LEADS AND READS - WEEK OF 6/09 TO 6/15

David Bosco · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008, 00:30 (GMT) Post subject:

Travis.

Of all I heard, I think you had the best concept of the baseball announcer guy. Here's mine. It starts out a little sleepy, but then... look out! Submitted with and without production.

Michael J. Schoen · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008, 00:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Connie,

I think the budget isn't a problem -- because they would expect you to set a rate, which would be a minimum to make it worth your while.

Doing political podcasts is a tougher issue.

Even if you agree with the side you are on, the tactics are bound to be sleazy -- half truths and even outright lies. Yuk.
It's a long way to November!!

Lance Blair · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008, 02:35 (GMT) Post subject:

Great job on the baseball, David...you stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park on that one, imo. Smile

Lee Gordon · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008, 21:17 (GMT) Post subject:

Connie Terwilliger · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008, 22:32 (GMT) Post subject:

Point made - people can be very touchy about differing political views. In fact, someone commented a while back after I posted a finished V123 gig - wondering if I was worried that someone might be offended by the content - it was a very tame "right to life" spot.

Frankly I think the chances of someone not hiring someone because they might recognize their voice on a podcast offering a different slant is slim to none. You don't find many liberals listening to Russ - or conservatives listening to Al.

I do use some restraint in local elections - and have had to have the "draw the line" conversation a couple of times when spots really started to get down in the mud. A funny story - I did a series of spots for a guy in the South east and the client asked me if there was a line I would't cross - I said, well, if it started to get into liar liar pants on fire, I might balk. Believe it or not, the very next spot had those EXACT words - but it was worked into the spot in such a way that I decided to do it anyway.

I haven't auditioned for this job yet - am really tired of "to be determined" projects. A large one came in for women today - reading some audio books - they have done hundreds of them apparently using a stable of regular talent, but with the expanded work load, they were looking for new voices. No mention of any established rate anywhere in the information - just that darned TBD.

I "chatted" with customer service about more counseling for the posters and they simply told me that they can't do anything about it - repeating the mantra - "you don't have to audition". Which, of course WASN'T my point. I think he did understand what I was asking after another few exchanges and promised to pass along my suggestions and concerns.

Allen Brown · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008, 01:54 (GMT) Post subject:

I did audition for the podcast thing. But, I shot them a price that likely blew them away and, if accepted, would certainly salve the wounds to my psyche if the content didn't exactly match my personal persuasion.

I don't look at podcasts as doing the damage to your voice image that a broadcast narration or spot might do. It's a limited audience and you're almost always preaching to the choir. Just a hired voice to deliver a message. No real persuasion to it.

I, too, have a line over which I will not cross. I try take a pragmatic approach without breaching my own ethics. (Damn, I'm starting to SOUND like a politician!)

Like you, Connie, I felt being available at each day at odd hours is the rub for which they should pay. I doubt, however, that they'll pay anyone the fee I asked.

Travis . · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008, 20:28 (GMT) Post subject:

Todays attempt...

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008, 03:59 (GMT) Post subject:

David Bosco · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008, 14:20 (GMT) Post subject:

Colin:

If I was to rate them, yours was a great Rod Serling! Your Howard Cosell would have been a 'good enough', but the JFK fell off the table. Like Meatloaf says, two out of three ain't bad. Wink

I'm not quite sure of the answer to this, but in commercials and VO in general, if a seeker is asking for a particular celebrity voice, aren't they really asking for a voice that is recognizable as that celebrity but not a perfect match because of possible endorsement complications?

David Bosco · Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008, 15:24 (GMT) Post subject:

A couple of years ago, a friend of mine had an idea for something like this, but he didn't pursue it. Oh, well.