Bobbin's Blog

3500 Free Sample Voice Over Scripts for Practice and Demos

Bobbin Beam — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:16:00 GMT

edge studio

Edge Studios in New York recently updated their website and they contacted me to let me know that the page for their valuable resource page of 3500 Free Sample Voice Over Scripts has changed. And wow, it has.

You'll find practice scripts in a myriad of genres you can use to print take to voice coaching sessions and workout groups.

NOW THERE'S NEVER AN EXCUSE NOT TO PRACTICE

Unlimited, free access to over 3,500 ADULT, KIDS, & SPANISH voice over practice and demo scripts. Alphabetized and organized into 23 commercial and narration genres!

This valuable tool was posted initially in my post of 10/31/2008.

So without further ado: 3500 Free Sample Voice Over Scripts

Keeping "House" with Demos

Bobbin Beam — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:40:00 GMT

Part of my game plan this year is to make it a point of updating my demos annually. This is somewhat of a large undertaking because I have a number of them. Some efforts I'll defer to voice coaches, consultants and experts to assist me with, (commercial demo) while others are easy to update on my own.

This past weekend I completed two that were in need of an overhaul: It's really fun and creative to add and mix more recent work, and hear all ther newer reads you have. My audio clips are from real projects and I have permission to use them: I am providing downloadable links in case anyone is so inclined to listen.

Always so much more to do, but at least these are handled and now...on to more items on my 2010 "to-do" list.

Telephony

and Radio Imaging

howjsay.com: Pronunciation Help Online Resource

Bobbin Beam — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:51:00 GMT

howjsay . com

A free online Talking Dictionary of English Pronunciation

I had a BEAR of a job last week, consisting of some 3,000 medical terms.
I'm familiar with a lot of medical terminology, so I guess that's one of my niche specialties. However, I do get stumped sometimes. Here are a few of the goodies that had to just "roll" off my tongue:

cicatricial pemphigoid

cholinergic

griseofulvin
linguoalveolar

While the Merriam Webster Dictionary is pretty good, I must admit I get weary of the pop-up ads and it doesn't always have the medical terms I often need.

I by chance happened upon howjsay.com, a free online dictionary of English pronunciations where you simply type in the word and hold your cursor over the word and you hear the pronunciation. And it has a ton of medical terms.

Successful Performance in The Audition Process

Bobbin Beam — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:25:00 GMT

Successful Performance in The Audition Process

The real work in voiceover is crafting a flawless audition. I spend a lot of time on my auditions, which, these days are more numerous than ever. While you’ll never know for sure what the client has in his/her mind for “the voice”, you can certainly improve your chances in landing the gig and try to synch up with the client’s vision by preparing each audition carefully. This is not about script breakdown, which is another fundamental aspect of the audition and delivery process. This article is about freeing the vocal instrument to achieve a successful performance.

I’ve been frequently doing a workout routine each day to improve my voiceover delivery. The routine includes breathing and relaxation techniques, body and neck stretches, yawns, lip and tongue trills, resonance and articulator drills. Of course each day when I wake up, I read the newspaper, and select several stories to read aloud, in order to get my brain to mouth engagement into motion early on way before I head into the booth. Coffee helps me in the wake up process. J

1) In any performance situation, the voice actor must have poise and confidence. This is a challenge, especially to the voice actor who auditions alone in the confines of his/her home studio. Remember that confidence grows with every rehearsal and script preparation, whether or not you book the job. I look at each audition as a chance to keep “my chops well-oiled”.

2) The successful performer is one who is able to control tension so it will not interfere with performance.

3) Relaxation is paramount! Keep practicing warm-ups. When you are warmed up, thoroughly prepared and relaxed, you’ll gain self-confidence.

4) Psych yourself up for the audition performance and use breathing exercises, or use some type of physical or vocal release.

5) The more experience you gain through recording auditions and listening to and critiquing your playback, the easier it is to lose your apprehension over the process. Think of “owning” the delivery.

Whether it is the audition, or a booked session, a successful performer prepares, concentrates intently and executes swiftly with creativity and professional distinction.

The primary tool of the voice actor is the voice that is free of tension and anxiety, and one that is freely expressive. Think of your warm-ups as a massage to your resonators and articulators. A voice that is tuned up and warmed up through regular workouts and vocal exercises that will help you explore your range accurately and creatively. The more you relax, the more natural the delivery, and that just might book you the job!

Voiceover Audition Wisdom

Bobbin Beam — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:27:00 GMT

Here is some excellent advice from the very talented and successful fellow voiceover actor/ blogger, Dick Ervasti, from his "Stream of Consciousness " blog . Dick shares three things he has done to improve his audition to booking ratio.

Thanks for the insight, Dick.

Read it here.

Another "Blogiversary"

Bobbin Beam — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:03:00 GMT

I can't believe how fast time goes. This week marked year three of Bobbin's Blog. It has been a fun , educational and cathartic journey.

Here are some fun stats.

Anniversary Date: February 18, 2007

Number of posts: 470

Number of visits: 40,667

Top Stories: The most hits were and continue to be the documentation and progress on my isolation booth, "Do It Yourself Sound Booth", Dawbox, and VOICE 2010 stories.

I've been really pressed for time and have not posted as often as of late. The good news is the reason. I've been slamed with business and committments that have changed my priorities.

I have a lot of stories to tell but not a lot of time to dedicate right now.

On top of all the VO work, we've just embarked on a major home remodeling effort of the master bedroom and bath- and that's a whole job unto itself. We have a great contractor, but still...I've been to the Home Depot 4 times this week. And I'm not nearly finished!!!

And there's the living with dust issue that's got my throat , sinuses and voice a bit irritated, no matter how much care you take to seal off the work area. Neti pot is getting plenty of use this week, and into the foreseeable future.

Anyway, have a wonderful weekend. I'm shutting down for the evening.
Safe and fulfilling Journeys to all!

Still Time for VoicesVoices Seminar This Weekend In Houston

Bobbin Beam — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:29:00 GMT

You Can Enroll In Houston Seminar!

There is still time to enroll in our Feb 20-21 Houston Seminar!
Snow, cancelled planes, and illnesses have opened up four spots!

As of today, February 16, there are four open places in our Houston voiceover weekend February 20-21. Only TWENTY may enroll. We hope you an join us for this exciting two days with Jim Conlan, Houston Voice talent, producer, owner Radio Works, me-Bettye Zoller, and a special two hour session on the in-home recording studio.

We have a special session on the internet recording job sites, spending your money most wisely on them, and we'll be coaching VOICE ACTING too where you have plenty of time to read copy and get coached.

Learn about the BUSINESS and ACTING and TODAY'S NEW VOICEOVER OPPORTUNITIES and much more in Houston with us. Call us at 214-638-TALK (8255) or enroll at http:www.voicesvoices.com.
Six working voiceover talents will speak and talk with you and tell stories from "THE REEL WORLD." The two days include the Marriott Hotel's continental breakfast plus snacks, beverages, more. JOIN US!

Congratulations, Julie

Bobbin Beam — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:50:00 GMT

My friend, Julie Williams has been chosen as a finalist for an Audie Award for 2010--

The book I narrated is called Lord of the Ringless, by Dee Aspin. For more info about the book: http://www.deeaspin.com/main/buy.htm It's kind of like a Chicken Soup for the Soul for Christian Single Women Who Want To Be Married. (Hence the name!)

APA press release is at: http://www.audiopub.org/2010%20finalists.pdf

Congratulations, Julie. I'm really excited for you, girlfriend!

TONIGHT: Voice Actors Help Haiti

Bobbin Beam — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:37:00 GMT

Hear My Voice is a tele-conference led by a panel of Voice Over industry experts on how to build your audiobook business. The proceeds from this event will go directly to help relief efforts in Haiti.

Taking place on February 10, 2010 from approximately 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST, Hear My Voice will allow you to take part in a unique tele-conference featuring industry giants sharing their stories, advice, and perspective on making your way in the audiobook industry. The last 30 minutes of the conference will be opened up to audience questions!

Participants will be given a dial-in pin and an access code to attend the conference. After the discussion we will email all participants a link to download the audio, so they can replay it at home anytime.

All participants involved in the teleconference are asked to make a minimum donation of $25. Larger donations are encouraged. This donation will go directly to The Red Cross’s Haiti relief efforts, and it includes the conference, Q&A session, and access to the audio archive.

To donate and sign up for the conference, please click on the donate button and enter an amount of $25 or more. Once we receive your donation, we will e-mail you confirmation within 24 hours along with the conference call-in number, access code, and further instructions and information for the night of the tele-conference. Thank you for your donation! Please call 1-866-887-2834 if you have any questions.

For more information and/or DONATE

Voices.com's Toronto Mixer is Feb. 19

Bobbin Beam — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:51:00 GMT

In today's Vox Daily, Stephanie announces a Toronto "meet up" mixer for vo peeps February 19th in town for Podcamp Toronto, or if you're a member at Voices.com: Or if you happen to be in Toronto. (I love Toronto!)

For all the details:

http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2010/02/voices-com_toronto_mixer_february_2010.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vox+%28Vox+Daily%29

A Message From Voice One

Bobbin Beam — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:28:00 GMT

Wearing The Director's Hat

Without a doubt, voice actors have more work opportunities today than five years ago. The down side is that we have to wear more hats. In addition to performing, we need a basic understanding of technology and acoustics to set-up a home studio, audio engineering capabilities to record and edit our auditions, email auditions to agents, upload custom demos on pay-to-play sites, and know how to write professional job proposals. One of the most difficult new tasks in this record-at-home environment, is interpreting written direction without the benefit of a discerning ear. In other words, we need to learn to direct ourselves.

The good news is that the more we audition from home and listen back to our reads, the more efficient we become at auditioning. As we identify our issues (lack of energy, lack of opinion, mouth noises, energy fades, breathing issues, etc.) we can work to correct these issues. But it all starts with interpretation of the specs, script analysis, and moving the story forward so the listener feels and takes action. The only way to get better at self direction is by understanding your instrument, commitment to the process, and repetition.

In recognition of these new challenges, we've added a couple new classes to help actors understand how to better audition from home. Beginning March 9, Tom Chantler will be teaching a 4-week advanced class called Copy Intensive. Billie Shepard's 4-week intermediate/advanced Directing Yourself class, beginning on Feb. 9, helps build confidence, believability, and trust in yourself.

Remember, it's not practice makes perfect... it's "perfect" practice makes perfect. Develop the tools to move your career forward, and you will succeed!

For more information, contact Voice One email voiceone@aol.com or call 415-974-1103

The Big Game: Of Voiceover

Bobbin Beam — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:02:00 GMT

                   The Big Game Of Voiceover

On this eve of the "Big Game", I've been reflecting on the similarities between voiceover and competitive sports. And tomorrow as I watch the game I'll think about decisions my home team, the San Diego Chargers made over the years, and about certain players; namely Peyton Manning, who we could have drafted, but instead took on Ryan Leaf. That move took years to overcome.

And then we had Drew Brees as our QB, and we let him go when he became a free agent. Brees went to New Orleans and is making sports history. Tomorrow, both Manning and Brees are playing each other in the BIG game. Both have a direct connection to our home turf.

What does it take to play in the big game of voiceover? What's the connection? Sure, the cost of entry is low and the competition is stiff, but one can still play. And some will win.

So.....What about career decisions? Decisions made while auditioning? One predicament after another. Kinda like life!




But what does it take to be in the big leagues of VO? I know the answer to this question is relative. "Your mileage may vary." For some, it may be their first paid gig for $50 from some voiceover marketplace posting, For others, they may be wondering, what will it take to land a class A national spot, or an ongoing network promo gig, You may know some folks who are even there, who may also have a direct connection to you, through past work experience, or friendship, etc. For some, this career is just a game, or a part-time crap shoot. For others, it's high-stakes where many are banking on the next nugget, and the approach is clear and methodical..

The reality is, all business is cyclical. And of course, you win some gigs, and you lose some. Sometimes business is up and you feel like a voice machine, you're hot, you're booking tons and working all the time. But when work is slow, you start to wonder if things will ever pick up. So what's up with this land of voiceover OZ?

How do you break free from the crowds at the bottom and rise to the top? How do you turn off the chatter going on everywhere all the time? How do you shake off the self-doubt when you're on a losing streak and not booking?

Look to the winners. To be on top of their game, winning athletes work hard, despite their losses and push forward to increase their wins. So must the voice actor put a ton of work into what he/she does. Most do this quietly and expertly. The winners have learned to trust themselves.

Be a perfectionist about your game ( nobody else's) and be thoughtful about your business plan. Always know where and how you can improve your own game. For me , it's all about getting consistent , challenging voice coaching. I find I book more, the more I work out with my coaches. I find I am always in a state of becoming more of who I am before the mic. There is always something to learn.

Learn from your mistakes, keep working out, and move forward. Keep your goals in sight. Athletes get stronger when they work out because they are exercising muscles, essentially fatiguing and breaking them down, only to build more muscle fiber, which in turn makes them stronger.

There may be distractions, diversions, roadblocks, and detours along this yellow brick road, so be aware.

Remember, there's no place like goals!

DB Cooper- Talkin' Video Games

Bobbin Beam — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:14:00 GMT

My friend DB Cooper, headmistress of the vo-bb, discusses the video game genre at the Austin Game developers conference a few months ago. This area (video games) happens to be one of the most dynamic, and rapidly changing and growth segments in the production industry.

Level 3 is a "technology company", and their Red Couch series features interviews with people at high-tech events. They interviewed several speakers at the Austin Game Developers Conference in Sept...

Two Voiceover Business Items of Interest

Bobbin Beam — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:40:00 GMT

In case you haven't received news of the following in your email :

Julie Williams has released the latest Voiceover Insider. Free Download

You can also paster this url into your browser: http://voice-overs.com/FEB10VOI.pdf

And "Dr." Pat Fraley, Voiceover Surgeon wil conduct a webinar on Feb. 19th via Voiceover Xtra.

January Perspective: My Month In Review

Bobbin Beam — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:08:00 GMT

January: It was a crazy busy month. What a great start to the New Year. I can't believe it's already February 1st!!!

January was wild and wonderful. I had lots of voiceover jobs, auditions, and top-notch training.

But after a typicial twelve-hour day, I just have to shut off the computer and wind it down, and be more available and nurturing to family.

But with that Voiceover work, comes the administrative stuff, paperwork, marketing, and networking.

And there are things other than Voiceover. (Huh- Really?) The third weekend of the month was my birthday, so I did take some time to play.

There is life, and other financial and real property interests that take time to manage, like the fact that we're remodeling a bathroom in a second home we own in Wisconsin, and the duties of management of a commercial property in California. Yes, many irons in the fire.

I also decided to kick off the new year with some intensive training, to ramp up and begin strong. The workshops involved one weekend (Jan. 16) doing the Patrick Scott Smokin' Mysteries with Pat Fraley & Scott Brick, and this weekend (Jan. 30-31) I went back to Los Angeles for a workshop weekend wih Marice Tobias. I always find that I book more work the more I train.

What a cohesive group. This weekend workshop was a very special experience for me. Everyone was extremely funny, supportive and generous in spirit! And we worked hard. Many, many drills. Many rounds on-mic, even cold reading.

From The Marice Tobias Los Angeles event Jan. 30-31, 2010.
Pictured in front , L-R, Perry Anne Norton, Alan Burns,, Stephanie Riggio, Janet Ault, Catherine Campion, Tony Banks, Bobbin Beam, and Bob Dunsworth.

Back row, L-R: Mark Barbolak, Peter Cuttler (session engineer), Michael Cohen, Jon Mohr, Steve Frost (missing is Bill Lloyd, who attended Saturday only. Bill was also in my October Marice workshop- So it was kind of like "old home" weekend )

I am so lucky to have made some wonderful, talented new friends. I savored every moment.

Nice Voiceover Book List at Voice Actors Notebook

Bobbin Beam — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:16:00 GMT

A few weeks ago I found another voiceover blog site I've found to be worth mentioning called, Voice Actors Notebook.

David Radtke has written some nice, thought-provoking insights, tongue twisters, a list of acting emotions, and offers quite a few helpful resources for voice actors.

Most notably, I like his Best Voice over Books selections:

I happen to own most of the books he presents on his list, which are indeed my favorites, which I refer back to again and again.

Just for fun I'll post my book list too.

Thanks, David for sharing your time and experiences with us!

Tonight: Break Into Animation with Richard Horvitz

Bobbin Beam — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:32:00 GMT

As I posted here earlier this month, Voice coach Nancy Wolfson of Brain Tracks Audio, and voice talent Anna Vocino present tonight's 90 minute teleseminar, Break Into Animation Part I, featuring Richard Horvitz. Richard is a voiceover vet, recognized for his work in animation and video games, most notably as the voice of Invader Zim on Nickelodeon. Other roles include Billy on The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Daggett on Nickelodeon's Angry Beavers, Rodney J. Squirrel on Squirrel Boy on Cartoon Network, and hundreds of other animated voices.

The Break Into Animation Teleseminar, Part I, is set to go on TONIGHT- Wednesday January 27, 2010 from 6 pm PST/ 9 pm EST.

I believe there's still time to sign up here.

Save up to $200 on VOICE 2010 By Jan. 31

Bobbin Beam — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:53:00 GMT

Early Bird Registration Ends January 31st

VOICE 2010 is just 6 months away and it'll be here before we know it. Save some bucks by acting now!Everyone can take advantage of the "early bird" discount by registering on or before this Sunday, January 31st. But if you have attended one (or more) VOICE events, you are eligible for an additional discount on this year's registration! However, this discount will end on January 31st, along with the early-bird discount.

Using both discounts, you can save $200
by registering before the end of this month!

If you are unable to attend the entire event, day passes are available too!

REGISTER

Click here to view the entire
VOICE 2010 schedule!!

Patrick Scott's Smokin' Mysteries

Bobbin Beam — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:40:00 GMT

The Patrick Scott Smokin' Mysteries Event

Scott Brick, Stefan Rudnicki, and Pat Fraley

Last Saturday I spent the whole day at Buzzy's Recording studio in Hollywood at another amazing event hosted by Pat Fraley: "The Patrck Scott Smokin' Mysteries Event."

This one was a lot different from a usual voice coaching workshop.

I was among twelve participants who stepped into the booth and performed with Pat Fraley and Scott Brick (who Pat calls, "the Brad Pitt of the Audio Book world") to voice rapid-fire original mysteries written by Pat Fraley. We were directed for a portion of the day by Pat himself, Scott Brick and Stefan Rudnicki. Stefan is one of our industry's premiere directing and casting big guys.

Especially impressive was Scott Brick, who performed in each mystery. We're talking a whole day...starting at 10 and wrapping after 7! Like running a marathon, for sure!

I learned performance techniques while I was performing, and learned while watching others in the booth. It was such a joy to work in an ensemble cast of so many talented voice actors. Collaboration and discussion, as well as on the fly copy changes, VO vet stories, sprinkled with a lot of laughs filled the day and made it see to move quickly.

The cool part is this collection of mysteries will be edited, mastered , published and promoted and marketed to the entire audiobook industry. 100% of the profits will go to "The Wavedancer Foundation", a non-profit organization dedicated to the healing and recovery of disabled professional performers, and provide opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Deb Munro's Audition Acrobatics in LA

Bobbin Beam — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 03:52:00 GMT

Here are some upcoming happenings that came into my email box which may be of interest:

Audition Acrobatics with Deb Munro

Saturday February 06, 2010, 09:00AM
Ends:	Sunday February 07, 2010, 05:00PM
Event Type:	Training/Seminar
Location:	Voice Trax West Studio City, CA US
Price:	$395.00 ($50.00 off if you mention this ad)
Website:	http://www.Debsvoice.com/workshops.html
Industry:	performing arts
Keywords:	Voice Talent, Acting, Voice, Editing, Recording, Money, Coach, Training, Workshop, Private Sessions, Demos
Intended For:	Broadcasters, Actors, Film industry, Performers, Arts, Creative and Fun People, Salesman, Car Salesman, Flight Attendants, Entertainment industry
Organization:	Chanti Productions/Mic 'n' Me

Audition Acrobatics/Voice Pitch Weekend With award winning Voice Talent Deb Munro and special guests Andrew Filiciano and George Whittam (Tech Guru's)

Create a comprehensive marketing package that will put you one step ahead of the game!

A full audition workshop that will help you succeed your auditions in person and online from beginning to end. This is a result oriented class that will make a difference.

Advance your voice/acting skills or create skills you haven't yet discovered.