VOICE 2008 - A Corollary

Scott Pollak · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 12:35 (GMT) Post subject:

Diane, my step-sister, a successful Hollywood writer, lives WALKING distance to the Santa Monica pier. I LOVE her neighborhood, but it is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO out of my budget!

As is this conference.
I've not only attended - literally - dozens of conferences (and conventions) when I was an audio/visual producer for BellSouth, but I've also helped STAGE them.

I think everyone will walk away with a little something here and there. Some folks will get more than others. Mostly, though, it's a chance to say 'hi' to folks, get some free stuff, enjoy some downtime away from work and home, and come back feeling enthused about what you do.

But let's be honest, okay? As far as actual, working, usable tips, tricks, techniques and knowledge you can bring home and implement and pretty quickly see significant results from... well, there MAY be a tidbit here or there, but it simply won't be like signing up for a Bob Bergen class or a James Alburger session, etc. It's the nature of conventions and conferences. Everyone who shares the same interests gets together and gets to know each other, passes out cards, picks up goodies, eats and drinks together, forms friendships, attends some sessions where they either learn a thing or two that reaffirms what they're already doing OR they learn a thing or two that says they could be doing something different, then they hop on the plane and go home.

I truly DO wish I could go. I'd LOVE to meet Bob and everyone else who will be there. But the truth is: I, personally, can put that $3000 to better use in my career. That may not apply to you. We each have to decide for ourselves.

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Scott -- Well said. As is with most things in life, do what you need, can and want. And try not to hurt anybody along the way.

As I said, since I'll be out there anyway, travel costs are not a factor, and I can put one night fewer in at the hotel (I could commute from Sherman Oaks but I'd never drive in LA!!!) Even so it will cost me about half as much as most out-of-towners. To me, it's worth doing once.

My husband is a trade show manager, so I've seen lots of these things, and as a teacher years ago went to a few teachers' conventions, which in NJ is free, with days off to attend. Even so, after you've been teaching a while, there was little reason to go -- especially after you marry and have kids to take of (though some went to break free a couple of days). For training, attending workshops you were better off locally and in small groups. Everyone learns better this way. Conventions have a different purpose. Comradeship being a big part.

To get me to go again, however, I repeat -- let's take a look at Bermuda. Love it there, and it's closer to me -- and even a bit closer for our European friends!

Thomas C. Gass · **Voice Talent** Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 179

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Set it up, Thomas -- I'll be there! Very Happy

Chris Wagner · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 10

First off, I'd like to say that there are a lot of good questions and points brought up about VOICE. And I have no issues with any of the posters, so don't consider this an attack or a flame. It is not.

Secondly, I am the web designer/master for VOICE 2007 and 2008. But beyond that, I have no greater involvement in the production of the event.

I presented at VOICE 2007, had a great time, I attended nearly every presentation, and even though I have been in the business for 21 years now I picked up some tips, ideas and met a lot of great people who were all in the same industry.

Not that easy to do if you are a Voice Actor, not too many places you can go to meet people from all across the globe working in this whacky industry at one time, in one place.

Here's what I've got to say:

VOICE is an opportunity to learn about your craft. Take a look at what is offered, see who is presenting, decide if it is in your budget and then... choose; to go or not go.

Time spent speculating what the promoters are making, who is getting paid to do what and how you might think it should cost less, or be free is a waste of your time.

Really, spending all this time ranting and guessing about VOICE could be better put to use in advancing your Voice Acting career. Focusing on what is important: Marketing yourself, discovering your niche, taking positive steps to get more work, choosing training that will increase your skill sets...

VOICE is a unique event, and there are now a lot of other people out there putting on weekend workshops with multiple coaches and teachers, similar to VOICE but on a smaller scale. Funny, I haven't seen the same kind of comments about those events. In fact I haven't seen comments about workshops offered by individual teachers either.. how much do they really make? Are they ripping people off? What kind of experience do the have? and so on. But of course, I might not have looked that hard...

I think that these rants, and I don't apologize for calling them rants, stem from the fact that you probably DO want to go, but cannot seem to justify the fact that it will cost you X number of dollars. Or that some people want to take the spotlight because they didn't get invited to present or what not, so they start casting FUD about the event (FUD: Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt)

All the people I have spoken to, to a one, had nothing but positive things to say about VOICE 2007... that it was worth what they invested in it, everyone got SOMETHING out of it. And each person found value in it. You may not think their value is value to you, but it's not about the value you percieve, it's the value they percieve.

BUT as with any training, or conference, you only get out of it what you bring to it. And the real value comes when you apply, or practice what was presented... value is lost when you do nothing with what you received.

Ok, that's all I have to say.. Thanks for your time. Feel free to continue the rant.

Back to advancing my Voice Acting business Smile

(Hi Mr. Bergen... well spoken as always!)

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

Ouch..... it's THAT pricey to attend??

I was seriously considering the options to go, for starters it could've been a great opportunity to meet some of you great people, also it could've been quite the adventure, and off course, probably also very interesting!

But I had no idea it was so expensive... Sad

Allen Brown · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008, 11:30 (GMT) Post subject: Re: Interesting

Chris Wagner · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 10

Bravo Allen! Smile

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

Ditto!

J.S. Gilbert

If I might say, I don't think there are coordinated efforts afoot, just a little idol worship from individuals who think that by sticking their heads up the anal cavities of some of these mythical voice talents/ teachers (or legends in their own minds), it will get them somewhere. You're of interest as long as you're writing the checks.

I'd suggest that if you're going to spend $400 to take some workshop from somebody, that the $400 could buy a whole lot of marketing to get you a talent agent or if you have an agent, how about spring $150 and buy an extravagant lunch for your agent and the rest of the v.o. office. Invite the receptionist too. Or perhaps contact your agent and tell them when you hear of an opportunity that might get them some of their talent placed.

You hear it said that they're always looking for new voices. I'd like to know who THEY are. There's far too many people trying to make a go of voice acting and way too many people willing to extract money from these hapless souls. A sustained commitment over time, which takes into account an individuals abilities and skills and their determination to make it in this industry is going to work towards developing a strong craft and marketing plan. Spending 3 or 4 days with a bunch of cheerleaders giving you the old rah, rah, rah while selling their wares will at best be a few days of fun.

Given that their are people out there taking voice classes who are on dwindling unemployment and somehow think this will lead to regular income makes one think that there are quite a few people who have better ways of spending their money.

Yes, it may be fun to see some of your Savvy buddies in the flesh and perhaps even an odd deal or two will be made and yes, not all of the speakers are 3 headed leeches, but all-in-all, $500 spent on welding school would probably go further towards someone having a career that would pay the bills.

Kara Edwards · **Voice Talent** Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 347

I just finished up a conference call with members of the advanced team for VOICE 2008.

I may have been sitting back wondering what I might get out of attending this year, but I am not wondering any longer!

For me- I am 100% confident that this is going to be an amazing event. I'm pumped!

When you look at the price of attending a weekend class with one coach (which I think is worth the money...one must be trained to be a voice actor), and then realize you will have the opportunity to hear from 24 coaches (and please keep in mind some HUGE announcements are just around the corner!)...I believe it is well worth it!

I had questions about whether I would attend this year or not, I don't now!

James, Penny, Judy, and all the members of the advanced team are happy to answer any questions you may have- so don't hesitate! I believe it is going to be a fantastic time!

Oh, and make sure to sign up for the newsletter if you haven't- BIG announcements on the way!

If you attend, make sure to say hi!

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

I must drop in with a comment here. Because this is getting profoundly sad.

I can list off dozens of the top VO actors in the biz. People who not only make the big bucks, but are also some of the most respected people in the business. Never will you hear the kind of cynicism, negativity, bitterness, anger, pettiness, etc., expressed on this forum regarding this conference.

The people who are at the top of their game paid their dues. They spent the big bucks in classes, demos, workshops, publicists, lawyers, managers. They didn't love every class. They didn't get 100% from every publicist. The common denominator of each of these success stories is they all approached this business with a positive attitude, knowing that there are no guarantees. Because of this, they took risks. Financial risks. Time risks. Sometimes, family risks. They sacrificed.

But they made it! They made it because they didn't, and don't spend a moment of their valuable time bitching negatives such as the pettiness expressed here.

Am I out of line countering some of the views here?

I don't care!

I'm not posting for those few that suck the hopes and desires of talented hopefuls like a vampire.

I'm posting for those of you who dream of making it in VO. Who, like myself, had a dream of making a living doing what they love.

You will not get there by being cynical, negative, bitter, or petty.

You will get there by taking risks, networking, study, perseverance, luck, timing, a tremendous amount of talent, a positive attitude, a friendly demeanor that draws buyers to want to work with you.

And I really don't care if the negatives posting here make 7 figures a year.

Success doesn't have a dollar sign. The dollars are a bi product of success.

I would have paid far more than the asking price had there been something like VOICE 30 years ago when I began my VO studies.

And like many others, I worked the day jobs for years, scraping the pennies to pay for the classes, workshops, etc. I studied with every VO teacher in LA. So did every other successful working voice actor in LA.

Then there were those who bitched and moaned about the prices of workshops. They refused to pay expensive prices for demos. The didn't dare study with casting directors! Pay for auditions? Oh, puleeze!

Where are these folks today?

I don't know, either. But I do know they ain't sharing the mic with me at my agent's office or Disney.

Look, this has nothing to do with one being smart with the way they spend their money. That's a no brainer. If you don't have the money, you don't take the class. If you want to succeed, you work a day job and 3 night jobs to pay what you need to study, prepare, and be ready when opportunity knocks.

I beg those of you who live your lives/career with a negative, cynical outlook, please stay away from VOICE. You will be miserable.

For those who want to take the chance that you just might learn, meet great like minded folks, get marketing advise you never knew, network, and maybe even...oh, I don't know, have fun????? I look forward to shaking your hand at VOICE. YOU just might make it! Stay positive! If you have that "it" factor, you will do it all to get where you want to be. DON'T allow the negatives to blind you from pursuing your dreams.

The vampires don't have staying power.

But those who love the journey, even the mistakes, those who take risks, those who find the positives, small as they may be sometimes, those are the future of VO.

Bobbin Beam · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008, 04:40 (GMT) Post subject:

Bob, your words ring true. Thank you for interjecting some positive views here. Very refreshing. It takes so much energy to be full of negativity. It's so unnecessary. It makes me wonder, but I won't digress.

To attend or not- is a business decision. By the way, I've been paying hotel parking for years in LA. It's nothing new. Either one decides to go or not. But to drone on with disparaging opinions on presenters or things that don't really matter or apply is counter productive, and is missing the point, and the spirit of the v-o community who will be there.

I am personally a supporter of the Voice Conference, and what it has to offer, not just for me but to those of all skill levels, and I believe its credibility will prove itself. Thanks for listening.

Dave Courvoisier · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

Well said, Bob Bergen!

You can see by my post count that I've not lingered long or often in VoiceOverSavvy-Land... I began visiting when V123 changed its policies. The whining and gnashing of teeth was pathetic!

Regardless, this thread features some well-written, legitimate points of view.

Each one of us absolutely has a right to our opinion. We've all traveled different roads to get here, and have found success with unique tactics.

VOICE 2008 (or any VO conference for that matter) will NOT be for everybody.

Raise questions? Sure
Point out deficiencies? Absolutely
Rant? OK...I guess
Explain your rationale? Peachy

But a determined, pointed, persistent, and cunningly-crafted campaign of negativity only points the finger back at the author. Why the axe to grind?

CourVO

Peter Ganim · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 115

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