Voiceover can be such an isolating profession. Today, most of us have home studios and can spend long hours alone in a very small space…. Sometimes, I get a little stir crazy and need human contact!
I am also a believer in continuing education, in any profession. I’m like a shark, I need to keep movin’. So when the chance came to meet some of my VO friends in person and hob nob with VO legends in the industry, I jumped at the chance!
So, this Fall, I went to LA for Randy Thomas’ VO Mastery conference! Randy Thomas, is a groundbreaking voiceover artist and currently the voice of the Oscars. Each year, she puts on an amazing event where you can meet industry legends, mingle with casting directors, agents, the best voice over coaches in the business, get practical information on how to improve your craft, products that contribute not only to vocal health, but bank account health as well!
Well, right before I got off the plane, I wondered if it would be weird, I mean, after all, I barely knew these people. Many of my “friends” I had only seen pictures of on Facebook and others I had previously met via Skype or Zoom sessions. I’m happy to report that as soon as we saw each other, the bonds that had formed were real. It was so wonderful to meet these people face to face.
During the whirlwind weekend, there were panel discussions with agents, animation actors, vocal coaches, representatives from demo players companies, website builders, business advisers, vocal health experts..whew! They were all very informative-I didn’t leave a single one of these sessions without a serious “Ah Ha” moment! My only complaint is that they were too short.
However, the thrill of the weekend were the 2 small group Promo workshops I attended. I was able to get in the recording booth and read in front of Joe Cipriano and David Kaye. At first, I admit, I was super intimidated -I mean come on, these are two of the biggest names in VO. They make it look and sound effortless! As we began to work, I forgot to be nervous and realized that this was where my heart and soul belongs. Their instruction changed how I view and approach voiceover, and I am grateful for opportunity to have been in the same room with them.
While some folks may bemoan the advent of social media, I have found it to be a lifesaver-not only have I been able to make business contacts that have propelled my business but I have made real, true friends.
However, my biggest takeaway from the VO Mastery experience is that all of these folks, some with decades of experience, love this business as much as I do. Yes, there is oodles of talent involved, but it’s also about passion and lots and lots and lots of hard work.
For more information about this fantastic conference visit http://randythomaspresents.com
