It seems I've stirred things up a bit

J.S. Gilbert

Thanks to all of you who have responded to my previous posts. Especially to those of you, who in your infinite wisdom and egotistical self absorption seem to think my rant was all about you. My discontent is the sum total of what I perceive to be a major attitude that the profession of voice-over is something anyone can do and requires a minimum of effort (or at best a maximum of marketing effort). If this doesn't fit you, then leave me the hell alone.

I have read numerous posts, blogs and other information from all over the web regarding the "voiceover industry" that makes me want to gag. And apparently nobody here has bothered to read the second post I made where I discussed the results of my personally trying to find talent on here. To those of you who have been at this for 20 or 30 years, or perhaps even before the advent of fire. Swell, greeat, more power to you. I've seen enough bad advice on the web that I felt I might put up a little road sign to the new folks and old folks alike.

What is so wrong with what I'm actually saying? I merely suggest people not waste my time or other people's time. Should I no longer search for talent from online communities because it is a mind numbing experience or can I help contribute to it being better. If I'm thinking this way, then probably hundreds of producers and other potential clients are thinking the same thing and just not saying anything.

In essence I merely state that people who are new to voiceover should be selective about where they get their information. I suggest that if they've been told about the massive riches to be had as a voice actor that they should be aware that for 99% of the people who call themselves voice talent, this is not the case. I said 99% of the people who call themselves voice talent and not the millions of people who have souvenir demos on their shelves and gave up.

Even the responses to my posts seem to be ill conceived "reactions" to something that makes us all uncomfortable. Comparing voiceover to the legal profession? Are you kidding me?

Do I think that people shouldn't try becoming self-supporting as voice actors? Of course not. In fact I have provided numerous people with their first opportunities to work in this industry. Want specifics? I can give you names and names of projects?

I just would appreciate it if new people would learn some comportment. Who goes into a business venture without understanding anything about it? At least take an acting class. When I made the decision to become an actor, it was a slow and well thought out process, and even then I screwed up quite a bit. It is obvious to spot someone who is trying and someone who is not. The ability to make funny voices or noises with one's mouth doesn't mean you have the skills to work in cartoons or interactive games. Just because somebody says you have a nice voice doesn't mean anything.

To those of you who read the books and practice on your microphones and bug recording engineers to find out stuff and practice doing v.o. in front of the t.v. with the sound turned off and volunteer at their local Ad Clubs to learn about commercials or anyone of a hundred things that anybody can do to develop an understanding of this business, professionalism and the understanding of how you fit in, I thank you. You challenge me and make me recmmit to my craft.

By the way to you newbies, the real good news is that there are a lot of pompous "voiceover talent" who have been doing this for 20 or 30 years, who have gotten stale and still seem stuck in the muck and mire of 50's am radio broadcasting. Some of them have developed icredible marketing skills, but... This just means that there is always room for a fresh voice with a fresh read.

If I've hit any veins here, think twice before you post and whether there isn't some truth here. I don't think I'll be making many more posts here, since I have nothing to gain and they just seem to make me unpopular. I guess I won't be any part of the little mutual admisration society that goes on here - ah well.

So for now - to all of you The legends in their own mind, the soon to be great, the ones in their 40's that still borrow money from mommy and daddy to pay their bills because they can't make a living wage as a voice actor after 10 years, and the others - the industrious, the kinder than me, the semi-retired who are happy for the odd gig and everyone in between and all around, I truly do wish you all a very happy new year. Perhaps some day we'll be working together and you can say "Hey he's not as big an ass as I thought he was".

if you jumped in late, read my earlier posts.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007, 20:41 (GMT) Post subject:

J.S., I don't think it's so much the content of your post, which I personally thought was pretty insightful and, as I said in my response to that particular post, something I personally alluded to in an earlier thread I had started here (Why do so many think it's so EASY?). I think it may have more to do with HOW you present your argument, similar to how it comes across in this new thread you've started. Like it or not, your way of typing your thoughts comes across as somewhat inflammatory, ESPECIALLY when you singled out one particular person on this site and wrote quite a bit about how he must not be legitimate since you couldn't find what you wanted on the 'net to verify his work background.

I used to work for a GM in radio who people said had a great heart and would give the shirt off his back to just about anyone. Trouble was, he had no people skills at all. His exceptionally rough demeanor and demeaning way of dealing with his employees eventually led to his firing.

I believe, appreciate, and thank you for the GREAT insight and comments you've provided on this forum. I think it's stuff that needs to be said. I'd suggest working on HOW you present your thoughts so that instead of causing people to focus on the medium (or perhaps the messenger?), they focus on the message.

Regards.

Victor Harris · Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007, 21:18 (GMT) Post subject:

J.S.,

I appreciate your insight. I know I have been victim to some bad advice that resulted in learning some things the hard way and the wrong way. Your comments speak the truth...and sometimes the truth hurts. Thank you. Wink