Newsletter

November 2008 · Newsletter Archive

"Each indecision brings its own delays and days are lost lamenting over lost days...What you can do or think you can do, begin it. For boldness has magic, power, and genius in it."
--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Your Audition VS. What They Went With…

It’s easy to fall into the trap.
You walk into an audition and try to read the minds of the folks auditioning you. What do they want? What are they looking for?
All you get from the ‘specs’ are: Conversational, genuine and ‘no-acting’. Then you read the copy and it couldn’t appear more wooden. They must want more than that, but what? (And this based on the assumption they actually know what it is they want.) So, you give your very best (albeit conservative) effort to fall within the narrow perimeters of what you think they mean by conversational, genuine and ‘no-acting’.
Then a month or so later the commercial airs and it’s… funny or it’s incredibly wry or it’s dramatic and anthem-like with a great deal of heart and sentiment or any number of things that never would have occurred to you when you auditioned. You certainly would have gone there and done that to perfection—had you only been GIVEN that direction in the first place when you auditioned!
As for ‘conversational, genuine and no-acting’ specs—this spot ended up having a whole lot more than THAT in it! In fact, those items barely describe the read that made it to the final production.
Okay, so what happened here?
Clearly you’re the correct ‘type’ for the spot, your agent or the casting director never would have included you on this audition if that weren’t the case.
And, let’s face it, you could have done what that talent did—had you been DIRECTED to go in that direction at the audition!
Well, here’s the deal: no one wants a robot reading their script. They want someone who can make the script read as if it were their own thoughts—with ease and interest and personality, which immediately translates into point-of-view (POV)!
So, you can confidently deduce that what takes precedence over EVERYTHING else at the audition is whether you’re willing to be YOURSELF. Not a subdued, somewhat deflated version of who you are, but you… INTERESTED! You comfortable and articulate and direct and sincere and knowledgeable and revealing and informed and pleasant and thoughtful and imaginative and with an honest POINT OF VIEW!
The fact is you are paid to have a pulse and to convey a concept!
The talent that actually book each and EVERY spot you hear or see broadcast did so NOT because someone fed them every little utterance and nuance and notion. (And NOT because they “knew” somebody—that’s a whole other subject.) What resulted in the final product of this national commercial (or film scene or TV show or what-have you) was not because the actor played it safe. Nope. They booked the gig because the talent took something of a leap of faith. Think about it. Every job you ever landed had this element in it: you took a chance to go further than what was initially personally comfortable. You stepped outside the narrow, (often self-imposed) boundaries at the audition and stuck your neck out just long enough to surprise yourself and PLAY.
‘Being yourself’ is almost always exclusively what is needed and wanted from you. And, yet, as luck would have it, ‘being ourselves’ is typically the one thing we actors repel most. Why? Because we want to ‘be’ something or someone else. And, as actors, we are typically told we are expected to be everything! Well, that can be a rather confusing notion. Because certainly if you’re everything…nothing comes to mind.
My point is: we want you to focus on a handful of things that you do best—confidently and without question. This is a great opportunity to expand your comfort zone!
And, as always, continue to study popular culture. Determine the qualities you have at your fingertips right now that are being utilized most in commercials, film, TV. Give yourself a handful of examples of where these qualities are found and then use them as a point of reference during your auditions and sessions in order to take your game to the next level.
Don’t worry so much about what those auditioning you might be thinking at the audition or session… that’s a deal killer… instead, be more interested in what you’re thinking! Especially as you deliver your performance.
Surprise yourself! It’s your job. The element of surprise is ultimately your greatest ammo.

Voiceover Vernacular Spectacular!

Thanks to the savvy editing contributions of one of our near and dear SOUND ADVICERS, Lori Jablons, we’ve been hard at work of late ‘re-crafting’ our SOUND ADVICE Encyclopedia. Lori’s an accomplished author and editor herself, so she’s made the process very simple and straightforward for me. And as most of you and our entire staff can attest—me, I’m not so linear… so that’s no small task.
There are new terms, more detailed sections regarding ‘Changing Technology’, ‘Identity, Branding and Type’, as well as the ever-popular, ‘How to Get an Agent’. I think they will seriously blow your mind.
Anywho, we’ve recently completed the next dramatic improvement on this great tome and, I have to say, the upgrades are significant! As our book is essentially an encyclopedia on the subject of voiceover and the business of being a working talent, regardless of the medium, I expect there will continue to be adjustments made through the end of the year. Then, like our next presidential administration, we should have something that I feel will go the distance both technically and professionally.
Contact either Jolene@bighousecasting.com in Chicago or Robin@bighousecasting.com in Los Angeles for your own updated copy and discover something new about your career that might just change everything for the better!

Defining Concept

At SOUND ADVICE, we continually maintain that during your performance, your audition—you are never selling the product you are simply imparting the concept. (This is yet another unique notion that further adds to our very novel approach.)
However, that idea bears further definition.
What then defines the concept? Concept could be read as how something is perceived as a whole; how something strikes you and leaves a lasting impression.
Concept includes emotion, attitude, expression, mood… in other words, the tone.
Tiffany’s is a brand that conveys a concept immediately; refined, status, sophisticated, exceptional.
So does Coca-Cola: real, constant, traditional, confident.
The Home Depot: approachable, honest, available, casual.
Give yourself four or five good ‘descriptives’ for direction of how the piece reads to you. Describe the subject—not literally, but figuratively. THOSE are things you can play. You could say concept is senior to all other direction (or lack thereof), because if you can relay concept you then have defined the true perimeters of the piece.
And that makes you very, very valuable because, without over-thinking it, you “get it”. And that’s half the job.
The rest is simply delivering a handful of options within those parameters!

Stay Healthy…be happy!

Here are a couple of home remedies to try the next time you need a little sump’em-sump’em. Herbal remedies are wonderful: they work great and rarely, if ever, have side effects.

To relieve colds or allergies:
Yogi Tea… Take cloves, black peppercorns, 3-4 cinnamon sticks, crushed (green) cardamom seeds and slices of fresh ginger root. Boil the mixture in about two quarts of water for 30 minutes or simmer for up to 3 hours (tops). Lastly, add a strong black tea (either loose leaf or in tea bags). Freeze it or store in the fridge.
For stomach irritation and nausea (even for kids and pregnant women):
Ginger Syrup… Peel and slice fresh ginger and layer them in a wide-mouth jar adding sugar between each layer. Continue to layer: ginger-sugar-ginger-sugar. Then add water to slightly ‘float’ the mixture and cover. After 12-18 hours, drain and the mixture is ready to be given by teaspoonful. Store in your cupboard.
Make homemade ginger ale by mixing mineral water (such as Pellegrino) in a one-to-one ratio.
For diarrhea:
Bilberry Honey… Grind up dried bilberry or blueberry in a coffee grinder. Added half a cup of honey and mix. A tablespoonful might just do the trick.
Store on the shelf in your cupboard.
FYI: Herbs typically last for a minimum of 2 years. If you simply taste them and taste the herb, it’s still potent.
Of course, my favorite standard, off-the-shelf, homeopathic quick-fix for a cold or flu is one (orange) Airborne and one (raspberry) Emergen-C in the same glass. Ever see me sick? Exactly! I keep these on hand for just such occasions because it’s best if you catch it within the first 24-48 hours. Take this tasty concoction 3-4 times a day, every 4-5 hours, for 3-4 days. Works like a charm!
And it’s good to know ZICAM homeopathic cough spray works super fast and remarkably well—especially if you have a gig and you woke up with a looming problem just to add to your drama.
Of course, if your ailment persists or worsens be sure to seek professional medical attention.

Accolades!

Perhaps we’re long overdue offering up a section devoted to our clients’ remarkable accomplishments, but from now on we intend to remedy that situation in hopes you will soon see yourself included here as well!
In the past month:
- Dave Shropshire recently voiced a national commercial for Volkswagen.
“Last week I did a VW audition for them. Specs: "Superhero". Adjust the cape, snug up the tights and away we go. I had forgotten about it, until my agent called this afternoon to tell me I had gotten the gig. (SAG) Not only that but they said they are going to use the audition I sent them!”
- Jorjeana Marie landed a lead voiceover role in the next, yet untitled,
Spielberg Electronic Arts (EA) project.
- Tamra Meskimen secured INNOVATIVE ARTISTS in Santa Monica for representation for voiceover.
- Eva Breneman landed a terrific amount of narration for TransUnion
- Colleen Archer booked a handful of nationals and regionals for McDonald’s
- Robin Karfo snagged a nice recurring role on The Bold and the Beautiful
- Parker Luttrell continues to book more narration for Chase
- Jennifer Cudahy scored a national Sargento’s voiceover
- Jim Meskimen was flown to Paris to voice President Bush, and continues to be the featured voice creating numerous characters for the notorious, online political satirists, JIBJAB
- Anoush Nevart landed a series of national Comcast commercials (on-camera), as well as the role of the accompanist in FAME (the new film).
Additional emails:
Though I haven't had the pleasure to meet you, I did want to thank you for your program at Sound Advice, Chicago. I have no problem recommending Sound Advice, you and your services to anyone. I don't often use my name for referrals but would be extremely happy to in this case based upon how pleased I am.
Your manual was so informative, Colleen, Jeff, Jolene and the producers were spectacular, as was all of the people recommended for other services; i.e. graphic design, web design, et cetera.
Very truly yours, Audra Briner

Kate, I am signing exclusively with Moore Talent (in Minneapolis) with their VO and on-camera depts. I'm so excited! I hope to see or talk to you soon. Again, thanks for everything you've taught me. I still read all the Sound Advice newsletters!!! –Jason Thompson

“I followed the SOUND ADVICE promotion of my demo to the talent agents to the letter. I was on week 6 (out of a minimum of 8) and I was about ready to pitch them all into trash, thinking they weren’t going anywhere. The very next day I got the call to come in to audition with DPN Talent (formerly ICM)!” -KC
And that’s just a small handful of folks that we happen to know about that have booked work in the past two months! Be sure to keep us up to date with your progress and you’ll be reading your name here before long.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Well, my very favorite holiday is nearly here. And, as usual, I have a great deal to be thankful for… not the least of which is these TWO terrifically talented, dedicated crews at SOUND ADVICE, in both Chicago and LA. These guys have truly committed themselves to assisting YOU in every way possible! You couldn’t ask for a better team behind you!! But, keep in mind, it’s YOUR career. You have to own it and be a bit relentless about it. Just know we’re here to back you as best we can—but you’ve got the ball. Start running with it!
So, until next month… stay happy, stay healthy and enjoy the season!
Best always, Kate & crew