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
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Saturday, August 27, 2005
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
"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
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
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
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
Friday, August 12, 2005
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
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
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
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
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
Monday, August 08, 2005
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/
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
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
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
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
Sunday, August 07, 2005
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
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
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
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
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
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
Saturday, August 06, 2005
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Friday, August 05, 2005
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
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
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
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
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
http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/testimonials.html
Thursday, August 04, 2005
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
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
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
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
http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/index.html
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