7 Comments

1. Lerrin Lottinville on March 13, 2012 at 3:25 pm

   Interesting, esp. as a new v/o talent.
   However- it does seem that the vast majority of people ‘in voiceover’ who are ‘making a living at it’ are people who train others/run events & seminars about it-and everything is fee-based.

   If they were as successful as they say they are in the actual craft- they simply wouldn’t have time to do so (am not buying the ‘giving back’ argument).

   Am interested in a v/o career where the bulk of my work/income comes from ACTUALLY WORKING as a v/o talent.

   Is anyone actually doing that???

2. Bobbin Beam on March 13, 2012 at 11:56 pm

   Lerrin,
   I understand that what you say you must believe from your perspective, and I thank you for your thought- provoking post. As for the truth in my opinion, there are more people I know who are making a living at voiceover but who do not teach than the other way around.  True, when you are new to the business, it is wise to invest in your education. Heck, I still hire voice coaches and spend my hard earned bucks to keep learning and growing.

   But it is very wise to be wary of so-called voice coaches who hang out their shingles and charge fees when they have practically zero credits to their name. And there’s the saying I only partly agree with, ” those who do do, those who don’t, teach”. You have to do your homework. And you won’t make it in this business without some training. Period.

   I don’t teach. But I convey my knowledge and experiences in my blog. Freely . I enjoy giving back to the community in ways that I am able because I believe if there is one person’s life or career I can make a difference in, that’s the payback. I learn from my peers, and like hanging out with people who know more than me. And I spend the money to have them do what I don’t know how to do for my business. More than any money can buy. And I know a lot of voice actors who are doing very well, do the same.

   Those who are attending Faffcon—most don’t teach. We go to hang out and learn from our peers.
   I wish you well.
   Best,
   Bobbin
   

3. Bobbin Beam on March 14, 2012 at 5:29 pm

   Well stated, Dan.

   Another thought for Lerrin: You must acquire related transferable skills to successfully  run a sustainable voiceover business. Too many easily enter into the business with stars in their eyes because the barrier to cost is pretty low. But after a year or two, they bail. Even the Pros have dry periods. You need to learn what you don’t know how to do in order to make it in the space you’ve entered. And most of the time you need to be prepared to pay.
   Best,
   Bobbin
   

4. Rowell Gormon on March 14, 2012 at 8:00 pm

   …what part of “giving back” are you confusing with a pitch to buy something?

   you may indeed be able to go through your voiceover career without help or advice or answers from anyone else, but i don’t envy your choice.

   of course, it’s hard to see someone offering you something of value when your view is blocked by that big chip on your shoulder.

   the bulk of the voiceover community, ESPECIALLY those who show up at FaffCon, are most generous with what they’ve discovered. and nobody is asked to “buy” anything.

   rg

5. Bobbin Beam on March 14, 2012 at 8:26 pm

   Rowell, thank you for adding to the conversation. See you at Faffcon.
   Bobbin
   

6. Amy Snively on March 16, 2012 at 5:41 am

   1) Wow.

   2) Most of the VO people I know are VO people only, and don’t coach or teach.

   3) Most of the VO coaches and teachers I know are also successful VO pros–casting directors, producers, or behind-the-mic talent.

   4) Of course, if you want to take an awesome VO class, it would make more sense to learn from someone who knows how to be successful first hand.

   5) I am not a coach or a teacher and my only income is from hot mouth-on-mic action.

   6) I fail to see what any of this has to do with FaffCon. (!)

7. Bobbin Beam on March 16, 2012 at 2:41 pm

   Amy,
   You are right on all points, and so hysterically funny on #5. See you next week at Faffcon 4.
   Hugs,
   Bobbin