VOICE2008 Creative Experience Review

Todd Schick · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 63

Hey folks,

James Alburger gave me call with concerns regarding my last article on the VOICE2007 conference, which was kind of in conflict with what he's trying to do this year in L.A.

So, I had a chance over the weekend to do some research and review the speakers for the 2008 conference coming up in August. HINT: Be sure to read all the reviews, because the good ones come at the end......that nasty "alphabetical order" thing.....

Here's the link:

http://www.toddschick.com/VoiceoverVOICE2008.htm

Enjoy!

Jason Bishop · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 59

Todd,

Most excellent!
Speaks to my "trust but verify" belief system when it comes to money!

Thanks.

Todd Schick · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 63

Indeed.....always a good rule of thumb.

A foot note, folks, I've made some edits and changes following feedback from James and a few other people who sent me a note to clarify information.

Again, Enjoy!

Stefan Chinell · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 16

I am one of the presenters of VOICE 2008 that you have so kindly reviewed. It was funny reading but unfortunately I am neither an 'Old Radio Guy' or 'Voice Coach Wannabe'.

It is quite possible that one reason they invited me was to have an international name to present. But although I am hounoured that you regard me a 'Potential Poster Boy', no-one is invited just on the way he looks, It takes more than that. Have you got it?

There is only one way to find out is your assessments are correct: come to VOICE 2008 and find out for yourself.

By the way, I looked at your website and found some things you could work on.

Sincerely,
Stefan Chinell, Sweden

Todd Schick · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 63

Hey Stefan....

You are taking this personally and I sense some anger in your text here....down boy.

It's important for you to understand that the note that you wrote on voice-international.com and your personal website was all the information that I had to go on. You had no information on the subject you were speaking on at either location - thus, my review.

If you'd like your review to cast you in a better light, then I suggest that you provide me more information instead of taking cheap shots and getting angry......

Pamela Chollet · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008, 11:03 (GMT) Post subject: VOICE2008

Todd,

Disheartened and dismayed only vaguely describe my feelings after reading your sad attempt at clever judgement calls for the speakers at Voice 2008. I've studied and work with many of the people you chastised and the only truth I can gleen from your statements is ,'Those who can do...DO, those who can't criticize". Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I expect one's opinions of others to be based on facts obtained though research, a sound knowledge base of the subjects or the very least a phone call,email, SOMETHING that demonstrates an exchange of words which substantiate or negate your petty counter- productive remarks.
I'm honored to have met, studied and worked with these individuals here in LA ; they've shared their talents, skills and experience in a productive, professional manner. They ALL instilled in me a sense of pride and connection to a supportive family of individuals who I've turned to many times for help on questions, fears and professional expertise. Their responses have been constructive and caring. I feel so much a part of the LA VO world because of their incredible willingness to share , I've embraced thier ethics of giving back and hope one day I'll be in the position to mentor others entering this wondeful and dynamic field. I feel I can speak for the VO talent here by saying, we support one another and are joyful to witness our peers succeed and grow. WE don't look for venues to cirticize work or ,
( I can't even believe someone would actually do this ) ,WEBSITES of our peers. Perhaps you could try keeping the focus on yourself and if you don't have anything constructive to say; don't say it at all. WOW what a novel idea!
Tend your own garden, Todd
Pamela

Todd Schick · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 63

Gee....

I thought the Star Trek references were pretty funny.....

Your last comment really says it all for you Pamela. Is it just me or does the word "hypocrisy" have relevance to your statement "if you've got nothing good to say...". Do YOU have anything good to say? I ask this, because many of the people whom I wrote about in the article (yes, many that I took the Mickey out of ) have already responded with some pretty nice remarks about the whole thing......of course, these people have a sense of humor......

To clarify, (well, I did that several times in the article, but you obviously missed it) I didn't call anyone because no-one else out there is going to call either. They're going to click on a link, look at a website or two and decide if they're going to go. Perhaps they'll read my article and visit EVERY site! What a novel idea! Oh! Maybe, the article will get people talking about the conference and more will attend it......hmmmmmm......

By the sounds of things, maybe everyone should post nothing at all on the internet.....or maybe everyone should check with you first, Pamela - and keep their opinions to themselves. God forbid you'd get offended.

But you know....maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it is OK for people to put pictures of themselves up for sale on their website. Maybe it's perfectly normal to post a picture of one's self along with a reference to God......in my opinion these deliberate, pre-meditated efforts to market ones self say a great deal about a person.....but that's just me......

If I got someone wrong, do the world a favor and say so Pamela - in lieu of trashing the entire article and my character along with it. How about some specifics? Many people that I wrote about in that article have contacted me and in a nice, polite, professional manner clarified information which I took to heart and made changes.

Of course...it takes a little effort to be nice and courteous......and a sense of humor always helps too.

Pamela Chollet · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008, 19:27 (GMT) Post subject: VOICE2008

Todd,
I'm sorry my words resonated in such a distasteful manner, my intent was to express how moved I've been by the supportive environment of the VO community. My admiration and respect for these individuals has been heightened by the professionalism they've demonstrated through constuctive feedback of their peers. I understand your review was meant to be humorous , I was commenting on, intent and purpose of your actions. My question is still was , " Is this meant to help , inform, or in some way hinder or hurt the community?" Only you know the answer...I am very very sorry if I offended you that was not my purpose or my intent, I meant to convey my positive experiences with a number of individuals you presented in, what I read as a rather critical, light. And perhaps the "Jersey" in me came on a bit too heavy and I will work on learning to contain my feedback, so it doesn't become personal. It's all part of the journey.
Again I apologize for upsetting you.
Blessings,
Pamela

James Lorenz · **Voice Talent** Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 254

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

Hey, this is fun: kind'a like watching a mixed-doubles tennis match where they're serving hand grenades.

To me, though, the essence of debate is opposing viewpoints. Since the Voice2008 folk send out lovely e-mails with many exclamation points and rousing adjectives, it's only fitting that the cautionary side be similarly frisky.
And since I know Mr. Schick to be a solid, working VO who invariably beats me to jobs, his opinions are at least as valid as those of the V2008 peddlers.

Voice2008 On!

Todd Schick · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 63

Hey James (and Pamela....)

It never ceases to amaze me what people choose to comment on when they read an article, regardless of the content....everyone has a different take and spin.....gotta love the internet....

Yes, your observation is founded. It took me quite a while to visit each site, click on a few links and then write about it. I actually spent more time trying to make it as "fair" as I could, but some stuff was.....well........."impossibly absurd" if that makes sense....

In the end....it took me about 4-5 days, 3 or more hours a day. I totally missed the weekend reference....sorry about that. Now, there's all the correspondence to deal with - and there's tons and tons of that; many people have written me personally - it seems most folks want to make their comments private, explaining the lack of posts on this forum vs. the amount of people who have read the review - about 350 people.

You can imagine how full my inbox is.....

Pamela......your Jersey is showing. LOL! No offense taken. And if I came off sounding upset....I wasn't. Just.......emphatic, I suppose. Such is the nature of text vs. verbal communication with body language......

James noted that the review was "critical" and I'm getting that message loud and clear. There's much riding on this, me thinks; the success of the conference.....not to mention the affect my sarcasm will have on fragile egos, especially those who are insecure.

Generally speaking, let's not forget what the true purpose of the article is all about - and it's funny, but no-one has mentioned this yet (I've waited long enough so I'm going to say it here now). It was written to foster an enviroment of communication amongst us all. I merely chose to review websites, because that's all that was presented to us; I certainly can't be faulted for that.

It worked! People ARE talking - good or bad, there is communication and relevant thoughts and comments flying around everywhere and that's what this industry of ours needs; indeed, it's long, long overdue.

As for the individuals speaking.......they'll show their spots via their impressions, behaviour and content at the conference; regardless of what I saw (reviewed) on their websites. Some people are just really lousy at marketing.....but are truly nice people - that concept is not lost on me. However, if they're in the "communication" business, then their website should, at the very least, reveal something about their level of skill at communicating with a modicum of cogency.

Thank you all, for your efforts to talk about......everything.

J.S. Gilbert

Not that I'm sticking up for Todd or anything, he and I share one thing in common with our posts and that is "to get people to think". AS someone who also offers the occasional less-than-optimisitc post, I beleive it is important to act as some counter agent to all of the wonderful newspaper and magazine articles and special interest news shows that would have people believe that making money in voiceover is simpler than picking Bill Gates pocket.

Yes, many of you have or perhaps think you've had positive experiences with individuals and companies that I simply refer to as "vendors to actors" - be they the writers of one more book or teachers or whatever. The truth can be found by contacting the Los Angeles District Attorney's office who will tell you that the scamming of individuals wanting to get into acting and/or modeling is one of the biggest concerns facing the State of California. Well, that and where the heck to bury the Governor's cigar butts.

So to a few of you still scratching your heads, if you had actually seen as many actors lose homes, marriages, become alcoholic or substance abusers or otherwise destroy themselves, their families and friends, then you would understand that taking anything at face value is foolhardy at best. A top professional would appreciate this scrutiny and it would appear as though some do and have come forward.

Allen Brown · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008, 03:13 (GMT) Post subject:

Todd,

I chuckled.

Allen

Kara Edwards · **Voice Talent** Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 347

I remember one of the years I was a co-host on a morning radio show, a man claimed to have a petition an entire small town west of Charlotte had signed to have me removed from the air.

Why? They didn't believe a woman should be allowed to express her thoughts or opinions so freely.

Opinions are good, they get us talking...and reacting.

Bill Campbell · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 106

Wow!! This thread is amazing.

So, Todd's Chick is the Roger Ebert of the VO industry.

Dude, there's a lot of anger (jealousy?) in your rant...or, blog.

(some parts were funny, though)