Greetings from another Michigan talent

Amy Ashcroft

Hi all,

I've been on Voice123 for a year now and just woke up to the fact that this forum is a wonderful resource. I'm looking forward to reading more of the posts. I noticed there are quite a few Michiganders here Smile

Hello to all.

I spent most of my life in the great state of Ohio (born and raised in Columbus) but a decade ago I slipped over the state line into Wolverine territory. I mostly work in Detroit, but much of my work is done from home in my studio.

Looking forward to meeting others here who are grateful every day for having the best job in the world. Also would love to learn how I can upgrade my home studio...guess I'll have to visit the Geek forum for help with that.

Amy Ashcroft

Kathleen Keesling · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007, 14:14 (GMT) Post subject:

Welcome to the forum, Amy Very Happy

Amy Ashcroft · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007, 16:07 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Kat! Nice demos Smile

I hope I can contribute and help others, as well as get some advice from those far more technically inclined than me. My home studio is pretty decent but I think it falls short in several areas. It will be great to talk with others and learn from them.

Do you record from home or drive to jobs mostly? For more than 10 years, I drove 19-20K miles a year commuting to studios in Detroit and Toledo. This year it will probably be a third of that. I can't believe the difference having a home studio has made BUT there are some downsides too. Seems like I'm working a lot more and a lot later at night.

Thanks for the welcome.

Amy

Michael Murphy · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007, 18:42 (GMT) Post subject:

Nice demos Amy,

I am also from Michigan. I haven't started actually recording, but should be starting in a couple weeks. It is encouraging that someone from Michigan can get a good amount of work. Do you know any people that give voice classes in Michigan or Ohio if necessary?

Mike

Debbie Deutsch · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007, 18:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Welcome to Amy from the West Coast! Very Happy

Kathleen Keesling · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007, 18:49 (GMT) Post subject:

Amy Ashcroft · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007, 19:27 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Debbie and Mike! Thanks for the greetings Smile

Mike, I know there are a few folks in the metro Detroit area who voice coach. I was fortunate to meet Marice Tobias a couple of times when she made a 'tour' of Ohio and Michigan many years ago, so I've not used a local coach. (geez I hope that doesn't sound arrogant...) I would suggest that you call Linda, Ann or Kathy at the Talent Shop (tell them I sent you Wink

and you need a referral for a good talent coach. Talent Shop's number is 248-644-4877.

I did some coaching myself years ago, but can't really do it anymore due to time constraints. I am always happy to give a good listen to someone's demo and offer them some constructive help, so if you put some tracks down when you get your studio up and flying, send them my way and I'll be more than glad to listen.

There's a serious shortage of work here in Michigan, sad to say. A few years back, I did 90 percent local work and 10% out of state. Now, I think for me it's almost reversed.

I think it pays to have a strong narration reel here in the rust belt. Though industry here is hurting, they still need vo's for videos, web sites, phone systems, tutorials, CBT (computer based training), etc. I talked with a couple agents this week and they both said how slow the voiceover work is in Michigan right now and also the fact that clients are really tight with budgets. And I didn't ask them...they both just volunteered that things have been incredibly lethargic for voiceover here.

But Mike, please don't read this as doom and gloom...if you're good, you'll work! If clients enjoy you personally and your work ethic is really strong, you'll go places in this business. Though I record a lot from my home, client contact via phone and email can be surprisingly personal...just like this forum. And that's how you differentiate yourself from the pack--fast replies to client emails, quick turnaround on projects, offering to do a quick copy fix at no charge when the client is in a pinch, etc etc.

Good luck with that studio and I hope you get to talk with the great ladies over at Talent Shop. I've been with them for 15 years and they are a class act when it comes to taking care of talent and clients.

Amy Ashcroft

Colin Campbell · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007, 19:54 (GMT) Post subject:

Amy.... greetings from Buckeye Country. Sad you went to the "dark side." LOL.

Amy Ashcroft · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007, 20:00 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Colin,

Yeah livin' in Toledo (right on the OH-MI border) for 15 years kind of left me close to the vacuum. That 'dark side' just sucked me in when I wasn't paying attention.

Actually, I'm just across the state line by a few miles so I hope I'm not too far gone LOL

Thanks Colin, I'll definitely need to check in to the geek forum soon because I could use your advice on how to improve my home set-up. I see you have lots of Frequent Poster Miles there!

Amy Ashcroft

Colin Campbell · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007, 20:13 (GMT) Post subject:

Sure Amy. Anytime you have questions. Just be careful during football season. Ha ha.

Michael Murphy · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007, 00:27 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Amy! Very nice info for me, I will call them soon. Also it doesn't sound arrogant the way you said you hadn't used a local coach. I really appreciate your time and typing out all the great info. Hopefully some day I can sound professional or Polished however you would put it. But not too polished Smile

Mike

Marilyn Taylor · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 01:59 (GMT) Post subject:

AMY, WELCOME TO THE FORUM. IT'S GREAT TO HAVE ANOTHER WOLVERINE ON BOARD....MIND IF I BUTT IN AND STEAL THAT PHONE NUMBER ALSO...I'D LOVE TO HAVE SOMEONE HEAR ME AND HELP ME...I' CURRENTLY WORKING ON A DEMO THOUGH IT'S SOOOOO TIME CONSUMING...ANYWAY WELCOME AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING MORE OF YOUR STUFF....

Amy Ashcroft · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 03:03 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Marilyn,

Absolutely...feel free to call Talent Shop and tell them I sent you their way. I'd ask for Linda first, since she and I go back a long way.

Where are you from in Michigan? Do you work mostly from your home or are you a road warrior like I used to be? I just fired up the home studio one year ago, so this is a huge change for me. I drove so much I was lucky to have an oil change last 5-6 weeks.

Thanks for the welcome Marilyn Smile

Amy Ashcroft

Marilyn Taylor · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 03:07 (GMT) Post subject:

AMY, CHECK YOUR PRIVATE MESSAGES...

Paul Sleboda · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 03:35 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello Amy,
Welcome to the forum and I'm just a little North of you just past Detroit. Been here at V123 for about 7 months now and still I learn everyday that I log in here. I have also talked to the ladies at the Talent Shop about two months ago and yes, they told me the same thing about Michigan work. (Slow) I've been emailing Marilyn about her opportunities in Northern Michigan. At least she has some. Everything I've managed to get bites or nibbles on have been out of State. Hope it picks up again soon.

Oh by the way, Once you cross the line and spend a little time in the Wolverine State you begin to get a life again and your brain cells begin to function again. They were partially working in Toledo, but anyone down near Columbus is brain dead by age 30, Very Happy

Paul