After finishing the recordings, what two days ago.... I set out on a goal. As a non-union voice actor, the money stream has kind of forced me into sublet situations because let's face it, it's not steady work, it's at best freelance. So, signing leases ain't in my future. Unfortunately, I have to move out on January 1st. Being my first NYE in NyC I kind of thought that it wasn't going to happen solely on the moving fact. Combine that with this audiobook which I have to get done by January 1st. (mostly on principle not so much on deadline) I wasn't going to do anything NYE.
Today, the day before NYE, I just went on an editing rampage, managing to edit together the ENTIRE remainder of the book, probably 14 chapters worth, in 1 day.
There are a couple of cons to this.
1) BURNOUT: Right now, I dont wanna touch another audiobook for at least a few weeks.
2) FLUBS: There may be a few pickups needed to redo. Brain may have fried.
PROS which I obviously subliminal understood as priority.
1) NYE dont have to work.
2) I can move on NYE without any problems.
3) No stress for NYE and New Years day. Only have to move.
4) Happier me.
This was a real feat for me. I think you learn something when you challenge yourself. My big learning thing, is that I will only do this job for 2x the money from NOW on.
But, this was a trilogy, so in a way I feel great for doing it. It's kind of everything I wanted to do as a voice actor. The LOTR for young adults. Weird accents, arrows, staffs, magic, kingdoms and monsters made of emerald. LOVE IT!!!! and DONE!!!!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
So there went Christmas and What have we done
Here i am sitting at my computer 3:47 am in amazement. I am officially done RECORDING (not editing) all of my audiobook called "Circle of Sorcerers: Immortals of Myrdwyer". I had set out with a goal of recording all of this 31st. SO I'M EARLY, now I've just got to edit.
For those who don't know what I mean, here's my explanation. There are two ways to record audiobooks the easy way and MY way. Easy way is called punch and roll, unfortunately, I can't do that. 1) it requires that you have a computer nearby (my desktop is noisy) 2) I just don't really know how one person can do it.
I've recorded smaller audiobooks in studios. Non-union as well off of V123. That was punch and roll. Me, I basically record the chapter all the way through, just repeating lines until I feel that they've been said correctly then at the end of every chapter. I render it and then I edit it using a film editing software. (I was a major in Film in college and know how to edit)
So, in my mind there is a list for audiobooks. One side is recording, the other is editing. And editing takes a tad longer. Pros of EDITING are: Can be done at anytime (can be noisy) CONS of editing LONG TIME..... Pros of Recording: Less time and more fun. CREATIVE. CONS of recording: gotta have a quiet place.
I've been unfortunate to have to move on January 1st, which means, NO V-O and if I dare try, I may not be able to produce. Also, a few extra roommates are on the couch, so the sound levels are gonna go UP. I literally do my recording after midnight. SO I'M STOKED but I have LOTS Of work to do.
COOL THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VO
1) Repeat Business happens. This is my third audiobook of this series. Also, I am constantly asked to do more jobs by people I work with. They know the quality and they like the price. Use it. If someone messages you saying, "We didnt choose you but we loved your audition" say thanks!!. It happens.
2) Make sure to be clear that a LOT of REWRITING of scripts = MORE money. I usually give minor rewrites, like sentences and what not for free. But after the first run, I say, "I can't do too more of these because at this point I am reading a whole new script". I did this recently with a job that was bad on grammar. He ended up sending me a redo of the job that was through voices as another job entirely. If you're rate is low, these things happen. In the 100-250 range, I go for $100. Sure it's the low man but repeat business and redo's of scripts gets those to add up.
3) Always backup the RAW of your latest stuff, ESPECIALLY audiobooks. KEEP THE RAW until that book is being sold. It's a LOT of space, but you never know. If you lose that, it's gonna hurt.
Take care everyone. I hope to edit the next 18 chapters within the next 1-3 days. OUCH! long way to go.
For those who don't know what I mean, here's my explanation. There are two ways to record audiobooks the easy way and MY way. Easy way is called punch and roll, unfortunately, I can't do that. 1) it requires that you have a computer nearby (my desktop is noisy) 2) I just don't really know how one person can do it.
I've recorded smaller audiobooks in studios. Non-union as well off of V123. That was punch and roll. Me, I basically record the chapter all the way through, just repeating lines until I feel that they've been said correctly then at the end of every chapter. I render it and then I edit it using a film editing software. (I was a major in Film in college and know how to edit)
So, in my mind there is a list for audiobooks. One side is recording, the other is editing. And editing takes a tad longer. Pros of EDITING are: Can be done at anytime (can be noisy) CONS of editing LONG TIME..... Pros of Recording: Less time and more fun. CREATIVE. CONS of recording: gotta have a quiet place.
I've been unfortunate to have to move on January 1st, which means, NO V-O and if I dare try, I may not be able to produce. Also, a few extra roommates are on the couch, so the sound levels are gonna go UP. I literally do my recording after midnight. SO I'M STOKED but I have LOTS Of work to do.
COOL THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VO
1) Repeat Business happens. This is my third audiobook of this series. Also, I am constantly asked to do more jobs by people I work with. They know the quality and they like the price. Use it. If someone messages you saying, "We didnt choose you but we loved your audition" say thanks!!. It happens.
2) Make sure to be clear that a LOT of REWRITING of scripts = MORE money. I usually give minor rewrites, like sentences and what not for free. But after the first run, I say, "I can't do too more of these because at this point I am reading a whole new script". I did this recently with a job that was bad on grammar. He ended up sending me a redo of the job that was through voices as another job entirely. If you're rate is low, these things happen. In the 100-250 range, I go for $100. Sure it's the low man but repeat business and redo's of scripts gets those to add up.
3) Always backup the RAW of your latest stuff, ESPECIALLY audiobooks. KEEP THE RAW until that book is being sold. It's a LOT of space, but you never know. If you lose that, it's gonna hurt.
Take care everyone. I hope to edit the next 18 chapters within the next 1-3 days. OUCH! long way to go.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Christmas Day and working on a VO Book
Today was Christmas. Unfortunately, I'm away from family in California, but I've got a lot of work to do on my audiobook. I scheduled out 2 chapters a day to get it done by the new year.
Another crink in my schedule, I'm moving from one sublet to another on January 1st. So, I have to be done with this audiobook by then AND moved out. So, the time that I have is short but if I really work hard, I can do this.
I've found a few things about recording audiobooks.
1) It's about 3-4 to 1 for hours of work. 8 hour book, takes about 24-32 hours.
2) It's cheap. Under 100 a recorded hour and its minimum wage. 150-200 and at least it feels like profit.
3) Pickups are going to happen. So you'll need the edited and RAW recordings available to edit though those.
4) There is a brain burnout point. Where you can't read or listen to anything.
Today, I edited one recording, took care of a few chapters of pickups for an older audiobook (still not paid for yet eck), and recording 4 chapters of the audiobook. I'm officially 2 days ahead. Here it is almost 4 am and I'm tempted to do another chapter just for that.
I haven't done any auditions because right now, this audiobook is killing my time. You may find that audiobooks are huge commitments and not work your time but in the end, I love them.
Sometimes you have to remind yourself if this is really a job.
Another crink in my schedule, I'm moving from one sublet to another on January 1st. So, I have to be done with this audiobook by then AND moved out. So, the time that I have is short but if I really work hard, I can do this.
I've found a few things about recording audiobooks.
1) It's about 3-4 to 1 for hours of work. 8 hour book, takes about 24-32 hours.
2) It's cheap. Under 100 a recorded hour and its minimum wage. 150-200 and at least it feels like profit.
3) Pickups are going to happen. So you'll need the edited and RAW recordings available to edit though those.
4) There is a brain burnout point. Where you can't read or listen to anything.
Today, I edited one recording, took care of a few chapters of pickups for an older audiobook (still not paid for yet eck), and recording 4 chapters of the audiobook. I'm officially 2 days ahead. Here it is almost 4 am and I'm tempted to do another chapter just for that.
I haven't done any auditions because right now, this audiobook is killing my time. You may find that audiobooks are huge commitments and not work your time but in the end, I love them.
Sometimes you have to remind yourself if this is really a job.
Monday, December 24, 2012
A Long Christmas EVE Part 1?
Aside from that last post, here I am on Christmas Midnight. Getting ready to do another voiceover run.
Today was ridiculously productive. I recorded up to Chapter 9 of my procrastinated audiobook. Unfortunately, I've only edited 2 chapters. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of punch and roll technology so I have to do the old fashioned way, just listening and editing out the problems.
So, I recorded about 3 and a half chapters. Plus, since I'm a night owl, I have about 4 more hours to do a few more chapters.
I also had a few revisions to do on my weekend jobs. The first few were obvious my bads. But, I got them all done, one of the problems was with a voice mail, I said"If you wish to reach your party dial their extension at anytime", but the script said "If you wish to reach your party dial their extension destination at anytime".
That's kind of the deal with non-union scripts some of them are downright weird. The author had a few problems with past tense as well. Luckily, those weren't revised.
Also, I had finished an audiobook awhile back and posted the pickups for the publishing company. Then the client said, if you think you can input the pickups yourself we'll pay you more. Mind you I sent these pickups a week ago, so I thought they had at least gotten started. Anways, I say "Yea, I'd love to do my pickups", thinking it was for future books. Then I get an email saying, can you get those done by Wednesday.
Luckily doing pickups in the Editing your own audio HELL, is pretty easy. It's just the uploading that's the problem. There are 25 chapters and each takes an hour to upload. Just a pain, but it's extra cash. I needs it. It's my lot in life. It ain't a lot but its my life. hehe. I'll probably post a part 2 of this to see if my productivity goes through the roof tonight.
Today was ridiculously productive. I recorded up to Chapter 9 of my procrastinated audiobook. Unfortunately, I've only edited 2 chapters. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of punch and roll technology so I have to do the old fashioned way, just listening and editing out the problems.
So, I recorded about 3 and a half chapters. Plus, since I'm a night owl, I have about 4 more hours to do a few more chapters.
I also had a few revisions to do on my weekend jobs. The first few were obvious my bads. But, I got them all done, one of the problems was with a voice mail, I said"If you wish to reach your party dial their extension at anytime", but the script said "If you wish to reach your party dial their extension destination at anytime".
That's kind of the deal with non-union scripts some of them are downright weird. The author had a few problems with past tense as well. Luckily, those weren't revised.
Also, I had finished an audiobook awhile back and posted the pickups for the publishing company. Then the client said, if you think you can input the pickups yourself we'll pay you more. Mind you I sent these pickups a week ago, so I thought they had at least gotten started. Anways, I say "Yea, I'd love to do my pickups", thinking it was for future books. Then I get an email saying, can you get those done by Wednesday.
Luckily doing pickups in the Editing your own audio HELL, is pretty easy. It's just the uploading that's the problem. There are 25 chapters and each takes an hour to upload. Just a pain, but it's extra cash. I needs it. It's my lot in life. It ain't a lot but its my life. hehe. I'll probably post a part 2 of this to see if my productivity goes through the roof tonight.
Dealing with The Voice123 problem client
There is a client that I worked for with Voice 123 that assigned me a job on October 18th and I did it within 2-3 days. A month later, I ask where's the payment. He responds. I've actually got some more videos for you to narrate but I need them done tomorrow, can you just invoice me for both. After putting the files up and sending invoices on November 18th. He proceeds to drop off of the planet.
I send emails on Dec 3rd, December 5th, December 15th, I make a call to his company leave a message. NOTHING!!! NOTHING at all.
I make a ticket to Voice123, not much else I can do.
It's now Christmas eve and I go on youtube and there is my voice. So I comment, saying contact me asap, you are using my voice without paying for it.
ALAS!!! An email comes in toothsweet, talking about how unprofessional I am.
This is what is going to happen as a Non-Union artist. I may be getting screwed over. That's why V123 is so much of a wildcard and Voices.com is MUCH BETTER. I'm not going through an agent so I am definitely vulnerable.
If this guys pays me or responds to me within two days, then I wont post. But, if he doesn't, I will respond, I will most certainly put up the company name on my blog.
I just really hate this situation. It's so cheap a job. They are paying a tiny amount in comparison to represented V-O artists. I've trained with NYC casting directors. I'm with a union agency, but I haven't turned union. You're getting a great product, don't try and screw another person over. Especially, when they are as poor as I am.
I send emails on Dec 3rd, December 5th, December 15th, I make a call to his company leave a message. NOTHING!!! NOTHING at all.
I make a ticket to Voice123, not much else I can do.
It's now Christmas eve and I go on youtube and there is my voice. So I comment, saying contact me asap, you are using my voice without paying for it.
ALAS!!! An email comes in toothsweet, talking about how unprofessional I am.
This is what is going to happen as a Non-Union artist. I may be getting screwed over. That's why V123 is so much of a wildcard and Voices.com is MUCH BETTER. I'm not going through an agent so I am definitely vulnerable.
If this guys pays me or responds to me within two days, then I wont post. But, if he doesn't, I will respond, I will most certainly put up the company name on my blog.
I just really hate this situation. It's so cheap a job. They are paying a tiny amount in comparison to represented V-O artists. I've trained with NYC casting directors. I'm with a union agency, but I haven't turned union. You're getting a great product, don't try and screw another person over. Especially, when they are as poor as I am.
12-24-12 Another Late Night
Considering the possibility of the end of the world combined with holiday parties and improv shows and friends leaving for other states. I pretty much took a few days off. I believe it was like thu-sunday. Luckily, during that time some jobs happened.
Thursday, i got a message for a Organic food commercial thing, asking if they gave me the job could I do both commercials. Once again, on the cheap but I was fine. At the minimum for voices, its $100. Gotta pay rent. Cant make money by saying no. She also wanted it by Friday, i think, so it had to be done now.
The other job I got was from Voice123, it's kind of a chicken shoot about getting paid but so far I've only been stiffed once. Worth it because I've gotten LOTS of jobs there. So anyway this is for a radio commercial for a gym. They ask for me to match the same inflection as their guy.
For this problem, I record the audio of the video with my phone. Iphone has a good app for that. Then I play it near my microphone as I record. Sentence by sentence repeating. It's simple and easy.
Unfortunately, the tendency of most clients to know exactly how they want something to sound. The more detailed, the more possibility they won't like it. I usually end up just doing it my way and they just say, that's better. But, give em what they want first.
I spent an extra late night doing the recording of those two parts. Then I started my weekend of fun.
On friday of my fun weekend, I got a call from a guy from voices saying he wanted me for a corporate audiobook and a voicemail. Wanted me to call him. ALWAYS call back asap. If they haven't awarded the job, get them on the phone. He basically wanted to know how fast i could get it done. I said Sunday night. He says that multiple jobs will come my way because of this. I've heard that a lot before. But, who knows? may happen.
So, here i am exhausted at 5am on Monday (christmas eve) just finished uploading the Corporate audiobook, uploaded the gym commercial, uploaded that organic one like on Friday. Now, I'm just waiting for the guy to give me the vmail job so I can upload that as well.
Also, I am now 2 chapters behind on my audiobook. ARGH!!! Luckily I have christmas and what not.
Thursday, i got a message for a Organic food commercial thing, asking if they gave me the job could I do both commercials. Once again, on the cheap but I was fine. At the minimum for voices, its $100. Gotta pay rent. Cant make money by saying no. She also wanted it by Friday, i think, so it had to be done now.
The other job I got was from Voice123, it's kind of a chicken shoot about getting paid but so far I've only been stiffed once. Worth it because I've gotten LOTS of jobs there. So anyway this is for a radio commercial for a gym. They ask for me to match the same inflection as their guy.
For this problem, I record the audio of the video with my phone. Iphone has a good app for that. Then I play it near my microphone as I record. Sentence by sentence repeating. It's simple and easy.
Unfortunately, the tendency of most clients to know exactly how they want something to sound. The more detailed, the more possibility they won't like it. I usually end up just doing it my way and they just say, that's better. But, give em what they want first.
I spent an extra late night doing the recording of those two parts. Then I started my weekend of fun.
On friday of my fun weekend, I got a call from a guy from voices saying he wanted me for a corporate audiobook and a voicemail. Wanted me to call him. ALWAYS call back asap. If they haven't awarded the job, get them on the phone. He basically wanted to know how fast i could get it done. I said Sunday night. He says that multiple jobs will come my way because of this. I've heard that a lot before. But, who knows? may happen.
So, here i am exhausted at 5am on Monday (christmas eve) just finished uploading the Corporate audiobook, uploaded the gym commercial, uploaded that organic one like on Friday. Now, I'm just waiting for the guy to give me the vmail job so I can upload that as well.
Also, I am now 2 chapters behind on my audiobook. ARGH!!! Luckily I have christmas and what not.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
12-19-12 A Late Night
Ended up getting home pretty late and procrastinated a bit.
I know I need to average 2 chapters a day to get my audiobook done. So far, I've just recorded 2 chapters not edited. So, I get down to late night and say "I Gotta get some chapters done." I get chapter 3 done. It feels good, I think you get into a groove with audiobooks, where you feel like you can go paragraphs without a problem. The only thing that slows you is your voice or if you start getting tired.
Two things suck for audiobooks. Tired and Congestion. Tired comes in two places Morning and Night. Though I'd love to do audiobooks all night. It usually is limited to once I get tired. If you get drowsy, you may lose sentences, characters and just start stuttering. I've had it happen, your brain literally explodes.
So I finish chapter 3, but deep down I think I must do my auditions. A non-union vo who doesn't keep all the v123 and voices audition slate entirely empty is someone who is choosing not to work.
It sucks but you have to audition all the time. The money is there if you keep auditioning. I don't know how many times an audiobook has just pulled me out of auditioning and it kind of killed me. Not only are audiobooks hard and not very lucrative, they take the vo life out of you and you end up not wanting to audition.
Anyway, so I did one chapter and what looked like maybe 13 auditions. We'll see. My turnaround is pretty good, I'd say I get one out of 15 jobs. Usually the cheap ends but occasionally I pull a big one. We shall see. Fingers crossed.
I know I need to average 2 chapters a day to get my audiobook done. So far, I've just recorded 2 chapters not edited. So, I get down to late night and say "I Gotta get some chapters done." I get chapter 3 done. It feels good, I think you get into a groove with audiobooks, where you feel like you can go paragraphs without a problem. The only thing that slows you is your voice or if you start getting tired.
Two things suck for audiobooks. Tired and Congestion. Tired comes in two places Morning and Night. Though I'd love to do audiobooks all night. It usually is limited to once I get tired. If you get drowsy, you may lose sentences, characters and just start stuttering. I've had it happen, your brain literally explodes.
So I finish chapter 3, but deep down I think I must do my auditions. A non-union vo who doesn't keep all the v123 and voices audition slate entirely empty is someone who is choosing not to work.
It sucks but you have to audition all the time. The money is there if you keep auditioning. I don't know how many times an audiobook has just pulled me out of auditioning and it kind of killed me. Not only are audiobooks hard and not very lucrative, they take the vo life out of you and you end up not wanting to audition.
Anyway, so I did one chapter and what looked like maybe 13 auditions. We'll see. My turnaround is pretty good, I'd say I get one out of 15 jobs. Usually the cheap ends but occasionally I pull a big one. We shall see. Fingers crossed.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
12-18-2012 Audiobook back and Videogame done
Today I had a few jobs to do. Audition/Do a VideoGame job and start this bloody audiobook.
I woke up late as always, tis the life of a non-union vo artist. Anywho, my timing is horrible, sometimes I have to record in between blasting tv shows and violin music but i get by.
I went ahead and did a videogame v-o. Nothing big, probably a point and click. My impression of videogame v-o is kind of like being on the edge of cartoon. So, You have to be a little on edge. If there's an exclamation point bring it home. I realized I put a lot of breathing into it but the character seemed like he was in fear and desperation mode so you just give it that love. As far as my last project, haven't gotten an email of changes.
Usually with clients (voices and v123), I've found a few important things.
1) They want it quick and will give you that deadline quick. "Could we get it by tomorrow".
2) They won't email you back when they get it.
3) They may forget to send the check.
I've actually been emailing and calling a guy I did 2 jobs for. I may be out 300 from this. I have v123 on the case. But, this is the caveat of V123, this may happen. Though this is the first I've seen of this and I've been 3 years in.
Anyways, I finish the game voices and do the auditions but I forget to edit and send them out. About 5 hours later I get around to it. Eck!! The thing about voices.com is that you really wanna get into the top 30, 50-70 are maybes. Over 100, you're just praying.
Late at night, I say lets do this. I get onto the Circle Of Sorcerer's book and 2 chapters are recorded. The good thing about recording audiobooks is that the recording is separate from the editing, tomorrow when there's noise I'll edit the two. But, I finally got the ball rolling.
While reading the audiobook, I felt really smooth. I think I feel kind of in a groove with audiobooks. If you are flubbing audiobooks, SLOW down, take that second to look forward in the sentence. Take those breaths. You'll do awesome.
Hopefully I can keep this up!!!
I woke up late as always, tis the life of a non-union vo artist. Anywho, my timing is horrible, sometimes I have to record in between blasting tv shows and violin music but i get by.
I went ahead and did a videogame v-o. Nothing big, probably a point and click. My impression of videogame v-o is kind of like being on the edge of cartoon. So, You have to be a little on edge. If there's an exclamation point bring it home. I realized I put a lot of breathing into it but the character seemed like he was in fear and desperation mode so you just give it that love. As far as my last project, haven't gotten an email of changes.
Usually with clients (voices and v123), I've found a few important things.
1) They want it quick and will give you that deadline quick. "Could we get it by tomorrow".
2) They won't email you back when they get it.
3) They may forget to send the check.
I've actually been emailing and calling a guy I did 2 jobs for. I may be out 300 from this. I have v123 on the case. But, this is the caveat of V123, this may happen. Though this is the first I've seen of this and I've been 3 years in.
Anyways, I finish the game voices and do the auditions but I forget to edit and send them out. About 5 hours later I get around to it. Eck!! The thing about voices.com is that you really wanna get into the top 30, 50-70 are maybes. Over 100, you're just praying.
Late at night, I say lets do this. I get onto the Circle Of Sorcerer's book and 2 chapters are recorded. The good thing about recording audiobooks is that the recording is separate from the editing, tomorrow when there's noise I'll edit the two. But, I finally got the ball rolling.
While reading the audiobook, I felt really smooth. I think I feel kind of in a groove with audiobooks. If you are flubbing audiobooks, SLOW down, take that second to look forward in the sentence. Take those breaths. You'll do awesome.
Hopefully I can keep this up!!!
Monday, December 17, 2012
12-15-2012 Technically
Alright so last night I was only able to get about 3/4 of the project done for audiobook. It's a small audiobook but very business oriented. So I got home at about midnight tonight and finished the book.
The thing about voices is that my actual client marked it as Completed. Great! But I havent uploaded any files. Luckily, I have a dropbox available and have been contacting her through email so this should go pretty quick. It's about a 34 minute audiofile. I'm sending the Mp3 right now and I'll upload the wav file during the night.
It's a huge relief to get this done. But, now the thing that is on my mind is my Circle of Sorcerers book, which is about the same job payment as this one only probably about 6 and half more hours of recording. Eck!!!
Luckily, I'm not going to be doing much over christmas break, so I can definitely be working then. My expectations of this project, I'll probably get a small redo here and there but it was pretty smooth in my opinion.
Thus is the life of a non-union voice artist. Tomorrow back to auditioning over and over with my fingers crossed.
The thing about voices is that my actual client marked it as Completed. Great! But I havent uploaded any files. Luckily, I have a dropbox available and have been contacting her through email so this should go pretty quick. It's about a 34 minute audiofile. I'm sending the Mp3 right now and I'll upload the wav file during the night.
It's a huge relief to get this done. But, now the thing that is on my mind is my Circle of Sorcerers book, which is about the same job payment as this one only probably about 6 and half more hours of recording. Eck!!!
Luckily, I'm not going to be doing much over christmas break, so I can definitely be working then. My expectations of this project, I'll probably get a small redo here and there but it was pretty smooth in my opinion.
Thus is the life of a non-union voice artist. Tomorrow back to auditioning over and over with my fingers crossed.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Day One December 15, 2012.
I got home after some improv training today thinking. GOTTA DO SOME AUDITIONS.
Voices.com and Voice123 are my audition sites. That's where I make money on a weekly basis. Problem is, it's a rat race. Get to em first and your chances are better than getting to em later.
These tonight, are late auditions.
Ya gotta kind of time it right. I have a roommate, whose a great guy but late night is the best time for V/o, no noise, nothing.
11:15pm, 12 auditions done and sent off.
I did audiowork for this one law firm thing and they told me that their numbers were off so I had to basically redo a portion of the script. This happens. Non-union jobs are from everywhere so the english isn't great. I made sure to tell them that if they have any other rewrites it would cost extra.
Remember that, you can only give so much. As non-union talent, you aren't pushovers.
Anyway, I finished that. Now, I'm just waiting to take on the monster. A 5 page training document that I hope to get done tonight to free up tomorrow. Also from Voices.com. It's a good paying job, will take care of half my rent. And I can definitely get it done in a night. So, I'm stoked.
On the horizon, Circle Of Sorcerers Audiobook #3, a project I signed on for last month and I have been lazy and haven't worked on it because another audiobook jumped in the middle. It's basically the smallest amount of money I'd be willing to take but I'll do it because it keeps me in NYC where I love to be.
Problem is, I'm procrastinating. Audiobooks, when you produce them yourself. TAKE FOREVER. I wouldn't say it's minimum wage but it takes awhile. I have to get it done in 2 weeks. 200 pages. Wish me luck.
Voices.com and Voice123 are my audition sites. That's where I make money on a weekly basis. Problem is, it's a rat race. Get to em first and your chances are better than getting to em later.
These tonight, are late auditions.
Ya gotta kind of time it right. I have a roommate, whose a great guy but late night is the best time for V/o, no noise, nothing.
11:15pm, 12 auditions done and sent off.
I did audiowork for this one law firm thing and they told me that their numbers were off so I had to basically redo a portion of the script. This happens. Non-union jobs are from everywhere so the english isn't great. I made sure to tell them that if they have any other rewrites it would cost extra.
Remember that, you can only give so much. As non-union talent, you aren't pushovers.
Anyway, I finished that. Now, I'm just waiting to take on the monster. A 5 page training document that I hope to get done tonight to free up tomorrow. Also from Voices.com. It's a good paying job, will take care of half my rent. And I can definitely get it done in a night. So, I'm stoked.
On the horizon, Circle Of Sorcerers Audiobook #3, a project I signed on for last month and I have been lazy and haven't worked on it because another audiobook jumped in the middle. It's basically the smallest amount of money I'd be willing to take but I'll do it because it keeps me in NYC where I love to be.
Problem is, I'm procrastinating. Audiobooks, when you produce them yourself. TAKE FOREVER. I wouldn't say it's minimum wage but it takes awhile. I have to get it done in 2 weeks. 200 pages. Wish me luck.
Where I'm At!!
My name is Justin D. Torres. I came to NYC in early 2012, with the goal to be a voice over artist. I've done the odd gig or two with voices and voice123 but I want the big stuff so I came here.
I took the classes at Actors Access, it was alright at best. I was recommended to work with Dorianne Elliot, so I started taking classes with her. http://dorianeelliott.com/
She is amazing, she loves her students and will be 100 percent honest with you after the first one on one. She gives you homework and expects you to do it. She's also the most supportive person ever. As a casting director, she calls me in for both non-union and union auditions all the time.
Next up was Roger Becker, of Shutupandtalk.com. This guy knows his stuff. He's a casting director at Justvoices. He has a 6-8 week class where he just directs you and tells you everything you need to know about the voice over industry. He is amazing.
By combining the two and getting my demo done with Dori, I was able to pull Access Talent a voice over only agency. I was also able to get some non-union freelance on camera representation but since they dont have me for v/o, I rarely get auditions. Dori kind of warned me about jumping onto the first v-o agency that wanted me but they have treated me very well and I've been getting a lot of auditions.
Unfortunately, I haven't pulled any big jobs. Though the chances have been there. The question is how have I been able to support myself in the most expensive city of NYC. This is what the blog is about. Non-union voice over work.
I'll admit, I ain't rich. And I'm not taking vacations or running around town living it up. But, I am making it. Much more than I expected. This is just what I do now, while I wait to hit it big, so to speak. We shall see.
I took the classes at Actors Access, it was alright at best. I was recommended to work with Dorianne Elliot, so I started taking classes with her. http://dorianeelliott.com/
She is amazing, she loves her students and will be 100 percent honest with you after the first one on one. She gives you homework and expects you to do it. She's also the most supportive person ever. As a casting director, she calls me in for both non-union and union auditions all the time.
Next up was Roger Becker, of Shutupandtalk.com. This guy knows his stuff. He's a casting director at Justvoices. He has a 6-8 week class where he just directs you and tells you everything you need to know about the voice over industry. He is amazing.
By combining the two and getting my demo done with Dori, I was able to pull Access Talent a voice over only agency. I was also able to get some non-union freelance on camera representation but since they dont have me for v/o, I rarely get auditions. Dori kind of warned me about jumping onto the first v-o agency that wanted me but they have treated me very well and I've been getting a lot of auditions.
Unfortunately, I haven't pulled any big jobs. Though the chances have been there. The question is how have I been able to support myself in the most expensive city of NYC. This is what the blog is about. Non-union voice over work.
I'll admit, I ain't rich. And I'm not taking vacations or running around town living it up. But, I am making it. Much more than I expected. This is just what I do now, while I wait to hit it big, so to speak. We shall see.
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