Stealing gigs from the competition??

Jacob Ekstroem

I'd like to hear your opinion on this...

Has anyone of you ever found yourself hearing a voice-over, thinking "hey, I should be doing that instead of him/her!?"
Chances are you have... but have you ever actually done something about it?

Here's the deal: In Denmark, there's this guy... let's call him "Bob". He's 49, an actor (not a box-office actor, though), he's a specialist in cartoon-dubbing and he's also directing other voice actors in that business. He's also one of the most commonly used voices for commercials. Good for him.

Problem is, he's also the promo-voice for a cable network, and has been for at least 6 or 7 years, maybe more. And I want that gig!
The thing is, that "Bob" can't do dramatic reads. He does ALL his promos in the same dull, "commercial-read" like style. And everytime I hear him, I pull my hair in frustration.
I honestly can't believe why the network have hold on to him for so long, and I can't think of one reason why they wouldn't be interested in trying a different voice, unless there's an entirely different reason for them using him - I wouldn't know. All I know is, that I sincerely feel I could do better than "Bob" on this specific gig. Hell, I could probably even do it for less than him! Rolling Eyes

So what to do?? Would a demo be inappropriate? Is applying for positions that aren't open considered crossing the line in this business? Or is it every man for himself?

Of course, there's another approach: I know where he lives...

Nah, didn't think so... so, what do you suggest?

Deby Cedars · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 04:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Well if you want a promo job....Create a promo demo. Market it everywhere. Don't say anything like I can do it better than him....

Who knows who he might be related to.
Who knows who he might be sleeping with.
And who knows....he might actually be the one to hire you when he gets tired of the gig.

strichauge

Deby

Allison Scussel · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 05:04 (GMT) Post subject:

ITA with Deby's response. It's obvious it's a job you want and feel you can do it better. However; you've got to walk on egg shells to get that point across because you never know who you're talking to.

It's like the person who wants "that radio job". They sound great, have an impressive resume' and aircheck, but they open up their cover letter with "your afternoon drive guy sucks". You don't want to do that.

Be tactful. Be professional. Pound the doors of the decision makers with out being annoying. Eventually, that guy who lacks the skill of dramatic reads will move on to something else. You want to be top of mind awareness when that day happens.

Good Luck Jacob!

Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 08:12 (GMT) Post subject:

I've been tempted but I have never actually gone through with it. I watch the Discovery Channel and the Science Channel quite a lot and they (especially Science Channel) run a number of programs that fall into one of two categories: older shows that talk about "future" events (i.e. they were future events at the time the program was first aired) that are now past events, and foreign produced shows with English narrations that are done in the country of origin by announcers whose native language is obviously not English (odd pronunciations, strange phrasing).
Each time I hear one of those shows I am tempted to write to the network and remind them that re-dubbing the voice track is just about the cheapest way to update a program and make it current, and then enlose my narration demo.
There's no excuse for them to run a show on Boston's "Big Dig" with a narration that talks about "when the project is completed in 2006 it will ..." And there's another program called Paleo World that isn't dated, per se; it's about dinosaurs. But the narrator of several of the episodes pronounces the featured creature "dyna-saw" as if it were some sort of paleolithic power tool. It's bad enough on an educational channel -- or anywhere -- to pronounce an occasional word incorrectly, but dinosaur is the most important one!
I've even been tempted to tell them I'd do the first one for free just because they drive me nuts.

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 08:13 (GMT) Post subject:

Bob Bergen · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 15:46 (GMT) Post subject:

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 16:01 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks, Bob.

The contract-issue could be relevant in this case for sure. But if it is, I WANT IT even more, since he has been on contract with this network for close to a decade!!!

Agents?? As in CIA, FBI or what?? Rolling Eyes

In Denmark, the only VO artists that are represented by an agent, are those who are already established as screen-actors. There are NO representation for VO artists alone. None.
But, it's a much smaller market, of course.

I think I'll start sharpening my knife....

Bob Bergen · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 16:15 (GMT) Post subject:

Allen Brown · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 17:29 (GMT) Post subject:

Bob Bergen · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 19:19 (GMT) Post subject:

Allen Brown · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 19:46 (GMT) Post subject:

National networks...not local.

No contract. Paid per session.

Dan Popp · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 23:27 (GMT) Post subject: Go For It

Jacob, I would have no problem seeking the gig. I might even approach the client with the notion that, "in case you want to freshen up your imaging for the dramatic reads..." or, "I'm not trying to replace Bob - he's awesome on the softer stuff - but think about using me in addition to him for the...".

I've certainly gotten gigs because I said to myself, "I could do that," or "I could do that better." (In fact, that's how I got into radio which started the whole ball rolling for me). And I've gotten some gigs even when I said to myself, "there's no way they will pick me over him." You never know what the client is looking for.

Best of luck.

Deby Cedars · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008, 05:45 (GMT) Post subject:

I auditioned for a radio promo today on V123. It paid $200. I've got my fingers crossed and I've knocked on wood.

Then I made up a song about SPONGE BOB that I posted on the L & R thread.

I must sleep now.....have to go to a NYC tomorrow. Thank God I have an I pod for the train trip. schlafen

Allison Scussel · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 04:40 (GMT) Post subject:

Bettye Zoller

I'll chime in on this thread re: applying to a network or company as a vo talent because you think you "fit" them or they need "to hear your demo" etc. GO FOR IT! Two stories: A male vo talent once sent his vo demo to the Kellogg's headquarters after phoning to find out who might listen or forward it on to their advertising agency. They like him and he got a Rice Crispies VO national! One of my female vo students did a national Maybelline Long Lash Mascara because she met the sister of one of the advt. execs and got him to listen to her. Another female student was the voice of Sonic Drive Ins for quite awhile because she went to their headquarters and left her demo and investigated to whom she should give this...You have to be a sleuth. You have to know WHO should receive the demo. Hope this helps.