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