tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82457055456973201552024-03-13T03:22:17.414-07:00The voice of MonkMonk is a voice over artist and actor in the Albany NY region. His voice is heard around the world on commercials, informational videos and telephone systems. He works on stage, film and in commercials in the New England region and beyond.Monkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923853912004440397noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-86453262637398802112020-09-23T13:33:00.003-07:002020-09-23T13:33:42.128-07:00Covid19<h1 style="text-align: left;"><b>Sheesh.</b></h1><p>I go from a 5 show Fall season, to the world coming to a halt in March. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Sort of...</h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnb3HaemY_M/X2uwy_UQ-uI/AAAAAAAAA04/1BsfwX1G4bk9FJDuXqh6mwV9CGcJcCWFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s466/ManyHats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnb3HaemY_M/X2uwy_UQ-uI/AAAAAAAAA04/1BsfwX1G4bk9FJDuXqh6mwV9CGcJcCWFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ManyHats.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As many of you know, people call me a polymath, I wear a lot of hats and can pivot when things go sideways. The VO work picked up the pace, and the college gig considered me an "essential worker" so I went into the office everyday.<p></p><p>Then the other calls started to come in. People needed help pivoting onto Zoom and other streaming platforms. So I dove in. </p><p>PS21 in Chatham was doing a few concerts with socially distanced performers and audience. I helped with a multi-camera live switch stream feed to their Facebook page. And you know, once you do one, you can't go back to a single camera. The online audience loved it. PS21 kept me busy.</p><p>Then there was the virtual book fair.</p><p>Then another online play production. </p><p>Then classes were ramping up, with real live students on campus. Weekly testing, and tight protocols. </p><p>And here we are. <b>September.</b> I don't even remember June or July. Or April for that matter. It was a blur.</p><p><b>Be the person people turn to when they need help.</b> Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Virtual hugs.</p>Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-60835545600830766062020-01-21T14:17:00.001-08:002020-01-21T14:17:23.039-08:00New Year!There's a great Charlie Brown cartoon I recently saw. Charlie Brown says, "You only live once." And Snoopy responds, "No, you die once, you live every day."<br />
<br />
Now, a little research says that quote is actually credited to Bobby Darin. But who can trust the internet some days?<br />
<br />
Yesterday is gone and in the books. To be honest, 2019 was a great year for me. I did a LOT of theater, with several shows back to back. And I won't do THAT again.<br />
<br />
It was a lot.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A lot lot. </span></b><br />
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And I'm glad that I did it, and I'm glad it's over.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk3CXyoUQuA/Xid14phNRWI/AAAAAAAAAx8/PWP2R-W-y3k6b7HP4MKk1L8_V3LqvpHEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20191217_205607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk3CXyoUQuA/Xid14phNRWI/AAAAAAAAAx8/PWP2R-W-y3k6b7HP4MKk1L8_V3LqvpHEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20191217_205607.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me performing This Wonderful Life, basically telling the story <br />of It's a Wonderful Life, with all the characters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What I learned is that I'm good at what I do, and can make an audience smile and enjoy themselves. And directors keep calling me back, so I guess I'm not a tool.<div>
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<div>
<b>These are important things to remember! It's so hard to take a complement sometimes and to shake off the imposter syndrome and perhaps admit to yourself you are good at something. </b></div>
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That's a common thing in our work. Do we belong in the room? Are we good enough?</div>
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When you're alone in a booth it's hard to hear the audience reaction. But on stage, it's instant. You know if you nailed that line.</div>
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2020 is a new day. And I'm looking forward to the new challenges that await me. I'm already in rehearsal for the Three Penny Opera, I've started writing a new one man show for a festival this spring, and I'm waiting to hear if an invitation to the mideast is going to pan out.</div>
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Ya! I'll die later. <b><span style="font-size: large;">Today</span></b> I'm going to <b><span style="font-size: large;">live.</span></b></div>
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Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-50390503225445185212018-07-30T09:07:00.004-07:002020-01-21T13:59:06.874-08:00Working on BRANDING!I have met <a href="http://celiasiegel.com/">Celia Siegel</a> a couple of times and I've worked with her on my branding. Recently I purchased her book Voiceover Achiever, and decided it was time to focus my brand.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKi3qbj-3k8/W18p1txTW2I/AAAAAAAAAsc/4cAMKd6xgx4N4XDcOEIOzv4-xQCrrKLKQCLcBGAs/s1600/voachiever_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKi3qbj-3k8/W18p1txTW2I/AAAAAAAAAsc/4cAMKd6xgx4N4XDcOEIOzv4-xQCrrKLKQCLcBGAs/s320/voachiever_book.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Here's the thing. I have known that I have a lack of focus for years. Too many things interest me! I'm like a kid in a candy store, distracted by shiny objects.<br />
<h3>
FOCUS</h3>
Man, have I heard that word before. In grade school, teachers would tell my mother, "If he would only focus, he would be an amazing student."<br />
<br />
I'll get back to that.<br />
<br />
So consider Celia's book a workbook. It's not an idle read, you have to do some work. Write down ideas and try to distill yourself down to the essence of what makes you, YOU.<br />
<br />
Sure, gee, that's easy. <b>NOT</b>.<br />
<br />
The thing is, I believe that sometimes, you have to look outside of yourself to see yourself. If you look in a mirror, you only see that one angle. You don't see yourself as others see you.<br />
<br />
So here's what I did, and it sounds like the most narcissistic thing ever, but I asked ten friends for ten words. Ten words that describe <u>me</u>. I also chose ten friends that didn't really know each other, separate circles of friends that have worked with me in one fashion or another. (Ok, some people do know each other, but they don't hang out together.)<br />
<br />
Then I dropped those words into Wordle, and it took the common words, made them bigger. So I'm seen as a <b><span style="font-size: large;">Trustworthy Creative Renaissance-Man</span></b>, with a side of charisma as a loyal caring teddybear.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rZYQZtZ-xwA/W19Y6d-pJrI/AAAAAAAAAtc/5E1snn1JF1MXfVCASh5RAqbNBkGsFmEpACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-07-30%2Bat%2B2.22.08%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="831" height="257" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rZYQZtZ-xwA/W19Y6d-pJrI/AAAAAAAAAtc/5E1snn1JF1MXfVCASh5RAqbNBkGsFmEpACLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-07-30%2Bat%2B2.22.08%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0BB-VCqeeo/W18y31IoPLI/AAAAAAAAAtI/oxz9-4Gr0rYWP3-71PwqYZvveY6UTDFeACEwYBhgL/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-07-13%2Bat%2B4.48.05%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="590" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0BB-VCqeeo/W18y31IoPLI/AAAAAAAAAtI/oxz9-4Gr0rYWP3-71PwqYZvveY6UTDFeACEwYBhgL/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-07-13%2Bat%2B4.48.05%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a>Now what?<br />
<br />
I took a quiz. I took the <a href="https://www.howtofascinate.com/" target="_blank">How to Fascinate</a> quiz developed by Sally Hogshead. It told me, that, according to my responses to the quiz, I'm a <b>Rockstar</b> personality. (The results cost me just over $50 to get the full print out. But I'm considering that part of my marketing research.)<br />
<br />
Well put that in your imposter syndrome pipe and smoke it!<br />
<h3>
Back to FOCUS</h3>
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So a little more research. And I keep coming back to images of things like Hemmingway, or Howard Hugues. Not the images of how they died, but how they lived. And a phrase kept coming back, over and over. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Jack of all trades, Master of <b>ONE</b>. Which is different than what is usually said, which is Jack of all trades master of <b>NONE</b>. </div>
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BRILLIANT! I have found an answer to what I've been struggling with. And it came through that word <i><b>renaissance-man</b></i>. Hemmingway, Hugues, and many others were jack of all trades, they dabbled in many things and were quite good at them. But they did FOCUS on one thing and mastered it. I'm allowed to be good at many things, as long as I can focus on being outstanding at one thing.</div>
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I'm an actor. I may be good at tech, fixing things, teaching and problem solving and all that, but the thing I <u>ALWAYS</u> find time for, even with my schedule, is acting. Voice, on-stage, commercial, film projects. It is what I put aside all other things to do. Directors do call me. I often don't audition. I'm good at it.</div>
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And to write that down feels wonderful to admit. (I can hear it now, Actors Anonymous, "Hi Monk!")</div>
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<b>Back to BRAND</b></div>
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We're not done yet, but we're sharpening the spear. Getting to the point of boiling down to my 'essence' of what makes me, me. And what sets me apart from others. What makes me "brand-able" </div>
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Stay tuned.</div>
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Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-77673512433834737502017-09-29T17:28:00.006-07:002017-09-29T17:28:57.378-07:00FaffCon Number 9, (number 9, number 9...)<h2>
Another FaffCon! Come and Gone!</h2>
<h2>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ellDdG64iGk/Wc7ade4e7wI/AAAAAAAAAF4/MFUBjYTDf50n7S60kbEZNzYoPs8T_TgLQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-09-29%2Bat%2B7.13.29%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="630" height="205" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ellDdG64iGk/Wc7ade4e7wI/AAAAAAAAAF4/MFUBjYTDf50n7S60kbEZNzYoPs8T_TgLQCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-09-29%2Bat%2B7.13.29%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
</h2>
"Growing your business is more about farming than hunting."<br />
<br />
<b>Wow. Hello. How brilliant is that!!</b><br />
<br />
Instead of "hunting" for work, how about planting a few seeds and cultivating relationships and growing trust!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Why I Faff.</h3>
To those faithful reader of this blog-o-thingy, you know that once a year I surround myself with fellow <b>Voice over</b> people and talk about <b>Voice Acting</b> and how to get better and better.<br />
<br />
It's my tribe, my "church" that I go to once a year to refuel and kick my ass back into gear.<br />
<br />
This year was no exception. I left Charlotte with a serious "To do" list.<br />
1. Update the website<br />
2. Another session with <a href="http://celiasiegel.com/" target="_blank">Celia Siegel</a><br />
3. Get that NYC agent.<br />
4. Start using Evernote<br />
5. A new CRM from Brad<br />
<br />
and a few others.<br />
<h3>
My Big Golden Nugget</h3>
VO work is an interesting field. If you're good, you get work. I get work. If you're good on camera you get more work. I get camera work, to the point my agent in Rochester actually said, "I'm sick of seeing you on TV."<br />
<br />
BUT, there's always that lingering doubt, "Am I good <i>enough</i>?" I know we can always improve, but at what point do you take the leap of faith and just stretch beyond the comfortable?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.davidhlawrencexvii.com/" target="_blank">David H. Lawrence XVII </a>gave a session about this. Talking about the Imposter Syndrome. That idea that you may be faking it. That someone is going to stand up at some point, point you out in a crowd and start the chant. Fraud! Fraud! Fraud!<br />
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It can be paralyzing. It can keep you from trying. Keep you from taking that chance to find out how great you really are.<br />
<br />
The golden nugget I walked away with, was being told, <b>I am ready</b>. They knew. They saw it.<br />
<br />
Sometimes all you need is someone saying, "Ya, you so totally got this." And they mean it. It's not mum saying, "You're the best!" I mean, it's great to get praise from mum. (Mum, it is!) But a fellow VO professional walking across the room and taking the time to pull a splinter of kyrptonite out of your ego. That's FaffCon magic!<br />
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David asked me if I was booking gigs, and getting work. I said that I was. Then, in answer to my internal question "am I ready?" was his answer: "The evidence is mounting..."<br />
<h3>
Fear of Success?</h3>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXcTjDd5H68/Wc7k8-Idp3I/AAAAAAAAAGI/br-rz4dKLKQOuWiSTNkFAbjrldJq8GypgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-09-29%2Bat%2B8.25.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXcTjDd5H68/Wc7k8-Idp3I/AAAAAAAAAGI/br-rz4dKLKQOuWiSTNkFAbjrldJq8GypgCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-09-29%2Bat%2B8.25.30%2BPM.png" width="301" /></a>I used to say, I have a fear of success. I now know, that's kind of chickenshit response. I am aware of the idea, "be careful of what you wish for." I get that. I truly think that a lot of people that enter social services have the best intentions, and then get overwhelmed by the real sorrow in the world. You couldn't pay me enough to be a police officer. Dealing with problems all day has to drain your energy.<br />
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Part of the problem is a lack of focus, I know that. I've written about it before. I'm good at a lot of things, but I'm finding I'm really good at Voice Acting and Acting in general. I've been tearing up the local stages. And I love it.<br />
<br />
Bringing a script or character to life is amazing work. It's non-kinky role playing with applause. (Well I actually do a show yearly in drag, and I'm paid for it, with rave reviews, so I don't know what THAT means...)<br />
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I'm going to strip off these chains. How about you?<br />
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Monkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923853912004440397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-28461626293892305972016-09-15T07:05:00.000-07:002016-09-15T07:05:56.635-07:00Clearing the decks! <h2>
(aka the art of finishing projects and saying no.)</h2>
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There's a certain wonderfulness about being a freelancing-independent-business owner. You never stop marketing and never stop pushing to keep the cue full of work that pays money.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The image of Sisyphus pushing that rock up a hill comes to mind. We work 80 hours a week to be our own boss.</div>
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BUT there is a skill that one has to learn at some point. Well, two skills actually. One skill is finishing a project.</div>
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There is going to be a time (or two) that you'll say "Yes" to a project that you would have rather have said "No." too. But, there was money tied to it, and you just couldn't resist. (Or power, or prestige, or fame, or some sort of ego boosting thingy.)</div>
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However it happens, for some reason, you said, "Yes, I'll do it." OR you volunteered your skills!!</div>
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Good for you. It's good karma and helps somebody out. </div>
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<h3>
BUT!</h3>
<div>
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<div>
Ok here's the big but. (insert Sir Mix-A-Lot here) There's only one you and you need time for that 'you'.</div>
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How many projects are sitting in the wings that you started? Each one is a weight on your shoulders. </div>
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<div>
That edit you promised. </div>
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The script for a friend. </div>
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The website changes.</div>
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The marketing material.</div>
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The siding on the house.</div>
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The project in the basement.</div>
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The list can go on and on!</div>
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<h3>
WHAT TO DO?!</h3>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Ok here's the first REAL skill. Saying "No." once in a while. While it's true, if you want something done, ask someone who's busy. I'm very good at lists and getting things prioritized. But I'm terrible at saying "no." when someone asks me. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
That changes today. (actually it changed yesterday, the first time I did it.)</div>
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I'm starting with the free things. "We would love you to audition for this show, you'd be perfect for it!" </div>
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Ok, go ahead, stroke my ego, that's wonderful! </div>
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BUT, "I'd love too! I'm just overbooked right now, but please keep me in mind for your next show." is the new response.</div>
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The art of saying 'No.' or being more selective is HARD! Especially when you've had the mindset that you need to take on things to survive.</div>
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So I've started to throttle back on saying 'Yes.'</div>
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<h3>
Clear the Decks!</h3>
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<br /></div>
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I'm clearing out the projects I've promised to do. One by one by order of priority. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Prop for a show? Done.</div>
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Cassette to DVD for a friend? Done.</div>
<div>
Pop by and help a friend with his audio chain? This weekend.</div>
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Clean my workbench? Today.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Each project you finish, takes some of the weight off your shoulders. The trick is, DON'T ADD ANOTHER PROJECT RIGHT AWAY!</div>
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Try not to fill the void. Allow yourself time for yourself and the projects for YOU. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Your website.</div>
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Your marketing.</div>
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Your motorcycle in the basement.</div>
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Your mental health.</div>
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Once everything is done, all the projects have been cleared and the backlog is gone, THEN (Carefully) say 'Yes.' again. But be selective! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Your time is valuable and finite. Learn to say no once in a while. It's ok.</div>
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Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-88329318310473505782015-12-04T12:24:00.000-08:002015-12-04T12:24:06.754-08:002015 Marketing update!Okiedokie... it's DECEMBER.<br />
<br />
December 4th to be precise. And I finally mailed out the first round of marketing packages!<br />
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<h4>
WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?!?!</h4>
<br />
Finding time and energy... lame lame lame excuse. But there were a lot of factors, getting the introduction letter right, finding the right box and packing material, creating a client contact database, etc, etc.<br />
<br />
New headshot, check. New demo recording, done. Good size boxes for shipping, done. (thank you <a href="http://www.uline.com/">Uline.com</a>)<br />
<br />
Marketing material isn't any good sitting on the floor. It needs to be in peoples hands.<br />
<br />
And it has begun.<br />
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Now to keep the rhythm going and keep sending things out.<br />
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<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-680858238276658692015-03-13T08:59:00.004-07:002015-03-16T07:00:24.751-07:002015 MarketingOk, it's March, the temps are warming and we're shaking off the cabin fever. Time to get motivated!<br />
<br />
Right now, I have to admit, I'm busy. The eLearning is cooking along, the commercial work comes in and out, (regular, but often enough) and the studio is sounding nice. But there's a plan to do more.<br />
<br />
Several months ago there was a great meeting in NYC with a fellow "Voiceoverist" <a href="http://www.philipbanks.com/" target="_blank">Philip Banks</a> and he said something profound. A couple things actually.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Start at the Top!</h4>
If you start at the top, you can only work yourself down. So introduce yourself to the big wigs.<br />
<h4>
They Don't Know You Exist!</h4>
True, so if they have never heard of me, how in the world would they figure out how to hire me?<br />
<h4>
Make it Easy for Them!</h4>
People are so freakin' busy. Seriously. Make it easy.<br />
<h4>
The Plan.</h4>
Last year I hired <a href="http://www.celiasiegel.com/" target="_blank">Celia Siegel Management</a> to give my marking a once over. (money well spent!) That was website, branding, message, etc. I had a <a href="http://www.monksvoice.com/TEST/Monksvoice2014/MonkDemos/MonkCommercials.mp3" target="_blank">new demo</a> produced, revamped <a href="http://www.monksvoice.com/" target="_blank">the website</a> and had Lee Everett over at <a href="http://www.finelinelenox.com/" target="_blank">Fine Line Multimedia</a> create a new graphic for my name.<br />
<br />
So a bit of coding and some photography got the website up.<br />
<br />
Philip mentioned sending out a USB with marketing. Sure! why not! But I decided to take it further with the branding. And had UBS's printed up with my new graphic, complete with contact information and dropped my new demo onto it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVyD2hQf3iw/VQMFJBLc5XI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/s4qjU05pk-E/s1600/NewMonkUSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVyD2hQf3iw/VQMFJBLc5XI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/s4qjU05pk-E/s1600/NewMonkUSB.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a USB AND a bottle opener... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next bit of marketing schwag was the mug.<br />
<br />
I have used a mug for marketing for years. People don't toss out mugs. At a recent on-camera shoot, the producer had my mug on her desk. I had cleverly left it in the green room at a previous shoot.<br />
<br />
HEY it works! I've had other producers call me, and say, "I have your mug, and had to call..."<br />
<br />
People may toss out schwag, but damn, that mug has stuck around. So it needed an update as well, to match. A couple minutes in Photoshop with the new graphic and off to <a href="http://bargainmugs.com/">Bargainmugs.com</a>. 144 mugs with shipping was just over $500. But completes the package.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofCdFWyQ3-I/VQMGbewON6I/AAAAAAAAAKI/wY9Bv5W-M0A/s1600/NewMonkMug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofCdFWyQ3-I/VQMGbewON6I/AAAAAAAAAKI/wY9Bv5W-M0A/s1600/NewMonkMug.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New and shiny!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next comes the tough part. Finding the names and places to send them to.<br />
<br />
People will argue over all kinds of things in this business, "It's competitive!", "No it's not..." What I have found is that people are willing to share all kinds of secrets of the business, but they're not going to tell you who their client contacts are. Nope. No-sir-ee-bob.<br />
<br />
THAT you have to find and build yourself. There are sources, but it's not going to be handed to you on a silver platter. (Unless you're a nationally known film and TV actor).<br />
<h4>
The Goal</h4>
These mugs and USB drives aren't going to mail themselves, so the plan is to create a list of production companies and agencies and introduce myself. Get things put together and get them out the door.<br />
<br />
The more people who know me, and listen to my work, the more people who will know me and listen to my work.<br />
<br />
As the amazing <a href="http://www.bobsouer.com/" target="_blank">Bob Souer</a> says, "Prepare for the avalanche."<br />
<br />
I'm ready. And I'm going for it.<br />
<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-87954995925112948202014-12-19T13:44:00.002-08:002014-12-19T13:44:37.704-08:00A New Pre-Amp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUgtuxatGPs/VJSU3E8k6sI/AAAAAAAAAJY/UAXx-h86TI4/s1600/D4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUgtuxatGPs/VJSU3E8k6sI/AAAAAAAAAJY/UAXx-h86TI4/s1600/D4.png" height="161" width="640" /></a></div>
Ok, ok, ok. There is a known thing out there called G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) and it is a serious affliction that affects techie types.<br />
<br />
First of all, to be successful in VO, you need talent and a way to capture that talent. You don't need ProTools and a $3000 microphone. You do need a quiet space and a quality microphone that fits that space that captures your dulcet tones and you'll need some sort of software to edit and get that audio out the door.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://vostudiotech.com/" target="_blank">George Whittam</a> is a great source for those looking to set up and make buckets of money. Keep it simple stupid. (KISS) And George has mentioned once or twice that the gear that's out there and available to you at a reasonable price is just fine for Voice Over work. To spend more money on more expensive gear starts to get into the minutia of audio.<br />
<br />
An Audio Tecnica AT2020 USB microphone and a laptop running Audacity (FREE!) will get you started and from there you dream about a better microphone, and better software. That's how G.A.S. starts. If you're like me, you surf gearslutz.com and read reviews over at soundonsound.com or recordinghacks.com and start thinking about spending money. I say it's money burning a hole in your common sense.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Now that I've said all that!</h4>
<br />
I've been wanting to upgrade my ART MPA Gold preamp. I had put in some vintage Mullard tubes and it has been FINE. Nothing really wrong with it, it gets me work and is quiet and does the job.<br />
<br />
<h4>
But.</h4>
<br />
I started reading about EMI records, the Beatles and the famed Redd 47 preamp that EMI used in their console. Ok. So I have a Neumann U87ai microphone, and the Redd 47 is supposed to be a great match to it. Shoot.<br />
<br />
So I start looking around. <a href="http://dripelectronics.com/" target="_blank">Drip Electronics</a> has a nice kit, but presently out of stock, <a href="http://www.phaedrus-audio.com/" target="_blank">Phaedrus Audio</a> in the UK further stoked the fire, but the present conversion rate of the pound to the dollar made the price a bit <i>un-attractive</i>. Then I find <a href="http://dizengoffaudio.com/" target="_blank">Dizengoff Audio</a> and their D4. $599.00 of tube amp, Redd 47 clone magic.<br />
<br />
<h4>
So……</h4>
<br />
Howz it sound? I'm dialing it in, but right out of the box this is clean, clear and puts the vocals right into the center of a mix. Not as bass heavy as the ART MPA was, which is fine, I don't want to create a mix of mud. It has phantom power, which the Drip Electronics kit does not have. A pad to knock things down on the output and a phase inverter if needed. The rest is just a couple of gain knobs, rough and fine.<br />
<br />
On the back is a XLR input and output. On the front is 1/4" input for an instrument. (hmmm, might have to pick up a cheap Les Paul) That's it. Nothing else in the signal path or any built in compressors or eq. Just a preamp.<br />
<br />
So this sound file <a href="http://monksvoice.com/PreAmpTest/ABTest.mp3" target="_blank">ABTest.mp3</a> is me reading first into the ART MPA then the Dizengoff D4, the first phrase is the ART, the repeat of the phrase is the D4. I'm going to continue dialing it in and working with it, but so far, I'm pretty happy. I think I'm done with G.A.S. for a little while.. (no. seriously.)<br />
<br />
You may listen to the two preamps back to back and say, "They sound pretty much the same…" and that's true, they are VERY close. Going back to what George said, spending more gets you a tiny percentage higher quality, <span style="font-size: x-small;">tiny</span>. But I hear a difference and I like it, the key word for me is clarity, and this D4 has it in spades.<br />
<br />
<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-12780498064204973352014-09-18T11:23:00.003-07:002014-09-18T11:23:57.460-07:00ipDTL (I piddled?) No...<h2>
Ok, this is going to be short and sweet.</h2>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ipdtl.com/banners/ipdtl_same_room.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://ipdtl.com/banners/ipdtl_same_room.png" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go ahead, check it out. You'll need Google Chrome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have tried, and tried to get ISDN in my studio and<br />
have failed. My local phone company is Fairpoint<br />
Communications, but the phone lines and connection is somehow owned by Verizon. <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielfisher/2013/02/19/shorts-battle-the-longs-over-rural-fairpoint-communications/" target="_blank">Fairpoint was in bankruptcy</a> proceedings, so they're really not interested in helping me get ISDN.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Fine.</h4>
But now… oh man, I hope it's as good as it says it is… <a href="https://ipdtl.com/aff/DfBeo4kD" target="_blank">ipDTL </a>is available.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I was able to connect over DSL, using Google Chrome and ipDTL to a studio in Birmingham Alabama. They said it sounded great!<br />
<h4>
I think it's witchcraft!</h4>
Seriously. It has to be magic. I'm in the woods, my computer is connected via WiFi, and then Fairpoint DSL, that audio stream is flying over the wire down to a studio and we're able to converse just as if I'm in the booth. At first I could here myself as they had me in the mix, once the removed me from the mix (mix-minus) it sounded normal, but even then, when I was in the mix, the delay was only a fraction of a second.<br />
<h4>
Magic.</h4>
For now, I've only done the monthly plan of $25.00 with the intention of going to a yearly $160.00 plan if I get one more gig out of it.<br />
<br />
Give it a go, let the world know you can connect, and get busy!<br />
Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-27978362920270273332014-06-16T09:30:00.000-07:002014-06-16T09:30:00.391-07:00One BowlThis is a post I've been meaning to write for a while.<br />
<br />
It SORT OF has to do with V.O. work as I'm in the middle of a 30 pound challenge for FaffCon 7. I can't make FaffCon 7 due to a scheduling conflict, however I have been carrying around an extra 30 to 40 pounds of weight that I can certainly afford to lose.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Wait, Monk, you're giving weight loss tips?</h4>
<br />
Um. kinda.<br />
<br />
I have this working theory that we eat too much. We eat too much for our level of activity and personally I eat to quickly. I can finish a meal before you even think about starting. <b>NOM</b> it's gone.<br />
<br />
So the old tried and true, reduce calories and increase exercise, it sells magazines and books every day. All different renditions of the same thing. Cut down in the intake of calories, increase the burning of calories, the result is a reduction in overall weight.<br />
<br />
Those calories are sneaky, THEY'RE IN EVERYTHING! And you have to make smart choices of where you want those calories to come from. I'm <b><u>not</u></b> going to give up a glass of wine or two at the end of the day. (aprox 175 calories for ONE 6oz glass of wine!)<br />
<br />
Ok ok. So we limit the intake of calories, I'm aiming for a day of 1300-1500 calories with a morning walk.<br />
<br />
What does that mean? A sausage egg McMuffin with a hash brown is 570 calories according to the chart at the drive up. Ok, not bad, I'm reserving calories for those two glasses of wine brings me up to 920 calories for the day. That's not including lunch or dinner! YIPES.<br />
<br />
<h4>
No egg McMuffin. </h4>
<br />
How about an egg and toast for breakfast? The egg averages out to 70 calories, the toast dials in another 70 or so, (spelt whole grain) and a pat of butter is 36 calories. 176 calories!<br />
<br />
There's room there to make this work!<br />
<br />
<h4>
So back to the One Bowl thought.</h4>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb1spcSP_oA/U58Z8h5IBFI/AAAAAAAAAH8/4o6qRsLYBBA/s1600/c6c4f6ff4a53151d0a203443e35cefe5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb1spcSP_oA/U58Z8h5IBFI/AAAAAAAAAH8/4o6qRsLYBBA/s1600/c6c4f6ff4a53151d0a203443e35cefe5.jpeg" height="218" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not to big, not to small.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Excluding green vegetables, which do have calories but we're going to excuse them from being counted. And I mean kale, broccoli, lettuce, etc, not root vegetables like carrots or potatoes. I think it takes more energy to break down celery or cucumber than you get out of it. I don't have scientific proof, but really it's just fiber and water, eat up.<br />
<br />
Find a small bowl that fits comfortably in one hand.<br />
<br />
<b>One hand</b>. Not a big cereal bowl. A bowl that just fits your fist. This is your meal bowl.<br />
<br />
The protein and carbohydrate goes in here. Again, be careful, don't make it a bowl of ravioli! I'm talking brown rice and chicken or meat or fish. This is about portion control!<br />
<br />
And even if it is a bowl of ravioli, it's <b>One Bowl</b>.<br />
<br />
If you get hungry in a few hours, grab some vegetables and load up. This isn't hard, but put down the bag of chips, step away from the donut, and leave the 4 course dinner to special occasions.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Seriously!</h4>
<br />
People are having their stomachs pinched and stapled to lose weight. Pinch and staple that huge dinner plate!<br />
<br />
Slow down, calm down, consume less, weigh less. One Bowl.Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-77265694883462492302014-05-21T08:16:00.001-07:002014-05-21T08:16:17.428-07:00You Can't Build an Airplane!In my basement, next to the motorcycle project are the parts to a Spencer Aircar. It's a homebuilt design by the guy who designed the SeaBee. It's a <b>HUGE</b> project<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wC-SYEkobNc/U3zBb56Hv9I/AAAAAAAAAHs/HVnvRfIZGBM/s1600/SpencerAircar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wC-SYEkobNc/U3zBb56Hv9I/AAAAAAAAAHs/HVnvRfIZGBM/s1600/SpencerAircar.jpg" height="161" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spencer Aircar amphibian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Huge</b></span><br />
<br />
Stick with me, there's a reason I'm telling you about this. An airplane is a complex contraption that has moving parts, an engine, wiring, etc. To imagine building one can cause the brain to freeze up and all motor functions to stop.<br />
<br />
And here's my point. Sometimes the "big picture" is too big. Instead of tackling it, it gets pushed aside for easier projects.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Metaphor </span></b><br />
<br />
An airplane is a good example, because just the thought, to most people causes a reaction. But this same idea can be applied to learning to play guitar, trumpet or any instrument. It also can be applied to the business of Voice Over.<br />
<br />
Becoming a successful V.O. talent can be overwhelming if looked at all at once. (Perhaps not so if you just think you'll buy a microphone and go make money.) But this is a business, it requires marketing, training, tools, and everything else that goes along creating a business. If you were to open up a dentist's office, there's a list of things to check off before you drill your first bicuspid.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Airplane</b></span><br />
<br />
The phrase "You Can't Build an Airplane" is common in the home builder, experimental aircraft field. The follow up phrase is, "But you can build parts, that then becomes assembled into an airplane."<br />
<br />
<b>That's the key to getting it done</b>. Every day, every single day, work on a small part of the airplane. Cut pieces, read the schematic, glue up a piece of something. No less than 20 minutes to touch the project and do something.<br />
<br />
The same holds true for learning an instrument. It's not how many <u>years</u> you've been practicing, it's how many <u>hours</u>. An airplane can take 7000 hours to build from scratch. Taking a bite out of that, bit by bit is how it gets done.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Every Day</b></span><br />
<br />
Even a small task. A minuscule item. A phone call, an email, research a production company, has value. If you were learning guitar I'd say you strum a G chord, to a C chord to a D chord for 20 minutes.<br />
<br />
This all makes sense right? You've heard the phrases! "Slow and steady wins the race." "The longest journey begins with a single step." and so on!<br />
<br />
Do something for your business <b>EVERY DAY</b>. Don't put it off till tomorrow and do twice as much. Because then you run the risk of the brain saying, "There's too much to do!" and you'll lock up and become that deer in the headlights.<br />
<br />
You can create the parts that becomes your success. One day at a time.<br />
<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-69599793727557988032014-04-09T08:51:00.004-07:002014-04-09T08:51:41.232-07:00Vocal WarmupI was having a conversation with my friend Lee a few months back and we were kidding around about vocal warm ups.<br />
<br />
A quick clearing of the throat and off to the booth.<br />
<h4>
<b>Yah, no.</b></h4>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWKw_f_-TH0/U0RW6eov2GI/AAAAAAAAAEE/IJUSp2JkNYs/s1600/1388578694_LOGO_FRENCH_CROONER_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWKw_f_-TH0/U0RW6eov2GI/AAAAAAAAAEE/IJUSp2JkNYs/s1600/1388578694_LOGO_FRENCH_CROONER_2014.jpg" /></a>The voice box, as you may or may not be aware of is two thin muscles that shape the noise of the air passing over them. Imagine when you hold a balloon, and you let the air out, and you make noises by tightening and manipulating the end where the air escapes. Same concept.<br />
<br />
The tone then gets further shaped by the soft palate, the tongue, teeth, lips and sinus cavity. All well and good, blah, blah, blah.<br />
<br />
How do you "warm" up this thing?<br />
<br />
Here's what I do. It's plain, simple and puts me in a good mood.<br />
<h4>
<b>I sing.</b></h4>
Full rip, no fear, belt it out Broadway style singing. Start soft with the first verse, build it for the second verse and smack the back of the house with the third verse.<br />
<br />
Find a Broadway song that is in your range. Don't stretch to Tenor or Soprano if you can't comfortably get there. THAT'S NOT THE POINT. This is a song that sits right in your wheelhouse. For me, it's "Try to Remember" from The Fantasticks, a song that when I played El Gallo, (I know..) I went out and got some training from a teacher. He said my technique was fine, but this song needs the confidence behind it to make it soar. Just let it go. Really send it out there with everything you have.<br />
<br />
Don't destroy the voice by pushing too hard, just make it full, solid and loud. Bust out that inner diva.<br />
<h4>
<b>How?</b></h4>
A good half hour before a session sing it at least twice through. Now you may be wondering, where on earth can you do this? I can do this in the car easily enough on the way to a session, or in my own space prior to recording, but if you're in a tiny apartment and about to get on the Subway, use the bathroom at home. They generally have some decent reverb. A stairwell is an ok place, but EVERYONE is going to hear you. Which, depending on your neighbors, could be a good or bad thing.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="100" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/143881200&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="100" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/143881202&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="100" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/143881203&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<h4>
<b>Why?</b></h4>
Good question. Just like stretching or warming up before going for a jog, it gets the blood moving and opens up those pipes. You'll move some phlegm (lovely word) out of the way and open up the lungs with some air. During most of the day, people take shallow breadths, this is the time to breath in deep and let it out long.<br />
<br />
Test yourself. Do a two sentence recording of a script prior to a singing session and after. You should hear a marked difference. A fullness more rounded delivery.<br />
<br />
Suggestions<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Bass / Baratone: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Try to Remember - The Fantasticks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Master of the House - Les Miserables</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Impossible Dream - Man of La Mancha</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If I Were a Rich Man - Fiddler on the Roof</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Alto:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Any Dream Will Do - Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I Dreamed a Dream- Les Miserables </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On My Own- Les Miserables </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Let it Go - Frozen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I won't list Tenor or Soprano, as they have SO many songs since they're usually the lead. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Summary</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The key is, use one or two songs. But nail them. Get into them. Sing your heart out. This is for you, you're not necessarily going to perform these on stage, this is for you to get your sound warmed up in a way that moves through a dynamic range and a relaxed state. Have fun with it.</span><br />
<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-9119264518595653322014-01-16T09:43:00.000-08:002014-01-16T09:43:26.750-08:00The Advantage of YouI'm in Grad School. Yep, I guess holding down a day job, acting at night and doing V.O. work while renovating the house and restoring a motorcycle… WASN'T BUSY ENOUGH for me.<br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
So we're studying Communications and Information Management at Bay Path College, fine. And here we are in the second semester and I have heard this reoccurring theme, not only in class and in the books, but also from people in the world I <a href="http://voiceovertalent.com/blog/2014/01/the-best-seo-for-voiceover-talent/" target="_blank">respect</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmVImWq0cZs/UtgZSZFIU6I/AAAAAAAAADg/w42UwB2l0Zg/s1600/jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmVImWq0cZs/UtgZSZFIU6I/AAAAAAAAADg/w42UwB2l0Zg/s1600/jumping.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Create value, by being unique.<br />
<br />
You see, in the world of V.O. some people will say, "It's VERY competitive!" and that's true <b>and</b> it isn't true. You have to be good at this; a good reader, a good actor, someone who can interpret a script, etc. But <b>NO ONE</b> is like you.<br />
<br />
No one.<br />
<br />
Market that uniqueness of <b>you</b>.<br />
<br />
It's that old philosophical idea of "be yourself." Don't be like Madonna, or Tiger Woods, they got to their level by BEING THEMSELVES!<br />
<br />
And that's the trick of it really. It's hard to not be influenced by the world around you, and you will be influenced, but as many times as someone says that I remind them of Jackie Gleason or a young Nathan Lane, I am not them. I like those guys, but alas I am <a href="http://www.monksvoice.com/" target="_blank">Monk</a>.<br />
<br />
Presently I'm in the process of going through a branding exercise with <a href="http://www.celiasiegel.com/" target="_blank">Celia Siegle</a> whom I met at the last FaffCon in San Antonio TX. I hired her to look at my branding and give me a going over. She said that monksvoice.com was good, but it didn't have my "Personality" represented. The font didn't give people enough insight to what it would be like working with me. To formal. And my demo needed updating. <br />
<br />
Good solid advice. So we're booking time with a director in New York, going to head to a studio next week, and we are going to get a new demo done. When talking on the phone, David, (the director) wanted me to talk about myself to find out who I am. What's my style, where did I feel the most natural.<br />
<br />
I'll keep you posted on that as we move into next week.<br />
<br />
The thing I'm looking forward to, is being more me. Letting the me, be me. Because there's no one else quite like me.<br />
<br />
Or you. And that has value. And that value, is your sustainable advantage in the market…<br />
<br />
<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-9557800920620078252013-10-18T11:23:00.001-07:002013-10-18T11:25:50.776-07:00Character DevelopmentAt <a href="http://www.faffcon.com/" target="_blank">FaffCon6</a> I broke tradition and decided to talk about how I develop characters. I've been a character actor for several years on stage and in the vocal booth. Covering everything from Santa to soldiers, cowboys to reindeer!<br />
<br />
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<br />
And I want to give a huge thanks again to the amazing <a href="http://www.audioconnell.com/" target="_blank">Peter O'Connell</a>, who helped out with the session. The man knows how to <u><b>run</b></u> a room.<br />
<h4>
Who is this Character?</h4>
First off, I don't do impersonations. However the voices I hear do INFLUENCE the voices I use.<br />
<br />
Let me use an example, right now as of this writing, I'm in a production on-stage playing the roll of Lawrence Garfinkle, aka "Larry the Liquidator" in the show <i>Other People's Money</i>. The book states that Lawrence "Larry" is a third generation guy from the Bronx. Not to be played too heavy on the accent.<br />
<br />
Ok. So here's a guy, he's in his 40's, overweight, and pretty well off. He dresses well but is not highly read, his sentence structure is still that of his youth on the streets of the Bronx. "You doing your job good." for example.<br />
<br />
He's street smart, and is good at his game. That's the surface.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGnApjdHGI/UmF4XxdkacI/AAAAAAAAADQ/AiSelKslTmo/s1600/Other+People's+Money_Press_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvGnApjdHGI/UmF4XxdkacI/AAAAAAAAADQ/AiSelKslTmo/s320/Other+People's+Money_Press_6.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lawrence Garfinkle and Kate Sullivan<br />
as played by Monk and Colleen Lovett</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Peel The Onion</h4>
There's more to him and here is where I go deeper into figuring out this guy. He says in the show that he used to be skinny, well, skinny-er. I see him as the fat kid in school that was bullied. Little Lawrence Garfinkle was never "Larry" in grade school. He was teased, he was pushed around and then he grew up. <b>And he turned into a bully himself</b>. That kid that once knocked his books out of his hands in the hallway, was just let go from the factory that "Larry the Liquidator" bought and shut down. I can almost see Piggy from <i>Lord of the Flies</i>.<br />
<br />
So he's got power and money. When he dates women, he doesn't go for prom queens or cheerleader types. He dates the waitress or the secretary from the office pool. Someone he can control and impress. But it's shallow and he'll never marry them because of his own dim view of his self.<br />
<br />
All the bluster of a bully, and all the self loathing of a fat little kid in grade school.<br />
<h4>
Voices of Inspiration</h4>
As I mentioned, I don't do impersonations, BUT I hear and picture people that can add a facet or piece to this character. For Lawrence I picture a couple of people. The late great James Gandolfini for his physicality and ability to be light on his feet. Lawrence is heavy, but after a lifetime of heavy, he's strong enough to hold himself up and move. The other image in my head is Robert DeNiro. DeNiro has one character, he does it well and even makes fun of it in some movies, but it's always the same. I sum it up with the phrase, "You...."<br />
<br />
Say it while pointing. "You... all of you.." It's an attitude. He is commanding the room, looking at each person in the eye and making a promise, not a threat.<br />
<h4>
Details</h4>
Lawrence Garfinkle is from the Bronx. Now I'll admit, I have a slight handicap here as my family is from South Boston. Good old Fackin Southy. A Bronx accent and a South Boston accent are different in many ways, and similar in others. For the longest time I thought that Archie Bunker was from Southy.<br />
<br />
The subtleties are in vowels, Southy is Cah, Dawla, Cahfee. Bronx is Caw. Smawt. Dahlah. Cawfee.<br />
<br />
Not over the top, it has to sound natural. But if you say Cah, when you should have said Caw, that audience member from Flatbush is going to catch it and call you on it later. Work on it. Get someone to listen to you and call you on it. It helps that I have a lot of New York friends to call on.<br />
<h4>
Physical</h4>
For me, I have to get a character into my bones, into my muscle memory. A troll for example is top heavy and generally needs something to lean on. A police sergeant is chest out, hand on the butt of a nightstick or barton, head up and jaw set.<br />
<br />
Lawrence I see in some ways as a boxer. After growing up fat, he took some boxing lessons because he read an add in the back of a comic book, you know the one, some guy kicking sand in his face, so he goes and gets buff. Only Lawrence never changed his eating habits, he still consumes way to many donuts. But he stands balanced, never really resting on his heels and never caught with both hands in his pockets. If he relaxes for a second or two, he may put his left hand in a pocket, but only for a moment. I think Lawrence could throw a few mean punches, and in reality would throw you down a set of stairs and keep hitting you once you passed out. Again, the anger of being bullied as a kid.<br />
<br />
Now mind you, NONE of this is in the script. It's all backstory that <b>I create</b> to develop a character. Which brings me to the next point...<br />
<h4>
Make it Your Own</h4>
I don't imitate, I get <b>inspired</b> by others. And I even go so far as to NOT see someone else's version of a character. If I know of a show or movie of the show I'm doing. I DO NOT go see it till afterward. The reward is hearing, "I liked your take on the character." or "You made it your own."<br />
<br />
When you imitate you get drawn into someone else's choices. And you run the risk of getting compared to that persons work and character creation. It may happen, I have heard that I remind people of Jackie Gleason or once "A young Nathan Lane." (Comparisons I can live with!) But you don't want to get stuck doing something that a director or person has heard a hundred times before.<br />
<br />
Give the character dimension in your own mind, it's all make believe, but don't give it a short shrift, know who this troll/elf/cowboy/office worker/tailgunner is. It works for me.<br />
<h4>
Summary</h4>
So I visualize, write down details, create a history, and get physically into a character. When Lawrence Garfinkle walks out on stage, he is the sum of his past and the people I know. He wants to be attractive, but damn, donuts taste so freakin good. Want one?Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-82566633975901984782013-10-14T13:34:00.000-07:002013-10-14T13:34:38.362-07:00The Art of Faffing<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Faffing : "The excessive use of time for nonsense activities.<br />
</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Stop faffing around already, and please provide to me my work objectives." ~ Urban dictionary</span></div>
<br />
<div class="example" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
FaffCon started a couple years ago once <a href="http://amysnively.com/" target="_blank">Amy Snively</a> (rhymes with Lively!) and some friends realized that it's the conversations in a hallway or after the convention closes that are the real value in attending. Why not create an "un-convention" and create the agenda once people arrive and express what they want to talk about.</div>
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<h3>
My Fourth FaffCon</h3>
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I’ve been attending FaffCon since FaffCon3. I remember
driving to Hershy PA and sitting in this room of strangers wondering if I just
stumbled into an Amway meeting or was about to hear about the power of positive
thinking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, in some ways, that’s <b>true</b>. FaffCon is a boost to my
business every year, it re-enforces the idea, or belief that I’m good at VO
work and I can make money and perhaps even eventually do this full time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Hey, it’s a great goal! I love the work!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So FaffCon6 was in San Antonio Texas this round. I had not
been to San Antonio since I left it in the rear view mirror when I left basic
training at Lackland AFB back in 1984. I flew via United Airlines, and let me just say, if that seat cushion is meant to be a floatation device... I'm screwed. A two hour flight and my tukus was sorus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seeing San Antonio was great though and it was fun to stroll the riverwalk, and dig into
some Tex-Mex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
<o:p>Why go EVERY year?</o:p></h3>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Why do I go to FaffCon? As I mentioned, it’s my annual trek
to refuel, to learn more and add to the knowledge of this work we call Voice
Over. People leave their ego at the door and they share, they help, they push.
Each person in the room wants to be better and wants <b>you</b> to be better at what
you do as well. I mean that part. The people in that room are rooting you on! Ok, they may not give you their client list, but they will guide you in the direction of building your own. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Faffers have turned into a family for me. People I can call,
people I trust and to be honest, people I love. And not in the sappy hallmark
card way of saying “I love them” but a real feeling of connection and
commitment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If Amy Snively (rhymes with LIVELY) calls and asks a favor,
I’m all in. I'm not just an attendee or even someone who adds to the conversation,
I help sponsor this event. Even if I couldn’t make it for whatever reason, I
would make sure to toss Amy and crew some extra cash to help out. I would take a bullet for this lady.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FaffCon is so worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
Take Sessions - Lead Sessions</h3>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First and for most, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to <a href="http://www.audioconnell.com/" target="_blank">Peter O'Connell</a> for helping out in a session that I gave on character voices. Amy had asked in the opening circle for us to do something different, and the past two FaffCon's I spoke about my adventure of building a <a href="http://voiceofmonk.blogspot.com/2012/01/studio-build.html" target="_blank">home studio</a>. This time I would talk about something that I do, and share my technique for developing a character and voice. I was <b>firkin nervous</b> about that! I asked Peter's help and he was able to dive in and bring the conversation into the room vs me just blabbing on for 50 minutes. Peter knows how to work a room, I owe him big time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FaffCon is an un-conference where you can have a session with only one person attending. It's about sharing ideas and methods to further the career. I'm sure you're getting the point by now if you've stuck through this diatribe this far.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
<o:p>Connections, Connections, Connections</o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>One of the goals for me this year (and last year) was to amp up my marketing, I can guarantee you that I will be sitting down with <a href="http://www.celiasiegel.com/" target="_blank">Celia Siegel</a> and talking about how to get more people to know who I am. I will be calling <a href="http://www.radiovisioninc.com/" target="_blank">Cliff Zellman</a> down in Dallas for some guidance on my Automotive demo as well as my commercial demo. I will be going through all my notes and will endeavor to join a stand up group to keep the pressure on.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>It's a lot!</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>There were quite a few new Faffers at FaffCon6, and it felt good to sit and talk with people about the business and ins and outs. It's great being HELPFUL! I learn, and I share. The "Rising tide lifts all boats" mentality.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<h3>
Only Once a Year</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I was happy that FaffCon went from twice a year, to once a year... initially. Seeing these people only once a year is not enough. Which is why I pop into NYC as often as I do to see friends. If you get a chance to attend a FaffCamp or FaffCon, do it. Seriously. Sit by your computer on registration day and make it happen. It's education with a firehose, and will take a few weeks to sift through everything that hits you on a weekend, but it is <b>SO WORTH IT! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<h3>
<b>Final Thoughts</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>I can go into detail with what I learned in various sessions, and I'll share some things in following posts to keep you up to date. But here's the skinny.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>As a Voice Actor, you're often alone in a booth, alone in a studio, it can be an isolated lifestyle with only a internet connection to people. The great thing about FaffCon is that it is a safe place to be with fellow talent and you can be open and honest about what roadblocks are in front of you. And then, people actually <b>HELP</b> you get over those hurdles. <b>FOR REAL! IN PERSON! THEY UNDERSTAND!</b></o:p></div>
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<o:p><b><br /></b></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>I don't know how I was so lucky to be guided to FaffCon, but wild horses won't keep me away. I'll see you there.</o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-11672128610990112562013-10-14T12:25:00.003-07:002013-10-14T12:32:43.529-07:00The struggle with PASSIONI'm interested in so many things. Building things, taking things apart, up-cycling, acting, singing, nice dress shoes...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/Pair_of_plain_toe_oxfords_from_Allen_Edmonds_shoe_company.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/Pair_of_plain_toe_oxfords_from_Allen_Edmonds_shoe_company.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
Seriously.<br />
<br />
So I've always struggled with the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I never had an answer to that, and to this day, I really still don't.<br />
<br />
First of all, what does "Grow up." mean? In my brain, and I'm willing to bet in yours, I'm still 23 or 24, even though I am now twice that age. I have more responsibilities, own a house (well, the bank does anyway) run my own freelance company and work a day job at a respectable <a href="http://www.simons-rock.edu/" target="_blank">college</a>.<br />
<br />
Is that grown up?<br />
<br />
Being an actor and a voice talent is where I've ended up, not through any pursuit of passion, it just all fell into place. My technical background of theater brought me to radio, radio brought me into staged readings, then I was on stage in a show then voicing commercials. It all flowed.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Dilbert</h3>
I recently saw <a href="http://on.wsj.com/17uUE02" target="_blank">an interview with Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert.</a> And I realized, that my varied background, has allowed me to succeed in what I do <b>TODAY</b>. And today, will help me move into what tomorrow brings.<br />
<br />
Passion can grow from success. For me, curiosity feeds an interest, that interest will feed some research and perhaps even an experiment. The worst that can happen is that I'll fail. But at least <b>I TRIED</b>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Do What You Love?</h3>
I've heard from a couple sources, to "Follow your passion, and the money will follow." or, (and this is my worst problem) "Focus, and become the <b>best</b> at that one thing."<br />
<br />
There are not enough hours in the day to do what I want to do! People who say, "I'm bored." I do <u>not</u> understand.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Passion</h3>
Ok, back to passion. It's a struggle! It's hard for me to define what I'm "Passionate" about. I like good wine. Enjoy a motorcycle ride through the fall colors but I'm not a sports fan. I don't follow any sport or team to get all cranked up about. Pirates win! Pirates lose! Meh, who cares. I do like superhero movies and I'm a big Star Wars fan, but am I willing to get into an argument about Jar-Jar? Nah. Me no think so. Is that passion?<br />
<br />
As I get better and better at this voice and acting thing, I can see how I can begin to focus on it more and more. But to have it be my one thing? I can see how <b>if</b> I focused, I could become spectacular at it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oy. Can't do it. Focus on ONE THING? but what about the rest of the cool things?! Where would I be today if I focused on just one thing? Who knows?!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
But I'm willing to bet, I wouldn't be as happy. And I really do love a well polished pair of dress shoes, and I'm a big fan of shoe trees. (Don't even start me talking about watches... oooo a Submariner!)<br />
<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-28173586195575280522013-08-20T06:43:00.001-07:002013-08-20T06:43:41.041-07:00What I build in my "SPARE" time.Ok ok... I DON'T have spare time. But once the brain is in gear, it's hard to stop. So when I do have a moment, I avoid the interewebz and go build something.<br />
<br />
My latest creation is a speaker and amp built out of a cello.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yav8yDZf6Ks/UhNxnmDh8QI/AAAAAAAAACg/p4IO5vPQakE/s1600/IMG_0753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yav8yDZf6Ks/UhNxnmDh8QI/AAAAAAAAACg/p4IO5vPQakE/s320/IMG_0753.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
It has a 100 watt blueTooth amp so I can run it from my iPhone as soon as I enter my office.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Bluetooth-Cello-Junk-making-music-again/" target="_blank">The whole build is here.</a><br />
<br />
It sounds pretty decent actually and looks wicked pissa cool. (to my family from Southy!)<br />
<br />
I'm already toying with the idea of creating a short stage piece using it somehow. Perhaps a short story of a cello player and a small napkin in the breeze...<br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
If you want something done, ask someone who's busy. Wait till you see the next great thing.<br />
<br />
<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-49165030847557123022013-08-13T16:10:00.000-07:002013-08-13T16:20:05.474-07:00Where ya been!?You wake up and IT'S AUGUST!<br />
<br />
sheesh. So I started the summer theater season at the Mac-Haydn Theater playing the part of Mortimer, the man who always dies, in <i>The Fantasticks</i>. And told the theater that I was really planning on doing just one show this summer, then going to go sailing, fishing, and work on the house.<br />
<br />
Ha.<br />
<br />
The director, John Saunders, mentions to me, "Would be interested in doing another show?"<br />
<br />
Fantasticks wraps, our A Cappella group is on a mini tour, and I get this email. Would I consider playing Thenardier in <i>Les Miserables</i>.<br />
<br />
Um. YES!<br />
<br />
So there ya go, three weeks of rehearsal and a two week run, 8 shows a week...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5546/9506600342_1ff8a6c54d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5546/9506600342_1ff8a6c54d_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the sewers run with blood....<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then right into rehearsals for an indie movie short. Who needs sleep?<br />
<br />
<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-48663463219325350642013-05-02T12:35:00.000-07:002013-05-02T12:35:09.573-07:00Details Details Details...<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3379/3272891358_9c1b7e0abf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3379/3272891358_9c1b7e0abf.jpg" /></a>So the room sounds great. It really does. People walk in, we shut the door and there's a "Wow" factor. It's that cool.<br />
<br />
But.<br />
<br />
You knew there was going to be a but, right?<br />
<br />
The audio I was capturing, didn't sound 100%. It was time to fine tune, get into the details of it.<br />
<br />
<h4>
The More You Listen</h4>
<div>
It's true, the more you listen, the more you hear. It was time to bring in a second set of ears and start tweaking some details. This is the hard stuff, you're ears much like your eyes will start to glaze over after a while due to fatigue. I brought in my brother-in-law Fred.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We could insert the usual "Brother-in-Law" jokes here, but I trust Fred and I trust his ears. He's the Front Of House engineer (FOH) for <a href="http://www.infinityhall.com/" target="_blank">Infinity Hall</a> in Norfolk CT. (voted one of the best music venues) he takes care of his ears and if something sounds strange, he'll say so.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I played what I was recording. It didn't sound bad, it just wasn't up to my standards. (me being all snobby...)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Start Testing Gear</h4>
<div>
The first thing to test, was the microphone. I used my road kit as a test bed. PreSonus USB into a MacBook Pro laptop using a <a href="http://www.oktavamodshop.com/" target="_blank">Mike Joly</a> modded Rode NT1a. Good clean sound. I then swapped out the Rode for my Neumann u87ai.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Different levels, the Rode had a much hotter signal, but overall, once you normalize both of them, they sounded the same. So the microphone was ok. We tested the cable, it checked out too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Onto the preamp. My suspicion was that the vintage Mullard tube had given up the ghost. But we started with various settings and found in the headphones, that things sounded ok as well. We bypassed the preamp (ART MPA Gold with vintage tubes) and went straight into the Mackie mixer. That sounded fine too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what the heck was going on?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A little more tuning on the preamp found the HPF, high pass filter, was turned up more than it should. We basically turned that off and the Neumann sounded brighter. The next thing we noticed is that the Mackie's preamps were up a little, so we turned those off. Clearer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Still More</h4>
<div>
But when listening through the Yamaha NS10s monitor speakers, it sounded like a phase issue. I double checked the wiring, ground to ground, hot to hot, no mistakes there. The cables all checked out. I use Hafler amps to power the Yamahas, and I pushed it from stereo to mono on the back of the amp and the sound changed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It shouldn't have. We were listening to a mono file, on one channel panned center. Telling the amp to be stereo or mono should have made no difference. A couple more pushes on that button and it cleaned up and sounded right.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>DUST! </b>Seriously. The dirty connection was causing a weird phase issue and canceling out some of the audio.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
NO WONDER!</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And we also retired my 30 year old AKG K240 headphones. When we compared them to a set of Sony MDR7505's... the AKG sounded like mud. They had served me well, but time marches on.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At this point, it was wine-O-clock. The recordings sound better. I'm happier. Thanks Fred!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Monkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923853912004440397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-77807438215262051782013-04-05T08:49:00.002-07:002013-04-05T08:49:51.892-07:00Don't Buy Cheap Tools!<h3>
Simon, dial the way back machine to 1982....</h3>
<br />
Back in High School I worked with a genius, he taught French during the day and ran a company called <a href="http://www.sd-associates.com/" target="_blank">Sound Dynamics</a> at night. He was a true teacher. Pierre Paquin. He taught me volumes about sound and sound re-enforcement.<br />
<br />
One night we took a trip to visit a friend of his in Cambridge MA, because he was selling a Reel to Reel recorder. A Technics. I had no idea how good a deal I was getting and bought it right there with the recommendation from Pierre.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jU1Jq07V6sE/UV7ZKSX6PiI/AAAAAAAAACI/yGSVy5WQz_w/s1600/OldFriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jU1Jq07V6sE/UV7ZKSX6PiI/AAAAAAAAACI/yGSVy5WQz_w/s320/OldFriend.jpg" width="239" /></a>This machine has been following me around the country for over thirty years now. I take good care of it, and it takes good care of me. The best part is how well it takes care of tape!<br />
<br />
When I worked for Berkshire Broadcasting, we had some Revox decks that were brutal to tape. If you hit that stop button, it would STOP cold. You could almost hear the tape stretch. Bah.<br />
<br />
<h3>
But back on topic.</h3>
<div>
I have a method to my madness. I don't buy cheap tools. Cheap tools don't last and they break when you need them most. Can you imagine buying the cheapest saw blade you can find? There it is, whirling along at several thousand RPM and it decides to disintegrate... good plan.</div>
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Same goes with my audio gear. Solid gear. Mackie mixers, Pro-Tools, Neumann, MOTU. With good cables and proper connections. When I go into my studio to record, everything should work. No "fiddle with this till it comes on..." type of idea.</div>
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<h3>
Invest in Yourself</h3>
<div>
This life is too short for half-hearted attempts at things. <b>Go big, or go home</b>. Seriously. If your goal is to be a voice actor, don't get the cheapest tools you can find and expect to have a positive experience. Now don't go out and buy a Neumann U87 and put in your closet recording space without really treating that room properly, you need to invest wisely. But don't buy junk. And when you need a piece of gear 30 years later. That freaking thing fires up and works and gets the job done. Period. Thank you Pierre!</div>
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<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-89205821432184359792013-03-19T12:51:00.001-07:002013-03-19T12:51:45.870-07:00The Magic of MarketingOk. I have an agent. James Pentaudi of <a href="http://www.albanytalent.com/commercial-print-male/monk-schane-lydon" target="_blank">Albany talent</a> is one of the people that represents me and gets me work. Great guy, been with him for years and love working with him.<br />
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He books me for an on-camera shoot at an Albany studio doing pharmaceutical training material. I'm to play a patient with an unknown stomach ailment. I get the script a week early, it's a couple of paragraphs so I memorize it before the shoot, bring in a couple of oversized shirts as requested, show up ten minutes early, get my make-up done and I'm ready to rock.<br />
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Here's the fun part, the actors roster of who is going to be in for these several days of shooting is a long list of names. First and last. Except me.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WyJ0tbd855Y/UUjBMyABwQI/AAAAAAAAAB4/A6w5ikvlFc4/s1600/MonkMug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WyJ0tbd855Y/UUjBMyABwQI/AAAAAAAAAB4/A6w5ikvlFc4/s320/MonkMug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm <b>Monk</b>. That's all it said. 2:30PM, playing the part of Frank Heller, Monk. When I walked onto the set, the director yells "MONK!" The producer greets me as well. I handed off to the associate producer one of my Monk mugs, and she makes sure everyone knows that she has her own personnel Monk mug.<br />
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I am by no means a big fish in this sea, but name recognition, and friendly greetings and working with the same company a couple times on bigger and bigger jobs.... Nice.Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-6382390539066255642013-02-17T14:18:00.001-08:002013-02-17T14:18:42.193-08:00Studio Build 28<span class="postbody" style="line-height: 18px;">I can not believe the last time I updated this project was in October 2012!<br /><br />I have been able to sneak some work in here and there between theater productions. (ah the <a href="http://www.columbiapaper.com/index.php/artsentertainment/3223-by-marion-hunter" target="_blank">limelight!</a>) So I figured I would give an update.<br /><br />Saturday after Valentines Day, we got some LIGHTING DONE! No kidding, I have been using all sorts of standby lights, work lights and such to light up the space. A friend of mine donated some nice lights and I had a Saturday off with no rehearsals on the schedule, so I got busy!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8378/8483795360_34166b49d6.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></span><br /><br />These are the lights above the mix/edit desk. A nice warm glow, that's easy on the eyes.<br /><br />Here is the other large image/sound absorption panel to the left of the desk.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8482703317_7ce017229d.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></span><br /><br /><br />Here is the door, when closed. The latch fits in the "Hatch" of the rocket ship. (sorry for the blur, must be too much coffee..)<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8482703321_b7fe5efcfd.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></span><br /><br />Behind the mix desk are a couple of "Producer" chairs, nice comfortable chairs to listen to a mix or playback. The Rocket Lamp is created from an old theater light, now rewired as a glowing mood light.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8482703337_a04a7be948.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></span><br /><br />And of course the microphone that started this all, my u87ai sitting next to a flatscreen monitor for script use.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8483795408_cc0194187a.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></span><br /><br />Overall I would have to say the room is done, the lighting was the last major thing to tackle. I have a small display case to build for various props and such, (<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8383652841_ac553235ce.jpg" target="_blank">Rocketeer Helmet, lightsaber, raygun...</a>) plus other cool things to art up the joint.<br /><br />It's a great sounding space, dead quiet and comfortable to work in. Time slips by. I have to give a universe shout out to <a href="http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mike Sommer</a> who helped with some of the design, his drawings and guidance were what I needed to jump in and tackle this project. There will be a plaque on the wall thanking him!<br /><br />All that's left to do is wire in a "Recording In Session" light that <a href="http://www.scottnilsen.com/" target="_blank">Scott Nilson</a> gave me. The switch for that is in, I just have to finish the install outside the door.<br /><br /><img alt="Smile" border="0" src="http://www.vo-bb.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/smile.gif" style="cursor: move;" /> soon...</span>
Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-72519984267415261642012-10-22T07:04:00.002-07:002012-10-22T07:04:29.723-07:00Studio Build 27<h4>
The Door.</h4>
Work on the door had stagnated as other projects took priority, but I caught a sale on cooler door latches and ordered my Kason 58 latch and assembly!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQNWniQJ_QyBnU-LDmxT8UODHlcpAneB69EOAYndtU3rPz923PlQYUfXYYW" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQNWniQJ_QyBnU-LDmxT8UODHlcpAneB69EOAYndtU3rPz923PlQYUfXYYW" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture of latch, but mine doesn't have the tall catch, mine is "flush"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Now to finish skinning the interior of the door! The plan was to keep with the theme of retropolis and incorporate the latch with the motif. So I drew out a rocket. (sorry, more spacejunk)<br />
<h4>
Off to the Hardware Store!</h4>
I picked up one sheet of maple luan. I cut it down to 34x86 first.<br />
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Then I drew out what would be the hull of the ship on the leftover material and layered over the first sheet.<br />
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It's kind of tough to see but it's there. From there I cut out a "Hatch" and a porthole. Typical 40's drawing of a rocket ship. I then drew and cut the fin from the first layer of luan. Here it is roughed onto the door with some screws holding it in place. The panels are bonded with adhesive caulk to the door as well.<br />
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Once all screwed in, it will be stained dark to match the door. The pattern will be there, but it won't be so bold. Just a subtle (or not so subtle) hint of a rocket. <br />
<h4>
Still more to do </h4>
Once the latch is installed, I can finish the door seals, there's one seal installed, two more to go to really tighten up the big hole in the wall called a door.<br />
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More on Friday, as this week is packed with rehearsals, performances and helping out other VO talent! WOO!<br />
Monkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13923853912004440397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-27468946947142169052012-10-18T08:25:00.002-07:002012-10-18T08:39:48.640-07:00Tackling the WoodpileWhen I worked with musicians on a daily basis, they would often use a phrase, "I'm going to have to woodshed this." Basically meaning they head out to the woodshed and practice a piece till they got it right. They wouldn't come out till they nailed it.<br />
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But when I talk about tackling the woodpile, I'm thinking of how we handle 6 cords of wood dumped in the driveway. Three large dumptruck full piles of split wood for the winter.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDWnMLNn65I/UIAZk-ga60I/AAAAAAAAABU/RIf9NP0wDBA/s1600/Woodpile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDWnMLNn65I/UIAZk-ga60I/AAAAAAAAABU/RIf9NP0wDBA/s400/Woodpile.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just four cords... </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you look at this huge pile of wood, it's enough to make your back hurt. It is enough wood for an entire winter, plus some extra.<br />
<h4>
Every day, progress.</h4>
Each morning, for 15 minutes to half an hour we bite into this chaos and create order as we stack the wood into the woodshed. It may only be six or seven wheelbarrow loads a morning, but it is progress. Babysteps toward the end goal. The woodshed is getting full and the piles are getting smaller with the goal of getting everything stacked before snow flies.<br />
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Digging frozen wood out of the ice and snow is a real drag.<br />
<h4>
Ok, you have a fireplace and wood. So what?</h4>
Well obviously this isn't a blog about long cold Upstate New York winters, but it is a blog about voice work and my home studio.<br />
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It's the same mentality though. Don't look at the whole pile of work to be done or you'll never start. You'll grab some hot cocoa or a glass of malbec and call it a day. Just do one thing to move you forward each day.<br />
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It's the same old story you've heard before, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." But for me, if I think about the whole journey, there's no way I have the energy to take that step. The thought of tackling the Appalachian Trail seems overwhelming to me, however taking a few steps down to the path, well, that doesn't seem too hard.<br />
<h4>
Nibble Nibble like a Mouse</h4>
Each day I move my business forward, it can be the simplest thing; write a blog post, email a past client, create a list of people to send marketing material too, do an audition or two. Simple small things that move me forward. At the end of the month or the end of the year, I can see how far I've traveled!<br />
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One of the great things like an Un-Conference like <a href="http://www.faffcon.com/" target="_blank">FaffCon</a> is that it gives you goals and also gives you the chance to look back at what you've accomplished since the last FaffCon. For me it's been the creation of this great studio space as well as doing more and more work and keeping busy. Tiny nibbles each and every day.<br />
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I hope that isn't too cheesy. (Mouse pun intended...)Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245705545697320155.post-23069400957207758712012-10-16T08:10:00.000-07:002012-10-16T08:10:00.035-07:00Distilling FaffCon5!There's a phrase that I've used in the past, "Education with a firehose!" so much comes at you, so fast that it takes a moment or two to recover.<br />
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FaffCon5 did not disappoint! The Omni Hotel in Charlotte did not disappoint either! I'm a new big fan of the Omni Experience.<br />
<h4>
The Connections</h4>
Right from arrival and the shouts of "MONK!" and the hugs and the handshakes it was off and running. <a href="http://amysnively.com/" target="_blank">Amy Snively</a> (rhymes with LIVELY!) is the ringmaster that knows how to run the show. Registration was flawless, organization was flawless, everything was perfect. Really. If there were any hiccups, none of us civilians knew about it!<br />
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The networking starts right out of the gate and the work starts that evening.<br />
<h4>
Details</h4>
Ok, I can't give all the details away here, "What happens at FaffCon, stays at FaffCon." but let me say this, there was no such thing as a dumb question or a secret. If you needed to know something, you asked and people told you their techniques and tricks. Ego's are left at the door.<br />
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I offered a session on home studio construction, why? Um... read my blog, you'll see why. And I'll share any advice or bump I've discovered along the way. Anything I can do to help out someone in need. I can't help it.<br />
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From there I took in sessions taught by people that are actively working and surviving in the wild waters of Voice Acting. I met with producers, agents and other talent that have streamlined their business to the point of über efficiency! If you haven't met <a href="http://tomdheere.com/" target="_blank">Tom Dheere</a>, then you don't know efficient you can truly be.<br />
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Just meeting and talking with <a href="http://www.jeffreykafer.com/" target="_blank">Jeffery Kafer</a> changed my life and workflow. My conversation with him about outsourcing my QA and editing was blew my mind. I walked away going, "Duh, that makes perfect sense! Why doesn't everyone listen to Jeff?"<br />
<h4>
More!</h4>
Are you getting the idea? Everyone I bumped into, old friends, new friends was a learning experience. One person asked me, "Why do you market to other VO talent?" since I gave away mugs with my "mug" and contact information on it. My response was simple, I see everyone as a potential contact. You never know who may need a hand or something. It may not be to hire me, but it may be to ask a question or advice. And hopefully they won't forget my "mug!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.unnouncer.com/" target="_blank">Doug Turkel</a>, <a href="http://debbieirwin.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Debbie Irwin,</a> <a href="http://dallasvo.com/" target="_blank">Cliff Zellman</a>, Ok, I have to stop, <a href="http://faffcon.com/whos-coming/" target="_blank">EVERYONE</a> I spoke to, for even a brief moment was gold. Seriously. People share amazing information.<br />
<h4>
Summary</h4>
The next FaffCon will be next fall in San Antonio Texas, I'm hoping at an Omni hotel! I haven't seen San Antonio since I left basic training at Lackland AFB, so I'm looking forward to visiting again. <br />
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I'm still filtering all the information from FaffCon5 and I have some goals to reach before FaffCon6, so I'm going to GET BUSY!<br />
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<br />Monksvoicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04554237566407184414noreply@blogger.com2