Book Description
An inspirational real world practical handbook for nayone seeking a career in the highly lucrative field of voice-over acting.
Customer Reviews:
Genius!!.......2007-07-26
Like a good song that make you get up and move, this book is pure inspiration! The stories are told in a way that gives you the experience of discovering the truth of your own heart. I appreciate the contributors' honest accounts of their setbacks, and discomforts. I also wanted to know what the professionals learned on their way to reaching the pinnacle of their success. Most of all, it delivers a powerful message of having the nerve to turn out the odds. It stimulated my conscience in a way that even my understanding of passion elevated to another level.
Even though I'm not a voice over actor, I'm still an actor who audition on a regular basis. The principles are the same and I've had to refer to the lessons more than a few times. Needless to say, this book has served me very well. I applied the lessons to my line of work and have gotten amazing results.
It is your soul that will find food here. Unless you put the suggestions to practice, the secrets will pass you by leaving you once again with frustration and doubt. In other words, this book will point you into the direction of your hearts' desire. If you follow your heart, "Secrets" will find and move you in some way. Only when ready to receive new information will your thirst for knowledge and a new point of view expand. After reading, I asked myself, do I dare? The stories in this book tells me the answer is a question of courage and effort; a question of desire. We either love/enjoy our labor or not. It's for each us to decide.
Certainly, you'll get a second wind after reading this gem of a book called, Secrets of Voice Over Success.
Joan:
You and the other contributors' courage have encouraged me. If just one soul is empowered, that's valid enough. And, you've even managed to find a creative way to enlarge the vision of humanity by contributing to a good cause such as the Alzheimer's Association. Bravo!!! Your work is a perfect expression of love in action! Now suddenly the impossible seems possible!
A Bible for VO artists.......2007-07-23
This book does what no other VO book has. It puts aspiring VO talent into the world of successful VO talent. Every other book I've looked at is a technical guide...dry and dull. Training is important and I've had my share but this book answers all the FAQ's the other books miss. If you want to make a living at VO this is a must have.
GREAT INSIGHTS FROM SUCCESSFUL VO PROS!.......2007-07-21
One of the most common question questions I hear in the Los Angeles voice over world is how did the big guns get to the top. Well, this book uses standardized interview questions to 19 of the top vo talent in the U.S., Joan herself being one of them. You couldn't wish for a better one on one interview with each one.
Everyone interviewed certainly had distinct things to say, but some common threads were "just fell into it", battled racism on the way and hard work and persistence really pays off.
A note to the wise: if you're in this business for quick profit forget about it. This career path has alot of competition, and only those with stamina and passion for voice work will stand the test of time and make a full-time living at it.
The Alzheimer aspect was valuable in today's society where it is estimated that in the coming decades, unless something is done, millions of the aging group of Americans will succumb to this heart-wrenching disease. Go Joan!!
Tansy Alexander
Inspiration is sometimes all that's needed.......2007-06-29
I'm just flummoxed by a previous review of Joan Baker's "Secrets of Voice-Over Success". Ms. Baker is deemed by the reviewer to be irrelevant, obvious and out of date because she neglects to deconstruct the semiotics of the latest manifestations of an ever-changing gamut of voiceover styles. Whazzat? Pretty heavy, I guess, but these quibbles convey nothing of the wonderful and inspiring book I read. What could be more relevant and uplifting than the tales these voice artists relate as to how they reached the high level of success they enjoy today. These are top people, engaging in national level campaigns right now. Their voices are supposed to be irrelevant? I don't think so.
For a newcomer to voiceover like myself it's so encouraging to learn how others overcame pitfalls and obstacles to make it in our chosen field. Joan Baker's nifty volume is like a pat on the back and a helping hand along the way. Kudos to Joan and to all the artists who so generously gave of their time and experience to help make this marvelous book a reality. And what more wonderful theme to tie the volume together than touching on the effects of Alzheimer's on the lives of so many of us? Something tells me that one day, when we've reached the other side of the River Jordan, we'll be surprised to learn just how much good this book will have done to help those poor souls afflicted with Alzheimer's.
Secrets is a gold mine!.......2007-06-26
I orginally met the author Joan Baker at her Learning Annex workshop called "Make Millions With Your Voice" where I was very very impressed but after just finishing her book and meeting more than half the people in the book at her workshop-Iam overwhelmed with inspiration!
Thank you Joan Baker and the Vo Artist's in Secrets for moving me forward in my vo career that I've been navigating for the past 6 years. Thank you!
I would recommend this book to anyone seeking solutions in the Vo industry.
Average customer rating:
- Standard for Broadcast News
- If you're a serious journalist, this book is a must.
- Broadcast newswriting for the professional
- can't live without it!
- Broadcast Newswriters: You Need This Book
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Writing Broadcast News, Rev. Ed.
Mervin Block
Manufacturer: Bonus Books
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ASIN: 1566250846 |
Book Description
Thoroughly revised and greatly expanded, this new edition is even more helpful than the classic first edition. The 1997 revision of Writing Broadcast News - Shorter, Sharper, Stronger is 40 percent longer. And it's even richer and smoother...
Customer Reviews:
Standard for Broadcast News.......2007-03-05
If you're trying to break into news on the AM/FM dial, this is a book that you must read and follow. It helps you format the way most of Radio Broadcasting does it today.
If you're a serious journalist, this book is a must........2005-08-10
This is the bible of broadcast news writing. Well organized. I'm a 25 year veteran of broadcast news and I still find information in this book that improves my writing and reporting.
Broadcast newswriting for the professional.......2002-07-16
Merv Block was himself a newswriter. He wrote for Cronkite and others; his experience is unquestioned.
Block's book, and Bliss's book(Writing News for Broadcast, Columbia University Press) are, in effect, the bibles of broadcast newswriting.
Block gives his own tips, and also shows how it's done by taking broadcast scripts apart and correcting them.
There is no better book for the professional newswriter.
can't live without it!.......2000-03-27
Ten years ago, I had the privilege of taking introductory radio writing from Mr. Block while earning my master's degree in journalism at Columbia University. If memory serves, Mr. Block also revisited my spring semester radio news course as a guest editor and instructor. He was a tough and fair instructor -- one of the many highlights of my year at 116th and Broadway.
Mr. Block's book has been indispensible to me ever since. Every so often, I reread a chapter to keep my writing fresh, and to jolt me out of the workaday rut so many reporters and anchors inhabit. Television news works on two levels, the words and the pictures, and it is a challenge and an art to make the two levels work together!
Whether you're a journalism 101 student or a seasoned professional, it never hurts to have this book on your desk (and occasionally at home!). Your viewers, producers, photographers, and managers will thank you!
Broadcast Newswriters: You Need This Book.......1999-07-14
To paraphrase Mr. Block, "if newswriting is easy, then you're doing something wrong." This book is for the lover of action verbs and simple words. You're taught to think and to see the beauty of simple writing. And if you want to be GOOD, you must learn to TELL a story. After you read this book, the news will likely not sound the same.
Book Description
An insider'ss look into the voice-over industry and how to break into it. Learn unique marketing strategies and voice-over techniques for the beginner and seasoned actor. Tips from some of the top casting directors in Los Angeles. Learn how to find an agent, how to audition and interpret copy. Find out what goes on in a commercial, promo, and animation recording session.
Customer Reviews:
YOU CAN BANK ON YOUR VOICE: Your Guide to a Successful Career in Voice-Overs.......2006-11-02
Good book for broadcast interest!
Recommended reading
This Is The Truth.......2006-02-18
I've been taking classes in NY and everything I'm learning is what is in this book! I recommend it if you're thinking about getting into the business. There are helpful websites listed in his book that I went to before I spent money on classes and I have been able to find out even more information. I was amazed at how much information is in here that instructors charge so much money for. Do it. The voice over world is yours.
Add this book to your collection.......2005-09-29
This book is a great addition to any person venturing into the voiceover business. Working with my clients in my private practice they benefit from accumulated knowledge. Along with reading books like this one my firsthand experience allows them to get a full picture of the industry and prepare them for the business.
Freddie Bell Voice Over Artist.......2005-08-23
I ordered the book and the CD's in one package. Not only is the book entertaining and informative, I read it in a couple of hours and have already put into action some of the advice. As a veteran broadcaster who is transitioning into the voice-over business, I needed a plan of attack. In purchasing the material, I was looking for a resource guide and mentor. That's exactly what I've found. The principle reason Mr. Saulsberry is enjoying huge success is because he works hard, enjoys what he does and doesn't mind sharing the information with people like me, Freddie Bell. I believe that by following the suggestions he makes and appyling your own common sense will help anyone reach their goals. I'm banking on my voice with the guidance from Saulsberry book. For the novice and the veteran alike, this book is a must have. I am a real person and can be reached for validation at freddiebell@voiceunique.com
The Thinking Man's Bible For The Art Of Voice-Over.......2005-08-22
Rodney open's up his heart and head and let's all the GOOD STUFF spill out on the page...The result is the ultimate guide to getting started and then succeeding in the lucrative world of voice-over. Any job, no matter if it's a comercial, a movie trailer or an animated character's voice, Rodney's book is required reading as you make your way towards becoming a PROFESSIONAL VOICE-OVER ARTIST. He shares concepts regarding auditioning, performing and training, as well as covering the personal, business side of being a voice-over artist(and so much more!). I'm forever indebted to Rodney for his friendship, his mentoring and of course, this very awesome book. Bravo, Rodney. THANK YOU FOR SHARING WITH ALL OF US.
Book Description
This no-holds-barred, play-by-play manual on professional sportscasting gives you an inside course at the sportscaster's challenges and victories.
Customer Reviews:
Great start for sportscasters.......2003-01-06
Probably the best primer on breaking in. I use this text in a course I teach. Well recommended by other collegues.
Take This Book With You To The Game.......2001-05-21
If you are just starting out in the business , this is the book for you , due to its insight on not just the game itself , but the before (preparation) , during (working with others) , and after (reviewing your work) aspects of the job. For those who have been in the business , but are looking to take that next step , this is the book for you. My first time out after reading this book , my interviews were crisper , my work with others was more professional , and the end result was a more solid product. If you are serious about sportscasting as a career , this book will give you the insight to help make it happen!
Best Book On the Market.......2000-11-24
Len Clark station manager of WUEV-FM, A Practical Guide for Success for Beginners and Professionals Aspiring to the Next level Tom Hedrick and Diamond Communications have published the ultimate text for students interested in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, and for practing broadcast professionals. This step by step guide offers insight and advice to help individuals each and every step of the way.
This book rocked my world!.......2000-10-06
This book gave me more info than any other book of its kind. I would recommend this book to anyone. Even if you weren't already interested in sportscasting before reading this book--you will be by the time you finish!
Best Book Ever.......2000-10-03
This book lays a good foundation for people interested in the world of broadcasting. Not only did it spark my latent interest for the field but it was informative and entertaining. I hope you all will get a chance to read this because I think that sportscasting is undertestimated and deserves more appreciation and focus.
Book Description
The art of voice-over is the backbone of commercials, animation, documentaries, and radio dramas produced for both national and local markets throughout the country. It is an ever-growing, lucrative field, and the demand for well-trained voice-over artists is increasing rapidly in our age of digital entertainment.
Word of Mouth—now in its updated and revised third edition—is the primary instructional book in the voice-over field. A clearly written and practical primer for the beginner and a welcome refresher course for the professional, Word of Mouth contains voice-over exercises, sample copy, and essential advice about producing a demo, auditioning, self-promoting, getting an agent, and what to expect on the job. It also provides exclusive and up-to-date lists of voice-over agents, coaches, workshops, and demo producers and duplicators. It is the standard text for numerous university communications, television, and acting department courses.
The book is accompanied by a 50-minute audio CD that demonstrates various techniques and styles of animation and commercial voice-over performed by ten top voice-over artists.
Customer Reviews:
THE book to buy for novices & pro's.......2001-10-20
I recommend this book to anyone looking to get into this biz. Even if you are already IN this biz, you can never know too much. Susan keeps on track and winds you through the proper elements of building a career and knowing "how to" when it comes to the basics, demo tapes, agents, auditions and more. Susan & Molly also list many contacts with agencies, workshops, etc.
A must have guide to voice work!
Johnny George
VO guy
www.johnnygeorge.com
Chapter Two ALONE Is Worth 100 Times the Price of the Book.......2000-03-26
Here in Los Angeles the streets are lined with people who can "read copy," but the choice voiceover assignments go to the select few who add something more to the work - believability, personality, and a strong one-on-one connection with the audience. "A camera does not lie," say the authors, "and neither does a microphone."
That's why this book is so valuable. Although trying to teach voiceover skills through a book is inherently challenging -- sort of like trying to teach driving, or violin-playing, that way -- this book is the most successful one I am aware of. It is without doubt the best single resource on voiceover work in print today.
The key is the authors' relentless focus on the internal process of creating great readings, which they call "The Basic Process."
"Ad copy is more than just a bunch of words strung together to promote a product," they write in Chapter 2. "It is very much like a miniature play, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. One or more characters are involved, and it takes place at a particular time and place. You need to discover all those elements and more to act out the copy."
To get in touch with the reality of the copy, the authors detail their Basic Process: "Focus - Visualize - Commit." Using this process "allows you to make the copy your own little drama or comedy with its own life and vitality." Without it, "all your readings will sound alike -- and that sound will be mechanical and lacking in conviction." I don't know how anyone could lay out this crucial principle more clearly. The detailed suggestions for how to follow the Basic Process are both helpful and understandable.
The book offers a wealth of other information as well, including discussions about refining your reads, developing other voices and characters, preparing for animation work, producing a demo tape, finding an agent, handling auditions, and promoting yourself in your market. Throughout the book, voice actors, casting directors, advertising writers, and other industry experts are quoted extensively with helpful advice and entertaining war stories. Practice copy in various genres is provided. And the appendices contain numerous listings of workshops, agencies, and other resources of interest to voice talent. Every chapter offers tremendous value, all of it written with charm, elegance, and a sense of humor.
Anyone serious about a voiceover career should get this book and devour it.
A must for anyone starting (or keeping) a voice-over career!.......1999-02-08
I always recommend this book. Susan Blu has the credentials: she's an accomplished voice talent, a casting director and a voice acting teacher. Along with tips and tricks, there's a great regional listing of agencies, schools and studios with addresses and phone numbers. She knows her stuff and you'd be doing yourself a favor by following her advice in this book.
Excellent book, especially with the companion audio cassette.......1998-08-23
This is an excellent reference and manual for voice-over artists. It's a particularly good buy when combined with the companion audio casette.
Book Description
World-renowned vocal personality Gary Owens, who gained national fame on TV's "Laugh-In," shares the inside scoop on how to break into the voice business and, once there, how to succeed. Peppered with entertaining anecdotes from well-known actors, producers, and agents, How to Make a Million Dollars with Your Voice offers an irreverent entrée into this often overlooked but lucrative entertainment career. In this step-by-step workshop, voice-over hopefuls will learn about everything from developing a demo to finding an agent to improving their pipes.
Customer Reviews:
Gary Talks About Gary.......2006-08-20
Sorry Gary but this is not what I wanted. A "how-to" book it's not. This book skims over the industry and is mostly all "Gary" and his wonderful past. Okay, I concede, he's had a excellent career and I'd enjoy reading his bio but I did not intend to get it out of this book! I think Gary owes me a free VO session!
How to Make a Million Dollars with Your Book Sales..........2005-12-27
This book is padded with a lot of anecdotes--including a liberal amount of name-dropping--from Gary Owens' career. (And it's only a little over 200 pages at that.) If you look forward to reading some of his reminiscences (which admittedly can be amusing at times), then you might enjoy this book. But if you are hoping for much in-depth discussion or expert advice about the voiceover business, it's best to look elsewhere.
It's a shame, really--with Owens' experience and long career, he should have been able to produce a much better "how to" manual than this collection of self-indulgent musings. Although, it seems by his own narrative he came by most of his jobs through serendipity or knowing other people in show business, so maybe he just didn't have that much practical advice to impart to modern voice acting students. Anyway, he should have written a much different book, or at least given this one a title more indicative of the actual contents.
Absolutely wonderful book - thanks for sharing the memories!.......2005-03-09
This is one of the most illuminating and funny books I've read in years. As someone who makes a living with my voice, it's a pleasure to read the musings and goings-on from a true classic pioneer, Gary Owens, revealed in this masterpiece of literary shenanigans.
Upbeat, immensely readable, and very useful with tips and insights from one of the greats (who has a terrific sense of humor!), this was both uplifting and educational ... and really really fun - thanks Gary!
GREAT VOICE- GREAT LAUGHS!.......2005-01-21
Do you still precede a mention of a city with the words
"beautiful downtown"? Are you a fan of goofy cartoon superheroes?
If so, you're a Gary Owens fan, and this book is for you whether you actually want a broadcast career or not. That's because Gary Owens is one of the greatest voice artists ever, and a most erudite, witty fellow to boot. Most of us outside L.A. know him from his work on "Laugh-In" and cartoon characters like "Roger Ramjet" and "Space Ghost". But Gary does it all- deejay, video game narrator, Hollywood emcee, sportscaster (of sorts), promo/
ad voiceovers- and has been at it since high school. Best of all, his booming voice is perfect for the bad (and good) puns, double-entendres and Groucho-esque wisecracks he's graced the airwaves with for nearly half a century. This book is Gary's tour of the unique voice-work field, packed with great Hollywood anecdotes and inside poop about how to handle the mike. Did I mention he's very witty, too? If you have any interest in radio, voice-overs, great comedy, Hollywood, cartoons, bloopers, classic humorists- did I leave anything out?- or you'd just like to learn about it with a most personable and clever guide, don't miss the one and only Gary Owens- whose voice has been somewhere in my brain for over 30 years. Come to think of it, a CD/DVD of Gary's greatest bits and characters would be very welcome, too!
The master shares his secrets.......2004-08-31
What could be better than an educational book that is hysterical? Gary Owens has accomplished this with his great new book. Not only do you learn the tricks of the trade from one of the greatest voices in the business, but also you'll laugh out loud doing it.
Gary tells the real story of how to break into the voice over business with expert advice. This one book can tell you everything you need.
In addition, you get to experience the star power Gary has accomplished in his career. This book contains stories and pictures about every major star in Hollywood. From Bob Hope to David Letterman, Bill Cosby to Lucille Ball, Gary has worked with them all. Plus, you'll get great insights into the groundbreaking comedy "Rowan & Martin's Laugh In".
Gary Owens has taken us inside the many ways using your voice can make millions. Now, let's see what I have learned.
Place hand over my ear and repeat "Live from Beautiful downtown Burbank! It's Gary Owens great new book". You'll love it!
Customer Reviews:
Get the Basics First.......2000-05-10
I have made my living as a voice actor for almost 15 years and, in that time, earned over a million and a half dollars. Anyone wanting to do the same should read this book. There is new paradigm today for voiceovers that involves finding the human emotion in a script and conveying that emotion to the listener. That's why voiceover people are actors not announcers. But Adrian Cronauer's book is still a valuable exercise in the basics of copy interpretation. Before you can perform copy as an actor you have to know how to interpret copy--to make the writers words sound like they're your own and that you're speaking them just as you're thinking them. I hear many voiceovers, even on national spots, that break some of these basic rules. And when that happens it draws attention to the voiceover. The voice should be transparent--you shouldn't even hear the voice--only the message. The voice should be like a clean window, which only draws attention to the view, not a dirty window which draws attention to itself. The section of this book on marketing your talents is a bit outdated and there are many other fine books on that aspect of the business. But, all in all, this is a must read for anyone wanting to do voice-acting for commercials.
A Bit Fussy For My Taste.......2000-03-26
Yes, this is the real Adrian Cronauer of "Good Morning, Vietnam!" fame. And this book is heavily influenced by the radio of that era -- it's all about reading "spokes" copy, where an anonymous spokesperson describes a product or announces a sale. It sounds just like what you might hear on, say, a network radio program in the 60's sponsored by Anacin.
Cronauer provides an audio cassette accompanying the text, and the reader is periodically asked to stop reading the book and listen to a specific cut on the tape. Unspecified but dire consequences are promised to anyone who continues to read without listening to the designated audio cut, or who dares to listen to more then one cut at a time. Only about half the cuts make points that are not already self-evident from the text.
The book correctly emphasizes the need to sound relaxed and conversational in voiceover work, and provides a number of specific, if dogmatic, rules for how to deal with particular issues in spokes copy. Yet the reader is left with the vaguely dissatisfied sense that something is missing. With all the rules about what not to do, or where and where not to place emphasis, there seems little room for personality to enter the work. Although the author lionizes voiceover legends such as Mason Adams (even reproducing a "Smuckers" ad on the accompanying cassette), he provides no real clue to what makes such people so successful.
It's as if the whole is less than the sum of its parts. There is value here, if the reader is willing to persevere through the minutiae of when to emphasize personal pronouns, how to handle definite and indefinite articles, how to distinguish function words from content words, when to end a question with an up-inflection versus a down-inflection, and so on. But such mastery may have limited real-world value in today's voiceover market, because straight spokes copy is not as common now as it once was.
Bottom line: An interesting book, but probably not a "must-have."
A Bit Fussy For My Taste.......2000-03-26
Yes, this is the real Adrian Cronauer of "Good Morning, Vietnam!" fame. And this book is heavily influenced by the radio of that era -- it's all about reading "spokes" copy, where an anonymous spokesperson describes a product or announces a sale. It sounds just like what you might hear on, say, a network radio program in the 60's sponsored by Anacin.
Cronauer provides an audio cassette accompanying the text, and the reader is periodically asked to stop reading the book and listen to a specific cut on the tape. Unspecified but dire consequences are promised to anyone who continues to read without listening to the designated audio cut, or who dares to listen to more then one cut at a time. Only about half the cuts make points that are not already self-evident from the text.
The book correctly emphasizes the need to sound relaxed and conversational in voiceover work, and provides a number of specific, if dogmatic, rules for how to deal with particular issues in spokes copy. Yet the reader is left with the vaguely dissatisfied sense that something is missing. With all the rules about what not to do, or where and where not to place emphasis, there seems little room for personality to enter the work. Although the author lionizes voiceover legends such as Mason Adams (even reproducing a "Smuckers" ad on the accompanying cassette), he provides no real clue to what makes such people so successful.
It's as if the whole is less than the sum of its parts. There is value here, if the reader is willing to persevere through the minutiae of when to emphasize personal pronouns, how to handle definite and indefinite articles, how to distinguish function words from content words, when to end a question with an up-inflection versus a down-inflection, and so on. But the result of such mastery may have limited real-world value in today's voiceover market, because straight spokes copy is not as common now as it once was.
Bottom line: An interesting book, but probably not a "must-have."
Good book for any aspiring voice-over artist.......1999-06-17
This book covers all essentials for any voice-over artist to know before getting into the business of actually reading copy for a variety of voice over needs. Must for every multimedia producer's library.
Book Description
From Rugrats to Big Macs, voice-over careers are the best kept and highest paying secrets in the world. Most voice-over sessions last only ten minutes to an hour. Teri Apple's book helps the actor, radio DJ, vocal impressionist and amateur cartoon voice succeed in voice-overs, no matter where you live.
Customer Reviews:
Frustrating Read and Repetitive.......2005-01-11
There are so many typos in this book that it is actually frustrating to read. There is also so much repetition, not in general, but huge paragraphs that can be found word for word three pages earlier. Terri Apple is very good at cheerleading and she obviously knows the business but there's too much emphasis on LA contacts and way, way, way too many text errors to recommend this book. And I'm not talking about grammar. I'm talking about "The re" "and and" or whole words left out. I found myself struggling to read this book. Since it was published in 1999 some of the advice is out-of-date, like carry a pager (pre-cell phones) which is not Ms. Apple's fault, nor her editors, if she had one. I do find her responsible for the content of her book. With so many books on voice-overs out there, I would recommend another.
This is a terrible book!.......2003-11-18
I doubt that Terri Apple even edited her book one-time through. There are a number of grammatical mistakes and spelling errors, making the meaning of several sentences nearly incomprehensible. Had she or an editor read this book, they would have caught many of the obvious mistakes ahead of time. The chapters were not very well laid-out and extremely inconsistent. The book's content was not organized well. Much of the information in each chapter did not coincide with the chapter title and she would skip ideas from one paragraph to the next. Also, she repeated much of the same information in several different chapters under different sections. Perhaps she wrote the book in between her many voiceover auditions. The information in this book is outdated since the industry has changed so dramatically since its publication. Terri Apple has proved that pretty voices should only be used when they have something to say. And that a pretty voice can be an ugly read.
Not exactly what I expected.......2003-08-19
Personally I expected more helpful hints and techniques for improving your skills in voice-overs but instead most of the book is concentrated on advising how to promote your talent. So if you want to know how to be a voice-talent this is propably not the best book for you, but if you feel you already have what it takes to be a voice-over artist, it gives you advise what to do to get yourself into business.
Good Advice in Less-Than-Perfect Form.......2000-03-29
The massive amount of helpful information in this book is marred by only two things:
o It desperately needs some copy editing to remove the sentence fragments and other "word-processing glitches," and
o The discussions of technology need to be reviewed by someone with a firmer grasp of how such things actually work.
Because of this, I would give it 4-1/2 stars instead of 5 if that rating were available.
In the big picture, however, these are minor quibbles with a book that otherwise covers a lot of ground and answers a lot of questions that aspiring voice actors would have. It provides an in-depth look at the voice-over business (with particular focus on Los Angeles) from the perspective of a busy, in-demand performer who has paid enough dues to know what she's talking about, and because it is fairly new it covers recent developments that older books omit. Certainly well worth the modest investment for anyone wanting to know more about this business.
Where was the editor?.......2000-03-01
The book contains good information, but it is so poorly written and edited that it is, at times, incoherent. I could not get past the first thirty pages.
Book Description
Comprehensive guide through the art/business of radio and television commercial voice-overs.
Customer Reviews:
A Nice Overview.......2000-03-28
New York-based Alice Whitfield has collected her thoughts and experiences from 25 years on both sides of the microphone, combined with numerous interviews with agents, casting directors, aspiring talent, and legends like June Foray and Mason Adams. Throughout, the reader senses that Whitfield cares about the aspiring voice-over talent like a mother hen -- at times one expects her to reach right out through the pages of the book and pinch one's cheek. She tries to be both nurturing and brutally honest in describing the challenges ahead, providing numerous "slice of life" vignettes to illustrate what goes on in the voice-over world, and not hesitating to take stands on issues she considers important.
For example, in chapter 7, she describes the "committee" that may materialize in the control room during a recording session -- agency people, client people, and others. "Sometimes a commitee can turn a simple two-hour session into an all-day and sometimes all-night affair," she writes. "It's important that you, the talent, remain unflappable and pleasant. The next question is, who's in charge? My answer is, by definition, the producer. But the reality is, everybody's got a different opinion on how the copy should be read. Your job? Simple. Please everyone! Kidding aside, I'm not kidding." Elsewhere she speaks of whether to do non-union work ("don't"), when to create a demo reel ("not until you can consistently audition as well as the samples on the reel"), whether to quit your day job ("don't"), and whether to contact the author with questions ("do" - contact information given).
Although this book was written in the early 90's and some of the technical specifics have become outdated, it remains useful as a tool for learning more about the people side of the voice-over business. As the author says, "Without question and at all costs, maintain your sense of humor. This should be a fun business. I mean look at what you get to do. As a grownup, you sometimes get to make silly sounds with your voice. You can create characters, give life to inanimate objects. Make people laugh. Make people cry. It takes about an hour. And you get paid well for it! It's not so bad. It's also not the answer to world hunger or a cure for cancer. So, keep things in perspective."
Makes it seem achievable, but it's not easy..........1999-10-23
After reading the book, I found myself still interested in attempting a voiceover position. But I knew there was still alot to do and prepare for in "the business." Alice does not mince words, nor does she make you think anyone can just walk off the street, make a quick copy on their cassette or tape player, and run into a recording studio to make money hand over fist. She is honest, sincere, and knows what she is talking about. I realize I have many things to do, including getting a professional tape and professional training.
Book Description
This classic, best-selling text has a two-fold benefit for mid-level broadcast/journalism students: it successfully blends the theory and practice of announcing and it serves as a valuable reference tool for new and experienced announcers. Providing a thorough overview of the skills required in broadcast journalism within radio, television, and corporate markets, the text's practical, career-oriented approach covers broadcast performance for all types of programs, including news, interviews, and sports.
- Coverage includes such key topics as the effects of the Internet and emerging technologies on broadcasting and announcing; production practices; distribution methods; and styles in news, narration, music, and sports performance.
- Chapter-ending Spotlight boxes focus on current personalities and issues in the field."
- A convenient six-part reference guide, compiled from the most-used information in text chapters and appendices, provides a useful tool for students and practicing broadcast journalists alike.
Customer Reviews:
VERY USEFUL!.......2004-04-21
I think it is very useful for me to learn announcing.
Wonderful Textbook.......2003-09-26
One of the things that stood out for me in this book is that Stuart Hyde continues to remind students of broadcasting of the ethical responsibilities they possess. This book presents a holistic picture of the industry. It is up to date on the latest technological innovations, while retaining pertinent advice that is valid for any time or place. Being a practical book, it contains a wide variety of vocal exercises in various contexts. The sidebars featuring working professionals extends the scope of the discussion. Professor Hyde is straightforward in telling students they should be prepared to pay their dues by working their way up from the bottom of the profession. The first two chapters discuss announcing in general terms. Chapters 3-5 address voice development and improvement. In chapter 6 video performance is covered. Other sections of the book deal with commercial and PSA announcing, interviewing, news, music annoucning, and sports. The concluding chapter is particularly helpful to students in that it tells them how to prepare a resume and market themselves for their initial job in broadcasting. This is a great textbook for students interested in entering a very competitive field. It gives them the facts and helps them prepare themselves in a realistic manner for what they will face.
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