Happy 2014!
I have to say that, for me, 2013 was an incredible year. A year of dramatic ups and downs. A year that introduced new, and some completely unexpected, opportunities. As I look ahead to 2014, I know that change is in the air. Much of the groundwork for that change was laid this past year. The beginning of the new year is a time when most of us set goals and make resolutions. So, one of my goals for the new year is to focus on performance. Not just mine, but yours as well.
If you are working as, or wanting to become, a voice talent… this year could be a great year of change for you too.
Here is some good news, the technical side of voice work is getting easier. Manufacturers are introducing products that help take the recording environment out of the equation. From microphones that attempt to eliminate or adjust for room acoustics to better portable booths and other acoustic control devices, this area of recording technology continues to develop and improve.
ISDN… I think we all can see where and how that is going. Thankfully, voiceover talent finally have some alternatives entering the market that are both cost effective and easy to use. Best of all, they don’t require additional hardware to use them. (currently SoundStreak and ipDTL).
Accessibility and acoustics matter greatly and it is clear that our industry is helping to drive the demand for cheaper, easier, more effective and more reliable solutions in these areas. As they improve, the playing field will be leveled even further and vocal quality and performance will become even more singular differentiating factors among voice actors. All of that being said… you should still buy my book Sound Advice – Voiceover From An Audio Engineer’s Perspective. 😉
I encourage everyone with the passion and drive required towork in the voiceover industry to focus on your performance and deliveries first. If you are new to the industry, focus on getting proper training. If you’re already a working pro, invite a second set of ears to offer direction on your auditions. It certainly can not hurt.
As for my personal focus and goals for this year, I am expanding my teaching focus to include performance. I have been invited to teach voiceover at the Screen Artists Co-op in Asheville, NC. So, if you have an interest in voiceover and live in Asheville, Greenville or the surrounding areas, I hope you will come check out the Co-op. I have been focusing on performance by taking acting classes there since June (I begin my third block later this month) and can tell you it has been one of the best experiences of my adult life. Of course I will never abandon my love of production, mixing and recording technology or my willingness to share the knowledge I have gained in these areas with voice actors. If you think I am the right person to help you or a friend in any of these areas of the voiceover industry, please let me know.
I wish you all the best for the new year. I hope everyone has a happy, healthy and phenomenally successful 2014!
