Scratch Track or Audition?
Not long ago a potential client asked me to record a scratch track for her project. It’s a request I hear from time to time that generally requires a handful of emails to sort out. When I see the term scratch track in an email subject line, I start to feel itchy because I’m never sure exactly what I’m being asked to do. Let’s clarify the difference between a scratch track and an audition. Scratch Track To quote my colleague Tom Dheere: Scratch tracks are used as a placeholder to assist in the timing of a video [...]
VO Newbie: Part 2 Resources
This is a short list of resources to get you started on your VO journey. I’ve used many of them myself and others have been recommended by trusted colleagues. Classes for all levels Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, ongoing education will always be part of your career. Here are some excellent places to check out. Choose from in person and on-line education. The Voice Actors Studio (TVAS) Founded by Melissa and Troy Moats in 2015. Based in Las Vegas, NV, TVAS offers a range of classes and workshops in VO techniques and the business of voice [...]
VO Newbie: Part 1 Getting Started
I'm often asked for recommendations on starting a career as a voice actor. So, I thought I'd post some suggestions here, for all to see. I’ve identified four key ingredients for getting off to a good start. Once you read this post please read the VO Newbie Part 2 blog post for a list of related resources. One word of advice: Focus on acquiring skills and learning about the business for the first several months. Don’t be in a hurry to make a demo or look for an agent. You’ll get to that later. Be patient. Learn to walk [...]
How explainer videos are evolving in 2023
Today, businesses use video to teach and educate their teams in a more engaging and memorable way. Contrary to previous years, where marketing videos reigned supreme, the most common videos made by businesses were actually training videos. These videos are much more engaging than traditional live video conferences, and they allow viewers to pause and consume the information at their own pace. This is a real benefit when you're in your own space and trying to complete these training videos on your own time. READ THE FULL ARTICLE
Scratch Track or Audition?
Not long ago a potential client asked me to record a scratch track for her project. It’s a request I hear from time to time that generally requires a handful of emails to sort out. When I see the term scratch track in an email subject line, I start to feel itchy because I’m never sure exactly what I’m being asked to do. Let’s clarify the difference between a scratch track and an audition. Scratch Track To quote my colleague Tom Dheere: Scratch tracks are used as a placeholder to assist in the timing of a video [...]
VO Newbie: Part 2 Resources
This is a short list of resources to get you started on your VO journey. I’ve used many of them myself and others have been recommended by trusted colleagues. Classes for all levels Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, ongoing education will always be part of your career. Here are some excellent places to check out. Choose from in person and on-line education. The Voice Actors Studio (TVAS) Founded by Melissa and Troy Moats in 2015. Based in Las Vegas, NV, TVAS offers a range of classes and workshops in VO techniques and the business of voice [...]
VO Newbie: Part 1 Getting Started
I'm often asked for recommendations on starting a career as a voice actor. So, I thought I'd post some suggestions here, for all to see. I’ve identified four key ingredients for getting off to a good start. Once you read this post please read the VO Newbie Part 2 blog post for a list of related resources. One word of advice: Focus on acquiring skills and learning about the business for the first several months. Don’t be in a hurry to make a demo or look for an agent. You’ll get to that later. Be patient. Learn to walk [...]
How explainer videos are evolving in 2023
Today, businesses use video to teach and educate their teams in a more engaging and memorable way. Contrary to previous years, where marketing videos reigned supreme, the most common videos made by businesses were actually training videos. These videos are much more engaging than traditional live video conferences, and they allow viewers to pause and consume the information at their own pace. This is a real benefit when you're in your own space and trying to complete these training videos on your own time. READ THE FULL ARTICLE