Search Results

Starting Off Strong and Avoiding Common Mistakes OK, you've trained in voice over, you may be working one-on-one with a coach, and you have a pretty decent home studio. Now what? It's time to offer your services as a professional voice talent. The first thing to do is to create a demo of your work. Pick one genre to start. Most people begin with a commercial demo, as that is what voiceover agents primarily want from their talent rosters. If, however, you're primarily focusing on one of the many genres that don't typically involve agents, such as audiobooks or eLearning, then you may choose instead to record your first demo in one of those other areas. Demos are the calling cards of the voice acting world. They showcase the VO actor's talent, range, and versatility within and across voiceover genres. Competition is stiff and standards are set high, so voice actors need to have high quality, professional demos. Here are some basic do's and don'ts to keep in mind: Do's 1. One genre, one demo - each genre requires its own demo. Long gone are the days when a single demo mixed commercial, promo, and character tracks to highlight the talent's abilities. Agents and buyers want to listen specifically to examples of the type of work that they’re casting. Someone who only books voices for commercials is not going to listen to an audiobook demo. 2. Professional quality - this is not a do-it-yourself project. Go to an accomplished, vetted demo producer who will evaluate your voice, customize short scripts that show your range and versatility, and record and produce the finished piece. Not sure where to go? Start by asking for referrals from other voice actors whose demos you like, coaches, and studios where you’ve trained. Some coaches and studios offer demo production services, but carefully evaluate their work just as you would any other. Listen to the demos that they have produced and talk with the voice actors who’ve used them. Are they happy with the finished product? Was the producer easy to work with? Have they been able to book work off their demo? 3. Approximately one minute in length - each demo contains four to seven short scripts that keep the listener's interest with variety and range. For example, a commercial script will have a read that is conversational, another that is authoritative, a third that is caring and compassionate, a fourth that is full of attitude, etc. Oftentimes, agents or buyers only listen to the first few seconds to determine if they like the voice or think there’s talent there, and may skip ahead here and there to sample for range. Then, if they’re interested, they’ll listen to the whole thing. 4. Update demos as VO trends change - we've seen commercial trends go from the big announcer read to the the more personable conversational or "real person" read to the laid-back Millennial sound. Now with worries over Coronavirus, the trend is shifting towards more caring, compassionate reads, especially with medical spots. Even within these trends, styles change and demos need to reflect the current marketplace. Demos have an average two year life span, usually due to a combination of improvement in the voice actor’s skills or changes in their voice, and/or shifts in the market trends and the “sound” that’s currently in demand. Don'ts 1. Don't record a demo before you are ready - train, train, and then train some more. Your teacher or coach will tell you when you are ready. You typically have only one chance to present yourself to agents for representation, production companies for inclusion on their rosters, or buyers for your services. Make that first impression when you can consistently deliver two different takes on a script within a few reads. 2. Don't waste your money on "demo mills" - these are scams that promise the would-be voice actor a few lessons and a "quality demo," all for a low, low price and produced within a very short period of time. Don't waste your money. You need more than a few lessons and these "churn and burn" operators take your money and deliver very little value. Worst yet, the demos they produce could tarnish your reputation for a very long time. All the listener knows is that the demo is supposed to represent your ability and professionalism, and if one or the other is lacking, so may be your opportunities to book professional-level work. 3. Don't present a poor quality demo - a professional demo producer will customize a demo that presents your voice to its best advantages. Prices range all over the board, but do your due diligence before deciding on who to hire. Listen to their previously produced demos for both content and audio quality and don’t cut corners. Even if you have a top quality recording space and can create tracks with music or special effects, the top VO talent will still urge you to work with someone who can objectively and expertly assess your vocal strengths and guide your recording session. 4. Don't hold onto old demos past their expiration dates – OK, demos aren’t stamped with a “throw out” date, but they can sound pretty outdated much more quickly than we realize. It’s not just that delivery styles change rather frequently, but our voices change over time, too, some more quickly than others. Voices deepen, may become raspier, or we may just sound wiser as we age. Life experiences creep in to color our vocal delivery, changing the way we see the world and how we express ourselves. Just like an on-camera actor’s headshots have to be updated every few years, our demos have to reflect who we are at that moment, not who we used to be. And while you may love an older demo, don't keep presenting it as current. Even if you’re Dorian Gray and never change, styles do and an outdated demo will stick out like a sore thumb to industry professionals. Looking for other takes on producing a voice over demo? Here are a few other articles you may enjoy: Common Voiceover Demo Mistakes to Avoid I Want to be a Voice Actor VoiceOverXtra How to Make Audio Demos That Get Voiceover Work

You’re a Professional. Here’s What You Need to Get Started. First impressions count. If you haven’t been told that before, know that the adage is true. You may not get a second look, at least for not for quite a while, if you get off on the wrong foot. It’s much easier to propel your voice over business to a strong start when you present yourself as a professional from the very beginning. Voice over is a business like any other when it comes to creating the fundamentals. Make sure that you’ve covered the bases before hanging your shingle and welcoming customers. Skip a step and your business is more likely to fail. First, do the prep work. Decide what products or services you are offering and how they can benefit your customers. Hone the necessary skills to make a high quality product that people want. In voice over, this translates to training and coaching so that you can acquire the knowledge and skills to create, offer, and deliver your services … high quality voice overs. There are many reputable coaches and training programs, available both in-person and on-line. Reference this article for a list of multiple resources to help you get your game up to its highest standards. Second, have a dedicated workplace where your products are made. Have all the tools you need sharpened and at hand, and be able to consistently turn out a quality product. This is the voice actor’s home studio . It is your workshop and your tools include a properly treated space, a good microphone, interface, recording/editing software, and headphones/speakers. And, of course, a reliable computer. I talked about the basic of creating a home studio in another article that you may find useful. Third, have samples of your work available so that potential customers can see for themselves what you can do. These are your voice demos that showcase your talent, range, and experience. One demo per genre, please – a commercial buyer does not want to hear how you narrate audiobooks. Yes, I have another article that focuses on the do’s and don’ts of demo creation. The fourth step is to actually create the store and a marketing plan where you can advertise your business, find and attract leads, and service your customers. This is your voice over website and it can grow with you as you develop your voice over career. Check out this article about what goes into making a professional website and the resources for building an effective storefront for your business. By having all the preliminaries in place – and keeping them current and in good working order – your business can thrive. And when the customer finds value in your services, they’ll more likely help you grow your business with repeat business and referrals. So, how do you find your new clients? Besides referrals and personal networking, which are terrific ways of finding new business, here are a few options: Casting Sites or “Pay to Plays” A majority of newer voice actors find their start on voice casting sites or “pay to plays,” so named because they are most often only available as subscription services. There are literally dozens of these sites worldwide, some with better reputations than others, and all at different price points. You may or may not have to audition with one of your demos to be accepted. Commonly, they will allow you to build a profile describing your vocal qualities and the genres that you want to voice in. You will be able to upload one or more demos and submit auditions for jobs that fit your profile. Each works differently, but know that for each job, you may be competing with fifty to one hundred other voice actors, depending on how many auditions the client has requested. Each site also has their own protocols for handling pricing, booking, communications with the client, and payment for completed jobs. I’m not going to list all the casting sites here, except to say that I use Voiceovers.com , VoPlanet , and Bodalgo , all of which I’ve found to be highly reputable and responsible to their talent. Occasionally, I also see voice over jobs listed on Actors Access , primarily a (subscription-based) casting site for on-screen actors. Do your due diligence and don’t oversubscribe and spend all your time chasing their auditions. You’ll find that audition requests are very time sensitive. They may state that talent has a few days or even a week to submit an audition, but the truth is that clients may only accept 25, 50, or 100 auditions, at which point submissions are no longer accepted. Additionally, getting your audition in towards the end of the queue may mean that the client may not even listen to it. Often, if clients hear something they like early on, they make their casting decision right then and there. Many auditions can sound the same after listening to dozens in a row, and not all clients have the patience for it, despite having asked for so many in the first place. You can feel tied to your computer, watching for an audition to come in, so that you rush to be one of the first in the queue. Some casting sites will show you how many have already been submitted, so won’t. The point is that casting sites are a nice way to find work from time to time, but the numbers are against you. Honestly, it’s highly unlikely that you can make a living off of these “pay to plays” alone. Self-Marketing The bulk of good opportunities are found by marketing your own business directly to production companies and businesses, and driving interested leads to your website. Leads come from a variety of sources, including personal networking with local businesses, referrals, and using Google and LinkedIn to find companies you want to work with and the decision makers within those companies. Self-marketing takes time, self-discipline, and persistence, but it pays off with much better opportunities down the road than other methods. It also requires you to run your business as a professional business, with lead tracking, regular marketing communications, and an invoicing and payment system, to say the least. It requires self-discipline and strong organizational skills, and the mindset to proactively look for new business, rather than more passively waiting for auditions to populate your inbox from the casting sites. One of the most important tools that you’ll want to get sooner than later is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for keeping track of your leads, prospects, and clients. Look for a CRM that fits the size of your business. Some are intended for corporate-wide use and may be overkill for what you need AND your budget. They all have different strengths, as well as price points. Primarily, you’ll have to decide what you want from your CRM. Some have integrated email messaging systems, others help you keep track of your targets’ social media activity, most will include invoicing and job tracking. All will help you manage a growing list of contacts. Some popular choices for voice over businesses include: · Wix · Close · Nimble · Hubspot Some newer systems developed just for voice actors are: · Voiceoverview · Upperlevel CRM A few casting sites offer their own custom CRM systems, too. So, how do you choose which to use? As with any other tool, there’s a trade-off between functionality and price. Decide which features are most important to you and how much you’re willing to spend. Test the user interface to see how the system works. Do you like the way you can pull up client data, update records, and view reports? Often, the decision on which CRM to use comes down to what feels natural to you. So how do you successfully self-market your VO business? Rather than reinventing a wheel that’s been extensively road tested by others, I prefer to refer you to two voice actors who have done remarkably well in this area and who have made a name for themselves as VO business experts. They’ll teach you their steps for marketing your VO business, what pitfalls to avoid, the tools to use, etc. Marc Scott has a podcast and Facebook group, as well as an overall marketing program and coaching service. Tracey Lindley built her VO career on leveraging LinkedIn and teaches others to do the same. There are others, but I’ve personally worked with both Marc and Tracey and found a lot of value in what they have to say. Agents In the on-camera world, representation is crucial for finding acting work beyond student productions, small independent films, and the occasional commercial or industrial. In voice over, agents also play an important role, especially for opportunities to audition for national and major regional commercial campaigns, animated roles on TV cartoon series, promos, and other projects. Until you are an established talent, though, and even after you are a working full-time VO actor, the percentage of auditions and bookings from an agent is small compared to what you can find for yourself through direct marketing. Voice agents are usually local, regional, or national in scope and reputation. They are paid by their clients to find the best voice options for any particular job, but represent their talent with contract negotiations and handle invoicing, payment, and accounting. A voice actor may have one, several, or a half dozen agents in different regions of the country, and perhaps even one or two in other national markets. With multiple representation, it’s not unusual for a national commercial job to arrive in the talent’s email inbox from different agents. It’s up to the voice actor (and agents) to determine ahead of time how these situations are handled. The best way to approach an agency for representation is to go to that agency’s website and READ their instructions for submitting yourself. They will tell you if they are open to accepting applications to their roster and the procedures to follow. Please note that you need to have at least one demo (usually commercial) before applying, and ideally a website. Look at their roster, listen to voice samples, and see if you can fill a niche for them. You will hear back if they are interested and often nothing at all if they are not. Check back again in six to twelve months, especially if you have something new (like an updated demo) to show them. Hanging Your Shingle Whew! There’s a lot that you can do to market yourself to potential clients. Remember, though, like with any other business, it takes time to build up your list of qualified prospects and clients. In sales terms, a qualified prospect is someone or some business that needs voice over services and has the budget to make a project happen. A lead is an individual within a business to contact who may have a need for your services. And a client, of course, is someone who has already booked and paid you for a job. So, are you ready to go into business? Let’s review the checklist: · (On-going) voice over training and coaching · One or more professional demos · A home studio for producing high quality audition files (.mp3 or .wav formats), including equipment (minimum: computer, microphone with pop filter, interface, headphones and/or speakers, recording/editing software, internet connectivity) · A website · A system for managing leads, prospects, clients, and bookings · A (multi-tiered) marketing plan for finding work You’re good to go! Hang your shingle with pride, knowing that your business will be ever-changing as both you and the marketplace continue to change and grow. Make it a priority to stay on top of these changes so that you can adjust accordingly with new demos, perhaps upgraded equipment, and of course, on-going training. If you’re missing any of these elements, check with my blog for tips and links to outside expert resources. Best of luck – I look forward to hearing your voice in the ethers down the road.

Top 10 Considerations Before You Start Congrats! Not only are you thinking about becoming a voice actor, you're one of the few people who actually know that voice over is "a thing." Most people associate the voice on the radio with a DJ, the voice of a cartoon character in the movies with a celebrity, and the voice announcing their favorite upcoming TV show ... well, most people have absolutely no idea. But voice over extends way beyond radio imaging, animation, and promo. It plays a huge role in business, with corporate narration for company websites and internal presentations, eLearning for training employees and clients on products and services, and explainers on company websites that illustrate those products through video, animation, and whiteboard presentations. Voice actors describe medical innovations, treatments, and procedures. They also walk the viewer through documentaries or guide museum goers through the exhibits. Political ads, video games, crowd conversations in movie scenes, telephone systems, course audiobooks, and many other genres are all voiced by actors trained to bring words to life, using only their microphone and their vivid imaginations. But getting started in voice over involves much more than buying an inexpensive mic and hooking it up to your computer. Here are my top 10 considerations before getting started: 1. What do you want to voice and why do you want to do it? What draws you to voice over? Do you love audiobooks and imagine yourself voicing multiple characters? Are you a fan of video games and want a career in their creation? Are you a former DJ and want to transition your on-air skills into your own business? Are you particularly adept at tongue-twisting medical jargon and see a financially rewarding opportunity in voicing medical journals and training modules for health care workers? Every genre has its own unique qualities and calls on different skill sets. Decide which ones appeal to you, learn as much as you about them, train with voiceover coaches with experience in those genres, and with their help, create a professional demo. 2. Do you want to be a full or part-time voiceover professional? Or hobbyist? Many people can earn full-time wages as voice over artists, though it doesn't happen overnight. What are your goals? How many hours a day can you devote to it? Do you see it as a side business while working full-time in another field? Or will you be pursuing voice over as a hobby, in which you may derive more joy than income? Knowing the answers to these first few questions will help you answer the rest. 3. Are you prepared to invest time and money to learn your craft? As with screen and stage acting, voice over requires training, practice, and dedication. You don't wake up one day, decide to become a voice actor, and expect to book projects simply because you plugged a mic into your computer. Besides training and individual coaching, you'll need to invest in creating a good recording space, purchasing and learning how to use software to record and edit your recordings, and creating one or more demos that show off your ability and range. You'll also need to invest in yourself, particularly in patience as you build and learn how to run your voiceover business. 4. Are you comfortable working alone in a small, confined space for long stretches of time? Voiceover booths, studios, or dedicated recording spaces are typically small (4'x4' is the norm) and insulated to reduce the "noise floor," so that outside activity doesn't interfere with a quality recording. If you're claustrophobic, this may not be the best career choice for you. 5. Are you willing to dedicate yourself for the long haul? A voice actor can earn a comfortable, full-time living, but this is a competitive business and the professional standards are high. As with any new business, the first few years may see far more investment than payoff, especially when you consider the time to train and develop a quality product (your voice). It's said that it takes 10,000 hours to truly master a new skill, and voice over is no different. 6. Are you willing to learn and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace? The demands and whims of the marketplace change often over time, and sometimes take an abrupt shift when outside events change dramatically. For example, to demonstrate the shift over decades, the once popular deep announcer voice gave way to a more conversational tone, which segued to the popular laid-back, "I don't care" Millennial read. A good part of this shift came with the changing generations, as younger people rejected commercial messages that preached to their audiences what they should be buying and why. With the internet and then social media, attention spans shortened and voice overs adjusted with new-found attitude and humor to attract listeners. Now, more recently with the Coronavirus pandemic and a fearful public focused on medical information and treatments, we're seeing fast-growing demand for the caring, reassuring, and compassionate middle-aged voice. 7. Are you a self-starter? Are you an exceptionally lucky individual with uncourted opportunities falling in your lap at every turn? Do you have a huge social media following clamoring for your next project? Are you a "name" celebrity that creatives would like to see attached to their projects? Neither am I. So clients are probably not going to be hunting us down for our voiceover services right out of the gate. You'll find that agents are not easy to come by and even when you are on a talent roster, auditions will be far fewer and in between than what you may have imagined. Casting sites ("pay to plays") seem to offer tons of opportunities, but are you aware that you'll be competing against a hundred or so other voice actors for one job, most of whom may be far more experienced than you? Most voiceover work comes from our own marketing and networking efforts, and being a self-starter is a must. 8. Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Yes, if you took my hint from point #7, we are running our own businesses. Voice over is more than just a creative outlet, an artistic skill, a natural-born talent. It is all that, PLUS the understanding and mindset that it is also a business, which requires getting out there to promote our services, deliver a quality product, and handle all the financials involved with a business transaction. 9. Can you consistently demonstrate your professionalism and reliability to your clients? The successful voice actor is both a creative artist and a responsible business person. We back up our talents with organization, follow-through, and clear, concise communications with our clients. We have a professional website that provides the viewer with all the pertinent information they need: who we are, what we offer (with at least one demo to show our work), and how to reach us. And we respond quickly to queries and audition requests. 10. Does all the above make you happy? If you are still reading, then perhaps all this appeals to you! Wonderful! I find voice over to be exciting, rewarding, and a great deal of fun. If you'd like to read more, then please head over to the other blog pages, where you can learn more about finding training, setting up a home studio, producing a demo, etc. And for more perspectives on getting started, click on these FREE resources: Articles I Want to Be a Voice Actor! by Dee Bradley Baker So You Want to Be a Voice Actor by Sarah Sealey Get Started in VO How to Start in Voiceover Without Losing Your Shirt, Part 1 by Patrick Kirchner How to Start in Voiceover Without Losing Your Shirt, Part 2 by Patrick Kirchner How to Start in Voiceover Without Losing Your Shirt, Part 3 by Patrick Kirchner E-books The Voice Over Entrance Exam by Peter K O'Connell Voiceover e-Book by Dan Hurst 35 Mentors, 1 Piece of Voice Over Advice by Marc Scott Looking for some great training resources? Check out this article for links to online and in person options.

Making a video? Create a genuine, inviting presence on camera. You want to attract viewers and keep them engaged with your video. They should feel like you’re talking directly to THEM. How do you do that? Take a few tips from the actor’s handbook with 5 basic questions to help you connect with your viewers and keep their attention: the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of your message. Technology allows us to reach a wider audience. But it’s totally useless if you can’t connect with them right away, touching their hearts and minds in a very human way. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips See a real person in your mind’s eye who has a vested interest in hearing what you have to say. Imagine you’re in the middle of a real conversation at a particular place, at a specific time. Think of your message as a solution to a very real problem that your imagined friend is wrestling with. The 5 basic questions will help you move beyond just speaking to camera to having what’s perceived by your viewers as an honest-to-goodness conversation. Not a sales message, but insight or advice coming from someone who’s been where they are now. A helpful and friendly professional who has an idea that can help them with their dilemma. A real person that they could turn to for further help. Find this helpful and want to learn more? Check out this video in my series On Camera Tips for Success . I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Build a reputation as someone who's easy to work with What's one of the highest compliments an actor can receive? Something about your talent? Past performances? Stars you know on a personal basis? That's all well and good, but I'd like to offer up something else. Something that can see you hired time and time again. Be easy to work with. It may not sound like much, but it truly is a valued quality to those who book you. Casting and production look for good, reliable pros they can count on to elevate the material, deliver on-point performances, and pivot under changes of direction. But not every actor is willing or able to do that. It takes a team mindset. Looking at things from the client's perspective. Delivering what the director is asking for. And putting your own ego aside, including specific ideas of how your role should be played, when you're asked to adjust your performance. Guess what? Casting and production note all this, especially when considering who to bring back for future projects. So what makes an actor easy to work with? You're part of a creative team. Align your vision with theirs. Flexible and accommodating First and foremost, people who are easy to work with realize that it's not all about them. It's about the project and working as a team to make it successful. Start off on the right foot by demonstrating consideration and respect for all those involved: PROMPT As they say, "early is on time and on time is late." Be sure to arrive early for call times and other appointments. 10-15 minutes ahead of schedule should do it. And when it comes to messaged requests, be sure to respond quickly and briefly. Even if it's to dash off a quick note to say that you'll respond more fully in a short while. LISTEN to what's being said. Open-mindedness is not just a matter of hearing; it's interpreting, considering, and (as the situation warrants) internalizing. Listen and implement suggestions. Listen and address any raised concerns. But don't just listen to those in charge. Pay attention to those working in all aspects of the production to understand what they need from you the actor. They'll see as a thoughtful team player. And, of course, listen to your scene partners as you are all performing. No going on auto-pilot here, just because you know your lines and blocking cold. The ability to respond authentically in the moment is the essence of good acting. ADJUST your performance, if requested. Learn to say "yes" to direction. Offer alternative ideas, if the director is open to different interpretations. Don't be wed to only one way of doing things. FORGIVE small mistakes, misjudgments, or misunderstandings. These things happen. Give other people the benefit of the doubt. Most are trying to do the right thing. After all, you're on the same team while you're working on this production. Pleasant and fun This goes back to the old adage: "People do business with those they know, like, and trust." People are people, whether they're collaborating on a business or a creative project. So be the kind of person that others enjoy being around. POSITIVE Show a can-do, optimistic perspective, especially when problems arise. Most setbacks are temporary and readily resolved. A grumpy, disdainful, or generally negative outlook is not going to improve anything and will only sow greater discord. Reputations are built or destroyed by behavior. Remember, people are watching. CONNECT with people. Be interested in them, their background stories and accomplishments, and their pastimes. Most people love to talk about themselves, especially when someone takes the time to get to know them. They'll think better of you for it. No need to be intrusive, of course. And truly private people will let you know if they prefer a more distant, formal work relationship. TRUSTWORTHY Be ethical and do what is right, regardless of circumstances. Say what you mean and mean what you say. You're part of a team and other members need to be able to count on you. APPRECIATE the work of others, as well as those who've hired you in the first place! Sincere compliments go a long way. Don't forget the crew and particularly those who help you look and sound good: hair and makeup, the camera crew, etc. Of course, the ones who keep you where you're supposed to be, like the 2nd assistant director (AD) and the often overlooked, uncredited production assistants! Any time you can go above and beyond, do so. Show production that you're looking at the project from their perspective. Bringing the "value add" to the project These are all the little extras that you bring to set. The things that may pleasantly surprise another member of the production team. ANTICIPATE NEEDS on set requests. Make someone's job easier and show that you're the thoughtful, experienced pro, all at the same time. If you know you'll be reporting to the hair and makeup (HMU) department upon arrival, have a clean face and hair when you show up. If you have allergies or particular sensitivities, tell HMU in advance and offer to bring some products from home, if none will be available on set. EXTRA SKILLS Do you have a particular skill set that can complete your character, perhaps one that wasn't originally requested? It may not be needed, but occasionally it helps move the overall story forward and becomes a defining aspect of your character. Alternatively, if a problem comes up on set that you can help with, offer assistance if appropriate. Union (SAG-AFTRA) sets have strict rules on who does what, but non-union crews may welcome your experienced help. Ask before pitching in. COMMUNICATE! As actors, we're supposed to be good at communicating. Evidently, not every actor got the memo. Production is regularly frustrated with actors who fail to respond to calls, emails, and texts. Who don't let them know of conflicts or other concerns. And who sometimes fail to show up. You can stand out by demonstrating that you are not a talent they need to be concerned about. You and others like you are viewed as pros. Everyone else? Well, they're not just called back. EXCEED EXPECTATIONS Any time you can go above and beyond, do so. An excellent performance will satisfy the hard-to-please director or producer. But an actor who ... goes the extra mile and is exceptionally well-prepared who knows that their job is to further the storyline regardless of the size of their role and who aims to make their scene partners look good in the process, too ... well, that's the professional who understands the big picture of this creative process. And that's the person production wants on their team, time and again. Laura's Quick Tips Be an asset to production with proper preparation and a positive attitude Go beyond your own interests and consider the needs of the project Respect and support the other cast and crew members Have you noticed that certain actors seem to work with certain directors over multiple projects? Some well-known frequent director/actor collaborations include Mel Brooks/Gene Wilder, Wes Anderson/Bill Murray and Owen Wilson, Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks, and Tim Burton/Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. They have strong working relationships, born from shared vision and mutual understanding. On a regional and local level, I've seen casting directors call in their favorites over and over again. They are the known, reliable, and easy to work with "go to" actors whom the casting directors love to present to their clients. And when production needs to bang out a quick commercial or add a last minute character to an on-going TV series, oftentimes they'll already have someone in mind. An actor who'd previously proved themselves, both in talent and in attitude. Be that person. Consistently. Over time, you will be noticed. And called in as a go-to resource. Interested in reading more about what it's like working on camera? Check out these articles and stories in the "On Set" category of my blog: Read more here > I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

There are 5 different types of business videos out there. Each needs a different type of delivery. Most parents will tell you that no two of their kids are completely alike. Even identical twins. Each has a unique personality that requires at least a slightly different approach when it comes to raising them, especially when it comes to motivating or disciplining them. It's the same way with business videos. Some are customer-focused, while others are intended primarily for internal use. But each has its own purpose and is specifically constructed to achieve its goal, whether that's to sell, inform, introduce, teach, or persuade. And different approaches call for different speaking styles. These are broad categories, but just about every video falls into one of these types: Commercials Industrials Explainers Training videos Website videos Here's an overview of each type and how you, as the speaker, can adjust your delivery to effectively reach their audiences. You're going to want to play to these different video styles when you're speaking on camera. It's all about recognizing that each type of video has a unique purpose. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips One size does NOT fit all! Understand the purpose of the video and who it's intended to reach Adjust your delivery to what's suitable to each type If you're not sure about what the video is supposed to achieve or who its audience is expected to be ... just ask. Then you'll have a clear understanding of its purpose and can visualize talking to one particular type of individual when you're speaking to the camera. It'll make for a more genuine and engaging video - and be that much more successful. Lots more tips where this came from! Check out the full series On Camera Tips for Success . I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Appearances DO matter, especially when you're on camera. Do yourself a favor and do it right. Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard aside, you DO want to look camera ready when the the director calls, "Action!" or "Go!" or "Rolling" or the plain old vanilla version, "Uh, that's your cue to start talking." A few disclaimers first: You don't have to look absolutely perfect, whatever that means to you. You don't have to be "gorgeous, darling," young, or even particularly photogenic (though any or all of these don't hurt, either). You don't have to be of the female persuasion to be concerned about your appearance. You DO want your appearance on camera to be in sync with the message of your video. You may be speaking as a corporate representative or as a user of your company's product. Most likely, your intention is to come across as a real person in a real-life situation, speaking frankly to your viewers about whatever, well, you have to talk about. Here are some tips, and a few do's and don'ts, to make sure that you look like the professional or expert who's worth listening to. Remember that the main focus of the video is the message. Make sure that the messenger - that's you - is not a distraction. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips The attention of the viewer needs to be on what you're saying, not on whatever you're wearing. Production lights can be harsh, so everybody - even guys - may need a little makeup. Be careful not to wear anything that makes noise when you move, like a bangle bracelet. The microphone picks up EVERYTHING. You'll notice that this video focuses pretty much on everything from the neck up, because many videos feature speakers as "talking heads" - from the shoulders or chest up. Wardrobe DOES matter, especially when the shot is anywhere from waist up to full body. Because wardrobe is a big enough subject to warrant its own video, it'll be covered separately. In the meantime, the advice in this video doubles as pointers for any upcoming professional headshot session that you may be planning. And here's a bonus tip when it comes time to finding a photographer or studio: find someone who specializes in corporate headshot photography. There's more to this art than simple portrait photography or (gasp) your spouse or buddy with a mobile phone. A specialist in corporate headshots knows how to create the professional images you're seeking, from poses to lighting to ambiance, without the results coming off as dated or contrived. Chances are they'll echo the advice in this video as to how you can physically prepare yourself for the session. Finding these tips helpful? Check out many more in my video series, On Camera Tips for Success . I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Burp on camera? Not the best way to leave a good impression in your video. Here's a major on camera prep tip: be careful what food & drink you enjoy. Some things are best avoided until AFTER the work is done. Why? Well, there's no better reminder that you're MORE than a talking head on camera then when the rest of your body pops in to remind you. Usually by rudely interrupting the conversation. Stomach rumbles. Unwanted but highly audible bodily emissions. Burping, belching, and other side effects best left to amuse young children. Usually of the male persuasion. It's bad enough when you're working alone. But working alongside other people...? Ugh. Let's not even go there. Prep yourself before you step a foot towards that camera. Know the Do's and Don'ts of food and beverage choices. It'll save you a lot of heartache ... and heartburn. Go figure. 9 out of 10 viewers want good, clear sound. That last one? Probably one of your competitors. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Careful! Sometimes your body has a mind of its own. And it may be up to no good. Water is your best friend. Really. Food that sticks to the roof of your mouth can make it difficult to speak clearly. Should be obvious, but sadly, not everyone realizes that this could be a major hindrance to sounding great in a video. Oh, there is one more thing to keep in mind. If you're going to eat right before you step in front of the camera ... check your smile. It's best if you can brush after eating, but if nothing else, make sure that nothing is sticking in your teeth. It's not the best look, especially if someone is watching your video full screen. Just sayin'. Yes, this blog is chockfull of helpful hints! Want more? No problem. Check out On Camera Tips for Success . I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Nervous about speaking in public or for a video? Use some breath control! Hmmm...could this be you? Feeling anxious before going on camera. Heart pounding a little too fast. Or loud. Shortness of breath. Yup. Any or all of these pretty much point to a bad case of the nerves. Totally understandable! Speaking in public is scary to most people and anxiety-inducing at one point or another for just about everyone. Talking to the camera is a close cousin to speaking in-person to an audience, so you're bound to feel uneasy there, too. Especially if you're unfamiliar with talking directly into a camera lens, with bright production lights and a microphone capturing every sight and sound. Let’s talk about a few breathing exercises to get all that under control. When you breathe correctly, the situation corrects itself and you feel more centered and calm. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips There's a reason why people will advise you to "take a deep breath!" before you attempt something a bit scary. Breath control allows you to better control your body's reaction to stress. Yup, that whole fight or flight thing. You can do any of these basic breathing exercises anywhere, anytime you need to. Knowing how to control your breath, and using it to calm and center yourself, will serve you in just about any capacity, not just for public speaking. We all tend to breathe shallowly, except for when we know we need to steel ourselves to do something athletically-demanding. Knowing how to change our habits with slow, deep, and deliberate breaths can see us through new or scary situations. And bonus! Even help us to relax and get to sleep at night. Find this useful and want more? Check out On Camera Tips for Success . I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

What do you do over the holidays? Shutdown your business completely? Keep your regular work schedule? Or some combo? To be, or not to be .. in the booth over the holidays. For some, this is a pretty easy question with a straightforward answer: NO. "For crying out loud" - I guess that's still a thing - "It's the holidays! Time to devote to God and the family." With all the together time, hugs, squabbles, and fights for food and presents taking precedence over mundane work matters. At least for a week or two. For others, it's "Business as usual." No going all out on the holidays or caring two figs about an oversized ball descending from on high to count down the remaining seconds to the new year. Better to take advantage of some relatively quiet time to catch up, clean up, and prepare for a new fiscal year. And then there are some of us who like to cut the difference, Goldilocks-style. But without the breaking and entering, destruction of furniture, or theft of food stuffs. We prefer to slow down the work and fit it around family get-togethers on an as-needed, as-desired basis. Or as the place to beat a hasty (and temporary) retreat to from the same. That's the happy middle where I like to live. It's especially easy this year since I'm not the one traveling this holiday season. I just have to play host. It depends on YOU and what makes you happiest ... and healthiest. And what your family will tolerate! Advantage of being Mom It's taken a few years, but now I'm the mom that the adult and college-age kids come home to. Yup, that means extra cooking, cleaning, and laundry, too! But it's all worth it to have family together, at least for a short time again. It also means that I don't have to deal with extra traffic, airline security lines, and all the packing, unpacking, and making myself useful in someone else's home. That's worth a LOT. I'm not the matriarch in my family - yet - but I've segued into becoming the destination for family and home-centered celebrations for my immediate family. A nice sign that along the way as a mom, I must have done something right. A respite from family hoopla The Oxford dictionary defines "hoopla" as North American slang for "excitement surrounding an event or situation, especially when considered to be unnecessary fuss." It's also fun to say. But most importantly, hoopla pretty accurately describes all the hubbub of family coming together to catch up on everyone's news, argue about points large, small, and political (sigh), and dredge up old dirt on each other. Fun stuff. No wonder that after a while, everyone - especially the hostess - needs a break. For me, that's a quick dive into my voiceover studio, where I'll happily take on last minute auditions and rush jobs. It's the perfect change of pace and shifts my brain from chaotic, overworked, let's-keep-'em-happy-for-as-long-as-I-can mode to pure creative play. Ahhhh.... I really do emerge from the booth that much more refreshed. My version of " Calgon, take me away !" The only frenzy in the family should be during the tearing open of presents. Moderation, the perfect balance The trick to hosting happy family holiday celebrations is to strike a healthy balance between taking care of everyone else's needs, while not completely neglecting yourself. Not always easy! If you have a large family, enlist your spouse, siblings, and adult kids to share the work and keep things positive. You may have a relatively small family, like I do, but that doesn't mean we still don't need some time to ourselves, too. Going for a walk, provided the weather isn't too cold or downright frightful. Quiet time sitting by a warming fire, ideally with a book or glass of wine in hand. Enjoying a favorite movie with loved ones. Or finding time to exercise, meditate, write ... or focus on your business. If a bit of work here and there helps keep you organized or just makes you feel better about being on top of things - more power to you! Kudos if it also gives you a creative outlet and a much needed break. There's nothing wrong with some "me time" in the middle of all the holiday time craziness. A little moderation goes a long way to keeping yourself balanced. The only frenzy in the family should be during the tearing open of presents. Laura's Quick Tips Do what's best for you and your family If you need a little "me time" - take it! Everyone will be better off for it. "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" The holiday season is a marvelous time for families to spend together. It's also one of the most stressful times of the year, because families ARE together, and there's this expectation that everyone should be happy and joyful throughout. Yeah. Sure. Not realistic. Happy and joyful only go so far, particularly when families are together. Too often, social filters are tossed out, new arguments arise, and old rivalries resurrect themselves. My best advice? Pace yourself and encourage everyone to take a little quiet time out for themselves - however they wish to spend it. Work a little, if it makes you happy. Play a lot and laugh. Give kids and teens ample time to decompress and let off steam, ideally OUTSIDE the house. Most importantly, if the family is converging on your parents' home ... be sure to help out your mama. 😏 Need another good reason to dive into your man cave (or whatever you call your personal retreat)? Here ya go . You're welcome. And Happy Holidays! I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Voice over is a great career! But build it the right way - and avoid the scammers. Curious about how to get started - and succeed - in voice over? Joe Matz of APEX-able and I sat down recently to talk about the ins and outs of the business of voice over. The key takeaway? Build your new career with the proper training, investment, time, and patience. Short cuts often lead directly to the many scammers out there preying on the hopes and dreams of creative artists. In this 30 minute interview, Joe and I talk about how I transitioned from a corporate career to being my own boss doing voice overs and on camera work. We covered the essential building blocks that form the foundation of a successful voice acting career and how to go about putting them in place. Finally, I provided a long list of resources that new and aspiring voice actors may find useful, most of which are provided in this Resources section of my blog. Questions? Leave a comment below or send me an email . I'd love to hear from you! Watch out for the many scammers out there preying on the hopes and dreams of creative artists. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Overnight successes are built over 10, 20, or more years - and rarely truly overnight. Start any new venture with training, just to see if it's the right fit for you. Never stop investing in yourself or your business. I firmly believe that none of us is just one thing in life. We play many roles and often enjoy more than one career in our working lives. As long as we're able and willing, we can start a new career or side gig at any age. Just be sure to take the time to understand your new industry and develop your business the smart way with knowledge and patience. Step by step, the benefits will surely come! Don't just take my word for it! Check out out what some of my voiceover friends have to say . I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Branding. Fame. Reputation. How are these tied together and what's most important? I was listening to marketing strategist and futurist Mark Schaefer talk about branding. He differentiated between being famous and being known and why being known was far more important. It's an interesting concept and I gave it a lot of thought afterwards. Fame was of little importance (or possibility) when I worked in the corporate world, but now that I'm squarely in the entertainment world, I see that notion flipped on its head just about everywhere I look. So many fellow actors are quite busy pursuing fame. And fortune. (The two are pretty much a package ideal in the minds of most entertainers.) It's understandable, since fame can land an actor choice roles, And the industry itself regularly recognizes its top performers with nationally televised awards shows and shiny, golden trophies. Still, and perhaps because I do originally come from the business world, I appreciate the value of being known. Known for what? Well, as being an expert in something or as an advisor to be sought out, or just as a good person with a trustworthy reputation who's worthwhile knowing. Actors certainly aren't oblivious to the value of good reputation. Hard work, professionalism, and respect for all members of a production endear us to important decision-makers: the casting directors, directors, and producers, and even our agents and managers. A good reputation not only begets work, it also enables those who teach and coach to attract and retain serious acting students. And that brings in money (which by most accounts is a good and necessary thing 😏). Safe to say, most people (actors, especially) wouldn't mind having both fame and a good reputation. No reason we can't, though there are key differences between them that are worth keeping in mind. To keep our heads on straight, if nothing else. Know your values, as well as your ambitions, and order them accordingly. Being Famous Being Known Recognition Reputation For how you present yourself For what you bring to the table For major work you've done lately For body of work built up over time Builds quickly or even suddenly Builds slowly over the years Often fleeting Long-lasting Self-centered Focused on being of service to others Mercurial: can flip between positive and negative Stable: usually stays either positive or negative Who you seem to be vs. what you do Which has more meaning to you? Fame allows you and some of your bigger achievements to be known at a superficial level by many, many people. Most of whom you don't know and may never meet. A reputation is built on your work and, like fame, can be good, bad, or even a mix of the two. It's a description of your character and deeds, rather than of your physiology, personality, or a few better-known accomplishments. Flash in the pan vs. long-lasting Do you prefer a dazzling spectacle like fireworks or the comfort of a roaring fire? Both are well-loved. Fame can be exhilarating, with celebrity-status and the thrill of being at the center of attention. It can also be quite damaging, especially to those ill-equipped to handle it. It rarely lasts long. While we remember iconic stars of stage, screen, and the athletic halls of fame, there are many more has-beens capitalizing on their short-lived time in the limelight with guest appearances on game shows and TV dramas. Reputation is the sum total of all our actions, an indirect result of anything and everything we do. It's how people think of us. A good reputation is traditionally regarded as fundamental to success, while a bad one will be extremely difficult to overcome. "Your brand name is only as good as your reputation" - Richard Branson Self-centered vs. focused on others Does the success of your work reward primarily yourself or those who engage your services? Fame is pretty-much self-serving. There may be managers, agents, friends or family members or company representatives who also benefit from your success, but by and large, you are the primary recipient of fame. Depending on your actions, fame too can quickly flip to infamy through misdeeds, or abuse of power or privilege. A reputation is earned - for good or ill - by how you treat others through your actions and the quality and reliability of your goods and services over a longer period of time. Unlike fame, it doesn't fade, though it can be turned from good to bad (or vice versa) through proven, deliberate action. Laura's Quick Tips As you measure success, first assess what's really important to you so that you're measuring the right thing. Know your values as well as your ambitions. Keep a long view of your life and career. It'll help you make the right decisions. ] For my part, I cherish a good name and reputation far beyond the lure of fame. I've taught my children to be, first and foremost, good caring people as this is how we make the world a better place. There are enough egocentric people running around, looking to better themselves at the expense of others. Not that fame itself is bad. But it is a double-edged sword, especially when it misleads those unready to handle it into thinking that they're more important/irreplaceable/special than they really are. Fame, too, can bring the wackos out of the woodwork who may do us (or our loved ones) real harm, not to mention continually disrupt our privacy. We may take pride in being famous ourselves or by being associated or related to a famous person. But what's really important? I think of the warm, loving stories told about family members long passed, the good names that still bring smiles to those who knew and loved them. The lessons they taught through example that helped shape the next generation or two and showed them how to be their best selves. That's what's lasting. I'm working to build a good, strong reputation not just as a film/TV/voice over actor, but as someone who shares what I've learned to help them in their own pursuits. That's how my YouTube series of on camera tips for non-actors came about. Curious? Check it out on my YouTube channel . I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY