If you could ask a voice seeker anything,what would you ask?

[VoicesOnCall.com]

The organizers of Voice 2008 have asked me, as a larger online buyer/client/seeker to talk at the conference. Things are not finalized as I still have to juggle schedules, yet I am hopeful that I will be there. So the question is:

What is it that you would like to know of VO seekers? I would like to find out if there really is a desire from Talent to know what goes on in the seekers' minds, what in the world we are thinking, why we do this, why don't we do that, what are we looking for in auditions, what factors do we use in selecting a voice for a project, why do some of us pay months down the road, what can Talents do to better their chances in booking jobs with seekers, etc.

Rather than having us guess as to what you would want to know, it is better if Talents tell me.

It's basically open season on voice seekers. No real guidelines as to what you can ask, just as long the questions are related to the topic of VO. (Note that "Boxers or Briefs?" is not on the topic)

So, if there is something you would like know, please list your questions here and I will collect them and see what can be discussed at the conference.

Thanks!

Larry Maizlish
Voices On Call
Voice Casting and Production
http://www.VoicesOnCall.com

[jsgilbert]

Thanks for always being one ofthe good guys Larry. So here's something I think folks might want to know more about. It's several questions but closely related.

You do quite a bit of casting via online casting services. Has it always been this way or have you migrated to doing online casting?

Why do you like casting online?

Do you think voice actors can make careers strictly from opportunities they may encounter via online casting and/or web presence?

For actors who have been getting work via some of the more "traditional" methods, such as casting directors, local recording studios, auditioning through their agent - do you think that these individuals need to step up to the "internet plate" or otherwise might find themselves losing out?

What one thing could an internet casting service do to better support talent seekers like you, either in terms of structure, inviting talent to participate, etc.

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration. Unfortunately I will not be attending the Voice 2008 program, but hope that you might pass along some of your answers afterwards for those like myself who won't be inattendance.

[PierceVoice]

When you listen to a new "talent" you've never heard of... what makes you do it?

Does it turn you off when the voice seeks you?

How big of a deciding factor is "personality" for you-- as in someone who brings a charismatic interpretation to otherwise typical copy?

[BobbyH]

Have you knowingly "low-balled" a rate quote in a casting to:

• See if someone would respond?
• Find out what level of talent would respond?
• Find a in-experienced actor who happens to be very talented and book them?
• Pocket the difference from what the client actually budgeted?

/The Seekers are sworn in before providing their answers, correct?

[VoicesOnCall.com]

Thanks for the really good questions. I have noted these down and will see if any others come up and try to include those as well.

Thanks!
_________________
Larry Maizlish
Voices On Call
Voice Casting and Production
Voice Over Talents | Voice Acting | Voice Over Casting | Voiceovers

[Joe Rodriguez]

What percentage of your casting efforts are done via on-line casting services?
What is your preferred method for finding talent?
Which site do you use most often? Had most success with?
Are you satisfied with the level of talent you receive auditions from?
When you hire a talent, how important is the price vs. the talent / voice?
Do you still use "traditional" methods for casting i.e. casting directors or agents?
Where do you see the future of your voice casting going?
What advice do you have for people who are auditioning for you? Are there any blatant mistakes people make when they submit their audition materials to you? How can a voice talent increase their chances of being hired by you?
When you hire a voice talent, is it a one time deal or are you looking to build relationships with a talent?
Do you prefer bring your talent into your studio or working via the internet?


and . . .,

Can you please hire Joe Rodriguez more often.

[VoicesOnCall.com]

Thanks again for all the great questions. We are still gathering questions from here and other sources and at some point, we will decide how best to post our answers so the talents who are not at Voice 2008 will have a chance to review them.

We will continue to collect questions for at least the next month. This will allow talents to submit questions as they may come up on a day to day basis.

Thanks again for the questions and comments.

[Julie Williams]

Hi Larry,
Looking forward to meeting you in LA!

A talent's dream when auditioning online... would be to jump the gap from the person who gets to audition for you (if they win the lottery on voice123, or if they fit the profile on voices.com) each time you post.... to being the person who gets sent an audition directly from you (instead of from online service) every single time you post something they'd be right for. How does a talent achieve this?