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Join me for the Platinum Resource Group's Friday coffee chat! Are you uncomfortable in a Zoom room? Don’t know quite what to do or how to project an executive presence when you’re speaking to the camera for a marketing or internal video? If you’d like to establish a strong, confident online presence, please join me and the Platinum Resource Group Friday, April 19 at 8 am PST/11 am EST. We'll talk about how to build trust, credibility, and rapport with your audience, even when it's pre-recorded. (Hint: It’s all in how you speak, comport yourself, and make your viewers feel about you and your message!)  It's FREE! Learn how become more effective on camera! 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 podcaster? Interested in AI? Learn how to create, grow, and monetize your brand! I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be taking the virtual stage as a speaker at the upcoming Podfest Masterclass: A.I.& Creator Tools Summit on April 19 and 22-24, 2024. If podcasting and learning more about AI tools spark your interest, please join me! I'm one of more than 30 speakers and industry experts on the BEST and HOTTEST AI tools to use in 2024, with topics on: Automating your content creation Leveraging AI for streamlined productivity Building & monetizing your podcast through social media I'm part of the social media growth and monetization track, presenting on: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience by Networking on LinkedIn Wednesday, April 24 9 am PST/Noon EST I’ll share my best tips for harnessing the power of the global LinkedIn network to attract listeners, guests, and sponsors. My 30 minute talk will touch on: Why LinkedIn? Tailoring your profile for max visibility How to network, engage, and build your fan base The visual element   Communities for podcasters Interested? If you’re a podcaster, a guest, or aspiring to be one or the other (maybe both!), grab your FREE ticket using the code DOMAN50 . Visit https://podfestexpo.com/masterclass/ or register at the touch of this handy-dandy button: Podfest is also about networking with other podcasters and having a bit of fun. Like with this cool graphic ⬆️ the conference hosts made with AI for me to use. You know it’s AI-generated, ‘cause I don’t usually sit around looking all glammed up like that (though the longer hair IS kinda nice....). I'll be sitting in on the other sessions to see which tools they used to do that!   #podfestmasterclass24 #podfam #podfest 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 to stop the scroll! Gone are the “Mad Men” days when marketing was all about advertising on billboards, in newspapers, and via flyers delivered to your mailbox. Now most marketing is done online through social media and user communities. Do you know how to leverage them to grab attention and draw business to your website? Content Creation for Social Media Work with me 1-on-1 to create great online content that attracts buyers! ! I’ll show you how to pack a punch online with content that stands out How to market your business in today’s digital and AI world. How to stand out from your competition with unique content. How to use different media for maximum impact. How to draw the right audience to your website. And how to tailor your content to pack the biggest punch on each social media channel.    Get help with Understanding today’s social media landscape Planning your content strategy Creating great content that entertains as well as inform Your future customers will only give a few seconds to decide if they’re interested in your product or services. Isn’t it time to stand out from the pack and stop their scroll? Looking to improve? Work with me here: Want more? Get exclusive access to fresh ideas, tips, and content... Everything you need to become more comfortable and charismatic on camera - for videos, Zoom presentations, and online appearances. We'll cover specific techniques gleaned from the entertainment world to have you speaking more conversationally and dynamically. Want to know how to shake off those pesky nerves? We'll share some surefire ways to relax both your mind and body. Or maybe you're worried about the tech aspect and how to create your own video recording space or what to expect when you work with a production team? No problem, we've got you covered there, too. Get access >> I'm Laura Doman, Actor & Voice Artist, Coach of On Camera Confidence, and a former tech industry Sales Exec. I help business people shine on camera, using performance skills I've honed through years of corporate experience and on-camera appearances... More about me >> ACTING •  VOICE OVER • CONSULTING •  COACHING

I'm not into the "humble brag." I'm just pleased as punch to be interviewed by a local online publication. It's always nice when a colleague thinks to refer you as an interesting interview subject. Hats off to life coach Erin Newman for speaking on my behalf to Shoutout Atlanta ! This is the second time in three years that they've run a story on my work - which has evolved, as these things do. Editors are always looking for a story with a twist. Our experiences are all different - and people like to learn from them. Older, but not irrelevant! What conventional advice would you disagree with? I didn't need long to think about it. It was the subject of one of my first conference speeches a few years back. Ageism is a bias that's fairly prevalent in our society and one that's rarely brought up in discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The aging process doesn't distinguish between race, religion, or nationality. Some cultures still revere their elders, but many modern societies don't. Including ours. We all get older. And we all want to remain relevant. Respected. Acknowledged. And not shunted aside. As a woman of "a certain age," I have a few things to say about conventional advice that encourages retirement for older workers, especially those of us who still have some fire in our bellies ... and much to offer. Corporate to Creative There are many of us out there who have made the transition from a corporate career to creative or artistic pursuits. And even more people who'd like to do the same, perhaps while they're still young or while raising a family, or in their later, "downsized" years when they have more leisure time at hand. I shared my journey from IT corporate sales exec to full-time mom to actor/voiceover artist/business coach. Does an acting career interest you? If so, I have an article that overviews the industry and how to get started the smart way (i.e. avoiding the scammers). Don't let it get to their heads, but we can and do learn from our kids. Occasionally. 🤫 Welcome to Hotlanta! Yeah, we call Atlanta that because it gets so darn hot and humid in the summer. But it's also a hot (as in "happening" - I know, an old term, but hey! I've earned it) place to be, with so much going on. Shoutout Atlanta wanted to know where I'd take a visitor - but who can choose just one place? So I named our top attractions and some favorite local spots, figuring there's something in there for everybody. If you're thinking about traveling to Atlanta sometime soon, check 'em out. We can all learn from our kids Lastly, I was invited to give a shoutout to someone who I thought deserved it. While she'll probably never, ever read this post or the ShoutOut article itself (I'd be very surprised if she did), I dedicated the interview to my teenage daughter Rachel. I have learned a few things from her. Like how I need to leave my beloved capris behind. Evidently, they reek of the 90's and belong squarely in the grandma pile. Hmmm. I'm not totally convinced of that, but I do have to give her credit for leading me into the entertainment world full-time. I had done some professional film, TV, and commercial work on the side long ago when I had my corporate career, but Rachel's interest in moving from the stage to the on-camera world relit that old fire, and I talk about it in the article. ... which just so happens to be available here : I hope you enjoy it. ❤️ And if you live in the Atlanta area and have an interesting perspective on your industry, let me know if you'd like a referral! I'm always happy to "pay it forward. Just comment below or send me an email . Want help developing your 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

Tell your business story ... AND keep your viewers' attention Who doesn’t love a good story? The basics apply, whether it’s a ghost tale told over a campfire or the story of your business:   Grab ‘em Show ‘em Advise ‘em   Coupled with an interesting delivery, of course.   Make it short and get right to the point. What’s the dilemma? Who’s the hero? The solution? The journey from here to there?   FYI, the hero is how commercial scripts describe their main character. Because they always win. If the hero loses, well … I guess it becomes a PSA. 😆 If you’re making your own videos, deliver the value up front. But if you want to stop the scroll and keep viewers glued to their screens, a strong delivery is the icing on your cake. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Grab your viewers with an intriguing question, statement, or fact. Show the innovative solution to the problem. Back up your claims with a demo, detailed info, instructions, etc. Don’t forget your dynamic delivery! People will watch your video if you’re interesting, engaged with your materials, personal and human in your delivery (hey, it IS the age of AI), and actually enjoying talking to your audience.   Happy storytelling! Find this helpful and want more? Check out On Camera Tips for Success . Want help developing your 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

Working vacations - addiction, health hazard ... or source of happiness? Do you work while you're away on vacation? I confess: I have to keep a hand in things. Sometimes it's because I don't want to lose momentum, especially when it comes to maintaining a consistent presence on social media. For other instances, it's because I don't want to lose out on a great opportunity when it presents itself.   Mostly though (and here's the true confession), it's because I love what I do. After all, I started up this career of mine later in life. After the "serious" corporate career that padded my 401K nicely. During the final years as a stay-at-home mom when I had put my own ambitions on hold while I tended to my family. At a time when I could finally invest in lifelong dreams. And because I've always been a bit of an overachiever, I pursue three lines of related work: 🎬 on camera acting (film, TV, commercials, corporate industrials) 🗣️ voice overs ★ coaching business people how to become better on camera themselves The Vacation My husband gifted me with a combination early big birthday, big anniversary surprise: a cruise to Southeast Asia. It was fantastic, memorable, and quite educational. During our visit in Saigon, we learned about what they call "The American War" from the perspective of the North Vietnamese. The highlight was visiting the Cu Chi tunnels to see (and crawl through!) their extensive underground system used during World War II against the French and during the Vietnam War against the South Vietnamese and their American allies. We also marveled at exquisite Buddhist temples in Thailand and at Angkor Wat in Cambodia, explored the vast and recently discovered Underground Caves in the Philippines, and hiked a portion of the rain forest in Borneo, home of the infamous headhunter tribes. (No headhunters or shrunken heads appeared or were harmed during our visit.) The Work I discovered a few things, especially on board the ship at sea, that determined exactly what type of work and how much of it I could actually do. Most critically, there was no decent internet access! It was difficult to retrieve email, many sites including YouTube and TikTok were completely unavailable, and files regardless of size could not be uploaded. Even the satellite servie Starlink wasn't a possibility. It sounded like this vacation was going to be a completely work-free vacation, but I was able to do a few things: 🎬 I could self-tape on camera auditions for projects sent by my agents for anything filming after I got back. The biggest challenge? Convincing my husband to be my reader and to do it conversationally and willingly. (sigh) The second biggest challenge was finding time to memorize these scripts without taking precious time away from the vacation itself. Since quite a few excu rsions involved 1 hour or longer bus rides to get us to where we were going and back, that's when I did my thing. Uploading the audition tapes was accomplished in one of two ways: waiting to get to port and using my cell phone's international calling plan to do the uploads ... and (at port) emailing the audition files to my daughter, who's very familiar with the on camera casting sites and could upload them for me. 🗣️ Voice over? Forget about it! Why? B ecause voice over auditions have extremely fast turnarounds. Audition one day, record the next. Besides the inability to upload files at a moment's notice, the noise floor was atrociously LOUD (-27db for those in the know) and I didn't have the space or the materials to significantly improve it. No professional voice actor worth their salt is going to knowingly submit an audition with bad audio. ★ Thank you, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube (OK, also to TikTok for being able to schedule up to 10 days out) for giving us the opportunity to schedule posts! Between fairly reliable email service and automatic postings, I didn't have to totally disappear from view with regard to my consulting/coaching business. I may not have been able to engage via commenting as often as I'd prefer, but at least I maintained a consistent presence. All in all, I was able to keep my hand in it from time to time. Nothing that prevented me from doing anything else and, more importantly, nothing to get my husband ticked off at me about it. Your Choice How about you? What's your philosophy about working while you're supposed to be playing? 😆 There've been more than a few polls on this subject, with most people choosing to engage on social media once in a while and answering critical emails when they thought it urgent. Otherwise, except for a few workaholics, it was time for the rest of the polled sample to just forget about business for a while and enjoy the time off. Disengaging from work for a vacation is truly beneficial in all respects: personal health, prevention against burnout, and the opportunity to gain a new perspective on life, especially through travel. As an actor, new activities and experiences (like riding on an elephant or hugging a tiger - and emerging unscathed!) add to the repertoire of what we bring to the table. Learning about different cultures does so, too - it's invaluable to us as human beings, to appreciate the wider world around us and develop respect for varying viewpoints. One of the things we learned about at Thailand's Royal Elephant Preserve was the plight of both the Asian and African elephants. The full-time volunteers at the preserve do wonderful work, lovingly caring for elephants of all ages, especially the old and retired working elephants. We learned a great deal about their recent histories (poachers!) and how their populations are protected and boosted through humanitarian efforts. You can read about the work they and their international volunteers do at www.elephantstay.com   - including how to book your working vacation with them and live, work, and play with these elephants. Whatever you choose to do ... happy travels! Want more? Get exclusive access to fresh ideas, tips, and content... The key to stopping the video scroll is with original, HUMAN content that engages the mind and intrigues the heart. Here you'll find an actor's inside scoop on how to make the camera work for YOU when you're speaking or presenting on camera. All from the grounded, practical perspective of a former IT sales exec who knows the business world and what works in the room, too. Plus, for those curious about the entertainment world and the transition from corporate to creative ... well, you'll find that here, too! Get access >> I'm Laura Doman, Actress & Voice Artist, Improv Performer, Hands-on Mom, and former tech industry Sales Executive. I help people chase their later-in-life dreams through better communication, using performance skills I've honed through years of corporate experience and on-camera appearances... More about me >> ACTING •  VOICE OVER • CONSULTING •  COACHING

In Person and Online Options to Learn Voice Acting We are all in luck! Once upon a time, not so many years ago, it was difficult to find qualified voiceover training from experienced pros. Nowadays, options abound, especially from online resources like dedicated voiceover websites, podcasts, and videos that are hosted from around the world. Personal coaching, too, is easily available with connectivity tools like Source Connect, ipDTL, and even Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime. In person classes are offered in many major cities by recording studios or acting academies. I received my first training from the Atlanta Voiceover Studio, and appreciate the opportunity to discover early on what it's like to work in a professional recording space with a coach and audio engineer to guide those early efforts. Others have gone in person to the homes or studios of individual coaches for one-on-one coaching and demo production. Both are great choices, especially if you prefer dealing with a human being face-to-face, at least at the beginning of your training. But for many aspiring voice actors in more remote areas or in towns without those options, and even for experienced professionals who want to learn from VO stars from around the world, the internet is the place to go. I have compiled - and will continue to add to - a list of training resources for those wishing to learn online. I'm also including some studios I'm familiar with that also offer in-person training. I'm not, however, listing individual coaches who only work one-on-one or voice actors who offer regular communications via newsletters. In-person training studios offering online instruction, too Atlanta Voiceover Studio, atlantavoiceoverstudio.com in Atlanta Edge Studio, edgestudio.com with locations in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Atlanta The Actors Studio, thevoiceactorstudio.com in Las Vegas Online resources Gravy for the Brain, gravyforthebrain.com VoiceOverXtra, voiceoverxtra.co m Global Voice Academy, globalvoiceacademy.com The VO Dojo, thevodojo.com Introduction to Voiceover by Rhonda Phillips, introductiontovoiceover.com Work from Home Doing Voiceovers by Julie Eickhoff, workfromhomedoingvoiceovers.com The Voiceover Collective, thevoiceovercollective.com Home Voice Over Studio with Dan Lenard, homevoiceoverstudio.com Free weekly videos and podcasts VO Boss podcast with Anne Ganguzza, voboss.com The Everyday Entrepreneur with Marc Scott, vopreneur.com VO Buzz Weekly videos with Chuck Duran & Stacey Aswad, vobuzzweekly.com VO Body Shop with Dan Lenard & George Whittam, vobs.tv Stories From the VO Booth, soundcloud.com/vobooth George the Tech, georgethe.tech Voice Over Conferences VO Atlanta, huge conference held in the spring in Atlanta, voatlanta.me WoVoCon, hosted by World-Voices organization in the fall in Las Vegas, world-voices.org MAVO, Mid-Atlantic conference held in the fall in Herndon, Virginia, midatlanticvo.com SOVAS, Society of Voice Arts & Sciences held in the fall in Los Angeles, thatsvoiceover.com VO Mastery, held in the fall in California, vomastery.com One Voice, held in the spring in the UK and in the summer in Dallas, TX, onevoiceconference.com I also recommend Marc Cashman's book " V-Oh! Tips, Tricks, Tools and Techniques to Start and Sustain Your Voiceover Career ," an easy-to-read guide that will help you get started on the right foot and avoid many common missteps along the way. Now that you know where to find some great training options, have you considered the other aspects for managing a successful voiceover career? Check out this list of questions to see what you can expect.

Professional women's associations: out of the Zoom box and back into the real world   How much of your daily activity is still done remotely? Probably quite a bit. How about professional business networking? I bet you're discovering, like I am, that it's much more fun and effective to talk with people in person instead of just by Zoom. Like so many others after the imposed isolation of the pandemic, I just want to be around other people. It’s not that I don’t love working remotely. I’ve been doing so for years, but it needs to be balanced with human interaction. Professional networking groups hit that sweet spot. And it’s so nice when we can continue a conversation later over coffee or, locally, on a walk around Atlanta’s Beltline. Networking for fun and profit Yeah, it really IS all about building authentic relationships. Competition to Collaboration ... Finally My networking for years included both men and women. I've always liked running with the boys, and in my early tech years, that's pretty much what it was. There just weren't as many women in my branch of IT, and frankly, I found too many women regarding each other as competitors than as collaborators. Much of that changed when our collective professional lives shifted to include parenting responsibilities. There's common ground when women are trying to balance careers with motherhood, not to mention all the time behind the wheel as "mom taxis." Now as an empty-nester, there's been another shift. So many friends and associates at the same stage of life have moved on: into retirement, with different interests, or off to different parts of the country. And sadly, some are preoccupied with health issues or have passed on. It's time to widen the social and professional circles and meet other like-minded women. Local professional women’s groups hold a special appeal. You Get More When You Give To that end, I recently joined two local professional women’s networking organizations. One’s focused on women-owned small businesses. The other is the local chapter of a national association that actually fought – and won – the right for women to have credit cards in their own names. Think that’s a story from the 1950s? I thought so, too, but it actually dates back to 1974. Before Covid and the explosion of Zoom-based networking options, there were more professional associations than one could possibly join. Only the stronger ones made it through, and now the ones that did are working hard to rebuild their memberships to pre-pandemic levels.     PROWIN is one of the survivors. It’s been around for over 20 years and serves women-owned, women-run small businesses in the Atlanta area. Ironically, I was introduced to it via a virtual networking platform. The Grand Connection hosts small breakout groups for just about every type of event, and that’s where I met Lori Lyons, who (as it turned out) was the PROWIN president. Lori and I were delighted to find that we live near one another, and so we made plans to meet in person. To make a long story short, she invited me to one PROWIN luncheon, I ended up attending all of the scheduled speaker luncheons in 2023, and before I knew it, found myself on the board for 2024. Yup. Lori is an excellent recruiter.   It’s true what they say: the best way to meet and network with as many people as possible is to get involved. My new role is finding great speakers and planning pinnacle events, both of which give me plenty of visible opportunities in front of our members and guests. As an actor, I rather like that. (No surprise there.) I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many interesting, talented entrepreneurs. Many came from the corporate world like me to start their own businesses, while others have been creative freelancers throughout their careers. We run the gamut from finance, real estate, and law to … well, me! … as an actor and on-camera coach. I’m a bit of an anomaly, so my work is a natural ice-breaker. Bonus: there’s a lot of interest in seeing my performances, especially timely now when my latest film is playing on Amazon Prime. A nice bit of marketing of myself for corporate events, both live and recorded, as a host, voice over artist, and coach to help business folks getting better on camera themselves.   The secret of successful networking lies in how you can help someone else. A Healthy Balance to Networking No argument here – I think most of us know that it's healthy to have balance in our lives between work and family and to take care of all aspects of ourselves. I’ve found that in person networking has done much to nurture my soul. I’m inherently an introvert – I cherish and NEED my alone time – but only to a point. That social side needs attention, too! I also value a balance between my business and creative activities. PROWIN and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the second women’s group I joined, provide a professional balance with the artistic circles I move around in. Totally different types of people, but all thoroughly enjoyed. On one hand, I have my networking opportunities through corporate and professional connections. On the other, I share creative ideas with other film, TV, and voice actors, as well as those who power the industry: producers, directors, casting directors, agents, and everyone in the crew who staffs a production. Add in personal friends and family and it makes for a nice balance.   As a mom, I’ve been advising my young adult children – as much as they’re actually listening! – that the secret of successful networking lies in how you can help someone else, not in a “what’s in it for me” mentality. We intrinsically feel good when we help other people. I find it very rewarding to introduce people with common backgrounds, interests, work situations, etc., whether for personal or professional reasons. Many of them appreciate the introductions and like to reciprocate in kind. Quite a few friendships have begun this way, too. And as a side benefit, we develop invaluable reputations as kind, thoughtful, helpful people ourselves – and, hey, who wouldn’t want to do business with someone like that? A win-win.   One last word: in person networking goes beyond just “friending” or connecting with someone on social media. While we often connect online, too, and some online friends have become real friends in person (like when we meet at conferences), there’s another dimension when we go 3D and get to know and do things face to face. So welcome back, in person networking! I’ve missed ya. Laura's Quick Tips Each new stage of life can shift our networks - and our priorities - but bring new people into our lives. Be an active contributor. Greater involvement often means greater visibility and influence. Figure out the balance you need to stay happy, healthy ... and sane. We can only do so much! Looking to do a bit more networking yourself? Sometimes working with a good business coach is the right starting point to figuring out which types of organizations are best for you. If you'd like to know what to look for in a business coach, check out this article > 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

Behind the scenes and fun facts of my most recent TV movie Ever wonder what it's like to work on a movie set? Or what goes into making a film? Last winter, I had the pleasure of playing a strong supporting role in the recently released TV movie, "Falling for the Competition," now showing on Amazon Prime. It's a typical love story and I play the lead's mom and owner of the local coffee shop hangout. A bit of a hippie-dippie artistic mom with plenty of unsolicited advice and attitude. In other words, a fun role. It was also a fun shoot! Director Brittany Goodwin oversaw a terrific cast and crew, and every day on set was a pleasure. People came from all over the country to work on it, but I was lucky enough to be able to commute to set each day, as the locations were only 30-40 minutes from home. Sometimes the behind the scenes stories are just as interesting as the movie plot! How do movies decide where to shoot? Many movies have their stories set in one geographic location, but film in a totally different place. Factors like great weather, a variety of locations, transportation options, strong local talent, and a large crew base attract productions ... but money, budget. and a pro-business local focus top them all. For years, Georgia has been offering lucrative tax incentives for productions to film statewide - and it works. Atlanta has become a leading film destination with new production studios calling Georgia home every year. Likewise, the busy TV and film industry is seeing more and more top acting and production talent relocating from Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and around the country and calling the Southeast home. Friendly locals can be a big draw, too, especially when it comes to renting buildings or storefronts or temporarily closing down streets to film a big outdoors scene. Or hiring them as extras! We had some of the nicest people participate in our crowd scenes. In one scene, they were running in a race or cheering on the competitors. In another, they were enjoying an art auction. Because the story takes place in a small town, many people had a chance to appear in more than one scene as their local characters. What do extras do? They provide the ambiance of a scene and are often featured talking (silently!) in the background, walking near or around the principal actors, or going about their characters' business. They have no speaking lines and need no preparation before showing up on set, except for knowing how to dress for the scene(s) they're in. Once they're called to set, they're assigned places to stand or sit and given simple actions to perform. It's easy work and sociable, too. There are even groups of friends who "make the rounds" of film productions and are known for being good and reliable background actors. Extra work doesn't pay much (usually around $88 for up to 12 hours), but it can be fun for the participants. Just know that it does involve waiting around a lot, just like it does for principal (speaking) actors! Pretending it's a hot summer day when it's actually FREEZING "Falling for the Competition" takes place in hot, sunny Florida. Would you believe that it was filmed during one of the coldest winters on record in north Atlanta? Yup, the story of the people in this little Florida seaside town was actually shot alongside Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier in north Georgia. Our imaginations were in full gear when we were standing outside in summer sundresses while the wind whipped along in 30 degree temperatures. That's 30 degrees Fahrenheit, not Celsius, and yes, it was COLD. "Jackets on!" "Jackets off!" accompanied every call of "Action!" and "Cut!" It was almost comical how quickly we launched into our coats when we could and how we waited until the absolute last second when we had to take them off again. Fortunately, craft services often had hot chocolate, coffee, and hot water for tea ready for us back in the main cabin that served as our holding, hair, and makeup area. An actor is happy when the production is professional, pleasant, and well-run from start to finish. Divas - in front of or behind the camera - need not apply! Switching channels: Hallmark to Amazon Prime Actors seldom know exactly when a project moves from post production to airtime ... or even where it will show up. Sometimes the name of the movie changes, too, from the time it was filmed to just before it's aired. That was the case here. The movie was originally called "Love Games," but I think the new name "Falling for the Competition" does the plot justice. Produced by One Reel Entertainment , we also expected that it would air on the Hallmark channel. Maybe the SAG-AFTRA strike affected the plans, perhaps it also played a role in why the movie debuted on Amazon Prime almost immediately after the strike ended ... but we're just glad that the movie is out. And that it turned out so well! Not every production that's begun or even completed sees the light of day. There are plenty of stories where money ran out or deals fell through and the project simply died. My favorite part about the movie You know what I liked most? That I played one of the three central women in the movie and that we all shared a wonderful dynamic. I've noticed a pattern in a number of movies with three female characters. There's the lovable lead. That's not me, at least not anymore. Unless the movie is about women "of a certain age" (ha! not likely!), I'm honestly just too old for it. Then there's the gorgeous or glamorous best friend. Hmmm, well, I'm not that type either, and never was. This role was played in our movie by Layla Hoffman, a truly beautiful model/actress from - surprise, surprise! - around Cleveland, Ohio, my hometown. (I knew there was a reason we got along so well!). But then there's the role I am made for! The short, funny one. And I love it! I think I got some of the best lines, too. An actor is happy when the production is professional, pleasant, and well-run from start to finish. That's exactly what I experienced here! One of the best projects I've worked on recently. And I hope to have the pleasure of working with many of the same people again. Looking for some good old-fashioned, feel-good, family-friendly entertainment? Then check out "Falling for the Competition" on Amazon Prime. And if you like it, please let me know! If this behind the scenes look inspires you to want to join in, too, then read this article about how you can get started acting professionally ... the smart way. Know that, unfortunately, there are way too many scammers and con artists out there who prey on unsuspecting aspiring actors. Learn to spot them and stay away! This is a marathon, not a sprint ... don't believe anyone who tells you that you're guaranteed to be an overnight success. Want help developing your 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

The right coach can direct you to the best opportunities Remember that old commercial with the woman peering over her reading glasses and solemnly suggesting that "Everyone needs a little help now and then?" I can't for the life of me remember what the commercial was for, but I certainly haven't forgotten her advice. 'Cause it's TRUE. Especially when it comes to our business. I love turning to coaches to help me through a rough spot or to give me an objective, straightforward, no BS opinion when I need it. You can't argue with direct, practical advice! Sometimes we're so mired in the minutia that we have trouble seeing the big picture. This is especially useful at the start of a new year. I've hired coaches to help me at different times with all facets of my business. As an on-camera and voice actor, training is on-going via workshops and classes. Coaching, though, is much more personal and takes one of two forms: elevating my performance as an actor or focusing on the marketing and development end of my business. As a coach myself, I've hired experts in areas such as marketing, website design, and social media to help me clarify my direction and service offerings. There's no way we can know or do everything ourselves! Some are hired on a one-time one hour consulting basis and others are contracted to work with me over a fixed number of sessions (especially when there's a particular goal I need their help to achieve). My amazing marketing/website guru guides me in a monthly session on an on-going basis. Thank you, Sara! Just last week, I met with Heidi Rew to evaluate my voiceover business strategy for 2024. Heidi, with her husband Mike Stoudt, are co-owners of the Atlanta Voiceover Studio . Not only are they two of the nicest people you'll ever meet, they were also my very first VO instructors way back in 2017. I figure they know me pretty well by now! I usually see one or both of them weekly when I stop by their offices, which they share with Get Taped , an on camera audition taping service that I use regularly. So, when I was looking for guidance in my VO career, I knew where to turn. And I wasn't disappointed! Working with coaches makes me a better coach, too. I know from my own experience that clients deserve a coach with demonstrated expertise, a sincere desire to be of service to them, and the ability to deliver what's been promised. It's up to the client to do the work and see the results of those services, of course, but a good coach can show the way. I'm most satisfied when the requirements (needs, goals, whatever!) are stated clearly upfront and understood by both parties. Once we both know where we need to go, it's much easier to chart the path and lay out the milestones I need to achieve. On Camera Confidence: Video Mastery Work with me 1-on-1 to improve your performance and gain confidence! Steps to Get Your Money's Worth Out of a Single Coaching Session When I hire someone to help me with a specific area of my business, I like to dive right in and get to the heart of the matter as quickly as possible. Time IS money, and the faster my coach knows what I need, the more time we can spend developing a workable solution. I was very happy that Heidi had me do a little homework before we met, just to shorten the discovery process and avoid spending too much of our time together talking about the problem. Much more efficient for me to gather my thoughts first, know what I want to achieve, and then help her prepare by sending her this information via email ahead of time. More succinctly, I'd suggest the following to anyone planning a coaching session.... Checklist for an effective coaching session Your goal(s), simply stated A brief history to give the coach perspective The immediate problem or obstacle - what's holding you back? What you hope to achieve as a result of this session Your measurement of success Everyone needs a little help now and then, so don't be afraid to ask for it! That may seem like a lot to achieve in a session of one or less, but you'd be surprised how much you can accomplish with some pre-planning! So how do you get the most out of a series of coaching sessions? Much the same way, except that the process is more detailed, with each session focused on a different step of the process. Progress is made when the client applies what's been learned afterwards and in preparation for the next step of the process. This is how I like to go about my coaching with clients, too. I also want to know how a new client likes to work with a coach. Some prefer just a direct exchange of information and feedback. Others do better with gentle encouragement and hand-holding along the way. A good coach can adapt to the personality and needs of the client, but the best work happens when there's a match between coach and client. Some people click, while others are just on different wavelengths. My coaching is building on camera confidence for anyone preparing to speak in a video, give a Zoom presentation, or appear as a guest in an upcoming webinar, podcast, or interview. As someone with years of experience in both the business and entertainment worlds, I can help you become (and look!) completely comfortable and charismatic on camera. Interested? I invite you to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see how we can quickly get you there. Looking to improve? Work with me here: Want more? Get exclusive access to fresh ideas, tips, and content... Lots of information and free resources, including a story or two. Some funny stuff, too. Get access >> I'm Laura Doman, Actress & Voice Artist, Improv Performer, Hands-on Mom, and former tech industry Sales Executive. I help people chase their later-in-life dreams through better communication, using performance skills I've honed through years of corporate experience and on-camera appearances... More about me >> ACTING •  VOICE OVER • CONSULTING •  COACHING

Want to be a more effective online speaker? Here's a tip or 10 to keep your viewers hooked to your presentation. It's hard enough as an in-person public speaker or presenter. You have to channel your enthusiasm for your subject into energizing the room, read your audience, and keep them engaged and interested in learning what you have to offer. Now take away the physical space and all the people you'd see face to face and replace it with a camera lens and a harsh red "recording" light. A bit daunting, isn't it? Even the best public speakers can have trouble adapting to talking into a void. It doesn't have to be like that. I've pulled some top tips from my dual experience as a professional screen actor and former corporate sales exec. Here's what you need to do to create a dynamic online presence and keep your audience glued to their screens. You’re going to be most effective on camera when you come across as genuine, relaxed, and easy to watch. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Forget about being perfect! You're not going to be. Perfection is boring, anyways. Humanity is far more interesting. Practice makes perfect, but see tip #1 above. Go for comfort with your material, but don't let it or your performance become stale. Have fun and let your personality shine through. Relevant personal stories, humor, and images and short videos to introduce each new point add interest and variety to your material. A positive mindset, preparation, and familiarity with your material and audience go a long way to helping you become a dynamic online speaker. Add in a few on-camera tricks ... and you're all set! Format this area with Heading 4 - Love this and want more? Check out On Camera Tips for Success . Want help developing your 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

Pros and Cons of AI on Linkedin Live on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 1pm EST And … the match is on! AI vs. Human. AI's been the talk of 2023, especially for voice and on camera actors who wonder if they’ll soon be out of a job. Or seriously taken advantage of. (Cue the SAG-AFTRA actors strike.)   The question on the other end for creatives, buyers, and their customers is … which is better? More cost effective? Easier to work with? And better quality overall? The results are what counts. Right? Please join me as   Gillian Whitney   and I cover a lot of ground on AI vs. human talent in her LinkedIn Live broadcast. Anything in particular you want to ask? Let me know in the comments below! See you … or your AI avatar 😆 … soon. Learn how become more effective on camera! 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