VOICE2008 Creative Experience Review

Todd Schick · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 63

Hey folks, sorry I haven't particiapted for a bit; I didn't get the notices that anyone posted.....hmmmm.....maybe V123 hacked into my profile and changed my settings...LOL

"We've GOT to stop this man..."

To answer your post Bill:

Hell no!

Truth. Saying that I'm angry or jealous is purely your perception (or anyone else's for that matter). Boy-oh-boy do I hear that a lot; words like:

Cynical. Angst. Anger. Jealousy.

I can't figure it out myself....except to say, whenever you "sense" one of the aforementioned words coming to forefront of your mind.....push it back ever-so-gently and ask yourself.....

"....is there some truth in this......?"

No word of a lie...people have sent me e-mails, saying that they're "surprised" that I would say such things. What "things?" Truthful things you mean? Like Lee Marshall for instance. You go to the site, there's a picture of Lee with a reference to God. I figured the guy has an ego of biblical proportions......truth, or...jealousy? How could I be jealous of Lee? I make WAY more money than he does.....

LOL!

I'm about as happy as a guy can be. I have my health. I do the work I love everyday. I have a wonderful home and family. I wake up with a smile on my face everyday.....does this sound like an angry man to you?

Like J.S. Gilbert said, I wrote it "to get people to think" yes - but also to "get people to talk" and above all....OPEN YOUR FREAKIN' EYES PEOPLE - if these people can't take 5 minutes out of their day to put up a single page on their site about what they're talking about at the conference.....what does that tell you?

It tells me that they really could care less about their own career, much less someone else's....and that, my friends, is The Truth.

Justin Case · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

Don't forget $2,500 for a vendor booth. How meny vendors are suppose to be there?

I hear quite a few.

Couldn't some of that dough be spread around to lower costs - or pay presenters?

Bob Bergen · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Jan 2005 Posts: 224

Steve Hudson · Joined: 04 Apr 2008 Posts: 1

Dear Todd,

Of course we are all entitled to our opinion, but the opinion should be based on facts.

As I claim that the PSR Method is the only technique in the world for voice-overs I think I should quote the American Heritage dictionary for the definition of a technique.

‘A set of specific rules which determine the degree of excellence. The degree of skill or command of fundamentals exhibited in any performance.’

There are many American trainers who are excellent actors and voice-overs and know the voice-over business backwards. The trouble is that there are others in America and the UK who are just out to make a fast buck. It’s not always easy to judge.

 The BBC use the PSRTM Method to train their newsreaders and reporters
 The Law Society has accredited the PSRTM Method for CPD training hours
 The principal of the Royal Academy of dramatic Art sent his daughter on the PSRTM Method course.
 50% of the people attending the PSRTM course are actors.
 The PSRTM Method is taught to children with learning difficulties and mild dyslexia.

Chuck Taylor (Ranch Radio Group Fort Worth Texas) said:
“If you truly want to learn a technique that will give you an edge, then this is an investment that you want to make!”

Hugo Fay (BBC World Service) said:
“I learned more about reading and broadcasting in two half-day sessions with you Steve, than I did in ten years at the BBC.”

Dr. Sarah Davies MBChB said:
“The techniques learnt on the PSR course improve the efficiency with which you read and help to absorb and assimilate information more effectively. It has helped me studying for my Masters Degree.”

Gene Tognacci voiceover 15+ years
Houston, Texas

“As a professional voice talent for 15+ years and a consumer of "all things voiceover", I've become somewhat jaded by some of the slapped together products that are being sold on the market for a fast buck today. Your product is the example of the exception. Extremely well produced, thoughtfully arranged and tastefully packaged, this is a "master class in a box" for voiceovers.”

Les Miles and Tim Rock:
"Many of the children we teach have learning difficulties and social problems, ranging from confidence, bullying and other 'labels', such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), as well as, of course, dyslexia.
The PSRTM Method has helped not only the children's reading confidence, but also the adults who attend. We use the booklet that you gave us as a constant guideline.
Some of the parents of our 'labelled' children have commented on how their children's behaviour, both at school and at home, has improved.”

Are all these people wrong?

Your unsolicited and unqualified criticisms of the presenters at the voice 2008 convention can damage the excellent work that James and Penny are doing.

You charge $150 to evaluate someone's voice on the telephone. That sounds like a fast buck to me, I do it every day and don't charge. As you may know, different voices fit different categories, so the voice is not the first consideration, it’s what you do with your voice that is important and that means choosing the right training method.

We don't charge for training children with learning difficulties. I consider it an honour that a school would choose the PSR Method to help them.

I would have no need or desire to criticise someone's website. Even worse, to assess their capabilities based on such flimsy evidence.

If I did that, I would expect people to think I was insecure.

From your replies to other people, it seems that you are never wrong, how lucky you are.

Steve Hudson
Director Voice MasterTM Ltd.
www.voicemaster.co.uk

Todd Schick · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 63

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008, 22:11 (GMT) Post subject: LESS Training

Following in the footsteps of many great educaters, I am now offering LESS training, whihc stands for "Less Energy Spells Success". It works on two basic concepts:

1. People don't really want to have to go and travel and waste a whole weekend or several days.

2. And the "who the hell is he (or she) to be judging me.

So here's how it works. You send a bunch of money to me and then I call you on Sunday and tell youo how much progress you've made. Then I sign you up for the advanced workshop.

See how neat and tidy and for the bulk of voice talent who don't really want anything more than acceptance, it works out really well.

Here's what people are saying about LESS Training.

My whole philosphy is that people are willing to accept LESS.
-President George Bush

It seems that every day we're willing to settle for LESS
- Dr. Phil

Tastes Great, LESS Filling
-Miller Beer

The list goes on and on. So don't delay and send me money today.
For fastest results, please use the PayPal button.

Because in a world where everyone is looking for more, I can give you LESS.

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008, 22:13 (GMT) Post subject:

Omigosh, J.S....what are you doin' inside my mind?!? Laughing

Seriously. Sounds great. Where do I sign up?

Maxine Dunn · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 675

Well, not sure if this fits in with the rest of the posts here, but I, for one, am COMPLETELY STOKED about going to Voice2008!

I'm pumped, jazzed, excited, and thrilled to attend such a wonderful gathering of such amazing people. Voice2007 was such a great experience, not just to see so many friends and talent in the industry but to be able to absorb all the fantastic information all the presenters had to share with us. I can’t thank James and Penny and everyone involved in the creation of this new experience ENOUGH, for what they’ve done. It’s a truly marvelous endeavor and I applaud them heartily. My own voice-over career was dramatically impacted in a most positive way by attending Voice2007. My negotiating power, my skills, my motivation, my recording abilities, my website, my marketing techniques, my attitude, my income, all improved.

And, if it was such a great experience in Las Vegas last year, I can only imagine what it's going to be like in L.A. this year!

Some of my favorite people and coaches on the planet will be presenting and I know that I'll see dozens and dozens my voice-over buds there. Not to mention all the new people I’m going to meet. We can learn, learn, learn, get involved, have fun, and expose ourselves to history in the making.

And, of course, (for those of us that are so inclined), PAR-TAY like rock stars and soak up some California sun in our off-hours.

I can’t wait!!

Xoxo
Max

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J.S. Gilbert

Melba (and any others who may be hearing my voice in their mind),

It's not the voice that's saying "Go grab the kitchen knife and slice your spouse and kids into little julienne strips".

It's more like this little voice that says "Go ahead and jay walk" or "nobody's looking, pick your nose" or "To hell with the diet, I want some pepperoni pizza".

If you are hearing voices urging you to go to a McDonald's with a semi-automatic weapon, for example, this is not my voice and I might suggest you seek some sort of professional help.

I just felt this matter required some clarification.

Thank You.

J.S. Gilbert

Also, I offer my apologies for completely Shanghaing this thread. As a way of apology, I will be giving away free the first 200 copies of my new book, "Why I prefer to go to conventions and workshops where there will be people who can actually hire me. Oh wait, there will be one person at Voice 2008 that hires voice actors. I hope he has a suit of armor and has mapped out all the exits at the hotel.

What do ya think Todd?

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008, 19:23 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks for clearing that up, J.S. Stop litigation before it starts. That's my motto.

Todd Schick · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 63

Hey J.S.,

Now that I think about it.......hmmmm.....I'd be a guy who hires talent! LOL! I better get out the chainmail underwear.....

On another note, I was talking to a good friend and colleague the other day about the conference and also about the correspondence I received both on this forum and personally. His take on it was really interesting, because Ror has MC'd a ton of these things; indeed, he'll be MC'ing a conference in L.A. at exactly the same time as VOICE2008.

Long story short, it's the "backroom" deals where all the money is made. Ror was saying that most folks can't whip out their credit cards fast enough to purchase merchandise from presenters post-presentation. So, if anyone has a DVD, book or other item related to thier presentation, chances are they're bringing a box full or two for sale at the conference.

Yes, yes, yes.....I know......capitalism. Please don't bore me with the explanation of that term anymore. The problem is, I always get the feeling that this aspect of conferences in general are "disguised" with promotional jargon like "Network with your peers" , "Free information", "It's a tax write off" , "We'll have fun..." Yes, everything said has some truth to it.....but the subject of all the backroom deals and selling going on is kept pretty hush-hush.

Of course it is......because the subject is MONEY. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I the last 5 years, the growth of newbies in VO has exploded with the advent of sites like Voice123. Suddenly we've not only got twice as many people calling themselves coaches, we've also got coaches that are now working over the phone, where a few years ago they would have dismissed the very thought of that service as ridiculous. And to top it all off......now we have a yearly conference where again, the bulk of the presenters are selling a product or service. I think that the only people not selling anything are Larry Maizlish and Stefan Chinell.

I mentioned to James that I wanted to really check out the conference before I decide to actively participate. The bottom line is......I wouldn't be selling anything....! I'd feel kinda....well, pretty out of place to say the least. My friend Ror said....."make a DVD.....write a short book.....you'll make piles of cash!"

Yeah....that would also fly in the face of everything I hold true, which is "You get what you give." If the only thing you give to the world has a price tag associated with it at some point - well, that philosophy is going to bite you in the butt somewhere along the way......(the name of a televangelist comes to mind....).

Further along in our conversation, Ror also pointed out that it's people who give freely of their time and information (I'm talking about people who have NOTHING at all to sell) .....add credibility to the conference in a way that lends to supporting those who have something to sell. Now the promoters of the event can say....."It's not all about the money! No! We've got so-and-so speaking who hasn't a thing to sell at all....." Perfect fodder to toss around at will.....talk about your poster boy/girl.....I'm not sure if I'd want that label.

Behind all the promotion and posts here related to VOICE2008 - like any conference where there's a coaching course or a book for sale, regardless of content, let's not lose sight of the fact that the almightly dollar is ultimately the motivating factor. In turn, promoters will find 7 ways from Sunday to justify their putting on the show with words like "Education" , "Community" and "Technology."

Finally, Ror mentioned something that I've heard a few times before from many other people:

People WANT to be sold stuff. They want to "get close" to these people who claim to be able to help them.....and they'll pay whatever it costs to accomplish that goal. It's easy to do, all they have to do is go to a conference, shake hands with Joe Blow, buy his DVD.....and there you go - instant gratification and self-worth. And, they're in a room full of people doing exactly the same thing! Other peers justifying other peers.....kismit.

"Funny....there's 200 people here....and the guy speaking is the only one who brought the Visa vouchers......hmmmmm. Weird. Anyway, let's go celebrate our instant gratification by spending some more money in the bar...."

J.S.

Your turn.... Wink

Greg Houser · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 174

Todd Schick · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 63

LOL!

Yah....you got a point there, Greg..... Wink

a bottle of single malt is not a bad idea.....perhaps a bottle of Bowmore?

"less than positive" though.....that's entirely your perception. I choose to look at it as more of a "reality check" for everyone involved. Sometimes there just has to be a person that looks at everything at face value......IE:

"This person is saying they're a voice coach, but there's no information on their site about it.....and he seems to be selling pictures of himself....."

"Less Than Positive" or "Telling it like it is" ......?

Maxine Dunn · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 675

Hi - me again with a probably-not-pertinent-to-Todd's-post comment, (Sorry Todd!) :~)

I'm excited because I just booked my hotel room at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza today. WooHoo! Their deluxe king rooms are 350 sq. ft. Plenty of room to do some yoga stretches after class all day, before going out in L.A. for dinner and maybe a little dancing.

Even though yes, there will be lots of coaches and presenters and many of them may be selling their books or materials at the conference, I've can't see for the life of me what's wrong with writing a book or creating a CD on something you're passionate about with the hopes of it helping other people, and then selling said book or CD at a conference where you will be surrounded by like-minded people who have a great interest in what you’ve written or recorded. (Way too long of a sentence there!) I think it’s wonderful to immerse oneself in a subject and learn about it from all kinds of different angles and from all kinds of different people.

I was a dancer for many years and I lost count of the dance teachers and coaches I had, but I learned something from every single one of them. Some were better than others, some were true masters of the art, but I learned from all of them.

I'm so sorry Todd but I'm not sure I've understood you posts perhaps. Is there something wrong with people selling their wares at a venue intended for others to immerse themselves in the very subject those wares are about? (Hope that made sense.)

Anyway, I do hope you go as I'd very much like to meet you (the man with the golden voice), and a host of other people on this forum….and it’s not that expensive. It would be a great experience to get to shake hands with and have a drink with the people I’ve met here. Don’t you think it would be fun? (Just think of the fodder it would provide for us to write about, after we got back!)

xox
Max

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