The Secret To Being Swamped With VO Work / Rainbow Reef

Dave DeAndrea

I think I've discovered the secret to being totally swamped with VO work... plan a vacation. The fam and I are heading out soon and so several existing clients had me voice things before I leave... new jobs came in just to make it interesting... it's been a crazy few days.

One job that came through was actually because their first choice lost his voice! They were all waiting to see if he'd re-coop, but it just didn't happen in the time frame they needed, so they called their 2nd choice... me. Fortunately I was able to bang it out almost immediately, upload it... and they paid that day.

I feel bad for the #1 guy... I've lost my voice a time or two this year but I didn't lose any work as a result.

I'm excited about the spot though... it's for Rainbow Reef. They make these real looking fish and sea animals that swim around in your pool... kinda cool. I got to do another Caribbean accent. verrückt

Keep your eye out for it. It will be on Nickelodeon, Nicktunes and the Cartoon Network from 5/12 to 5/25.

JJ Wright · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008, 23:32 (GMT) Post subject:

Good job Dave.
I read for that as well, congrats.
Imagine if you had already left for your getaway?

John Bigl · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Aug 2005 Posts: 905

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Cool, Dave -- how serendipitous! (and I just love have the opportunity to use that word.)

It's funny but a couple of years ago, I would ALWAYS get a gig while I was on vacation -- happened on all three I took that year. All from here. Auds I had sent in a couple of weeks before. It just made the trip nicer, since none thankfully were rush jobs.

Maxine Dunn · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 675

Hi Dave ~

Hahahaha! Loved your post. Yes, it is a mysterious phenomenon that causes things like bookings to come in, right as you're trying to leave town. Probably the same phenomenon that makes it snow the day after you've spent $125.00 to get your car detailed, causes a sizeable pimple to appear right between your eyes on the eve of a fabulous dinner date, or makes Apple drop the price of the iPhone by $200.00 the day after you purchased one for $500.00.....

Congratulations on your gig! I'm looking forward to hearing it. And don't you just love it when clients pay the same day as the job? Have a great holiday!

Maxine

.

Allen Brown · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008, 14:20 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey, Dave! You have stumbled upon one more of the "secrets."

Anytime we can make contact with a client is a plus. Problem is, we don't want to become pests or come across like we're selling. However, writing to a client to say you're going to be on vacation is an EXCELLENT way to make contact. As you discovered, it has the added benefit of top-of-mind awareness and clients hustling up to send work to you before you head out the door. I always plan on being busy the week before I leave. Which isn't very often anymore. Sad

And, with mobile recording gear the whole concept of being away has changed.

Send a notice out about a month before, and another final reminder about a week before. Works like a charm. Plus, it's an image builder in that you come across as not wanting to inconvenience your clients - which is true!

Don't overdo it or they'll get wise! ("Awww, he's always going on vacation.")

Now if you're getting a rash of work WITHOUT notifying your clients that you're leaving, that's just good fortune! Have a nice trip. Very Happy

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008, 15:40 (GMT) Post subject:

Allen wrote:

Todd Ethridge · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 214

Hey Dave,

Sounds like you have a lot on your plate and really need that vacation.

So, being the swell guy that I am, I'll be more than happy to take some of those clients off your hands. Wink

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008, 01:21 (GMT) Post subject:

Todd,

The kindness and generousity found on this forum never ceases to amaze me! Very Happy

Tell ya what... you can have this lead...

XXXXXX voice mail
10 secs
Posted: Apr 18, 2008
Language Requirements: English - North American
Additional Accent Requirements: none
Voice Gender and "Age": Teenage Girl OR Teenage Boy OR Young Adult Female OR Young Adult Male OR Middle Age Female OR Middle Age Male OR Senior Female OR Senior Male
Recording & Delivery Requirements: • Audio files must be delivered via email
Years of Experience: Not defined
Union Requirements: This is a non-union project
Budget:Low budget - USD 50
Purpose of the Recording:IVR, voicemail, phone systems, and on-hold messages

Don't say I never did anything for ya! Laughing

Todd Ethridge · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 214

Teenage girl?

I can pull that off. I might need a kick to the nether regions first. Very Happy

Diane Merritt · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

Yes Dave, I agree, either go on vacation or get the flu and they come callin! Hope you have a wonderful vacation. Di Very Happy

Cia Allan · **Voice Talent** Joined: 19 Sep 2007 Posts: 11

My first successful audition and the subsequent promo recording were both done in a Spanish villa, lying on the floor of the spare bedroom under a tipped sideways cane chair wrapped in a duvet and surrounded by cushions! I edited it on the verandah and then it was emailed to the Client from the local Internet cafe! And the Client was very happy with it and proved it by paying me immediately!

My husband thought it was all very sad to want to be doing this while on vacation!

Incidentally, is it just my browser or does eveyone else's only show the posting month and day of the week but not the actual date?

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008, 02:20 (GMT) Post subject:

Here's the link to the page where the Rainbow Reef spot can be viewed:

http://www.swimways.com/backtopool/btplink.asp

Just click on #4 under "Watch the TV Spots".

Allison Scussel · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 928

Excellent job Dave!

Eddie Eagle · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008, 18:13 (GMT) Post subject:

Irie Mon!
Woonderful job.