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Post by peterjvo on Dec 18, 2016 17:19:28 GMT -8
After dabbling in VA for a year, I've come to a point where I think I desperately need some consistent coaching if I want to progress my skills. I haven't even bothered with an demo because I don't think I can perform my best.
I'm considering Global Voice Academy right now because of their community focus but they're definitely on the pricier side of things. Was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as who else I could work with as far as one-on-one coaching goes. Looking for commercial and character coaching.
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Post by Haley on Dec 18, 2016 19:08:29 GMT -8
I would highly recommend you first examine what exactly it is you want to work on before you jump to investing in a coach. What are you looking to achieve with a coach? What problem(s) are you wanting to remedy? What would render you satisfied with your skills to thus make a demo reel? There are a lot of questions to ask and a coach/teacher will ask all the same ones of you - and more. Personally, I think you might be able to achieve what you're wanting without the help of a coach. Most people hone their skills, learn tips/tricks, and remedy voice problems by doing exactly what you haven't done - making their demo reel, auditioning, and seeing how it goes! You can't truly learn how to swim by reading a book...you've gotta jump in the pool. By putting your demo reel out there and sending out auditions, you receive feedback, critique, and can enter into larger discussion with other experienced voice actors to gain valuable insight...all completely for free. A coach is great, sure, but why spend the money on coaching when you have a wealth of invaluable wisdom at your fingertips via the global online community of voice actors? Also, bear in mind that you are your own worst critic. For a lot of aspiring actors/etc, their own negative criticism of themselves and their skills can be extremely unfounded. You might actually be better than you think you are...so it's best to give it a shot and see where to go from there. VAC, YouTube, and other websites can provide a lot of awesome info, feedback, and support that is completely free and highly varied. If you've exhausted it all and find you just can't find what you're looking for? Then maybe look at a coach. But just starting out? I can't say I personally find it necessary when there are so many other great resources. Just my 2 cents! Best of luck though and feel free to post any questions/etc here on VAC - we've got some fabulous members who might have the answer you're looking for.
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Post by peterjvo on Dec 18, 2016 20:32:46 GMT -8
VAC, YouTube, and other websites can provide a lot of awesome info, feedback, and support that is completely free and highly varied. If you've exhausted it all and find you just can't find what you're looking for? Then maybe look at a coach. But just starting out? I can't say I personally find it necessary when there are so many other great resources. I really think I've exhausted all the information I can for someone with my experience level. I watch/listen to VO Buzz Weekly, listen to Crispin Freeman's Voice Acting Mastery podcast, John Melley's Voice Acting Marketing podcast, watched nearly all of Global Voice Academy's webinars available on YouTube. I bought and read Tara Platt's and Yuri Lowenthal's Voice Acting book, took Chris Rager's ADR/Video Game workshop in July, and am about to finish my second level of improv. Man, I've done so many more tongue twisters this past year than I did in 2015 and I'm *still* getting enunciation/slurring problem for feedback in my recordings.There's probably a lot more sources that's not coming to mind, but I'm more than happy to take more suggestions to look at. I'm the type of person who does all the research one can before jumping into something. I still consider myself an information sponge, but at this point, a lot of what I'm hearing for aspiring VAs is starting to sound redundant. Hell, I probably sound like a professional when I regurgitate it to other aspiring VAs. Producing a demo, best practices for auditioning, marketing one's self, the mindset of an actor, the different fields of voice over in the industry, and so on. I don't plan to stop soaking information, but none of it matters if I can't develop my delivery skills. So ultimately it's really the practical application of delivering a read that I want to improve at. Sounding authentic. Believing in the play of the scene. I didn't study acting or theater in school and I don't believe I have the mental tools or experience to know how to self-direct. I think I have bad self-direction skills and will often over-direct myself without knowing exactly what I'm looking for in a read. Not to mention it seems I have a consistent enunciation problem that I don't catch even after eight takes. That's why I don't think it's in my best interest to produce a demo right now until I get a second pair of experienced and critical ears to work with for a while. Not saving up for a consistent coaching schedule is really my biggest regret of 2016.
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Post by Lady Stardust ★ on Dec 18, 2016 21:59:42 GMT -8
I've worked with the GVAA and think they might be a good resource for you, especially since (at least when I took their coaching - it may be different now?) they do a free 20-minute evaluation and then help you find a coach to work with to suit your specific needs as to what you want/need to work on. Even if you can't afford consistent coaching, a few sessions will help give you a starting point/get you out of a rut. I also had them direct/produce my most recent character demos.
I will say a couple things... Research whomever you're considering before handing over your money. What are their qualifications? Do they have success stories or testimonials from students who've worked with them? Unfortunately, the Internet has given rise to a lot of people who call themselves "voice acting teachers" when...to be brutally honest...they are not qualified to call themselves as such. They've maybe cast and voiced in a few indie projects or done additional voices in anime, and that doesn't necessarily mean they're ready to start teaching (Adam Tilford wrote a great blog post about this the other day; trying to get him to link it here when he has time.) So if you see "this person offers Skype coaching for cheap" beware because often times you get what you pay for. That said, there are still some legit pros who offer good deals but you have to make sure they -are- legit and not entry-level voice actors themselves who are trying to make a quick buck off newcomers to the field.
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Post by peterjvo on Dec 18, 2016 23:18:13 GMT -8
I've worked with the GVAA and think they might be a good resource for you, especially since (at least when I took their coaching - it may be different now?) they do a free 20-minute evaluation and then help you find a coach to work with to suit your specific needs as to what you want/need to work on. Even if you can't afford consistent coaching, a few sessions will help give you a starting point/get you out of a rut. I also had them direct/produce my most recent character demos. I will say a couple things... Research whomever you're considering before handing over your money. What are their qualifications? Do they have success stories or testimonials from students who've worked with them? Unfortunately, the Internet has given rise to a lot of people who call themselves "voice acting teachers" when...to be brutally honest...they are not qualified to call themselves as such. They've maybe cast and voiced in a few indie projects or done additional voices in anime, and that doesn't necessarily mean they're ready to start teaching (Adam Tilford wrote a great blog post about this the other day; trying to get him to link it here when he has time.) So if you see "this person offers Skype coaching for cheap" beware because often times you get what you pay for. That said, there are still some legit pros who offer good deals but you have to make sure they -are- legit and not entry-level voice actors themselves who are trying to make a quick buck off newcomers to the field. I got to talk to David Rosenthal for my consultation and he was very encouraging. I'm probably gonna take the personal VO assessment next month after I get paid for a graphic design gig. I just figure it wouldn't hurt to look at other options. I've traveled to Dallas and Austin for coaching sessions but after traveling to Dallas six weeks in a row for a ADR/video game workshop and then Austin twelve weeks in a row for my two levels of improv classes, I'm beginning to think online coaching may be a less taxing option. And I definitely hear you on the research part. Since "what you pay is what you get" doesn't always apply in this industry, it certainly helps. I saw the other thread Adam made in this section of the forums and will keep that info in mind while I look at my options. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Post by Deven on Dec 18, 2016 23:38:05 GMT -8
Honestly, good for you on not rushing out a demo. I would definitely not advise jumping into making one unless you feel you're ready and have a decent understanding of your own strengths. After all, you've only got one shot at a first impression with whoever you send it out to. Too many people make this mistake and have an obsolete demo mere months after it's been produced because they're still discovering a lot about themselves as actors.
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Post by peterjvo on Dec 19, 2016 0:04:53 GMT -8
Thanks, Deven. Going through this phase as a newbie is frustrating but I've learned that patience is virtue. I'm sure holding off on the demo will work out for me in the long run as long as I'm still dedicated to the craft.
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duffyweber
Member
Posts: 220
I Am A(n): Professional Voice Actor, Semi-Professional Voice Actor, Audio Engineer
Pronouns: Any OK
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Post by duffyweber on Dec 20, 2016 10:53:27 GMT -8
It really sounds like you're approaching it the right way, but at the same time I'd advise you about getting TOO hung up on "perfection" as opposed to a focus on a genuine performance, and perhaps getting your feet wet. How many roles do you audition for on a regular basis? What percentage of them are you getting? (If it's anything approaching 5%, congrats! You're really doing something right.) Bear in mind, you don't need a demo reel to audition for parts - most people want a read of their script. Some of your imperfections will only iron out with time, and consistent, constant practice, and that includes doing real roles in a real environment. I've done web ads or radio commercials that I listen to now and think "ugh. I could do that MUCH better now." but the thing to remember is, among all the other people auditioning for it, I was the one they liked/picked and I was the one they wanted to do it. Sometimes you can only get better by doing. ; ) And you have to remember - even semi-pros and professionals need retakes: youtu.be/uyPEo583dVU?t=31s XD Cheers, man! P.S. When you DO put out your demo reel, I'd love to hear it. I'm thinking with your diligence and attention to detail, it's going to be amazing!
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Post by Rebekah Amber Clark on Dec 20, 2016 13:18:52 GMT -8
I want to strongly second what duffyweber said about making sure you don't bog yourself down with perfectionism. Yes, improving is great! Classes are awesome! I hope you find the perfect 1-on-1 coach. =) Just something to keep in the back of your mind. The way I see it, there's "bread" artists and "pie crust" artists in any field, not just voice acting. For some, constant drilling is amazing and the best way to improve ever (like kneading bread dough). Just remember that if you're a "pie crust" artist, be careful because overworked dough falls apart. (You DO still have to remove the lumps and make sure it's mixed, though! So *everyone* needs to learn in some way or another, and practice, etc.) OK, hopefully that wasn't too weird an analogy, and good luck with the coaching! =)
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Post by peterjvo on Dec 23, 2016 12:49:08 GMT -8
How many roles do you audition for on a regular basis? What percentage of them are you getting? (If it's anything approaching 5%, congrats! You're really doing something right.) Bear in mind, you don't need a demo reel to audition for parts - most people want a read of their script. I find about two or three viable projects a week to audition for. "Viable" as in projects that look like they're ready for voice actors and could carry to term. Haven't booked anything since July. I'm pretty sure I'm doing something wrong whether it's looking in the wrong places or being too picky with my choices in what to audition for. Thanks for the responses!
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duffyweber
Member
Posts: 220
I Am A(n): Professional Voice Actor, Semi-Professional Voice Actor, Audio Engineer
Pronouns: Any OK
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Post by duffyweber on Dec 23, 2016 18:01:15 GMT -8
How many roles do you audition for on a regular basis? What percentage of them are you getting? (If it's anything approaching 5%, congrats! You're really doing something right.) Bear in mind, you don't need a demo reel to audition for parts - most people want a read of their script. I find about two or three viable projects a week to audition for. "Viable" as in projects that look like they're ready for voice actors and could carry to term. Haven't booked anything since July. I'm pretty sure I'm doing something wrong whether it's looking in the wrong places or being too picky with my choices in what to audition for. Thanks for the responses! I think it might partially be the "too picky" thing to be honest, although I wouldn't call it picky - being picky is good. I think it's partially that you're limiting yourself to the kinds of project you feel you're suited to at your level. And the rest is that I don't think you're being as confident in asserting yourself as you ought to be. As much as you understand about the technical aspects of this, if your delivery is even semi-decent, and you're pursuing voice acting or voiceover, you might want to set your sights on even some semi-professional jobs. Be less timid about it. I've been 9 characters in various games since late October, but I AUDITIONED for over 180. (And the only reason the number I GOT is so high is I have a working relationship with a couple of the production companies.) you can take the number of radio ads I've been in this year, and multiply it by a hundred, and that's how many I auditioned for. ; ) I run an IT company full time in addition to the game voice acting, and I STILL try to audition for at least 2 or 3 things a day. Just for fun, try going for some projects you think are "too out of your league" if only by a bit. You might surprise yourself. ; ) Take it from a business owner -and make no mistake, voice acting is a business - if someone offers me an opportunity to do something big, I'm gonna go over all the ways I COULD get it done before I start worrying that I can't. Just do your best - sometimes things don't work out, but a lot of times, they work out GREAT . ^_^
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Post by peterjvo on Dec 24, 2016 12:26:28 GMT -8
I frankly wouldn't know where to start to even find semi-professional projects to audition for daily. I mostly just check the usual websites to find projects to audition for and with no demo reel, I don't think it's a good impression to approach studios or companies to be considered for auditions without one.
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Post by Lady Stardust ★ on Dec 27, 2016 6:26:58 GMT -8
Peter, keep in mind this board hasn't even had our full public launch yet We hope to have many "semi-professional" auditions come up here once word starts getting around!
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