Biggest newbee mistake?

[Jon Morss]

Hey Bob,

Here’s another question for you:

What is the single biggest mistake you see new comers in the business make?


Jon

[Bob Bergen]

Hey Bob,

Here’s another question for you:

What is the single biggest mistake you see new comers in the business make?


Jon

Great question!

THE #1 biggest mistake is making/distributing that demo before being ready. For the most part, ya get one shot per listener. If your demo isn't brilliant, it's going to be hard getting a second listen.

In LA there are less than 20 voice-over agents. And they all have a long memory when it comes to bad demos. Even if after a year or so you've improved and made a better demo, often they remember the previous bad one. So DON'T make a demo till you are absolutely ready!

The #2 mistake is trying to cut corners. Taking the cheaper class, or having a friend do your demo, or not studying at all and just diving in with the demo.

Think of this like college. You don't take one class and call yourself a doctor. And if being a doctor is your dream, you do whatever it takes to get there. You take out a student loan, you work 5 night jobs to pay it off, etc. For some reason actors want it cheap and fast. Well, you don't want a Dr. who got his degree cheap and fast. No producer or agent wants a talent who went the cheap and fast route, either.

You don't take one class and call yourself voice-over ready. And if you've never taken any classes start with acting and improv. Become a solid actor before taking voice-over classes. Without a solid acting foundation you will be spinning your wheels in a voice-over class. Without a solid acting foundation you'll be making guesses instead of choices.

Be prepared!! Because if you aren't, there are oodles of people competing with you who are.
bobbergen.com

[Jon Morss]

Bob,

Awesome response. This sounds all too familiar to me. It looks like I spent that few years doing all of the wrong things. So, now it's time to correct all of that.

One question though, does less expensive or cheaper always mean poor quality in a VO class? I've seen some top VO talent offer some very good prices on their classes; much less than less known talent offer. I would imagine there are exceptions to this, right?

Thanks again for your time.

Jon

[Bob Bergen]

Bob,

Awesome response. This sounds all too familiar to me. It looks like I spent that few years doing all of the wrong things. So, now it's time to correct all of that.

One question though, does less expensive or cheaper always mean poor quality in a VO class? I've seen some top VO talent offer some very good prices on their classes; much less than less known talent offer. I would imagine there are exceptions to this, right?

Thanks again for your time.

Jon

I'd have to know the teacher to give an opinion. I can't judge by the price. But if someone is teaching for $50 for 8 weeks, I'd stay clear. I'd also stay clear if someone is charging $1000 for one session. That's outrageous!

Be a good shopper. Ask around and get feedback from others who have studied with them. See if you can audit!!!

;-)

[Jon Morss]

Bob,

Sounds like great advice.

I'll be tracking your classes to see when I can jump into one. I may have to move back down to SoCal so I'm closer to talent like you. At least we have Julie in the Sac area.

Many thanks,

Jon