LEADS AND READS - WEEK OF 5/12 TO 5/18

Erik Sheppard

So I was reading this book about circus sideshow performers, you know, bearded ladies and Lobster Boy and The Dog Faced Boy and all the great "freaks" of yesteryear. It's like researching my family tree.

Anyway, I got this tune stuck in my head and it has been driving me bonkers, so I thought I would share it with all of you. Misery loves company, and all that. It is really quite entertaining as nearly everything he did was:

"So," you may ask, "What does any of this nonsense have to do with Leads and Reads or voice over work?" Well, Buzzkill, absolutely nothing. I just wanted to pass along the earworm or possibly bring some joy to those who may not be familiar with this. Jeez, some people.

But, if I must find some loose connection, there is an arguably better version below by non-arguably one of the best voices in the history of the biz. Apparently he was such a big fan of this song he used it in the first show, as seen in this clip, and it was sung at his funeral.

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming. Wakka wakka.

Diane Havens · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008, 14:21 (GMT) Post subject:

Oh, man, Erik. This is great. I love both the MARX BROTHERS and THE MUPPET SHOW, connected also by the letter M. Coincidence? I think not.

But the greatest thing about this L&R opening is that it starts off a thread with an immediate threadjack, and by a moderator, no less.

You are indeed a rebel, amigo.

JJ Wright · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008, 15:49 (GMT) Post subject:

Thank Eric, those were great.

My first lead this week, from the Voices site.
It's for an audio book.
Directions:
I need a seasoned professional who reads well and understands how to lure a listener in and keep them interested for several hours.
Word count is 60,000, and looking for a two completion.

David Bosco · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008, 20:12 (GMT) Post subject:

Erik:

The first time I ever heard 'Lydia' was on an album called "An Evening With Groucho" from '72 or '73. At the time, there was a revived interest in The Marx Brothers. Groucho toured the college circut and recorded the album. I didn't catch up to that movie until later. Great memories and a terrific tune.

JJ:

Sounding a bit like an announcer for an old time radio soap opera, but done well. Perhaps that's what they want there. Have you done audiobooks before?

JJ Wright · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008, 00:20 (GMT) Post subject:

David Bosco · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008, 03:29 (GMT) Post subject:

Sorry JJ, not hiring. First, I'd need to write a novel, then I'd probably record it myself. But the first part ain't happenin', so I don't have to think about the second part at all.

Travis . · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008, 03:33 (GMT) Post subject:

Two more auditions...

David Bosco · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008, 13:15 (GMT) Post subject:

Travis:

The Hotel audition was great. It was well articulated and just the right temprament to convey sophistication and relaxation. You should do well with that one.

The Roaring Falls wasn't quite there. I'd say it was not intense enough and there were a couple of words that didn't get enough emphasis or volume, like the name of the park. It could be your voice style just doesn't fit the copy, or maybe some compression or effects would make the difference. You know, put it 'over the edge' Rolling Eyes

JC Haze

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT....

It's either that I really SUCK this week...or some really poor ratings have been given out!
After a couple of weeks of 4 & 5 ratings...it's 2's & 3's this week.

Is it ME? Or is this happening to you folks too? Ugh.

David Bosco · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008, 16:46 (GMT) Post subject:

JC:

Ratings? We don't need no steenking ratings!

Pay no attention to the ratings JC. I've been in a stretch about a month long where, except for one 3, I have received 'no rating' most often. As most will tell you, a 5 rating is not an automatic deal and you can still pick up a gig off a 'no rating'. The 1s ans 2s are pretty much 'Thanks but No Thanks'

Looking for feedback? Post your auditions here. We'll give 'em a spin and some honest critique. That's what this forum is about.

JC Haze · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008, 16:59 (GMT) Post subject:

Yeah...I know. Thanks for the 'pickup' Dave. But I STILL feel the need to try & get those ratings UP as a barometer of how I'm doing overall.
Funny thing is...about an hour after posting about 2's & 3's...I just got a "5" on that Casino spot. (To be honest, I didn't think it was a "5"...maybe a 3-4). Since it was for a casino, I gave it more of an "up" read.
It's attached for your comments, suggestions, entertainment...
Thanks again!

Erik Sheppard · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008, 17:05 (GMT) Post subject:

Why does the LAR always turn into discussions about ratings? Oh well.

I hadn't auditioned for 123 in a while but I saw a good one and felt I was suited for it. I thought it turned out pretty good too and was looking forward to the email telling me they opened it. I got a 2. Ouch.

Stupid seekers.

*I was just about to post this but checked the stats on the job first and the average is 2.2 so I guess I don't feel so bad.*

JC Haze · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008, 17:10 (GMT) Post subject:

Sometimes we just catch 'em in the wrong mood, I think.
But on a personal level, It doesn't bum me out...it just makes me work HARDER to do a better job.
I ask myself: "could I have done it better?" And most times the answer is YES. So I take it, and move on.

Ya know we laugh about these ratings, but I find them self-motivating, if nothing else.

Lee Gordon · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008, 17:33 (GMT) Post subject:

Erik Sheppard · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008, 17:47 (GMT) Post subject: