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Michelle Kaufer
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 7
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 Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008, 01:00 (GMT) Post subject: Looking for LA VO Coach/Manager |
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Hi Everyone,
I am looking for a great VO coach in the LA area but more specifically looking for someone that would function like a manager. You see, I am signed with one of the top 3 but it's getting me nowhere fast. I don't have as much experience as the rest of the client list so I feel like I'm in quick sand. I really want someone who will take an active interest in my career and point me in the right direction and sort of mentor me through this process. Any suggestions? Thoughts?
Thanks a billion!
Michelle |
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Bob Bergen
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 18 Jan 2005
Posts: 224
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| Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008, 01:14 (GMT) Post subject: Re: Looking for LA VO Coach/Manager |
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| Michelle Kaufer wrote: | Hi Everyone,
I am looking for a great VO coach in the LA area but more specifically looking for someone that would function like a manager. You see, I am signed with one of the top 3 but it's getting me nowhere fast. I don't have as much experience as the rest of the client list so I feel like I'm in quick sand. I really want someone who will take an active interest in my career and point me in the right direction and sort of mentor me through this process. Any suggestions? Thoughts?
Thanks a billion!
Michelle |
Hi Michelle!
Who are you with in LA? Have you talked to them about management?
There are only a small handful of VO managers in LA. Debbie Cope at Cope Management is one of em. But I don't know if she develops talent.
I advise you don't go with a theatrical manager for VO. They don't know this end of the business and will still take 15% (or more) of you income.
I am curious why you are looking for a manager. Are you auditioning? How long have you been with your current agent?
BB |
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Michelle Kaufer
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008, 01:22 (GMT) Post subject: thanks Bob |
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I'm with WMA - been with them for almost three years - the first year, they sent me out a lot but I didn't book. Now, I only get a random call once in a while to go on an outside audition.
I sort of abandoned ship on my VO career - (self-doubt?) But my heart and voicebox keeps pulling me back in. I love it and every coach I work with is convincing when they say to keep working - that I have a future in this business. Honestly considered classes at Kalmenson, money's been tight though. Trying to figure out how to make that work.
I was looking for a manager because I don't know how to market myself, where the non-union options are. I appreciate any advice you can give. Maybe I need a mentor more than a manager......not sure.
Does this all make sense? |
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Bob Bergen
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 18 Jan 2005
Posts: 224
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| Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008, 01:37 (GMT) Post subject: Re: thanks Bob |
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| Michelle Kaufer wrote: | I'm with WMA - been with them for almost three years - the first year, they sent me out a lot but I didn't book. Now, I only get a random call once in a while to go on an outside audition.
I sort of abandoned ship on my VO career - (self-doubt?) But my heart and voicebox keeps pulling me back in. I love it and every coach I work with is convincing when they say to keep working - that I have a future in this business. Honestly considered classes at Kalmenson, money's been tight though. Trying to figure out how to make that work.
I was looking for a manager because I don't know how to market myself, where the non-union options are. I appreciate any advice you can give. Maybe I need a mentor more than a manager......not sure.
Does this all make sense? |
I don't think a manager is the answer.
I use to be with WMA. Nice guys!!! Have you had any sit downs with Tim or Eric? Do you have a career strategy? How competitive are your demos? Do you have a website?
I have a "progress report" with my agents every 4-6 months. I discuss what I'm happy with, and compliment them. I also discuss what needs more work, and make a game plan for the next 4-6 months. And this isn't something I started doing once I started making a living at this. I did this from day one when I made more money at the day job than I did at VO.
I find most actors don't treat this business like a business. Usually, once an actor secures an agent they hope that all they need to do is audition and book. Hardly! Once you have the agent that's when the real work starts. If you want to do promos, do you have a promo demo? Have you marketed it? Are you going to Promax in NYC? Does WMA's NYC office know you? If not, have you expressed interest in East coast coverage?
I think your first step should be to talk to the guys at WMA. Express your concerns and goals. See what they have to say.
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Michelle Kaufer
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008, 01:44 (GMT) Post subject: Good Advice |
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Yes Bob - you're 100% right. I haven't been looking at this like a business, just hoping that my agent would get me the gig - dumb huh? I'll give Eric a call and set up my meeting - no time like the present. And yes, the NY office knows me (although its been awhile)- they took me on first, then I came out here.
Strategy....that's the ticket. My demo is not as competitive as it could be - it's a few years old and is a "demo" and you can tell. I think you actually reviewed it on one of the other forums.
If you felt like listening and giving your feedback go to:
http://www.michellekaufer.com and let me know what you think.
I appreciate your time and feedback. 
Michelle |
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Bob Bergen
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 18 Jan 2005
Posts: 224
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| Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008, 01:49 (GMT) Post subject: Re: Good Advice |
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| Michelle Kaufer wrote: | Yes Bob - you're 100% right. I haven't been looking at this like a business, just hoping that my agent would get me the gig - dumb huh? I'll give Eric a call and set up my meeting - no time like the present. And yes, the NY office knows me (although its been awhile)- they took me on first, then I came out here.
Strategy....that's the ticket. My demo is not as competitive as it could be - it's a few years old and is a "demo" and you can tell. I think you actually reviewed it on one of the other forums.
If you felt like listening and giving your feedback go to:
http://www.michellekaufer.com and let me know what you think.
I appreciate your time and feedback.
Michelle |
Yeah, you need to update your demo. I also suggest other tracks that will sell you to other genres, such as a narration track, promo, etc. The more marketing tools you have the easier it is to market. Your agents need fresh stuff! I think updated demos will help a lot! Sit down with Andy and discuss promos.
FYI-I like your website. Fun!!!
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Michelle Kaufer
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008, 01:53 (GMT) Post subject: you're awesome |
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Thanks! I got a lot of work to do huh? You've been very helpful. Any thoughts on great coaches? I know I need to get my "instrument" back in tune before I record any new material.
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Bob Bergen
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 18 Jan 2005
Posts: 224
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| Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008, 01:57 (GMT) Post subject: Re: you're awesome |
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| Michelle Kaufer wrote: | Thanks! I got a lot of work to do huh? You've been very helpful. Any thoughts on great coaches? I know I need to get my "instrument" back in tune before I record any new material.
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For commercials, I like Bill Holmes at Compost Productions. (818)567-1489 He's very no nonsense. He also does killer commercial demos.
If you want to study promo, check out Joyce Castellanos. Don't have her info, but she's listed on VORG. She also does great promo demos.
Mark Mcyntire does great narration, promo, and trailer demos. Also in VORG. |
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Michelle Kaufer
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008, 02:08 (GMT) Post subject: thanks |
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thanks for the info Bob - got the vorg right in front of me. I'm on it!!!
Best Always!!
Michelle |
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