There are some amazing vanishing tricks in the world of Voice Acting. I’m going to reveal some that I think are essential to success in the business.
Acting
The first trick I learned in acting was the ability to disappear on stage.
Windows 10
I got the notice in my tray that I could get a free upgrade to Windows 10
I read all the previews.
I read all the dire warnings.
I checked with equipment manufacturers sites to verify compatibility.
(Click HERE to see the full configuration of my system)
Then, I foolishly scheduled it to install on 8/8/2015.
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Update!
The original link to the article and quiz no longer works.
I’ve updated it to the new link to “Do You Have the Right Stuff for Voice Acting?”
However: the new article no longer has the quiz. The quiz link in the article just takes you over to the “That’s Voiceover!” site, which I do not endorse.
— the management
Last week, Backstage posted an article entitled “Do You Have the Right Stuff for Voice Acting?”. I was hoping for something thoughtful and in-depth covering the profession of voice acting. Instead the article struck me as being vague at best and very light on any important details. It left me with a new-age vibe from statements like “the question of whether you can succeed is best answered by the student” or “we strongly encourage the voiceover student to look within”… Meh.
At the end, I was directed to a rather disappointing Quiz on the “That’s Voceover” site. They encouraged the readers to answer honestly, and said that at the end I would “receive a general evaluation that may help you determine what’s next for your career”… Which goes counter to most of what the Backstage article posits. But what the heck – I’m game!
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This gallery contains 8 photos.
Graphic JoeActor! Part of the job of being self-employed is letting people know what you’ve accomplished. Since I normally eschew traditional marketing methods, I decided to get a bit graphic instead. Below are some iconic graphics featuring characters that I’ve … Continue reading
Do you ever give away your VO work for free?
Why would anyone do that?!?!?
Well, actually, there are a number of great reasons to work for free.
(and a metric tonne of reasons *not* to work for free)
Here’s just a few ways to use your VO powers for good:
Reading for the Blind and Visually Impaired
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Ten years ago, my career in VO got a boost of NASA proportions.
Through the kindness of a VP at Disney and five amazing animation stars, I landed my first agent.
Here’s the scoop!
How can a picture of a Turkey with some guns drive traffic to a web site?
It’s a mystery well worth investigating…
Back in November, 2013, I posted a song parody “Herbert The Homicidal Turkey” for Thanksgiving. It featured the following picture of the felonious fowl:
Herbert The Homicidal Turkey
Fast forward to today… not a day goes by that Joe’s Dump doesn’t get at least a few hits for the song.
So, what gives? Where are the hits coming from?
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*** Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, and I don’t claim to know the law. The following is just my personal experience in one area of copyright… Reader discretion is advised! ***
How is a major record label making money off of my song?
Well, if you do parodies, sooner or later someone’s gonna notice and claim copyright.
For me, that happened with a parody I did of Brad Paisley’s “Mr. Policeman”, and posted it on YouTube. Ironically, my parody is about Legal Disclaimers:
Copyright is a thorny issue, to be sure. I can understand both sides.
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Who knows what the future will bring?
Well, here at Joe’s Dump Labs, we do!
Follow me on an investigation of new areas of scientific research that may forever change the studio of tomorrow…
Imagine a light, flexible material that you could easily apply to walls, or even just hang from the ceiling – that would completely change the acoustic shape of your room!
Enter Acoustic Cloaking!
Using a material made from plastic sheets with a precise array of holes, Dr. Steven Cummer of Duke University was able to effectively make an object invisible to sound!
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The Oscars.
The Tonys.
The Golden Globes.
… and on, and on, and on…
I’m in the arts, so you’d think I’d watch at least a few of the award shows, right?
Nope.
Not a one.
Here’s why, in a nutshell:
I prefer “doing” to “watching”. I’d rather “be” than “observe”.
For me, watching an awards show is just too far removed from the real world:
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