reality is not optional.

The secret to achieving my goals is my own belief that

I can do it. Once I am in this frame of mind, I have

already won.

All that remains to do is to execute my plan.

It's not what I achieve in the end that matters - it's

who I become in the process.

Failure is just an event.

(Repeat as needed.)

* * * * *

Thank you Bob!

Voice 2010 Photo Gallery Online

2010-07-14T02:12:00Z

Hey Everyone,
I am freshly back from 12 glorious days in Wisconsin. The weather cooperated, I had a ball and I've posted my pics in a Facebook album and if you're one of my friends there, go here . Now I believe I can stay sane for another six months!

Speaking of pics, I've just spent some time re-living the many wonderful moments of the Voice 2010 conference.

Here's the link to view (and download) the photos.

http://www.voiceacting.com/gallery/VOICE2010

All images are free to download. Use Right Click to SAVE IMAGE AS. Select Large (above image) for best quality. Free images are at a reduced size and resolution - but they are still very good.

If you want high- resolution, you can buy them also. Info is at the url above.
Enjoy!

Up, Up, and Away

2010-06-29T17:34:00Z

I write as I sit at the airport, awaiting my flight for Milwaukee that leaves in an hour. I'll actually be on vacation for nearly two weeks. I am really looking forward to this one.

I've been working super hard and it's been a great year so far, but as I revealed to my peers and my director in my acting class last night, I'm feeling kind of "beat". So much so that I've been feeling like some kind of cold or allergy is trying to hunt me down, because I'm feeling rather run down. So much so that my back has been in spasms, screaming for me to slow down. This year has had tons of work-hours, and weekends. I was jubilant yesterday after finishing a 10 course e-learning program that took two months to complete.

So, it's the middle of the year. And it's a great time to take off for a while. I'm going back to the "Mother Country". My "home" is Wisconsin, where we own a second home, and where old friends and family remain. I couldn't convince any of them to move to California.

Yup, Wisconsin in summer is one of the best places on earth. Sitting down at the lakeshore after a day of swimming, skiing, hiking, a canoe ride, cranking up some tunes and having a barbeque and bonfire. Perhaps also enjoying a glass of Milwaukee's finest and hanging out until after dark (at 9:30PM), or until the mosquitoes bother us too much.

Maybe I'll read, or play some golf. And partake of the four food-groups there: Your sausages, your sweets, your cheeses, and your beers. Ha! Of yes, and don't forget the Friday Fish-fry.
Frozen custard from the Kiltie drive in is to die for! Think that's exactly where we'll go tonight for din-din.

Yes, I've packed my laptop and my portable booth, but for the most part I'm checking out for a while, and will continue to work on my craft in other, quieter, and subtle ways.

Taking vacation is a necessary thing to do. I'm grateful I can do it. And I look forward to my return in a couple of weeks, but for now, I'll enjoy the moments and the opportunitiies to relax.

I know I know. You can take the girl outta Wisconsin, but you can't take Wisconsin out of the girl.

Don LaFontaine Voiceover Lab Opening

2010-06-26T02:40:00Z

SAG Foundation Don La Fontaine Voiceover Lab

Congratulations to all the fine souls who helped to build the Don LaFontaine Voiceover Lab, whicn opens today!
If you happen to be around right now,
See the live feed!
http://www.sagfoundation.org/actorscenter/lafontaine/opening

To see photos of the the lab:

Big kudos to Paul Pape (Don's best friend), Joe Cipriano ,, and to my friend, engineer George Whittam .

Vitamins for the Mind

2010-06-25T02:53:00Z

I am a big fan of this guy's thought process, rest his soul. Enjoy.

Vitamins for the Mind
by Jim Rohn

Discipline

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.

We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.

All disciplines affect each other. Mistakenly the man says, “This is the only area where I let down.” Not true. Every letdown affects the rest. Not to think so is naive.

Discipline is the foundation upon which all success is built. Lack of discipline inevitably leads to failure.

Discipline has within it the potential for creating future miracles.

The best time to set up a new discipline is when the idea is strong.

One discipline always leads to another discipline.

Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion.

You don’t have to change that much for it to make a great deal of difference. A few simple disciplines can have a major impact on how your life works out in the next 90 days, let alone in the next 12 months or the next 3 years.

The least lack of discipline starts to erode our self-esteem.

A Glimpse into “The Compound Effect”

2010-06-24T03:31:00Z

A Glimpse into “The Compound Effect”

I was inspired recently by Darren Hardy’s “The Compound Effect ”. Darren Hardy is the publisher of Success Magazine and I recently listened to an excerpt from his forthcoming book by the same name.

The high points:

Be a thought leader, or listen to/follow those who are thought leaders
Define your goals by placing your personal achievement into action
Talk about things that matter to people who care
Truth is not new, it’s old!

Success is all about being able to do about a half-dozen things really well. These things will be laborious, tedious and slow to complete; requiring discipline and commitment. Success is all about hard-core fundamentals.

Slow consistency is the key to success. Do not make excuses. Although you may encounter disadcantages to the path you take, just work harder and smarter.

It is no great achievement to go along with the crowd. Discipline and commitment results in responsibility for one’s own actions Do not expect a simple fix for hard and consistent work.

Like the old adage: "Slow and steady wins the race"

Layin' it Down (Happy Summer)

2010-06-23T04:26:00Z

Wow, it's the first whole day of summer. I spent most of the waking hours in my booth. And I'm still smiling.

I must confess, I've been lacking in the Blogosphere Department. I cannot believe how crazy busy this entire year has been. My days are recording, and many evenings I am otherwise occupied, with acting classes, gardening, and exercise, etc. The Voice event is now over (for a while) with the exception of an upcoming wrap party for staff this weekend, which will be cool.

Now I am getting ready for vacation. Can't wait. In one week! Whoo-hoo. I actually intend to unplug for a while this time, even though I will take my computer, I can certainly tell you I won't be sitting in front of it or have it hermetically attached to my person like I do now. I've promised my family, I'll be present to them, and nurturing to them, as well as to myself.

Taking a break is necessary.

Being knee-deep in scripts and assorted paperwork is cool, but I am really ready for a break in the action.

I am really looking forward to reading a good book, and not aloud( haha) ...just for fun and relaxation.

Using Movement in Voiceover

2010-06-16T03:03:00Z

Using Movement In Voiceover

by Bobbin Beam

A great thing that seems to work for me and many others in bringing about the transformation of a script reading to a brilliant performance is the use of bodily movement.

Remember that while we are thinking beings, have have done all the copy analysis and have made our choices, we should not be still while performing the script . Or you'll just be reading, and will sound like you're reading, which I would venture to say will not ever win the gig.

For many, the experience can be inhibiting or intimidating to be standing in front of a microphone, thinking about script mechanics, proximity to the microphone's cardioid pattern and hoping your brain, mouth, vocal folds, and heart engage correctly...and then become stiff, tense and into your head.

After script break down and you've done all your homework in that early part of the voice acting process, there is a trans-formative moment where you must allow the voice acting part to begin.

Acting is reacting, and you must react to the words in the script, mentally place yourself in the moment and allow yourself to move with the copy. Try it and see what happens. Practice by recording one take just reading and not moving. Then make sure you're warmed up in whatever way works, have done all your tongue and lip trills, vocal scales, tongue twisters, jumped around, stretched, etc. Then allow yourself to connect with the artist within and play. Record another take and listen back, Chances are you'll hear an enormous change.

Use your hands in various ways. Point, gesture, conduct an orchestration, word by word, shrug your shoulders, place your hand on your heart, open your arms, stand on one foot, or whatever it takes to get the words that come out of your mouth to become yours. (Side Note: Be sure to wear clothing that doesn't make noise. )

When you're loose, relaxed, and allow the mind-body connection to flow, that's when the creativity and artistry of the performance will stand and deliver!

Video Games & The Future of Transmedia Storytelling

2010-06-13T18:27:00Z

Here's an interesting story about video game publishers' foray into transmedia storytelling. I am compelled to ponder how future voiceover opportunities will fit into and connect with all the threads as they expand.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100609/ap_en_mo/us_games_transmedia_storytelling

Photo stills from the game are here
...

Smurf Justice for June Foray

2010-06-09T16:06:00Z

Check out June Foray !

At Saturday evening's banquet at VOICE 2010, WB's voice of Porky Pig, Bob Bergen called out for a social media campaign because legendary June Foray , almost 93 is still kickin' butt and working her craft. June was the original voice of Jokey Smurf in TV's animated series.

During Rocky & Bullwinkle days

My friends Dave Courvoisier and Bob Bergen are promoting "Smurf Justice for June Foray," an effort to give the grand dame of voice acting a cameo appearance in the upcoming Smurfs theatrical film.

Foray, whose extensive career in the animation field encompasses work on Rocky and Bullwinkle and Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies along with much else, voiced Jokey Smurf in the iconic animated series. She has not, however, been approached to appear in any capacity in the new film. Courvoisier and Bergen are seeking to rectify that.

If successful, it would not mark the first time that Foray made a small appearance in a film based on one of her signature properties. She appeared in the 1992 film Boris and Natasha as "Autograph Woman."

Courvoisier and Bergen have set up a Facebook page to help organize a lobbying effort on Foray's behalf.

So my friends.... here's a little more on the topic.

http://forums.goldenagecartoons.com/showthread.php?t=14900

Most probably by the time this particular post is published, if you Google the title of this post, there should be plenty more where this came from.

Let's give the industry a piece of our minds. Tweet, FB etc. etc.

Smurf Justice for June Foray!

VOICE 2010- Aftermath and Photos

2010-06-09T02:20:00Z

What a great time VOICE 2010 was. Much better than 2008 in my humble opinion. I think the overall agenda was jam-packed, the vendors in the Exhibit Hall were fabulous, and the people were awesome. It was like a reunion, literally for so many of us.
There were plenty of new folks to meet too.

And the dinner banquet Saturday night was fabuloso, especially when I was seated next to my all time voiceover idol, the legendary June Foray !

Well you read the coverage here, and on VoiceoverXTRA , on Bob Souer's Blog and at the Dave Courviosier Blog, www.courvo.biz/ href="http://www.courvo.biz/">Blog ...blogging and having practically no down-time. Three solid days of events and adrenalin pumping left me feeling pretty tired by Sunday morning, when my roomie, Linda Bard and I checked out of the hotel early and drove into Studio City to attend Julie William's Medical Mumbo workshop, which I'll post about separately.

Today is Tuesday, and although I am catching up on sleep, but for some reason I am really physically sore! I am going to post the following AWESOME photos and then draw a bath, and soak my bones.

In the aftermath, enjoy the afterglow of VOICE 2010. There are also a ton of photos on Facebook! Hey everyone, I miss you all ! Can't wait until next time!

DB Cooper & Amy Snively at The Pink Taco                                 Erik Sheppard & LindZ Reiss

Liz De Nesnera & Moe Egan                                                                    Liz's cast get autographed in my room

Bob Souer & Me                                                                                    Terry Daniel, Bobbin & Trish Basyani

Bobbin, Amy Snicely & Pam Tierney                                               Greg Houser & Jeffrey Kafer

Julie Williams                                                                                                 Diane Havens

Radio Play by Marc Cashman                                                            Penny Abshire, Denise Chamberlain, Pat Fraley

Zurek,Bob Souer, Janet Ault, DB Cooper Stephanie Riggio                   June Foray & Bobbin Beam
Philip Banks, Ben Wilson, Bobbin Beam

John Florian & Me                                                                                       Bobbin with roomie Linda Bard

VOICE 2010 Audio Books Panel

2010-06-05T23:08:00Z

Audio Books Panel

Hillary Huber, Scott Brick, & Pat Fraley

This genre is an easily-accessible area of voiceover.

On Demos

Make sure you use stellar excerpts
Refrain from using best-sellers
Average of 3- 1 minute excerpts that present you the best, slated correctly.
Pristine sound. No sound effects, no music. Think your listeners/users will be using earbuds
Get every lip smack, pop out!
Use a director
“Cold calls are for losers” How you go about getting contacts must be done correctly.
Be responsive to publishers’ inquiries.

Where do you find publishers?

Audiopub.org

Get Audiofile magazine

Scottbrickpresents.com/wordpress/2009/01

Or pick January ’09 from blog archive.

Check out the APA- Audio Publishers Association

Books On Tape is a “clearing house”. There are a number of smaller publishers looking to produce audiobooks, and for new voice talent .

There are voices that sell, and voices that tell! Before you read a book, you need to read a book by yourself.

Reading audiobooks are like running a marathon. Not everyone can do it.

VOICE 2010- More Content

2010-06-05T23:05:00Z

Susan McCollom on Retail Copy

Retail Copy is its own niche… with its own style of delivery. Casting director Susan delivered a number of tools:

Handling awkward overwritten copy
Keep smiling & be a “motor mouth”
Faking a pause (use a catch breath)
Problem words
Throw a ways
Your inner clock
Use of your hands (body movement)
Throw away the “announcer” just be excited to share the amazing information.

Watch the words. Retail copywriters love alliteration. Get used to it, learn to work with it, and remember how much this type of work pays!

VOICE 2010: Terry Daniel & Dave Courviosier

2010-06-05T07:36:00Z

Social Media with Terry Daniel & Dave Courvoisier

This dynamic duo opened Friday’s General Session with a very fun song about being a “voiceover star” to the tune of the Beatles, “Baby, You Can Drive My Car”

“Tweet Tweet Tweet Tweet …YEAH!”

They showed a video showing some pretty amazing facts about the revolution of social media and its impact on many facets of our daily lives; education, research, news, products, services.

Terry & Dave Covered:

Facebook- Allows you to post demos, videos & more- It can be accessed via mobile phone, blackberry, computer, building relationships. Add fan pages. Etc. Join other voiceover groups and meet other VOs.
Twitter- retweets are nice compliments. They’ll help you build followers. Hootsuite Twitter Apps was highlighted. (network and send out your demos, tie in your other social media sites.. Try search.twitter.com
LinkedIn
YouTube
Blogs

Bottom line- Social Media is not a fad.

VOICE 2010- Friday

2010-06-04T19:15:00Z

pictured l-r: John Florian, Peter O'Connell, Trish Basyani, Doug Turkel, David Kaplan

John Florian’s Panel

Highlights of the Voice Actors Survey conducted by Focus 25, was sent to a sample of 7600 names with 12 percent response

( about 900)

30% are full-time at VO

90% Non Union

5% Fi-Core

Income

30% 0

33% under 5k

Who uses internet

50% have personal websites

SEO- most don’t work on it.

Does income correlate to SEO?

Online Casting

58% V123

51% Voices

How much is spent for P2P sites annually.

Most seem dissatisfied on qty of work., Especially those in higher income bracket..

Most are selective about auditions.

Get rid of cheapskates.

Screen process for talent pool.

Online marketing tools- blog, promo, video, email

All will be published on VoiceoverXTRA. This is a must-see bunch of facts that will enlighten and baffle!

There was a short while I had to step away from this presentation in order to record a quick session in the room next door in Dave and Dave’s excellent vocal booth. They’ll email me the mp3 which I can email to the client. Several ISDN sessions were booked yesterday and today. What a great amenity to have here for us!

John Florian’s panel of experts included voiceover pros and friends Trish Basyani, Dave Kaplan, Peter O’Connell, and Doug Turkel. I missed Peter O’Connell's remarks while vo called. Sorry.

Peter is a marketing expert, David Kaplan can clone himself online (talk about multi-tasking)! (lol), Doug Turkel (the Unnouncer), and Trish , Social Media Guru.

Here are some key points from Doug:

Don’t market yourself as merely a voice talent, but to market yourself as a brand.
Find ways to tell your story
Use cloud computing to keep track of your clients, and find work.
Find ways to be yourself and stand out. Your personality is what it is about your work that will get you hired.
Buy specific google adwords/phrases that typify your niche.
Make it easy to be found and buy domain names! Instorevoiceovers.com, inflightvoiceovers.com, supermarketvoices.com, etc.
Subscribe to trade magazines catering to audio producers, etc.
Get off the internet and attend or start a workout /networking group.

Trish uses Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Skype.

Use import contacts feature and update contacts into FB and Twitter
Create relationships take time but will pay off. Keep it up!
Don’t rely on P2P sites. Creating relationships makes for a steady stream of work.
Create a fan page on FB for your business.
Status updates- Don’t ALWAYS talk about voiceovers! Post a link every once in a while. Have fun!
Staying top of mind is key!
Twitter is the best way to find work directly. Twellow.com and Hootsuite are great for this.
Facebook has a good search engine.

Dave Kaplan- Voice on the run.

Market yourself, and offer customer service! Be available to your clients.
You’ve got to be really bad at this to get really good. And you need to be really good in order to be really great.
Communicate 24/7 via internet if you’d like.
Be accountable to yourself! Use the Ross Report. Reach out to people with demos. Be personal! Don’t blast.
Top of mind marketing WORKS!

VOICE 2010- Thursday Session Highlights

2010-06-04T15:02:00Z

And now to some of VOICE 2010’s content from the Thursday sessions I introduced:.

George Whittam’s session was full of excellent information for home studio set up and the technology aspect of voiceover. George described sound absorption and diffusion in the voice booth. He suggested that foam absorbs high frequency sound, and closer proximity to the mic renders lower vocal tonal response.

Something to check out might be Owens-Corning 703 fiberglass panel boards wrapped in fabric to adjust and/or eliminate sound reflection.

ATS Acoustics is a good resource for foam panels.

Other quick tips:

Mic position trumps mic choice
Mic response changes in accordance with the sound sources’ distance from the mic
Mic proximity effect- adjusts the coloration of your sound. Ie. The closer to the mic, the bottom will stand out and create a more intimate sound.

Keith Carson On Demos: Standing room only session!

Commercial Demos should be no more than 90 seconds, made up of 10-12 second samples.

There’s a format to follow.

The strongest , best reads must come first.
Variety and tempo, style (mix it up)

Narration Demos:

Longer 90 seconds-2 minutes, with longer snippets up to 20 seconds each.
Best stuff first,
Variety –medical, corporate, higher energy, heartfelt.
Showcase your talent!

On Hold Messaging

Add Music
Add humor (!) –shows more range & versatility

Imaging

Promos
Liners
Legal IDS
Television- news intros

Be reachable-

Go to Google Voice and set up additional telephone numbers like a NY or LA telephone number that can be forwarded to any other numbers

CD Demo Basics- make sure you have your email and website address. Be professional.
Track and length information should be available.