VOICE2008 Creative Experience Review

Louis Tristan · **Voice Talent** Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 266

I know that for like round $60.00 she'll send you a nice colorful 20 page version of The Art of Voice Acting...

Have to say I was expecting more...Who else was disappointed when they got it in the mail?

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

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008, 18:30 (GMT) Post subject:

ROFLMAO

Hey Greg,
AS much as I would love to procrastinate day and night and hang out on these boards, I ocassionally have other stuff to do. My response didn't take so long, but it just seemed that there was a plethora of idle fingers posting at a frantic pace.

Time is apparently relative.

Yes, I know the drapes have to go. Ever since I've been 86'ed from Bed, Bath and Beyond though I've had difficulty with the whole "shopping for the house" concept. Luckily, I seem to be able to get into Ikea with just a simple disguise. After I replace the chandelier I'll get some new drapes. Missed you last Friday. It got a little wild when somebody accidentally mistook their personal vibrator for the Royer Ribbon Microphone. I'm betting that's not the first time that's happened, but boy was there an akward moment here.

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

Bobbin Beam · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008, 04:17 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi everyone. This thread has been positively facinating.
I am proud to say I am volunteering and paying to be at the event again this year Personally-I am looking forward to Voice 2008, and I feel there is excellent value to be had. I can certainly understand how some may not wish to make the investment. There are some who believe they will not benefit for personal or professional reasons, or accept the value proposition. These are without a doubt challenging economic times, to be sure. And I respect those positions, for whatever reasons.

However...IMHO, the top voice coaches charge about $600 or so for a one day seminar, so relatively speaking I am getting a deal with 24 coaches, even if I decide to not attend all of the seminars or breakouts.

I always feel my vo career is a work in progress and I am open to everything. Even if I meet one new contact or pick up a single juicy tidbit that'll help my business over the long-term, I'll be happy. I hear the vendors will be all about stuff related to our industry. Why not check 'em out?

A remarkable thing about last year was the positive energy of the voice over community. Getting out of the "bat cave" and hangin' face to face with those I only knew virtually was amazing. Meeting new folks, too. All positive for me.

I am totally stoked about Bob Bergen's and Pat Fraley's presentations, for starters...and the special guest is DICK ORKIN!
Thanks for listening, and...PEACE!

Stefan Chinell · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 16

I agree that this debate may get some attention to the event itself and more will attend, wich is a good thing. And also good that someone tells the truth, for instance that making money in VO is not as easy as it may seem.

So if this discussion brings more attention to our work, it's a good thing. Maybe Todd is one of those guys you hire when you want to create some commotion and attention? Well in that case he is a brilliant marketer. Laughing

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

Stefan, I believe that the phrase your looking for is "Spin Doctor" and I have no interest in being one of those, much less for hire. But, thanks for the compliment..... Wink

!

On another note....some exciting news! Joe Klein actually took the time to contact me and we chatted on the phone for about 10 minutes or so. Then.......get this......he took the time to drop me a note about the subject he was speaking on at the conference. Wonders will never cease. There are people out there who actually care about marketing themselves.

For those of you who care......I made a change to Joe's review to reflect our conversation http://toddschick.com/VoiceoverVOICE2008.htm

Presenters: Yes.....you too can have a say. Please feel free to contact me anytime, like Joe did. Though I don't hold out much hope for that; if they can't get their information to James....what are the chances they'll bother to contact me....?

Slim and None.

Stefan Chinell · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 16

Well aren't we all "Spin Doctors" in this industry, to a certain extent? Welcome to the club... Very Happy

Debbie Munro · **Voice Talent** Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 12

hello to EVERYONE....wow, this is quite the thread
I must first apologize to ALL. I must look so distant from this entire event as I've not been up to date on any of the posts or anything. Believe it or not, because I teach full time, Voice Full Time and dabble in production (In Pitt Meadows, B.C. to clarify my location, just outside of the Vancouver area, but EVERYTHING here is outside the vancouver area. ...I'm 40 minutes from Downtown and this was the safest place that I could raise my kids....the beauty is, in VO we can be ANYWHERE). I have only been in BC for two years and now have a beautiful studio set up that Is just in completion stage and excited for my open house in June).
Now, regarding VOICE2008, I'm very excited to have the opportunity to show many what I'm made of. Like Todd had critiqued, I seem to have come out of no where. I came from a small market, with a background as a broadcaster/theatre and have since turned that around to become free lance voice talent and coach across canada and because of technology, across the world.
I want to clarify that the ONLY reason I teach is because I was so frustrated with people not giving me an honest critique to enhance my skills, and I think this is because people are afraid of the truth and competition. I went on a quest for better skills and decided to help others (originally for free) to get into this EXCITING career. I LOVE VOICE OVER...>I love EVERYTHING about it. How can we not?
Todd, what's wonderful about you is your candid approach. He's just giving his opinion based on what research he could find. I love the comment, "You guys are missing the true intent of this thread to begin with, to get everyone talking" No one has to agree or disagree, but he succeeded..everyones talking.

It's like the world of commercials, contraversy sells! I loved the opportunity to be critiqued and glad I faired okay....but no matter where I would fair, I'm just so happy everyday when people trust in me to help guide them in any positive direction. I know I'm in it for the right reason and this is the only way I've filled my classes to date...all word of mouth...

I know this all sounds hoaky, but I'm really not in this for the money...I LOVE this industry and ANYONE whos' worked with me will tell you that's true. I devote 100% of my time to my clients in Voice/Film/TV and my Students (well after I give out my mom duties too) Hard to juggle it all, so I'm behind in emails, behind in marketing and well the web updates are coming I assure you! I have so many things I want to accomplish and so little time in the day to get them done.

My final comment is that VOICE2007 or 2008, what I truly love about this opportunity, was to be in the same room with hundreds of people with the same passion, Some even the same energy (i have much to give) and the same drive and goals all willing to share information. I feel greatful everyday that I am a part of this amazing industry and can't wait to meet with ANY of you who want to meet with me. I'm so greatful that the VOICE team is going to all this hard work to make it happen....I LOVE THE ENERGY in the room...it's like NOTHING I've ever experienced.

Thanks Todd for starting this trend and keeping me on my toes to make sure I represent myself the way I feel I can. That was great for me to read.

In the meantime no matter what anyone says, LOVE WHAT YOU DO, LOVE IT ENOUGH and the money will follow
Please come say hi at the convention or send me an email (My daughter will be there too...what can I say, it runs in the family) We're both very approachable and excited to be there and speak to all of you. I promise you'll love every minute. www.micnme.com deb@micnme.com (sometimes I get behind in emails, but if I get them, i always respond)

Debbie Munro · **Voice Talent** Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 12

SO I finally reply and NO ONE is here?

I met with Todd in person...curious to his review now?

All my best
Deb Munro

Bobbin Beam · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008, 03:59 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Deb...I'm still here. Since your initial reply almost 1 month ago there have been a number of new updates to the Voice 2008 schedule and additional special guests that include Dick Orkin & Christine Coyle Saturday, and then the Sunday night promo panel. Registrations have eclipsed last year's event and it's still over 2 months away. There are day passes now available. AFTRA is the premier sponsor and there's something cool planned for Friday night....but don't know what it is yet. AFTRA is going to be putting out the word to its 40K members soon.
That's all I know for now. I am really looking forward to the mind meld. heh. I think it'll be pretty cool!!!

The latest schedule and announcements are here:

http://www.voice-international.com/

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

Hey folks...

A quick drop-in here.....just updated Deb Munro's review. Have a peek if you get a chance.

Also, I thought I'd let you all know that I won't be able to attend the conference this year for personal reasons; I won't go into great detail, but suffice to say that if I don't get the reno's done around my house by the end of the year, I'm going to be in BIG trouble with CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation).

I really wanted to go, especially after all the correspondence on this thread.....but, I've got a date with my tool belt and contractors all summer long.... Sad

!

Maybe next year......and James......how about NYC?

Have a good one!