Search Results

Techniques to Go from Amateur to Pro on Video Nervous or unsure about appearing in a video to promote your business? It can be downright scary, especially if it’s all new to you. So let’s make it a bit easier. Join me on Deanna Russo’s LinkedIn Mastery on LinkedIn Audio event this Thursday, August 17 at 2 pm EST. We’ll be covering a lot of ground with practical ideas and tips to help you rock your own videos. What to do and especially what to avoid. Have any particular questions you’d like to ask? Put them in the comments below and I’ll be sure to address them in the live event. See you there! Thursday, August 17, 2023 2-3 pm EST LinkedIn Live 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’s the Special Sauce That Makes Your Project Stand Out? “Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.” Who else out there has that old McDonald’s jingle burned into their brain? It’s OK, you’re among friends here. We couldn’t get it out of our heads, we could recite it perfectly with our friends, and it gave the McDonald’s hamburger a certain je ne sais quoi. It didn’t hurt McDonald’s sales either. Everyone for decades wanted to know what that special sauce was. Pre-internet, no one seemed to really know, and no one was talking. McDonald’s convinced us that it was the special sauce that made their burgers far superior than those served by any other restaurant chain. Actually, I think it was their marketing that did it. Plus Ronald McDonald the clown, free toys, and Happy Meals. (Later, it was also the store playgrounds, but this is not an article on McDonald’s marketing techniques, so I’ll leave it there.) In the computer industry, when I was selling IBM’s hardware, software, and services, the special sauce had a much fancier name: the Value Add Proposition . In other words, the extra something that customers benefitted from that they may not be able to get anywhere else. It could be incredibly high and responsive customer service, an in-house systems engineer at your beck and call, or a very attractive long-term financing deal. Sometimes, the Value Add Proposition was what the supplier company built its reputation on and was known for to its loyal customer base. Other times, it changed over the years as products and services evolved with the industry and reflected what the company thought its customers needed most. There’s a special sauce in the voiceover industry, too. Something that can elevate your copy with the right actor voicing the spot. I’m not talking about the basics, which any professional voice actor should possess: training, experience, or, if a home studio is required, recording and editing equipment and the editing skills to use them. The voiceover special sauce is what enables a voice actor to really connect to the copy and bring it to life, so that we really believe the message and the sincerity of the speaker. Unlike McDonald’s special sauce, it’s not just one thing that an actor does that makes the connection. There are plenty of methods that talented and experienced voice actors use to understand and clearly and authentically communicate the client’s message to its audience. And the client often uses the auditioning process, plus the voice actor’s demo reels, to discover which of the voices they like best truly connect with their script. When all else is equal, however – when the client just can’t decide between so many great voice options - there may be one additional factor that should be considered. And this special sauce is the real-life situation, background, or work experience of the voice actor. Oftentimes, voice actors naturally gravitate to a genre that is familiar from other experience. Current or former business men and women, like myself, can be quite comfortable with the message and tone of corporate narration or explainer videos. Teachers discover that their in-classroom skills give them an extra authoritative boost in virtual classrooms, a.k.a. eLearning projects. Healthcare professionals, especially doctors, have a much easier time wrapping their tongues around medical terminology that could cross another voice talent’s eyes. This does not mean that others without this direct experience couldn’t do as terrific a job, but it may lend an edge in the auditions submitted by those that do. A greater understanding, fluidity, or conviction may come through that the client recognizes and believes that their audience would, too. When given the opportunity, voice actors can note this relevant background information with their audition or on their website. There have been numerous times when I’ve auditioned for a project that just seems to scream my name. It ties in with my experience as a mom, my love of a particular store or brand, a place that I’ve actually spent time in, or is full of complex IT terminology and concepts that my background helps me to understand and relate to. So what should you consider when trying to pick the right voice for a particular job? Narrowing down the selection often follows these steps: 1. Has the voice actor followed directions? If they haven’t followed the audio file naming conventions, slated (or not) as instructed, provided the proper number of takes (if requested), or even met the deadline, they may not prove reliable in a recording session. 2. Is the audio portion of the audition itself of professional quality? Thanks to the pandemic, voice actors are expected, more than ever, to have home studios. The audition should be clear, voiced at a reasonable volume, without background noise or extraneous audio intrusions. 3. Did the voice actor follow the specs and deliver the type of read requested? Or at least provide one read that did, while allowing a second to demonstrate range? This shows that the actor understands the purpose of the spot, as well as the willingness to follow directions, either on their own or in a client-directed session. And the ability to show range is a pretty good indication that they can deliver plenty of great options for you during the recording session. 4. Does the voice match what you envision for this spot? Or perhaps gives you a different or better idea of how the script can sound? This is what most clients are listening for and is the most important. It takes a while to get through what could be hundreds of auditions, but you’ll recognize those that seem to hit the mark. 5. What "special sauce" can they bring to the job? Now comes the tough part. You may have eliminated 90% or more auditions and the remaining 10% all sound great and could easily do the job. So, here are a few more considerations, including that voiceover special sauce: Check out their websites, demos, and other work . Is there something else in their voice that you really like or that could lend an extra boost to the finished piece? Perhaps there is something in their personality that comes through from their audition, website, and demos that really seems to resonate with your project. Have you had prior experience with the voice actor, either from prior bookings or auditions? Sometimes, it’s easier to turn to someone you already know and trust can get the job done for you. But if you’re looking for a new voice or one that’s less used, read on: What’s their brand or persona ? Does it fit with your company and this particular message? If a project stands to gain national exposure or if the actor will be the voice of the company, clients will scour social media to make sure that actor aligns more or less with their values, or at the least will not be an embarrassment to them. Does the voice actor appear to be ethical, reliable, easy to work with and direct, and interested in pleasing YOU, their client, with their performance? With all else being equal, is there something in the actor’s background or life story that resonates with you? A real police officer talking about public safety. An engineer describing the mechanics of an autotrain system. The real-life grandpa talking about the good ol’ days when he had to walk 10 miles to school, in the snow, uphill both ways … you get the picture.  Real experience may be enough to tilt the scales in an actor’s favor. Realistically, at this point, if you’ve been specific about describing the type of voice you are looking for and have priced the job fairly, you’re left with some pretty amazing choices. In the end, go with your gut. Or collective gut, if you’re voting by committee. There are so many wonderful people who have worked and trained hard in voice over, and can do a bang-up job for you. But keep a file of those who were not selected in the final analysis. Chances are that they could be perfect for a future job. Next time, you may decide to reach out to them directly to ask them to audition, knowing you’ve already vetted them once. 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

Dynamic delivery: keeping your viewers awake and interested in what you have to say It doesn't matter how dry or detailed your message may be. It's a STORY and stories told well captivate their audiences through a variety of techniques. The trick is to think of your story as a rollercoaster ride. There are ups and downs to its flow. Twists and turns that it takes. Surprises that pop up after what seems to be a lull in activity. A story told well is unpredictable, exciting, and even breathtaking. That's a lot to ask for. While it doesn't have to be a wild rollercoaster ride, it does have to be interesting and enjoyable. That's where dynamic delivery comes in - the art of storytelling. What are these twists and turns? Changes in your facial expressions, movements, and vocalizations as you share your message. Changes in your pace and volume, emphasis of certain words and phrases, and a good dramatic pause once in a while. Curious? Watch this video for these and other storytelling tips, and how they can help you transform your message into a story. "Think of your story as a rollercoaster ride. There are ups and downs to its flow. Twists and turns that it takes. Surprises that pop up after what seems to be a lull in activity. A story told well is unpredictable, exciting, and even breathtaking." Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Storytelling is humanity's oldest form of entertainment. The best received videos are a form of "edu-tainment." Before you launch into your message, know exactly what you're going to talk about and to whom. Tailor your story to your audience. Keep audiences engaged with dynamic changes in pace, volume, word emphasis, and pauses. Oh, and here's one more thing. Imagine that the camera is a real person. A good friend, someone who is sincerely interested in your message. Talk to that person as you would if you were there in person, just chatting away. When your voice has the natural inflections of a real conversation, you'll come across as trustworthy and believable. And you'll find that some dynamic delivery comes naturally, too. There's more where this came from! If you enjoyed this video, check out these other 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

On camera or public speaking - the best way to shake nervousness is to get your whole body into it An important part of on camera preparation is managing nervous energy. After all, speaking on camera can be a nerve-wracking experience! It shows physically: Shaking hands Rapid blinking Clenched teeth or a tight jaw Stiffness Jerky movements Broken or halted speech But it doesn't have to! Calm those nerves with a few simple exercises and relaxation techniques that take only a few minutes of your time. Here are some of my faves. Nervousness isn’t something that we can easily hide from other people. It’s in our body language, which studies point out is the first thing we pick up when meeting someone. . Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Your hands hold a lot of nervous energy. Shake them out! Stretch! Shoulders, legs, and torso. A little bit of cardio goes a long way to banishing the jitters. Run through some of these quick exercises after watching the video. If you have physically limitations that prevent you from doing most of them, just try the easier ones that require less movement like the hand and shoulders stress relievers. Chances are you'll feel better and ready to take on the world. Are you finding these tips useful and want to check out a few more? They're all on YouTube under 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

Are you a hand talker? Or do you stiffen up when you're on camera? Speaking to camera, like any other form of public speaking, can be a scary business. In everyday life, we don't think about what we look like when we're talking. Most of don't worry too much if our hand gestures are too big. Unless, of course, we're knocking something off a table or windmilling our arms when excited. We focus on our message, whatever it is we're trying to communicate, and getting it across to whoever may be listening. It's a different story when we're the subject of a video and we find ourselves staring down the lens of the camera. We become self-conscious. Uncertain of how to move. Worried about sounding genuine, convincing, and believable. And what the heck are we supposed to do with our hands? We know the camera amplifies every gesture. Are we going to look clownish if we gesture like we normally do? Let's get you feeling comfortable and natural on camera, so that you feel free to focus 100% on your message. Which is what the video is all about anyways. Here's what to do with your hands when you're on camera for three different types of framed shots: Head and shoulders From the waist up Full body Knowing how to use your hands will help you relax and become a much more comfortable, natural, and engaging speaker - on camera or in-person before a live audience. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Find out how much of your body will be shown on screen so you know how much of your hands and arms will be seen Gesture naturally - but remember that small movements can appear much larger on screen Movement that's not seen on screen still helps you appear comfortable and approachable The video has specific pointers on how to use your hands for each type of framed shot, as well as those things you'll want to avoid. You'll find them useful for public speaking in general, too. With a little practice, you'll feel more relaxed and confident next time you're in front of the camera. And don't be surprised if your performance is improved. Knowing what to do with our hands releases stress from both our mind and body, freeing us to truly focus on sharing our message. Love this 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

From Shakespeare to Sorkin to Commercial Scripts Word economy. I was taught early on to say what I mean, mean what I say, and to be terse in my writing. Well, I certainly adhere to clarity and intent. Brevity? Not so much. There’s a time and a place for it, such as when giving specific instructions. Or orders to my kids. Especially in those cases, it’s best to keep the message simple and straightforward. But when communicating an idea that you want others to truly understand, brevity can only take you so far. Take a little longer to get your message across, particularly if the intent is to spark a conversation. Paint a picture in words, describe a scene in some detail. If you’re writing an essay or giving a speech, you have to continually engage the reader or listener from start to finish. Stories work wonders! But what about in a commercial message? Typically, that’s only about 30 seconds of air or radio time. That’s a special skill, all unto itself. You have to grab attention, draw people in to what you’re saying and selling, and convince them to act on what you’re promoting. People like being entertained. We like stories. We like to make our own decisions, based on information or shared experiences. Most of us don’t like being told what to do or how to think. My favorite commercials use humor to make their point. Funny bits can become so popular, they move into the cultural lexicon. Remember Wendy’s “Where’s the beef?” commercials from the 80s? There are a whole bunch of great commercials that capitalized on humor through the decades. I mentioned a few in a previous blog , if you want to check them out. Commercials are quite artfully crafted. You have to say a lot in a little bit of time. And do it well. The general breakdown of storytelling within a commercial is: Identify a problem Describe or give an example of that problem Show the brand’s solution and the benefits of that solution Give a call to action – what you want your audience to do afterwards. That’s a lot of messaging in a little bit of time. Every word counts. Every word and phrase are carefully chosen. Imagery is conjured very specifically with a scarcity of words. And it’s all constructed to grab the viewer or listener’s attention, keep it through storytelling or a bit of humor, and compel them to act afterwards. Creative terseness is an art form unto itself. Remember learning about Haiku in school? Haiku is a type of Japanese short form poetry made up of three lines. The first line has five syllables, the second has seven, and the third line has five. It’s a terrific way to teach organization of thought and specificity in imagery and word choice. Like writing a 30 second commercial, the author has to know exactly what he’s about to describe and the type of emotional or thought response he wants from his reader. Even harder, the poem has to match the musicality of the Haiku structure. There is definitely creative terseness in the best commercial scripts. I have to admire fine writing in a commercial script whenever I come across it. Because each word and turn of phrase are carefully chosen, I know that there is pure intent behind each one of them. My job is to make them come alive for the viewer or listener, whether or not they’re paired with pictures (TV or internet-based video) or not (radio or podcast). How to do that comes from a wide variety of acting and voiceover-specific training. Recently, I took two very different acting classes that have really helped me appreciate the creative use of the written word in very different ways. Shakespeare and Sorkin. Bet you never thought you’d see those two together in one phrase. We’re all pretty much familiar with the Bard, having studied one or more of his plays in school and perhaps seeing them produced on stage, film, or television. And many of us are familiar with the critically-acclaimed and popular works of Aaron Sorkin, which include such shows and movies as The West Wing , The American President , Newsroom , and A Few Good Men . They certainly seem quite apart in style, not even counting the four centuries between the two men, widely disparate source material, and their styles of writing. Shakespeare was highly descriptive in his prose, drawing heavily upon mythology and ancient history. Sorkin is known for his hard-hitting, razor-sharp stories about contemporary American culture politics, all with precise, rapid-fire dialogue. There are similarities, though. Both are playwrights – yup, Sorkin began his career before moving into writing for television and film. Both focus on dynamic and complex relationships between their characters. Their stories reflect the power dynamics and struggles of their day, though Shakespeare had to make his commentary more discreet, considering that his royal critics had the power to make heads roll if they were displeased. And both Shakespeare and Sorkin wrote for their popular audiences, because after all … an artist has to eat. The poetry and nuance within Shakespeare. The rapid-fire, hard-hitting prose of Sorkin. From each, I learned to better appreciate the power of the English language and the use of words to stir emotions, drive thought, and create reactions in their audiences. There is reason and intent behind them. Just as in a Haiku poem, they use their own structures – iambic pentameter with Shakespeare and overlapping dialogue to dictate the rhythm and energy in a Sorkin scene - to craft their stories willfully, building relationships, tensions, and turns of events. The well-written commercial message does that, too, embedding a marketing structure to persuade their audiences: problem, solution, call to action. As with Shakespeare or Sorkin, there is a story that needs to be told and told well. Some commercials tell their stories solely through smart word choice. These scripts stand on their own, made more powerful when spoken aloud in a voice over. Think about poetry or descriptive narrative. Or rap and slam poetry. Others tell their stories primarily through images, with only a brilliantly-conceived tagline to sum up their brand and company message. And sometimes only the name of the company is presented at the end of the commercial to drive the point home, because everything shown up to that point is utterly descriptive of the brand that it needs no explanation. Many more commercials, though, use a combination of words and images to tell their stories and compel audiences to take note and to take action. As a voice actor, it’s my job to bring those stories to life, and to have as many tools at my disposal to do so as possible. Basic voiceover training, such as “imagine you’re just talking to one person” is a start. Improv training inspires different ways of looking and presenting the material. Acting classes teach scene study and analysis, character development, the ups and downs of that character as you move through the script. There’s almost always an “arc” to what the character experience, no matter the script’s length! Reading, especially just speaking well-written words aloud, brings knowledge and appreciation of the power of words and imagery to move the human heart and spirit. It’s a multi-faceted approach. I’ve found that my best insights on how to bring a script alive originate with something I’ve read, studied, or watch from a source that’s completely different from a commercial message. That Shakespeare scene with Queen Margaret from “Henry V” gave me a new idea on how to convey a mother’s worry in that script for car insurance. The pointed word choice used by MacKenzie from “Newsroom” reminded me that punching certain phrases in the retail sales copy can create a stronger impact. And Haiku in general taught me that every word is there for a reason. Commercial copy goes through multiple revisions by many sets of eyeballs before it’s sent out to auditioning actors. Mostly. Or at least should have been. And it can be cut down and changed during a directed session to trim for time or deliver a greater impact. Time-honored Japanese poetry. Shakespeare’s epic comedies and tragedies. Sorkin’s modern, marvelously-written dramas. All skillfully use language to examine and define human inter-relationships, what I think of as “word ecology.” Well-written voice over scripts are successful because they do the same: they tell stories and in doing so, move us to take action. For my part, these disparate studies have helped me better understand a writer’s intent, so that I can tell the story that much more effectively. I should add that my business degree and prior experience in sales and marketing have been quite valuable, too. They help me a great deal to understand the purpose of what my clients are doing, the results they want to achieve, and how they’re going about doing just that. So where do you draw your inspiration from? It’s a good reason to develop yourself as a well-rounded person. You just never know when one facet of your life will support another in a wholly unexpected way. And help you pack a lot of punch into one rather concise message. Word economy. Word ecology. Sometimes no words at all. As long as you have a well-crafted story that speaks volumes. 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

Learn the secrets of film and television acting You don't have to be a professional actor if you want to know how to use the camera to your best advantage. Knowing something about it, though, can go a long way to help you relax and feel more confident when you are asked to speak in a video as a: webinar guest presenter company spokesperson panelist online instructor or featured speaker in a Zoom meeting. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Want to learn how to speak on camera like a pro? Download my top 10 tips to become more comfortable and effective on camera. As the title suggests, this guide will help you relax while showing you how to keep your viewers engaged with some pro dynamic delivery techniques. 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

Stumbling over words can be embarrassing and take away from your credibility as a speaker. Do you use filler words like "um," "you know" and "like" when you talk? They usually come out when you're not sure what to say next. Or how to say it. Unfortunately, they don't leave the best impression with your audience. Fluency is commonly understood as a sign of a confident, competent speaker. When you lack it, your delivery can be construed as annoying and grating, and at worst, damage your credibility. Here are three quick tips to get you to stop relying on those verbal crutches and become a more fluent speaker. Become aware of your favorite filler. Discover when and why it comes up most. Then, you can take steps to remove it as a crutch. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Slow your speech down. Stick to short sentences. Use pauses. Train yourself to be a better public speaker - on or off camera. You'll find people listening to you more often when you come across as thoughtful and fluent speaker, as someone who clearly knows what you're talking about. Most importantly, you'll have much better odds of attracting and retaining your viewers' attention. It's really not rocket science to become more comfortable and charismatic on camera. You just need a few tips. I have a library of 27 videos, each 2-5 minutes long, called On Camera Tips for Success . Only have less than a minute? Its companion series, On Camera Confidence , is a set of video shorts to give you quick tips on the go. 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

Your TV and movie entertainment options will be severely tapering off in the coming months. Here's why. Technology changes a lot of things and the entertainment industry is certainly not immune. Especially where money is concerned. On May 2, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which represents over 11,000 screenwriters, went on strike over an ongoing labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Last week, after many weeks' deliberation, the American Actors' union SAG-AFTRA, representing 160,000 performers, joined them. (In contrast, the Directors Guild of America (DGA) avoided a strike when they ratified a new labor contract with the AMPTP in late June, but it won't affect the huge work stoppages taking place.) So exactly what technological changes are the unions up in arms about? And how do they affect how actors and writers are paid? And is money the only thing at stake? Technology is the driver, but wage protection and safeguards ungainst the unregulated use of generative AI is the destination, What Writers Want The WGA wants improved payment contracts, which include mandatory staffing of a minimum number of writers per project and guarantees of weeks of employment for those projects. The studios, they assert, are pushing a "gig economy" on them that greatly undervalues their services and income potential, while eliminating the benefits of full-time employment. They also want greater residuals from digital streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu, which have grown to be major players alongside the broadcast networks and theatrical outlets. The lion's share of content now is with streaming services, yet writers (and actors) see only pennies in residuals from those projects, in contrast to those provided from traditional sources. (For those wondering what constitutes a residual: Residuals are additional compensation paid to performers when a production is shown beyond the original use covered by the initial compensation. For example, for a theatrical film, residuals would be triggered once it is released anywhere other than theaters, such as on DVD, TV and new media.) What Actors Want SAG-AFTRA is calling for fair wages on union projects, transparency in viewership numbers for streaming, residuals on streaming comparable to what they earn with network TV, a streamlined audition process, and protections against the use of their image (without pay) by AI. The specifics call for an increased base compensation, regulated use of artificial intelligence, better benefit plans, and money for self-taped auditions. Until the pandemic, Hollywood and most regions of the US saw actors audition in-person. Now, actors are almost always expected to produce and digitally submit tapes of their auditions, which requires either a significant investment in time, money, and equipment to provide or to hire an outside self-taping service to do it for them. Essentially, actors are finding themselves spending money to apply for jobs. Actors also want to be compensated for streaming TV shows and movies based on the performance of those titles. The problem there is that streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Max do not share metrics with the public, or even with the creators of their films and TV shows. SAG is pushing for analytics from a third party to help determine payment. Studios are using artificial intelligence to reduce their costs, but it often comes at the actors' expense. De-aging actors or even reviving images of deceased ones may be seen as less expensive than hiring flesh-and-blood living individuals to perform those roles. More to the point, digitally duplicating background actors allows the studios to use and re-use images of these people far beyond the one day's work they were hired for. No actor, background or otherwise, would knowingly agree to having their images used in perpetuity without additional pay or consent. Why is SAG-AFTRA going on strike? “We need a contract that will increase contributions to our benefit plans and protect members from erosion of income due to inflation and reduced residuals, unregulated use of generative AI, and demanding self-taped auditions.” How Studios are Responding The rise of digital streaming services and the challenges created by the pandemic have stressed the studios, many of which are facing financial challenges. They say that producing so much new content to meet the demands of their viewers has significantly impacted their profits, incurring losses that have result in layoffs of thousands of employees. AI is seen as a saving grace, allowing them to significantly cut costs especially when filling in a background scene; it's easy to duplicate and manipulate images of non-speaking actors as needed. Rumor has it that studios are in no hurry to make a deal, and that they might wait until mid-autumn before returning to the negotiating table. There's even talk that they'll let writers (and actors) go broke before resuming talks in late October. Whether or not these rumors are true, it's clear how they're proceeding: fall schedules are filling with unscripted reality series and game shows. Going forward, they may decide to keep production costs lower by filming internationally, and thereby bypassing the American unions. Or they may decide to look for new foreign-produced films and TV shows to introduce to their (now bored) viewers. What it All Means to Audiences Where's it going? As of now, don't expect to see too many new original TV series appearing in fall schedules. There won't be any more promotional events, either; union actors can't appear in red carpet events, talk shows, premieres, glossy magazine covers or interviews, or conventions where popular actors, writers, and directors pitch their movies and TV shows to thousands of fans. It's said that 80% of production has shut down, with the remaining 20% close behind. As an actor myself, it's quite apparent that most work is coming to a standstill. Even non-union projects have slowed. Of course, summer is typically a very quiet time, but it's especially noticeable now. Still, there is work to be found. Commercials, non-broadcast projects like corporate industrials, and most voice over work are unaffected, as are any non-union productions. Still, non-union actors have to be careful what work they accept. SAG-AFTRA has made it very clear what actors can do, what they can't, and that any non-union actor who works in any struck production will never be permitted to join the union in the future. It's a serious situation that will undoubtedly take months to resolve. Expect the fight between unions and studios to be long and bloodied. In the meantime, if you're craving entertainment, enjoy some of those earlier shows you've always said you'd get around to watching. And read a good book or two. The movie and TV industry may be at a temporary standstill, but creative people are still producing their own content and sharing it via social media, webinars, podcasts, videos, and blogs. And it can be so easy to do! Especially if it's short form videos that can be created and shared on platforms like Instagram and TikTok ... or hosted on YouTube, like I've done with three short videos series. I'd be delighted if you checked them out: Find them 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

Marketing Masters Revealed: Camera Tips, Message, Direct Mail & Promos What a great name for a podcast! The Yakking Show , by hosts Peter Wright & Kathleen Beauvais, delves into marketing, branding, SEO, and strategy for entrepreneurs and business professionals. I was delighted to be interviewed in a recent episode with three other authors of our new book, "The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever." We are a total of 36 marketing specialists worldwide, each writing a chapter about our specialty. Not surprisingly, my chapter is all about creating strong videos and leveraging them on YouTube, and I was delighted to share a handful of practical on camera tips. My fellow interviewees included Giuseppe Fratoni, who co-authored his chapter with Al Boyle about creating a powerful marketing message to grab your ideal client's attention. Jeff Tarran spoke about direct mail and how it's still very relevant in this era of digital communications. Sandee Rodriguez, who excels at matching unique promotional products to her clients' events, shared a bit of her secret sauce, too. Catch the 35 minute interview (also shown on video!) by clicking on the arrow in the above video. And if you'd like to have a most handy-dandy informative resource with 350 practical marketing tips, go to Amazon for The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever: https://amzn.to/3pQ8C1Z . Now available in paperback, audiobook and Kindle. Video isn't going away! In fact, it makes up over 80% of all online marketing content. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Relax! People want to hear your message - and you're the only one giving yourself a hard time about how you come across in the video. Make it conversational. No one wants to be lectured, preached to, or - worst of all - patronized. Be aware of your frame and learn how to make the most of this small space. "The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever" is a collaborative effort, led by well-known marketing strategist and futurist Mark Schaefer. We have some pretty most interesting back stories, too, answering frequently asked questions like, "how did you herd so many cats?" (Referring to the 35 other authors.) And "what's with the squirrel?!" If you're curious, hit me up in the comments below. Want to learn how to get more comfortable and charismatic in your videos? You don't have to be an actor to know how to use the camera to your best advantage. Check out my YouTube series, On Camera Tips for Success , with 2-5 minute videos on everything you'll want to know. Only have a minute? Get a quick tip in under 60 seconds in its complementary series of video shorts, On Camera Confidence. 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

Own your unique voice to connect to your ideal client Are you or your business struggling to stand out from the sea of sameness? Trying to differentiate yourself from your competition? Hey, no one wants to be viewed as a commodity by our potential customers. We have to establish our value and showcase it front and center for all to see. This is how an effective marketing strategy can make all the difference. Business advisor Christine Campbell Rapin recently hosted me on her podcast, "Amplify Your Marketing Message," to talk about this very topic. Interested? In 20 minutes, you can pick up some very practical ideas to help focus your leads, prospects, and customers on your unique message. Available as a video: and as a podcast: 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

Beat The Jitters And Shine On Camera With These Proven Tactics Want a lot of tips in a short period of time? Hang out with me and we'll talk about some easy techniques that you can start using today. On camera ideas like: How to relax so that you can let your bed self shine when the camera starts rolling How to make the camera your new best friend What to wear to keep the focus on you and your message, while allowing you to be comfortable, too. This original Livestream broadcast is available both as a webinar and podcast via the link below. And if you'd like more, check out the "On Camera Tips for Busy Execs" video playlist . These 2-5 minute videos are designed to help you, the entrepreneur or marketing professional, become more comfortable and effective on camera. Are shorter versions more your style? Catch the "On Camera Confidence" playlist , a series of YouTube shorts (60 seconds or less) designed to leave you with a few well-chosen, practical tips on a wide range of topics. 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