Ten Things About You

[Uncula]

I just wanted to throw my two-cents in here (and that's about all my advice is worth!): I studied voice acting in San Francisco for about a year at a professional studio. While I learned a lot, I eventually came to feel I was being scammed, as the teacher/owner kept telling me I was almost ready to make my demo, but would then suggest another $300+ class to take. This was happening to many of us, and between the cost and the frustration, I quit. I sort of wish I hadn't now!

But the thing is, with the improvements in technology, you may be able to make your own high-quality demo. One of the things you should try to figure out before you do so, is what type of voice talent are you? Is your voice best suited to doing characters, like for cartoons or video games? Do you have the kind of natural, smooth voice that works well in narrating movies, or reading books? Can you do a little of both? Figure out what your key market is and shape your demo to that.

If you can work with someone to refine your abilities, to teach you how to breathe in front of the mic, how to respond to direction, how to pump up or pull back your performance, that would be very useful. Even regular acting classes are helpful in this regard. There are a few books on the market but nothing beats one on one feedback.

The video game market is a great place for character VO actors. They need all kinds of voices, from heroic to goofy to non-human. The nice thing is, a lot of work can be done remotely now, so you don't have to travel so much. Look at trade magazines and look online. I've never used any of the online job agencies, but places like voices.com may be helpful.

Now you guys have got me thinking about trying to be a VO actor again! 

When I spoke to Joe, he said that I should make my own Demo, find a local agency and their requirements and send them my demo.  As for the rest, I told him that way back when I was in my 11th grade English class, my teacher told me that I should go into television, radio or movies!  She was also one of the first people to encourage the legendary James Dean to go into acting!  In 12th grade, I got my broadcasting license and was a D.J. for about a year before I went to college.

I was in two school plays in High School and later I was in Summer Stock at a local theater.  In my local church, I acted and directed approximately 30 plays.  The last was an Easter play about the two thevies that were crucified with Jesus.  I was very avant guard, minimalistic.  No props, empty stage.  Just two men speaking to each other and the audience.  I directed and costarred.  Around 30 minutes with our arms stretched out! 

I could go on about the type of training I've had (my wife would say "...and on and on and on...!) but that's enough.  As far as the TYPE of talent I have done both.  I taped part of the KJV Bible for church use for "shut-ins" and I've done characters (think kind of like Disney's Goofy), a mean, old man {think of Walter Brennon) and used various, regional voicings. 

If you are still with me you must have a lot of patience or else nothing better to do!  I'm done!

Uncula - 

[hammerfan]

PS. I was Left handed as a kid, but the Neo Nazi Nuns saw to it that I became right handed. I still bat, play hockey and golf left handed.

[Scatter]

Unless your serious, don't ask him or he might show up tomorrow with a moving van!!!     

I'm doing a Google search trying to get his address right now............if his house is comparable to mine, I'm trading with him whether he likes it or not.

[Pauspy]

It strikes me how many UMA members (and therefore classic "monster" fans) are also people who profess a strong faith (and those who are not, accept the personal beliefs of others graciously). I often thought this was a weird quirk of mine but I gess I'm not alone. We ALL have weird quirks!!   

[Dr. Madd]

Myself, included. I also happen to be a somewhat devout Christian, and a hardline conservative- a second amendment advocate.. Does that surprise you?

[Elisabeth]

Oh, Doctor!  Ouch!!!  I'm a practicing Anglo/Episcopalian...(Anglican in style, Episcopalian in inclusiveness).  I'm also a proud and enthusiastic California Kennedy Democrat.  About amendments, I will say nothing... except that the Lord help us all to be prudent.
"E"   

[RedKing]

1. Much like Dr. Madd, driving terrifies me and I have never had a liscense
2. I have vertigo. It came out of nowhere 6 years ago and has gotten better, but never gone away.
3. I am finally pursuing my dream and will be doing illustrating for a small comic book company this year.
4. I would much rather watch movies with guys in rubber monster suits over modern CGI monsters anyday
5. I think Bride of Frankenstein is the best movie ever made-period.
6. I have a great interest in paleontology,cryptozoology and UFOs, but real ghosts scare the crap out of me.
7. I am a staunch conservative and favor smaller government with less involvement in citizen's lives.
8. I love history and especially enjoy "speculative" history-the "what ifs" what if the Roman Empire never fell, what if Hitler won WW2. etc.
9. My love of monsters, drawing and model kits was fueled by my Mom and Dad and my grandparents as a kid. They were always supportive of my interests.
10. Corny as it sounds, I really think my wife is an earth bound angel that I am very lucky to be married to.

[monsterphile]

[mod]People please try to avoid the specifics of religion and politics. Once you start to get into specific opinions and ideas, you're getting awfully close to crossing THAT line. I'm sure there's plenty of other things about yourselves to share.[/mod]

Rob

[Elisabeth]

Abso naffing lutely OK by me, and "mea culpa" for answering the post.

"E"

[Dr. Madd]

no offense meant. I'm just pointing out how diverse we all are.

[Moonshadow]

When I spoke to Joe, he said that I should make my own Demo, find a local agency and their requirements and send them my demo.  As for the rest, I told him that way back when I was in my 11th grade English class, my teacher told me that I should go into television, radio or movies!  She was also one of the first people to encourage the legendary James Dean to go into acting!  In 12th grade, I got my broadcasting license and was a D.J. for about a year before I went to college.

I was in two school plays in High School and later I was in Summer Stock at a local theater.  In my local church, I acted and directed approximately 30 plays.  The last was an Easter play about the two thevies that were crucified with Jesus.  I was very avant guard, minimalistic.  No props, empty stage.  Just two men speaking to each other and the audience.  I directed and costarred.  Around 30 minutes with our arms stretched out! 

I could go on about the type of training I've had (my wife would say "...and on and on and on...!) but that's enough.  As far as the TYPE of talent I have done both.  I taped part of the KJV Bible for church use for "shut-ins" and I've done characters (think kind of like Disney's Goofy), a mean, old man {think of Walter Brennon) and used various, regional voicings. 

If you are still with me you must have a lot of patience or else nothing better to do!  I'm done!

Uncula - 

Uncula, you sound like a perfect fit for voice acting! You already have some acting experience, and through your radio work you'll know how to work with the mic. You absolutely should pursue this. I wish you the best of luck!

PS. I was Left handed as a kid, but the Neo Nazi Nuns saw to it that I became right handed. I still bat, play hockey and golf left handed.

My Dad did the same thing to me. He's left-handed, and has always thought it was a burden. So when he saw me using my left hand as an infant, he would always push that hand back and get me to use my right hand. I'm still mostly right-handed but sometimes I do feel like there's a bit of confusion in my motor skills. 

[Scatter]

I can vouch for Don's voice through some very cool phone calls (BTW Don, we're about due, aren't we??).......I'd kill for that mellifluous baritone.

[monsterphile]

no offense meant. I'm just pointing out how diverse we all are.

Yes, our diversity is one of our greatest assets here at the UMA.

I wasn't actually pointing to any one specific post by anyone in particular.  Sometimes it's what the next person may say in response to someone's statement(s) that becomes problematic.  This is a great thread and I've been enjoying it immensely.  I just don't want it to go sour.




Rob

[monsterphile]

There was a belief that the left hand'side was associated with evil.
http://www.anythinglefthanded.co.uk/lh-info/myths.html

The root of the word "sinister" means "from the left".  My mother-in-law, who was herself left-handed, tried to discourage my daughter, who is left-handed,  from using her left hand when she was a baby.

Rob

[Scatter]

My son Jordan's a lefty. Can't imagine actually giving a crap. Superstitious idiocy.