Self Improvement

It's every voice over performer's dream to be so busy, you can't leave the studio, right? Well, yes and no, I suppose. We all want to keep busy with those great high paying gigs! Some jobs fit that category, but of course, many don't. Still, work is work and it's a blessing to have it.

During political season, things happened fast! I've personally experienced losing several jobs simply because I went out to lunch or to run errands. Although I thought I had the bases covered and everyone would call my cell phone if I wasn't there to personally answer the studio line, it didn't always work out like that - for whatever reason. Sometimes, I was just minutes away and could have raced back to turn on the ISDN. Other times, I was booked in another studio here in town. But, hey, some jobs just aren't meant to be... I've always been of the "don't miss a job" school of thought, though, and have jumped through hoops to be able to make everything fit into the schedule!

Another situation that arises is for those of us who are On Camera actors, as well. I've been so focused on voice over for the past several years, especially since establishing my own studio, and have been keeping busy enough, that I find I do a little mental cringe when an on camera audition comes up. Although I'd love to do more film work, the thought of driving out of town - as is often the case - and missing a day or more in the studio for the audition, let alone if I get the job... causes me concern. Also, on camera auditions and work take so much more preparation. You have to learn lines, rehearse, decide on your wardrobe, what to do with your hair, etc. Am I saying that voice over performers are lazy? Of course not! I'd never say that... but... not having to memorize the lines and not having to worry about wardrobe do make things quicker and easier, for sure! That being said, I really would enjoy being on set and acting in a television show or film again, sooner rather than later.

I know there are quite a few voice over performers who have started taking their laptops and mics on the road. I just haven't hit the road often enough to really dig in and see how it would work for me. Of course, usually, when I'm out for a week, it's a vacation, and I've actually been deliberately leaving work behind to just enjoy and regroup. For day trips for work or auditions, I've just tried to keep the pda handy and respond to email requests as best I can.

I'm just not certain that recording on the road could possibly have the same quality as working from my studio. Are people really doing long form narration or e-learning projects on the road? Are they just auditioning, or are they doing commercials, promos, etc.? I know some of the big promo guys, like Joe Cipriano, do take gear on the road and record via Source Connect for national promos!

I guess a laptop and wifi should be on my list. I think I could take my Rode NT 1000 on the road easy enough... maybe even the Sennheiser 416... Something to seriously start thinking about. Of course, hard to do much recording while you're driving 4 hrs each way on the way to and from an audition. But, for a longer stay... might be worth a try!

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