Christmas Rediscovered

I don't know if there really is an effort to discredit Christmas...nor do I know that I have actually noticed an absence of Christmas from the stores in which I shop. I have noticed all the media attention on the issue, and I think just the flap has had an effect upon everyday people during this season.

Last week, Lucia and I volunteered to ring the bell for the Salvation Army (we try to do it every year on St. Lucia's Day for obvious reasons). We were assigned to Sam's Club from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on a very cold evening. As we stood, danced, sang, rang the bells, anything to keep warm, we wished everyone a Merry Christmas. The response was overwhelming. Many stopped to thank us for using the "forbidden phrase" on their way into the store, others made a point to come back on their way out to express their support and thanks, still others took the time, once back in the warmth of their cars, to drive back past us to say thanks. It was most unexpected.

Our wish was neither a political statement, nor an expression of defiance, simply a wish from our hearts...and it seemed to resonate with those cold and hurried shoppers.

At www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com, we wish everyone a glorious holiday season regardless of belief, unbelief, political persuasion or ethnicity...and the manner in which we choose to do so is to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Bill

I'll never understand!

Ever had one of "those days?" I've had one, and everyone seems to know more about my area of expertise than do I (even though they've never worked in the field). In an article on my website ( www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com ), I talked about the phenomenon; everyone knows everything about advertising.

Today, I happened to notice the local Chamber was making a very common error in an attempt to measure the effectiveness of their advertising. I approached the individual responsible for the tactic and suggested it was a worthy effort, but it won't work. She told me it was absolutely working...but she could not provide any documentation that their data was correct or even meaningful. I asked how the data was going to be used and was told the result (meaningless as it is) will be used to determine what media the Chamber will buy for next year.

I have no dog in this fight, I sell nothing to the Chamber but support all their programs. They are choosing to ignore advice from an experienced professional, I shall offer no more. Too bad, they're going to waste money chasing bad research.

I'll never understand.

Bill

Don't Pay the Ransom!

Don't pay the ransom, I escaped and everything is fine. Soon I'll be back to normal and posting with great regularity.

Actually, I've been on a cruise...my first! It was everything I had heard it would be, and more. As soon as I get things put away and sit down, I'll review the entire experience. For now, if you haven't had the opportunity to take a cruise, do it.

On my return I had a plesant surprize, a new client called (out of the blue) and is talking about a project for www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com. Best of all, it's a new client in a new major market...opens doors!!! Who knows, maybe I'll be able to take another cruise much sooner than anticipated.

Glad to be back.
Bill

Technology Rocks!

I had an appointment with a client the other day regarding their message-on-hold. It has been over two years since they changed messages...And we both agreed it was time to do so.

After we discussed the content of the messages and the music, I asked to see the equipment they were using so I could deliver the completed message in the correct format. A simple request, but, while I did not remember the client's system, I did remember how difficult it is to access.

My contact had to summon the IT manager who had the key to "the telephone room." When the IT guru approached, he had a suspicious look on his face (OK, that sounds wrong...I mean he looked at me suspiciously.). His body language made it clear I was seeking admission to a spot to which I had no right. In fact, while he had a key in his hand, he made no move toward the lock...But simply stopped and stared at me. My host explained I wanted to look at the message-on-hold system...To which Mr. IT grunted, "Why?"

By this time I'm thinking, "Just open the damn door so I can get out of here. It's only a message-on-hold." But I smiled and explained it had been a few years since I had supplied them with any material, and I wanted to determine the correct format for delivery. Well, how could I be so stupid...IT rolled his eyes and sighed audibly.

In an effort to ease what was for him clearly a painful encounter with an idiot, I began trying to talk with him like a real person...There had to be one in there somewhere.

Nope.

Anyway, eventually he told me the system loads from an mp3 format, which brought a big smile to my face. "You mean I can just email the file to you and you can load the new message?", I asked. Another look of disgust washed over his face...yes, mortal, of course you can email it.

I left the happiest I've been in days...thanks to technology, I never have to deliver any physical product, never have to ask permission for entry into the inner sanctum sanctorum, and, best of all, I never have to see Mr. IT face to face again...hmmmm, never did get in that telephone room. Oh well, technology rocks!

Bill

A New Season

I host a local academic challenge show on television that just began its second season. I'm always amazed at what the young people know...and what they don't. Events in recent memory for me prove to be difficult history questions for these high schoolers. Yet I stand in awe of their accumulated knowledge.

When I began the show, I didn't particularly like the young people participating. They seemed arrogant, rude, self-centered...I even called one school to tell the principal just how rude I felt her students acted. But in the light of experience and reflection, I've come to better appreciate (and perhaps remember) what it's like to be in high school.

One student, with whom I had a running battle last year, has actually become a favorite of mine after he approached me at a 5K in which we were both running. He didn't know I was a runner, nor I him. as He is definitely the brightest of the entire bunch (perfect scores on his S.A.T.s in his junior year) and, thus, the biggest pain in the neck (I cleaned that up). Maybe I was envious of his intellect...no, he is a pain! Anyway, we have now become close through the common bond of running (he's better at that than I am as well...damn), and I find myself proud of his academic achievement (as if I had something to do with it).

While being an on-camera host was never a goal of mine, I find I enjoy the experience and the exposure (a few voiceover jobs have resulted from someone seeing the show). Working without a teleprompter and trying to make an extremely stiff format interesting has proven to be a challenge. I also enjoy the show preparation, working through the questions to make sure I pronounce every name, place, etc. properly. If I could just remember the name of the show.

Each week I place notes with the name of the show (Scholastic Showdown) written boldly all around me...yet I go into breaks asking the audience to stay with us for more Scholastic Showcase, Academic Challenge, or practically anything else. The crew has a great time...and now has a pool for if and when I'm going to screw-up the name of the show; glad I can entertain them. Even the students now correct me, in unison, as soon as we are clear and into the break. Showbiz is my life.

Live television is a great classroom for those fortunate enough to have the opportunity to try it. I certainly appreciate the producer and the sponsors' willingness to let me learn. Smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com has benefitted from the experience.
Bill

Physical Fitness and Your Voice

I have been exercising regularly for more than thiry years. I began in a most unusual fashion when a client...no, wait, he was not a client...I wanted him to become a client...suggested we join the local YMCA for an exercise class so he could get in shape for skiing. I don't ski, but I said yes in the hope he might become a closer friend and give me an opportunity to do his voice work. The next week we were in the gym.

After class, I had to leave to pick-up my daughter arriving from Florida for Christmas. When I approached my car I could hardly stand the pain in my neck as my pulse pounded against my collar and tie. The pounding continued for almost an hour...that's how far out of shape I was.
The client...quit the class after two weeks and never darkened the door of the gym again. I continued.

Thiry years later, the client is still not using me often...but I'm in great shape.

I began thinking about the effects of physical conditioning on voice work and found the following information on a public domain site...although it is clearly dated...I think the basics hold true.
Look under "Helpful Articles" on www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com for the complete text of "Physical Fitness and Your Voice."

Bill

More to come!

Wow, what a week...lots to come, so stay tuned!
Bill

Voiceovers and Hurricanes

Well, the computer gremlins are still with me although they've become more sporatic in their attacks. Now it's the other stuff that's got me running.

This past week I received several calls that should have made me smile...but they didn't. One production company, for whom I provide a fair number of voiceovers and other services, called to tell me they were going to be calling on me for a heavy load of copywriting in the next few months. Good news! Yet, it was a bittersweet call. The reason for the increased workload added to the weight we're all feeling as a result of the hurricane tragedy...one of the partners in the company was activated by the Ohio Air National Guard to serve in the affected area.

Another call was from a local church where I served as assistant minister several decades ago in a previous incarnation (did I mention I was a minister?). While I still perform weddings and funerals and the occasional baptism for the church, I haven't been extremely active of late as my voiceover business has continued to grow. Anyway, the current assistant is leaving and they asked if I could "fill in" while their search committee did its thing. Good news! Yet, it will take a toll in terms of time...time I would have spent growing my client base.

I guess I feel guilty over receiving seemingly good news grounded in the misfortune of others. The joy I receive from my work seems tainted...perhaps I'm just worn-out from the onslaught of media coverage of suffering Americans. But I have made a decision...

Immediately following the hurricane, I rushed to donate at a local bank where the Red Cross was collecting funds for relief. However...henceforward, until the polticians cease their attacks on the administration, the congress, etc., I'm not going to contribute another cent. This is not a time to point fingers with cries of insensitivity or racism, that is just using the tragedy for personal selfish gain...and that really depresses me.

Perhaps all the guilt I feel is really frustration and anger at this grandstanding...and the only thing I can do is refuse to play. So be it.

So, I'm planning to continue my business as usual and provide the others with my best efforts during their time of need. And when the politicians either grow-up or wise-up...well, I don't really expect that to happen.

Smooth-male-voiceover-talent supports the efforts, and the people providing those efforts, at every level responding to this national crisis. I pray for those affected. And I have lost respect for a lot of liberal pundits, politicians and personalities.

Bill

I hate computers!

OK, I really don't hate computers, but I don't understand them, am easily frustrated by them, and wish I didn't have to use them...but without them, I'm out of business.

Computers have made it possible for me to build a home studio, record, edit and email voiceovers all over the world...and I like that. The convenience of working in my studio rather than driving to a, sometimes distant, production facility is something I appreciate beyond words.

But now, my computer (or the software, I never know which) has decided after each log-off to the internet to inform me I have no connection to the internet when I try to re-establish activity. AAGGHHHH! So, following the directions provided on my screen, I disconnect the modem, turn off the computer, wait at least two minutes, reconnect the modem, wait another few minutes, turn the computer back on, and, BINGO, there's the internet...until I log off and try again.

Of course the online tech-service options are open, so I email the manufacturer, the software developer, and the folks at Road Runner. But it's difficult to explain you're emailing because you do not have access to the internet.

Technology has made my business (www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com) successful and keeps me in the overextended lifestyle to which I've become accustomed. But it drives me nuts.

This is a forum for discussion of issues dealing with voiceover artists, advertising, etc.. It is also a pressure relief valve I shall continue to use...as long as I can get onto the internet.

Here I go; I'm going to log off...so I have a feeling I won't be back immediately (unless my problem has somehow corrected itself).

Bill

Using a Voice as a Jingle

"Winston tastes good like a..."
"You deserve a break today..."
"My baloney has a first name, it's..."

Jingles have been an important part of successful advertising marketing strategies for a long time; and for good reason. A jingle immediately identifies the product in the listener's (viewer's) mind. Jingles repeated for a period of time become synonymous with the product, and once that has been achieved, one cannot help but automatically identify the product in the first few measures of an internalized jingle.

This is an advertiser's dream. Even if the message recipient does not consciously hear the copy, the product has been elevated to top of mind awareness in a few short measures of music.

A well selected and utilized voiceover artist can achieve much the same result for an advertiser. Think of the voice of Kraft Foods for so many years (OK, I remember his first name was Ed...can't recall the last name [Herlehy?], and it has nothing to do with age,...email me if you remember). When we heard his voice, we knew the product...or, at least, the product line.
Used correctly, a voice used as a jingle forms a relationship with the audience. It’s an interesting phenomena I have come to call auditory intimacy. The listeners feel they know the voice, like an old and trusted friend.

Another advantage of using a voice as your jingle is the cost savings realized; musicians and studio time are expensive. Further, a jingle requires it’s own time...time for which you are paying...that cannot be used to provide your audience with important information.
A voice intimately connected to your product/service, however, can use every second of air time for your message while still achieving the top of mind awareness a jingle provides.

What kind of voice?

Much as discussed in other articles on my website (www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com), the kind of voice you choose to be your jingle is dependent upon many factors. Target audience demographics, product, and many considerations enter into the choice. But there are some basics to consider.

A distinctive voice:

The voice needs to be distinctive. Using local radio/tv talent, your commercial is likely to be lost among all the other commercials voiced by the same talent. The audience does not associate the voice with your product because the same voice was just touting another advertiser, maybe even a competitor. This is when a service such as smooth-male-voiceover-talent pays off. Your message stands out with a different sound than all the rest.

Cost:

While the station from which you buy time will not charge you for voiceover, thanks to the internet your distinctive voice/jingle can arrive at the station within hours of copy being approved for much less than you would expect, usually far less than the cost of a single spot in your buy. And the benefits far outweigh the additional cost.

Consistency:

You must be committed to your voice/jingle. The quickest way to waste your money is to hire a voice for a spot, then use local talent (or yourself) for the next two, then back to the hired voice, and so on. The effective jingles we remember were used over and over and over again. Your new voice must be used exclusively over an extended period of time before the results can be accurately weighed.

Smooth-male-voiceover-talent is a perfect voice for a wide range of products and services, but certainly not all. That is why we keep a catalog of other artists to whom we may refer clients when a job arrives not best served by yours truly (I don’t do screamers!). Our goal is a long lasting relationship with our clients, and that is best achieved by providing the most effective voice/jingle for each.

For an advertiser wishing to capture the top of mind awareness of a jingle without the expense, consider a voice.
Bill

Condo Boards

I just had a great fight with my condo board (and I'm the Vice President!)...well, actually, I didn't have it, they wanted to speak with Lucia. I asked if they really wanted that, and they said yes...so I had her come to speak with them. BOY, did they pick a wrong tactic.

We had filed a complaint about a common area issue, and they came to tell us how offended and upset they were that we had filed. I had told them I wanted to talk about it before it got out of hand (they asked me to leave)...Lucia invited them into our home to discuss the issue...but they chose to attack and thought if two large men came after one small lady, she'd collapse. I know something they didn't know...but they do now! Unfortunately, it's going to escalate: their decision not ours.

I think this is going to be fun...exciting stuff for someone who usually sits in front of a microphone in a small room by himself providing voice work for unseen clients...Oh Boy!!!
Bill

Language of success

I don't know when it began, but advertising in this country has been engaged in a grammatical "race to the bottom" for some time. I remember the controversy in the 1950's (I believe) over the “Winston tastes good like a cigarette should” campaign and, more recently, the Apple “Think different” slogan. But these are minor offenses compared to what passes for English in many commercials.

I was asked to write a piece of copy a few years ago featuring gentleman walking into his home with a section of frozen garden hose. I opened the commercial with a character actor entering from outside dressed for winter, holding the hose and saying , “Honey, my hose is frozen.”

The production company liked the idea, but wanted the character to say, “...my hose is froze.” I would not allow it to be changed and argued for days until I, ultimately, prevailed.

I believe we have an obligation to model proper grammar in all contexts, but particularly in any broadcast messages to be viewed by the general public...and definitely when the message may be viewed by children.

There are so few models of good grammar in the media in which we choose to immerse ourselves. Television and movies glorify substandard grammar and slang and have vaccinated much of the population to the pain of such utterances.

From what has been dubbed “Black English” (ask Bill Cosby about that issue) to just plain poor word choice and lazy pronunciation, the examples manifest themselves thousands of times a day. What chance do our children have of learning the importance of grammar, word choice and pronunciation?

The use of substandard English limits one's horizons socially and professionally, and we are cheating our children by allowing them to misuse our language.

As one paid to speak (voice-overs, on-camera, public speaking), I am a strong advocate for mandatory speech education in our public schools. And I will never accept substandard English, written or spoken, with the oft heard, “It's the expression of the ideas that is important, not the form.” Unacceptable!

I host a regional academic challenge television program featuring the very brightest of the young people in North Central Ohio. I am truly humbled by the intellect of these young scholars and the facts at their command. Yet I cringe when I overhear their off camera conversations.

I blame it all on advertising! We have chosen to “race to the bottom” without regard to the effect upon our audience. We have ignored our responsibility to model the language of commerce and industry...the language of success.
Bill

Editing

Voiceovers are relatively straightforward: approved copy is read, music and/or effects may be added, and the finished track(s) is delivered. RIGHT. It's amazing how many different elements can sneak into a seemingly tight little production order.

From the time of script approval...changes are frequently made, generally about ten minutes after completion of the affected page(s). And, such changes are accompanied by the inevitable, “I'm sure this isn't an expensive change, is it?

Most recently, a client and I discussed the wisdom of using employee names in his production. A previous production included the names of employees no longer with the company. I expressed the opinion that, while I would prefer to not use names, if names are used, there is no point correcting the production with each change. If asked, I suggested simply explaining XX is no longer with the company and say, “let me connect you with YY who will be able to answer your question.”

The client agreed, then supplied a script with employee names throughout. Upon completion and delivery I received a call that the production was approved, but needed to be changed as XX was no longer with the company! I couldn't believe it; less than a week after our conversation, we were living the issue we had just discussed.

As it happened, it was not an expensive fix, but I was required to do more editing which is what this little rant is supposed to discuss.

There was a time when I could do the editing with a grease pencil, razor blade and splice block. Dragging the tape over the playback head until I found the edit points seemed tedious at the time...but I'm not so sure digital editing is all that much better. In fact, there seem to be more digital ways to lose, destroy or screw-up that which I have created than in “the good old days.”

The advantage of digital editing is the absence of generation loss and tape hiss. The disadvantage is the missing satisfaction of making a perfect splice.

The bottom line for my client with the revolving employees is a satisfied client to whom I'm going to send an invoice this evening...life is good, even in a digital world.

Bill

www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com

Service, a thing of the past?

I work very hard to keep the clients I have...maybe harder than I work at prospecting for new clients. But there seems to be a declining level of service in this country that I find disturbing. I'm not concerned when my competitors slip...I know I work harder than many (most?) of them, but I do become concerned when I encounter poor service, or no service, in the world in general.

I direct an organization that requires a luncheon for 60-80 persons four times a year. In my town we have a Holiday Inn struggling for business...but try to get them to accomodate my group with a minimal level of service (minimal...like getting a contract to me after four calls for a luncheon I'm trying to book with them). My members have asked why we return to a venue that treats us thus. I maintain we should try to keep business in our downtown...but that may have changed today.

Service does not mean going way beyond what is reasonable...but it does require at least paying attention to someone who is trying to buy. Seems simple.
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/

Beware service station coffee

Mid-morning coffee is important. About 10:30am each morning I really need a caffine fix. This morning I stopped at a service station to visit their "Java Hut" for my infusion...mistake. Actually, it wasn't the service station's fault, it was my choice that doomed me for an hour or so. I was swayed to purchase a flavored coffee...loaded with sugar; so now, I'm wired and my voice is "fuzzed-up." Same thing that happens if I have a soda (I don't drink soda any more).
Live and learn.
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/related_links.html

I am not an artist

A number of the people with whom I work and/or compete consider themselves to be artists...that bothers me. When I'm hired for a voiceover, I work for the client and provide what I am asked to provide. While I will offer suggestions when it seems appropriate, I am not there to tell the person paying the bill how I see their production. Often a client will ask for input which I'm happy to provide with the understanding that the final decision is theirs...after all, it's their business; I'm just a hired gun.
I have friends in the business who tell me they've walked-out on jobs rather than provide the sound the client requested (shades of Robert Novak...I'd walk out on Carvell (is that spelled correctly?) too). I respect the client and his efforts to succeed to the point where my services are appropriate. I think I'll trust his/her instincts.
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/contact.html

Mondays

Oh man, another week begins. Actually, I like Mondays; I start with a run, then relax for a few hours before beginning the business of the week. This week, I'm looking forward to billing a few new clients (always the best part) then taking care of the more mundane tasks we all face.
Next Saturday there's a 5K I've run for the last three years in which I fully expect to participate once again...although I've yet to register.
OK, let's kick this puppy off!
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/articles.html

Cruise

I've never been on a cruise, but we began exploring some possible destinations this evening with some friends...sounds fantastic (I'm the only virgin cruiser in the bunch). Now I need to find a way to make a portion of it deductable. When I take other trips I always manage to call on clients or potential clients and pitch the "smooth voice." OK, I'm on a boat in the middle of the ocean...how can that be a planned business trip? Ideas welcome.
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/testimonials.html

Day of rest?

Sunday, a day of rest...theoretically. Following lunch today I have been trying to resolve the computer issues that have caused me to fall a bit behind in production. Well, I think I've got the glich straightened-out and, with luck, the voice work I've emailed will arrive successfully on the desks of those to whom I've sent them first thing in the morning. Now, about that rest...
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/oncamera-auditions.html

Food

I know the description of this blog mentions voiceovers, advertising agencies, etc., but one must fuel the system...and no one does it better than Lucia. We just enjoyed a new veggie pizza she invented that is absolutely the best I've ever eaten (topped off with a woody merlot...not on the pizza...in a glass). This must go in her new cookbook. Wow!
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/auditions.html

Dress for success

It's interesting, I find I sound better when I dress before sitting down in the studio to begin recording...a t-shirt and jeans just don't do it. No explaination, just the observation...dressing better equals a better sound (for me).
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/messageonhold.html

Writing...

A client called last week and asked if I would attend a "brain storming" session for an industrial video. The best part of the invitation was the offer of a pizza lunch...in a low carb world, that's an inducement. The day of the meeting the morning seemed to drag on forever as the image of the pizza filled my thoughts...then it was time for the meeting.
I arrived at the studio a few minutes early and immediately heard the owner's apology...the lunch had been cancelled, but they forgot to call me...nuts. I drove back to the condo and had a salad...
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/testimonials.html

Computers

The thing about computers is...they drive me nuts! Oh it's nice I can record voiceovers here in my studio and email them to clients, production houses or broadcast outlets without leaving home...I mean, that's really really nice. But computers, which I operate but don't understand, do things to me just when everything is going so well. Tonight I recorded a simple little 30 second spot and emailed it to the client and to myself (for QC). VIRUS is what my email program told me. So, an hour later with sweat pouring down my brow I send it again...not really knowing what I had done to fix it...but it worked! OK, is this like when I was young and would take things apart that were not working, put them back together and they worked? AAAHHH!
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/hiringavoice.html

Tea time...

There is nothing I enjoy more than a cup of hot tea after a long day (of course, that's after I've had a Manhattan). Right now, it's tea on the patio with lovely Lucia...then, back to work!
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/index.html

Time = Money

After finishing a recent project, the client called, approved the finished edit, but had a change in the copy she had supplied. No problem, people often have changes...but next she asked if it would cost anything to change the completed work! It is true, time is money and while changes can always be made, they must be paid for (unless I make a mistake...in which case it is my obligation to make the correction without charge).
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/related_links.html

Weekends

Weekends are when I get most of my work done...unless Lucia has a project for me. This weekend I'm building shelves for the storage area. Work will still be there when I get to it.
Bill

http://www.musicbuffet.net/sharp/millerclip.html

Voices of Baseball

Had breakfast this morning with a friend who has brought Ted Patterson to join us several times in the past. If you're not familiar with Ted, and you like sports and enjoy legendary announcers, check out two of his latest books: "The Golden Voices of Baseball" and "The Golden Voices of Football." Great reading and each includes a CD of some of the best moments in sports broadcasting.
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/auditions.html

A gem of an idea!

I had the opportunity to have lunch two weeks ago with Jon King, Sr. Vice President of Merchandising, of Tiffany's...you know, as in "Breakfast at." He told me at one time Tiffany's decided to compete with lower priced stores by offering gift items below $100. It did increase traffic and the number of sales, but the bottom line declined. With more people in the stores, the sales people couldn't devote time to each customer and customers accustomed to purchasing the higher dollar items found the crowded stores uncomfortable. Soon, against the advise of Wall Street and others, Tiffany's discontinued the lower priced merchandise, and sales receipts returned and surpassed their earlier levels.
Having more clients is not always the answer...having the right clients and providing your very best is...
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/oncamera-auditions.html

Ohio's treasure...Lake Erie

I spent almost a week last month on the shores of Lake Erie, it was great. While I was looking for new clients each day, I had plenty of time to enjoy the water, sun and fun to be found in and around our treasure to the North.
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/contact.html

I'm being sued and it stinks!

Yep, two people have filed against me for a car accident some four or five years ago. Due to the fact these two were under eighteen, the statutory time-limit to file doesn't begin until they reach that age of enlightenment.
Apparently, the scales fell from their eyes when...for example...the young man, who has spent the last three years in construction jobs, made a visit to a chiropractor complaining of a back pain subsequently assigned to the accident. Uh huh.
The depositions went well, the insurance company seems calm....it still bites!
Bill

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/brewsterscript.html

They get me every time.

I made a delivery to Wooster, Ohio, today...then took some time to shop and have lunch. I saw my favorite sign while there. There is a company with an entrance that is clearly marked: "Entrance Only" then beneath..."large trucks use North Entrance." When you get to the North Entrance it is clearly marked: "Exit Only" and beneath, "Large Trucks Enter Here." Apparently this is the area on earth where Only (capitalized) does not mean only...maybe Bill Clinton is making signs now!

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/related_links.html

I don't get it.

On my way to the office this morning I was listening to my usual drive-time radio station. Of course, I listen in a different way as I'm always paying attention to the commercials and promos instead of the news or music. One thing I noticed was the number of local advertisers who bought sixty (60) second spots. I know it makes sense from an economic point of view (a 30 second spot costs about 80% 0f a 60), but I heard lots of wasted time...which equals wasted money. Complicated plot lines, extraneous humor, and just plain fill...the "sell" could have been better delivered in a tight thirty.

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/hiringavoice.html

Rained out!

I try to get most of my recording done very early in the morning...before 5:00am on the mornings I don't run. But this morning there is a thunderstorm going past; as a result, I can't run and it's too loud to record any voice tracks. So, I'm working on some editing and making this entry waiting for everything to "blow over."

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/testimonials.html

Nice to have an office.

Sometimes it's nice to have an office to crawl into when everything else is swirling around. A few minutes ago our good friend, June, stopped by for tea. Soon I could tell that if I didn't get away I'd spend the rest of the evening in conversation...not that there's anything wrong with that...but I do have business to which I must attend.

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/auditions.html

I hate it when I can't deliver.

I recently completed a "message-on-hold" job for an Otolaryngologist's office, but now my contact isn't responding to approve, change, or just plain reject the piece. It drives me nuts when I don't hear anything on completion of a project!

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/messageonhold.html

Clients' questions!

I finished an article on clients either appearing in or providing voiceover for their own commercials yesterday, this morning two clients asked me what I thought about having them do their own on-camera. Life imitating art...
http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/shouldIappear.html

Sid Sizzle Returns

Just completed another "Sid Sizzle" commercial...it ain't art, but really pays the bills!

http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/index.html