First Trip to the Studio

Yesterday, I made my first trip to Big House Casting for a fun-filled day of voiceover instruction. I'm still tired (including my voice). In all, a good day. Big House offered to produce my voiceover demos for narrative and commercial work, which is pretty intense because they cast national-level accounts. I need to spend some time working to break some of my radio habits, like losing the "announcer voice."

The only downfall is the price of getting going: the estimated total cost of producing two high-quality demos, building and hosting my website, marketing, graphic design, promotional items (CDs for agents, mailing postcards to agents, etc.), and enough in-home studio equpiment to get started ($150 for an acceptable mic and $30ish for a boom-style stand) is between $7,000 and $8,000.

My gut feeling is to wait a few months, during which time I take out a small business loan so I can pay everything in full (and not lose my momentum by having to stop voice coaching until I can get enough money to pay for it, etc.) and establish the actual business itself (set up a workspace in my home, create invoices, set up a business checking account and credit card, make sure my remote connection works, etc.). I'm working with my financial adviser/tax dude to look at the practical logistics now. My goal is to set myself up to be as successful as possible, and to do things right from the very beginning

Regardless of the money, I had a great time reading copy and honing my technique in the studio. I was comfortable, happy, and felt a tremendous surge of creativity only felt when you're in the place in which you're supposed to be.

Also, I DROVE to Chicago for the very first time in my life. (Driving THROUGH the Windy City to other destinations does not count.) I'm proud. Spent the evening with some good Platteville people, becoming better friends through wine, Nerf guns, and Conan's last "Tonight Show" appearance.

Voice overs

Tomorrow, I'm going to Chicago to meet with a voice coach at a production company; at least, that's my understanding of what's happening. My goal is to leave with a clear idea as to whether or not I have the natural ability to begin a part-time voice over business.

I've been involved as both a participant and judge of public speaking since middle school, including time spent on the radio. I know I can read the copy, but I've never done so in a huge market like Chicago. I've always enojyed the performance aspect of communication, but haven't been in a position to act on this idea until now.

Once upon a time, I really enjoyed flexing my vocal chords for the enjoyment of myself and others; I'd like to do so again.