Looking for a few good reads

Tom Schnug · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 4

I was hoping the more experienced people in here could reccomend me a few books to read.
So far my collection consists of
The Art of Voice Acting
Scenes for Actors and Voice
There's Money Where Your Mouth Is.

Any must reads I should be looking for?
Thanks!

Arlene Kahn · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Apr 2005 Posts: 122

Harlan Hogan has two books. I've only read his first one but have heard his second about setting up a studio is very good. Harlan is known as a marketing wiz in Chicago and his first book was very enjoyable and informative.

JoBe Cerny has a book also that I really enjoyed reading. I think it's called something like I Could have Driven a Cab. He's been in the business for a long time and has his own production company as well as serving as a talent. Again, it was a very enjoyable and informative read.

Arlene

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007, 01:49 (GMT) Post subject:

Well, I've always enjoyed Ken Follett's books, such as "Pillars of the Earth" and "A Dangerous Fortune". Dean Koontz is good, too, and Michael Chricton's "Sphere" may be the best book I've ever read.

Oh, or were you looking specifically for voice over related stuff?
Wink

Arlene Kahn · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Apr 2005 Posts: 122

Well, if we're going to go with non-industry books, I got into the Rober Crais books. Would get into the story to the extent that I'd be up all night reading the book. Also, Peter Straub's Ghost Story made me scream out loud. Steve Allen actually wrote mysteries which were pretty good with some humor and Hollywood characters thrown in the mix.

Arlene

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Okay, here's what you might consider a crossover hit --
David Sedaris' "Me Talk Pretty One Day".

Erik Sheppard · **Voice Talent** Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 1317

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Erik -- Yes, I loved it, laughed and laughed -- David Sedaris is so witty and funny.

But to get back to the VO books, I just ordered two:
The voice actor's Guide to Home Recording (Fisher/Hogan) and
Acting with the Voice: The Art of Recording Books (Blumenfeld)

I'll let you know how they are.

Ronald T Robinson · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 1008

According to my research, the following script - when well-presented - gets people a lot of work: "Me love you long time!"

Or am I in the wrong thread, the wrong forum, the wrong environment and the wrong decade...? Smile

Ed Gambill · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jun 2007 Posts: 585

Tom

I want to recommend that you read Jay Rose, his books on audio for video are full of the nut and bolts stuff you need to know in order to record good audio. No matter how good you become with delivery, unless you are using a professional recording studio, you will have to master recording. Also knowing how to edit will help.

Bettye Zoller · **Voice Talent** Joined: 03 Aug 2003 Posts: 163

My audio book "CommercialSpeak" is sold worldwide and Voice123 featured it about eight months ago as a special and hundreds were ordered and people agree it's a goldmine of information. It's sold on Amazon and on my site www.voicesvoices.com and on many other internet sites. The foreword is by Dick Orkin of Hollywoods' Radio Ranch and we interview many people on it and male and female voiceover talents added segments to the audio book. It is one CD. 80 minutes. It's a good "listen."

Michael Strah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Posts: 29

I found Hogan's home recording book to be rather boring. There is
very little in there except two guys trying too hard to be funny. It gets boring. I expected more from his book, he is a very well known voice, afterall.

That Blumenfeld book is excellent. Money well spent. If you don't learn from his book, then you are not of this earth!!

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Michael --
I have to agree. Not much in the Hogan book I didn't already know. Maybe good for total beginners.
I am very much enjoying Acting with the Voice. Books are my passion so a very motivating read for me. Excellent.