I'd like to introduce myself and ask a question?

Al Ponalet · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 6

My name is Al Ponalet. I was in Broadcasting for 15 years up until last summer. 'been with Voice 123 for a bit more than a year. I do like the improvements made within the last 6 months or so. I'm a stay-home-dad with a very high quality recording set up. I've audition for about 60 jobs... got some good-to-excellent ratings but just haven't gotten the gigs. I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong and I welcome constructive criticism of my profile www.alponalet.voice123.com In addition, I wonder if anyone in the Boston/New Hampshire/Maine/Vermont area could help me find a decent agent or agency for voice talent. Thanks for your time and good luck with all thos auditions.

Sincerely,
Al

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008, 05:22 (GMT) Post subject:

Al, first off: Welcome!

Next: As I read your post I immediately thought: "Oh great, another radio guy! No wonder he hasn't landed any jobs yet!" and then I went to your page here fully expecting to hear the huge-voiced, larger-than-life, ''SALE! SALE!! SALE!!!" balls-to-the-wall voice we hear from so many radio guys.

And I was astounded! You have a wonderful sound! I didn't listen to everything but I loved what I heard. Nice sound, good delivery, comfortable style... you got it, bub.

Now, why no jobs yet? Could be you're not auditioning for the right ones. Could be the numbers game just hasn't fallen in your favor yet. It seems for many folks that landing that first gig on one of these online services is the hardest, then they get easier. You might also not be pricing your bids competitively although...........

....... and now we get to the one bone I have to pick with you.

$35 for a :60 read and you'll give the client two takes?!

I went to your website and saw that and went "Oh no!!!!!!!"
You're worth what you think you are and Al, you are NOT on the discount rack. You need to first of all, get a web designer to do your site for you. It's not a good reflection on a pro, and next - and MOST IMPORTANTLY - stop giving away your talents! Get hold of the rate sheets and at least try to come close to them. One nice $400 job is sure worth more than 10 el-cheapo $35 jobs. Stop doing that! Give me your hand to slap. Now start playing with the big boys because you have the voice and the delivery and the gear to do it and quit pricing yourself down there with the kindergarteners. It hurts YOU and the industry.

Now, before I got off track.... it's not unusual for many very talented folks here to submit 100, maybe 200 demos to get a gig. It's just the way it is. Competition is fierce and even if you're very very good (and I think you ARE), you simply may not be THE voice the client was hearing in his head.

Keep doing what you've been doing, get a nicer website, and get those discounted voiceover dollar-general prices off there and we'll be looking forward to cheering you on when you start landing some REAL gigs here. Ones that actually PAY you what you're worth!

Best wishes!

Allison Scussel · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 928

Al, compliments from Scott mean alot. I'm jealous. Crying or Very sad

(Just kidding Scott. U know I luv ya)

Seriously, radio ppl have a very hard time making the trasition over from RADIO PERSONALITY to VO artist. They are completely different. I enjoyed your demo's and understand why Scott gave you full KUDO's. You sound very natural. You have the "guy next door" delivery that everyone can relate to.

Why you're not cashing in just yet could mean a variety of things. Like Scott said, your rates on your website could be underselling you. Or...it could be a number of other reasons.

One suggestion I have is: Remove the radio experience from your V123 homepage. I did that and get steady personal invites since.

Re-Word your experience from "RADIO" to "VO ACTOR" and you'll be surprized how that can change your feedback.

And most of all; get acting experience. You may have it, but you have to sell it.

Good luck!! You're very talented and I wish you all the best.

~Allison~

Al Ponalet · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 6

Scott and Allison,
I totally enjoyed reading your posts. It was nice to hear some positive feedback. The constructive criticism was helpful as well and most of it I've been told before. Your conformation has motivated me though. My website is now under construction and my voice123 profile has been updated with regard to your comments. I really appreciate the help. Please check the 2 webpages when you get a chance. I do have performance/acting experience and have now mentioned it in my profile. Again, thanks for all the input.
Al

Cameron Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 479

Al,

I don't check this section as often as I should but I just happened to come across your post. I feel we have a lot in common--I'm a stay at home dad too in NH with two boys--one of them a newborn! While I work another job from home, I'm taking on VO too--whew, busy!

Anyways, I'm sure things will pick up for you--it sounds like you have a solid foundation to get things going--especially with the "guy-next-door" sound. I'll be pulling for ya. If I hear of any local agents, etc., I'll pass it along.

If you have any dad "tips", give me a holler. Ok, off I go--I hear another diaper being filled.

A New England Cheers,
Cameron

Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008, 13:26 (GMT) Post subject:

WARNING: OFFICIAL THREADJACK COMING!!!

Al & Cam: I was an at-home dad for about 4 years, until my kids went into pre-k. Staying home with my kids was the best decision I EVER made, bar none. Bless you guys for doing this. My kids are now almost 15 & 17 and those few fleeting years we had together are irreplaceable. I supplemented my income during those years by being a freelance video producer. Times were tight, but it all worked out.

One quick tip: Just Google "At Home Dad" and you'll find a variety of good, supportive resources. I subscribed to a quarterly newsletter from one of those places that not only gave me some ideas and tips, but also a ton of encouragement. Good luck and again... God bless you and all dads who make this decision and commitment!!!

Al Ponalet · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 6

Scott and Cameron,

I have a 2 and 1/2 year old daughter and an 8 week old (newborn) daughter as well. Cameron... you and I should connect and share stories. Scott... after struggling (financially) for 2 years... working whatever part-time gigs I could get... I can honestly say that I wouldn't have missed a minute of being with my first daughter for the world. It's been an incredible experience. My wife is an elementary school teacher and will be going back to work in 3 weeks. We're in the process of trying to get both girls into a routine that dad can handle. While the $$$ is tight, the rewards seem to be completely worthwhile. Thanks for the posts.
Sincerely,
Al

Al Ponalet · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 6

Scott,
Call stupid but what is a "Threadjack?"

Al Ponalet · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 6

That should have been, "Call me stupid..."

Al

Scott Pollak · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008, 13:30 (GMT) Post subject:

Okay stupid... I mean Al.... Laughing

Sorry, couldn't resist!

It's not a stupid question. A Threadjack is where someone's initial question or comment in a thread is taken off in a TOTALLY different, non-related direction. Such as someone starting a thread to ask about the best microphone to use and the thread meandering to where folks are arguing about who makes the best hamburger.

Although in this case it's really only a partial jack since it DOES relate to you being an at-home dad.

Cameron Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 479

Yep, just like this...

Many cheers to you guys. My wife went off of maternity leave this week and I'm already pulling my hair out. I know we'll get into a rhythm but it's maddening trying to do a thousand things with VO and my other work in between two kids...and the snow! gotta keep shoveling...can't wait for summer with the lawn.

It's only been a couple of days and it's already challenging.

Ok, done with the vent/hijack. Yeah Al, I'll chat with you some more over email or something.

Cheers,
Cameron

Jackie Leverett · **Voice Talent** Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 1

Deby Cedars · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1482

Al..... I would drop that geico commercial. It does not sound real. I also think your accent is working against you on national spots.

Al Ponalet · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 6

Jack,
Thanks for your insight. I'm in the same boat regarding my stay with voice123. Best of luck.

Deby,
I believe you are correct on both issues. 'Easy to rectify Geico... not so with the accent. If you've got any suggestions on how I could fix it, I'm all ears.

Thanks again to both of you,
Al

Deby Cedars · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1482

The way to get rid of one accent to to acquire another one. My Texas accent completely went away when I lived in England.

I'm not suggesting learning an English accent mind you. You have to decide which one you want to learn. When I learned accents for plays that I did in Theater, I would have 2 months to learn it. 5 days of 3 hour rehearsals of a 2 hour long play for 2 months and you start to get close to what your aiming for. If your willing to put in the time and you seriously want to learn a new accent. I can coach you but, it's not easy!!! YOU HAVE TO WANT IT AND YOU HAVE TO WANT IT BAD. PM me if your interested. Wink