Marketing in the Voice Over Business

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• Voice Over Succession: The Elephant in the Room

  When people in the business of voice over retire or pass away, they leave a role (or a number of roles) behind them that need to be filled, especially those who record character voices, are the voices of a franchise,... When people in the business of voice over retire or pass away, they leave a role (or a number of roles) behind them that need to be filled, especially those who record character voices, are the voices of a franchise, or are known for a very specific niche voice over. Today, we're going to take a look at a few examples of people who have either vacated their posts out of choice or who were called away from their work (and this world), discussing the elephant in the room which is: Who gets the gig when someone else has gone? An Observation I've noticed over the years that whenever someone in a prominent voice over role passes away or resigns their post, people tend to wonder who will take their place. A few people within the last year fit this description, including the late Don LaFontaine, the late Wayne Allwine, and now, the very much alive Casey Kasem who retired just last weekend at the age of 77. Don LaFontaine Known for his signature movie trailer voice, Don was literally the voice of the movies for decades. When we lost him last year on Labor Day (September 1, 2008), an enormous void opened up, both on an emotional level and in his line of work. A pioneer in the field, Don LaFontaine wasn't only the voice who delivered famous lines such as "In a world...", he also was the person who helped to pen those lines in the 1960s when he worked in advertising and production. People were deeply affected by his passing because Don made himself so accessible to the voice over community, made impressions on those he worked with, and had a talent that was only matched by his generosity. Soon after he died, quite unexpectedly following a short illness and complications due to a medical procedure, people started talking, quietly, but still talking, about who might take Don's place. We needed the opportunity to grieve his loss and celebrate his life before one could even think about discussing the inevitable. At the time, it felt disrespectful to address the topic, but all the same, the question was asked. Wayne Allwine Although you may not have known his name, you knew him as the charming vocal embodiment of Mickey Mouse. Our community lost Wayne just a couple of months ago from complications of diabetes. His wife, Russi Taylor, is most fittingly the voice of Minnie Mouse. The two met in studio over twenty years ago and it was love at first sight. Upon news of his death, The New York Times published a feature article about him and his life, focusing in on the fact that the voice of Mickey Mouse had died. What a thing for the world to hear! Mickey Mouse is such a symbolic figure. Wayne was the third person to give voice to Mickey Mouse. The first voice of Mickey was Walt Disney himself and the second voice of Mickey was performed by Jimmy MacDonald. While people again started to talk about who might be the next Mickey Mouse and where auditions may be held to choose a new voice actor for the role, word was getting around that there was likely someone else waiting in the wings if such a thing should happen, hushing the whispers until the next Mickey Mouse voice talent is made known. Succession Plans Something we might be overlooking is the possibility of a succession plan, and I say this because people who are not directly involved with what is going on often have less information at their disposal to draw upon which may help to explain why the question of "who's going to take their place?" is raised following the retirement or passing away of an individual. In business, government and even the monarchy, there are people designated as heirs and or successors prior to a person's departure should the incumbent not be able to continue. I think we'll find that the same may be true for voice acting. Take Walt Disney (d. 1966). He chose to stop recording as Mickey Mouse in 1947 and the role was given to Jimmy MacDonald. Voices of Mickey Mouse (years shown in duration of time as Mickey's voice): Walt Disney (1928-1947) Jimmy MacDonald (1947-1977) Wayne Allwine (1977-2009) Casey Kasem As we know, Saturday July 4th, 2009 marked the end of Casey Kasem's broadcast radio career as the host of America's Top Ten. Who will replace Casey Kasem? Does Kasem need a replacement? All kinds of questions are asked at times like these where something is unknown or when we're in a period of transition. If we look at what has happened before with shows Casey Kasem has retired from, we get a better idea of what may happen now that he has retired. Two of his other shows were passed on to his successor, Ryan Seacrest, so it is quite possible that Seacrest may also inherit America's Top 10. Do you have anything to add to what you just read? Do you know anything more about the succession process in general? Maybe you have found yourself in a position where you were named a successor or perhaps you yourself gave over the reins to someone new. How early is too early to talk about who's going to voice a role next? I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this topic. Best wishes, Stephanie ©iStockphoto.com/James Steidl

• Casey Kasem Retires! A Top 10 List for a Top 10 Man

  Did you hear that Casey Kasem has retired from radio? The voice of America's Top Ten and also Shaggy on Scooby-Doo has left the building! With his first broadcast counting down the hits on July 4th, 1970 to his surprise... Did you hear that Casey Kasem has retired from radio? The voice of America's Top Ten and also Shaggy on Scooby-Doo has left the building! With his first broadcast counting down the hits on July 4th, 1970 to his surprise retirement announcement live on the show on July 4th, 2009, Kasem has been part of American culture and has legendary status, the last of the great radio kings such as Alan Freed and Wolfman Jack. Comment with your memories and farewell wishes for an American radio legend here at VOX Daily! Journey To The Top July 4th, 2009 marked radio pioneer Casey Kasem's final countdown after 39 years of devoted service to music fans everywhere. At the age of 77, you can't blame him for retiring, and now that he's got some free time on his hands, word has it (according to his wife, Jeannie Kasem) that Kasem will be writing his memoirs. He must have many stories to tell considering the interesting life he has led and all of the opportunities that have come his way. This not is only the man who taught the world how to count to 40 backwards, he's also the same person who managed to convince the producers of Scooby-Doo to turn Shaggy from his burger eating ways into a vegetarian, just like himself to keep voicing the role! While I could tell you more about that tale, I think it would be far better to read about it in more detail on the pages of a Casey Kasem memoir. For now, we'll toast the Top Ten Man with his own Top Ten List! Top Ten Interesting Facts about Casey Kasem 1. Born Kemal Amen Kasem in Detroit, Michigan into a Lebanese-American household 2. Made his radio debut while in high school 3. Studied radio broadcasting as a student at Wayne State University 4. Became involved with radio dramas with roles on shows like The Lone Ranger 5. Served as an announcer and DJ for the Armed Forces Radio Korea Network in 1952 6. Spent twenty years working his way up to prominence as a radio announcer 7. Created American Top 40 with childhood friend and Hollywood producer Don Bustany 8. Narrated all national promo announcements for shows on NBC television (1977-81) 9. Is the voice of Shaggy on the cartoon Scooby-Doo and its various incarnations 10. Has voiced characters on The Adventures of Batman and Josie and the Pussycats Do You Have Any Comments You'd Like To Share? As Casey Kasem would say, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!" Three cheers to you Mr. Kasem on your retirement, Stephanie

• Voices.com's New Affiliate Program - Take Part!

  Are you looking for more ways to make money at Voices.com? Want another revenue stream that is effortless to maintain yet can still generate sales? If you answered yes to either of my questions, you are just the sort of... Are you looking for more ways to make money at Voices.com? Want another revenue stream that is effortless to maintain yet can still generate sales? If you answered yes to either of my questions, you are just the sort of person who'd appreciate the Voices.com Affiliate Program. Are you interested in learning more about how you can now receive commissions for referring business to Voices.com? Read on! Make More Money With Voices.com I'm really excited to announce that we've partnered with Commission Junction, the world's leading affiliate marketing service, and launched the Voices.com Affiliate Program! The Voices.com Affiliate Program rewards people who help to drive business to the site with commissions for products and services that they have helped to sell at Voices.com such as talent memberships, eBooks, and even compensation for job posting referrals. How Much You Could Earn? As an affiliate, you will earn a 25% commission for each $29.95 or $39.95 monthly membership subscription and a 25% commission for each $199.00 or $299.00 yearly membership that your referred visitor purchases at Voices.com. You can also earn a 50% commission for each $47.00 eBook purchase. Voices.com has published five unique eBooks that are extremely popular. Referred job postings pay out $1.00 each. Benefits Include: ๏ Dedicated affiliate management ๏ 60-day cookies ๏ Keyword Research ๏ Banner, Content, and Text links ๏ Industry Market Research Reports ๏ Audio Content To learn more and get started as a Voices.com affiliate, go to: http://www.voices.com/affiliates For additional information, you can contact Mark Collins, Business Development Manager, toll-free at 1-888-359-3472 ext. 117 or email mark@voices.com to discuss. To your success! Best wishes, Stephanie ©iStockphoto.com/Justin Horrocks

• Winners of the Voices.com Ultimate Success Story

  We received so many amazing, breathtaking entries about how people had found success in a variety of ways at Voices.com that it was difficult to choose just three! The winning entries have been included in this article for you... We received so many amazing, breathtaking entries about how people had found success in a variety of ways at Voices.com that it was difficult to choose just three! The winning entries have been included in this article for you to hear, to discover their secrets of success and to also inspire those who are auditioning each and every day. The Winners of the Ultimate Voices.com Success Story! Congratulations are in order for our winners, Paul Strikwerda, Paul Albertson, and Lori Taylor! I've included their experiences shared as audio reviews of Voices.com for you to hear. Download Paul Strikwerda's Story raquo; Paul Strikwerda's Voices.com Review Two months ago, Paul decided to challenge Voices.com. Sixty days later, his dollar-a-day membership plan paid off big time. With $2300 in the bank, Paul had earned more than 38 times his investment. Paul speaks Dutch as his primary language, can perform accent-free Dutch, British English, German, and French. Visit Paul Strikwerda at Voices.com Listen to Paul Strikwerda's Voice Over Demos Download Paul Albertson's Story raquo; Paul Albertson's Voices.com Review As the James Bond of Voice Overs, Paul chose Voices.com as his partner in promotion and visibility. Now, his unique brand enjoys world-class exposure in Britain and beyond. Two secrets of Paul's success are in his recording. A perfect business pairing, Paul Albertson has leveraged his service offerings and profile at Voices.com to achieve phenomenal results. Visit Paul Albertson at Voices.com Listen to Paul Albertson's Voice Over Demos Download Lori Taylor's Story raquo; Lori Taylor's Voices.com Review Lori Taylor has been a voice talent for over 35 years and used to travel several hours to recording studios. Thanks to Voices.com, her voice is now heard throughout the world. No more traveling for hours in the car! Through her relationship with Voices.com, Lori has been able to jump out of her comfort zone and do some fun character work. Visit Lori Taylor at Voices.com Listen to Lori Taylor's Voice Over Demos Paul Strikwerda, Paul Albertson and Lori Taylor will all receive gift certificates to Sweetwater Sound as part of their prize as well as additional publicity through a major press campaign. Thank you to everyone who entered this contest! It was truly humbling to hear your stories about learn more about how you had personally found success at Voices.com. What a joy and blessing it was to discover more about what our service means to you. Our team listened to many of the entries together and were touched by the sincerity of each entry and amazed by each and every story that was sent in. We're thrilled that many of you feel the same way about working with us as we do about serving you. It's an honor and a privilege to work for and alongside such dedicated voice over professionals. To read other Voices.com success stories, you are welcome to visit the Voices.com Buzz blog at any time. As always, if you have a story to share, let us know! Best wishes, Stephanie and The Voices.com Team

• Bogart-Bacall Syndrome: A Performer's Reward For Speaking Too Low

  What happens when you speak lower than your vocal comfort zone for continuous periods of time? You might adopt that Hollywood sound Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were famous for, but you may get more than just the sound... you... What happens when you speak lower than your vocal comfort zone for continuous periods of time? You might adopt that Hollywood sound Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were famous for, but you may get more than just the sound... you might get the syndrome! Guest blogger James Herron shares his experience from Inside Studio A with Bogart-Bacall Syndrome here on VOX Daily. Vocal Fatigue: Bogart-Bacall Syndrome By James Herron I had been finding that some days by 11 a.m. my voice was beginning to fatigue. If you rely on your voice as your livelihood as I do, this can be particularly troublesome. I first noticed this issue about a year ago. What was going on? What the heck was causing this to occur? Was it something serious? Was it environmental? My thoughts ran wild with everything from voice polyps; cancer, food and drink issues. I imagined everything and anything. Scheduling voice over sessions was also challenging and at times an issue since my voice was at its best in the early morning hours EST. Clients on the "left coast" would often receive a request to record as early as possible. Fortunately, I've had such wonderfully flexible and understanding clientele. A few weeks ago I began tests through the hospital to determine the cause of my voice fatigue. Ever had a tiny scope with a camera stuck down your throat through your nose? Yikes! Actually, with a little Novocain I did not feel a thing. It was weird however. A TV monitor was mounted so the Doctor could view the results of the probing camera and as I could. I never thought I would be viewing my throat, and larynx.....now that's a very profound statement! In a strange way it was rather interesting. The results were conclusive. I was diagnosed with Muscle Tension Dysphonia a voice fatigue disorder caused by muscle tension. Listen Sweetheart.... I'm in famous company as this is amazingly also called Bogart-Bacall Syndrome. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall both suffered from a mild vocal disorder that has been named for them, Bogart-Bacall Syndrome. BBS is now the medical term for an ongoing hoarseness that often afflicts actors, singers or TV/radio voice workers who routinely speak in a very low pitch. Bacall naturally had a high, nasal voice; she trained it to be lower to get her debut part in To Have and Have Not. You can also view the video below to see just how low her voice was for this role: Apparently, over the years I've been unconsciously "training" my Larynx muscles to find a non-normal flexed and tense position as I used my voice. When I relaxed (got a good night sleep) the muscles returned to normal. The tense flexed position would return to my voice as the day progressed. Fortunately, this is a very common issue and thankfully one that can be remedied through therapy and rather quickly. I am working with the "Voice Swallowing Center" and receiving prescriptive vocal exercises. These include a series of "Hum" exercises I follow daily from a CD. The drill is to make the vocal muscle recall that "normal" zone all the time. If you would like to view a variety of voice issues and symptoms including Muscle Tension Dysphonia check out The Voice and Swallowing Institute of The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at http://www.nyee.edu/cfv-larynx-disorders.html Another important fact I discovered is how essential hydration is to sustain a healthy voice. A minimum of TWO QUARTS of water are recommended per day. So drink baby, drink. Of course yelling and screaming is not a good thing at all. I've taken to using a "rapid hand clap" (picture an prim and proper 18th century French Officer) when I cheer for my beloved Boston Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots or President Obama! I also now use simple hand gestures against those challenging the above mentioned. Okay I look like a dork... but my voice is happy. My hope is you find this information helpful. I know many of you reading this are professional actors and actresses, singers, teachers, politicians and other blabber mouths. Inside Studio A...........I'm James Herron For more information about James Herron or to read his other articles, visit his blog Inside Studio A. Any Comments? I'd love to hear from you! Best wishes, Stephanie