Voice 2007 in Vegas?

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006, 23:05 (GMT) Post subject: Voice 2007 in Vegas?

Hi all,

Anyone have the low-down on the Voice 2007 4-day EXTRAVAGANZA!!! in Vegas?

I just got an e-mail, and some of the speakers look pretty good, but the price is a bit steep ($500 + travel + lodging + food = a little outside my current budget)

Here's the official site for those who are interested:
http://www.voice-international.com/

Please chime in - I'd love to hear your take on this event,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com

Chris Camilleri · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006, 00:16 (GMT) Post subject:

I agree. I think the tuition is very reasonable, but when you add all the other stuff on top, it gets a bit pricey. Depending on the amount of work I pull in between now and then, I may try to make it work...

Then again, that'd be a nice 4 days to be sitting at home, answering the leads that all the folks at the Con won't be answering... Wink

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006, 00:59 (GMT) Post subject:

Lynne Alston · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006, 05:28 (GMT) Post subject:

I think its a steal!! I have already signed up, and am excited to get the info first hand (or mouth), from some of the leaders in voice over.
Lynne

Andrea Rooz · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006, 02:58 (GMT) Post subject:

Am I the only one who's thinking that the VO guy that they've got on their website won't be able to teach me a thing I don't know??? Call me a cynic.

edited to add: I just realized how what I just wrote, can come across! I certainly don't think I'm the greatest VO talent out there but the guy on the website just doesn't even come close! You'd think they would have been a little more selective with something as important as the VO for a VO conference!

Russ McLamb · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006, 03:13 (GMT) Post subject:

Personally, I like learning from other VO talent that have a ton of National credits to their name. Rodney Saulsberry alone has numerous national movie trailers to his credit not to mention he's the voice of the Zatarains commercials, Toyota, Honda, Twix (Need a moment...) just to name a few. I've taken Rodneys classes that he offers and he's worth that price by himself not to mention everyone else involved. The way I see it is it's an investment in my career oh, and don't forget, a nice write off come next tax season. Smile

Russ

Robert Jadah · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006, 05:02 (GMT) Post subject: Just deserts?

As a general rule, I would take any excuse to flit off to Las Vegas: an international lager-tasting symposium...a Norwegian herring-fisherman reunion....a seminar on Developments in Erasers
In short, anything but a Celine Dion show.
But after the books and the webinars and the websites, I'm just not convinced that there is more to wring out of this particular dishrag. There's only so much to say; the rest is TO DO.
I mean, is it just me, or do the books, for example, contain two pages of concrete help - "get about five inches from the mic, and set the gain just short of clipping" - and about a hundred of platitudes like, "Gretchen's strength, and one she imparts to all her students, is that she has always been determined to deliver a resolute and professional take of every text she ever wood-shedded"?
The extravaganza, for example, includes time for a ruthless review of all the Wannabe's demos. We do that right here.
Would it not be more instructive to post a text now for all attendees to record, and then hear and critique various takes of the same thing? The absence of that kind of personal approach is what spooks me.
Of course I want to spend three days with my peers and icons.
But I'd rather lose money at the tables than at the seminars.....
Robert Jadah

Scott Nilsen · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006, 08:06 (GMT) Post subject:

Robert, I had similar thoughts. After a while, all the books and the seminars, etc. DO all start to sound the same, leaving me disappointed in not having a tremendous a-HA experience.
I would love to have one-on-one time with some of these people and ask some questions that don't seem to get addressed to my satisfaction in the large group sessions.

Lynne Alston · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006, 18:02 (GMT) Post subject:

After reading many of your responses I was beginning to feel disappointed at the lack of interest in furthering your knowledge. Maybe you all know everything, I, on the other hand have everything to learn.
From previous careers, the requirements have always been ongoing training, and yes after 25yrs I did begin to wonder if there were things related to the topic I didn't know. But guess what, whether it was from an instructor or fellow class participant, or just the fact my mind wondered during the talks, I always came away with a new perspective on handling something. So to all of you who know everything, I am glad you are willing to share your knowledge, and for me, I will continue to learn till the end.

Chris Camilleri · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006, 18:34 (GMT) Post subject:

Hope you didn't take my tongue-in-cheek comment too seriously, Lynne. I'm relatively new to this field, and have as much, if not more, to learn as anyone. And I'd love the chance to meet and hear many of the folks who'll be there. It's just, well, a bit pricey when you add it all up, and for those of us who aren't making six figures at this biz yet, that has to be considered.

I've not ruled it out, but it'll take some serious financial juggling to make it happen.

Mind you, if it was being held in New York, I'd have registered already...

Lynne Alston · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006, 18:49 (GMT) Post subject:

Chris,
I understand the cost for you is more, and I have to admit, financially I am blessed, my husband has a great job and my other business as a massage practitioner is my personal pursuits money, For me voice over is a passion not a necessity.

I am glad that you are open for continuous growth, after all we can never know to much!!!

Lynne Alston · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006, 18:56 (GMT) Post subject:

[quote="Allen Brown"] "In my opinion, talent can't be taught. "

Yes, I agree on this statement, however dont you feel that to nurture the great person you have potential to be needs a little more than to listen to ones self and then continue down the same beaten path with maybe a slight tweak of change? Also, aren't we all here feeding off everyone else's comments,whether we agree or not, and so growth is inevitable through these mini seminars that we call a forum.

I have never been a follower, just a scholar, and so, for me to gain insight from experts in the field is important, I would just like to say that the thread of many on this particular subject comes across that your so good at what you do, there is no need for any more training, and in my opinion there will always be someone who knows more.

Allen Brown · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006, 19:31 (GMT) Post subject:

Those who like seminars and training need not think that those of us who don't like them think we know everything. In my opinion, talent can't be taught.

Is there any other business that has become so filled with "how to" info? It appears there are many in our field who are hell bent on becoming the "Estabans" of the VO world.

I also believe there's a danger of seminars turning out imitators of the gurus. Already there is a cookie cutter sound to VO talent because I think we are so imitative of those who have been a success in the field.

The best message teachers in this field can give (and I think the best ones do) is "develop your own signature voice". That way, when they ask if you can do Gene Hackman you can answer "No. And I'm sure Gene Hackman can't do me!"

Enjoy your seminars. I'll spend my time listening, listening, listening and working, working, working in my studio. But not this week, I'm too busy eating Christmas sugar cookies. Happy holidays to all.

Allen Brown · Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006, 00:53 (GMT) Post subject:

Lynne,

Those of us who question the value of VO seminars should not earn the questioners the title of "know it all". I learn something about the business everyday. I don't, however, pay anyone to teach me. My choice...my place in my life/career. Maybe not right for everyone...and that's cool.

Also, I wasn't endorsing listening to one's self. (Although self critique is important.) My intended point was that the experts in our field display their talents before our ears and eyes each day without the cost of a seminar fee.

Best wishes.

Ron Reid

I don't, however, pay anyone to teach me.

AMEN Brother!!!

Every voice is different.
That is a GOOD Thing.
Every delivery is different
That is a GREAT Thing

It's all Relative.