Think Thanks

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007, 22:51 (GMT) Post subject:

Yes. Something I've noticed that is different between V123 and "that other site" is that V123 gives talent seekers the option of "confidentiality." Why? What are they trying to hide? Are talents so desperate that they will hound them night and day? Seems weird to me.. seems "shady." Plus, we as talent of course are not at all "confidential." It's HERE I AM, EMAIL ME, CALL ME, CONTACT ME. Seems a tad one-sided.

Sarah Wilson · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Nov 2003 Posts: 7

Todd and all,

How would it take v123 out of it?

It was through/because of v123 that the contact was made in the first place. This was because #1 you paid your fee to v123 so that you could obtain audition leads and #2 the client didn't have to pay to receive a plethora of auditions.

In my years in the music industry, there was controversy surrounding the pay to play theory. Most bands, however, were aware of the stakes. They had no guarantee in being signed, but at least they knew who was out there providing their critiques, so that the band could follow up accordingly.

Bottom line, it's through the TALENT that v123 gets there money. Whether it's one job or 100, you are the one still paying to play, and you don't even get a business card.

I hope you understand my point more clearly.

~Sarah

Todd Ellis · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007, 23:03 (GMT) Post subject:

If I had the client's information I could, as you say, contact them directly. I would market to them - sell them on my services and they would be so happy that they would never need another VO, other than me, ever again - There would be no need for them to post on V123. If I do this to enough clients - V123's leads would dry up to the extent that all the premium members would go back into radio or wiping windshields with dirty newspaper. Is there an emoticon for "tongue in cheek"? Whatever - you get it.

Colin wrote:

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007, 23:17 (GMT) Post subject:

I just say then that people need to be more civil. I did go "outside" the casting sites a few times with no success. I guess that it appears to be just rude to clients. Then again I could tell you of an "off line" success where I contacted them and got a job. So... there ya' go.

Amy Snively · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 1028

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007, 23:28 (GMT) Post subject:

All EXCELLENT points, Amy, and very accurate. I agree completely.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007, 23:29 (GMT) Post subject:

Don't get me wrong - I would MUCH rather speak directly to the client - in their office - with a box of pastries for the receptionist. AND I have a MUCH better chance of landing the job.

ps - Amy - sorry for being a nuisance.

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007, 23:33 (GMT) Post subject:

Amy... you are as always dead on. Maybe that's why you do so well. I have a question though, how do you know of these hacks? I see 200 auditions for a job and don't see any way of finding out who they are or what they submitted.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007, 23:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Amy Snively · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 1028

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007, 23:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Too funny. The thing that haunts me though is that these "hacks" must get jobs (albeit low paying ones) because I hear so many BAD voice overs on television and radio that I wonder.

Amy Snively · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 1028

Colin Campbell · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007, 00:00 (GMT) Post subject:

Ah... nepotism. Yes... when I sent demos to the local studios recently, I was presented with the hard fact... "we don't really hire voice talent anymore, most clients have their own spokesperson." Meaning... the owner of the car dealer does his own spots... and they are BAD.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007, 00:29 (GMT) Post subject:

The best is when the local car dealer's 9 year-old DAUGHTER does the spot!

btw - when I was in radio in Chicago - I had the honor of producing a spot for the "Super-Grip-Ball" with several Cubs doing the VO. Without mentioning any names - I will say that if they were not possessed with athletic talent - many of these quality individuals would be wiping windshields with dirty newspaper.

Colin Campbell · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007, 00:41 (GMT) Post subject:

...yes but they are making more money than we are.