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CAREER Pay Attention And Don't Burn The Beans! Crucial Details For Auditions, Agents & Clients October 11, 2017  By Judy FossumVoice Actor
So what does all of this (including the beans) have to do with voice over? First, as a voice actor, I'm of course also a business owner and work out of my home office and personal recording studio.  So at times I tend to
multi-task, which is the case with cooking from time to time. I'll put something in the oven, or set a
kettle of rice or beans on the stove to cook and head back to the studio to
work. I set a timer and pledge
that I will listen closely for the timer to go off, check on whatever is
cooking from time to time, and add water if needed, etc. But in the case of the beans last week, I hadn't set a timer, forgot the beans were cooking, and by the time I smelled them it was too late. I had a smoky, stinky mess in the kitchen along with a pot of non-edible beans and a ruined kettle. And this was because … I wasn't paying attention. So it goes with voice overs. Paying attention to details is of the utmost importance on your auditions, when working with your agents, and when helping your clients. Here are ways to do that ... DON'T BURN YOUR AUDITIONS Pay attention to what the audition calls for in all regards.
SUBMITTING TO AGENTS First, when submitting to an agent for possible representation, make sure you, well … pay attention and follow their submission protocol. For instance ...
Once you have an agent(s) and are submitting auditions through them, again, follow their directions (audio format, the correct way to label your audio file, slate or no slate, etc.), and pay attention to their deadlines. When you book a gig through your agent, correspond in a prompt manner, ask questions as to how the client wants the audio saved, who you will be working with, and so on. This all may seem like "common sense," but it's unbelievably important to pay attention to all of these details. CARE FOR YOUR CLIENTS Many of the same things apply when working directly with clients.
Also pay attention to them personally, and their company. For instance ...
Paying attention to these details will give you something to converse about. It's also about being thoughtful and kind, while of course always being professional. TOSSED THE KETTLE As for the pot of beans, well they didn't turn out at all. I wasn't even able to salvage a few of them and gave up on cleaning the burnt-on mess on the kettle. So there were no beans and I ended up throwing out what had been a pretty good kettle all because … I didn't pay attention. -------------------- ABOUT JUDY Judy Fossum, voice actor and owner of Judy Fossum VoiceOvers, has been behind the mic for over 25 years. Her voice over work includes radio and TV commercials, narrations, audio for websites and explainer videos, and message-on-hold/IVR. Based in the Rocky Mountain region, her studio is partially powered by wind, thanks to a residential SkyStream 3.7 wind turbine. Email: judy@voiceovervineyard.com Web: www. SEE MORE HELPFUL VOICE OVER CAREER ARTICLES |
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So glad it isn't just me that has these learning moments!! It truly is best to stay focused in the moment - one thing at a time. This day and age pushes us into multi-tasking which is not always the best for paying attention and accomplishing tasks as accurately as possible. Good reminder. Thank you