Hi from Texas!

[Melanie]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new to the forum, and new to Texas ... I've been a hardy New Englander for most of my adult life (childhood outside NYC) but fate moved me to Texas about six months ago .... it's stranger than fiction for this Northeasterner!

I've wanted to do VOs since I was five and had a family that wasn't supportive! (My father wanted all his children to be doctors and forced me to be pre-med and to major in chemistry of all things!) Biggest heartbreak of my life, denying my passion over the decades and being forced to do ucky corporate work (I escaped the medicine thing, fortunately). Fortunately, along the way companies I worked for would hear my speaking/reading abilities and make me do recordings and corporate training materials, voiceovers for translations, etc., but it was never enough to fill my passion for it. Now, a big grown up girl I could no longer stand a life that wasn't me, and I'm plunging into VOs full-time! I just sobbed when it all started happening ... anybody who's ever been denied doing what they love for years will understand ... it's like my whole life was a charade until now!

Anyway, I'm being told I have quite a climb upwards ... I'm competing against contemporaries who have been doing this for 20 years and have tons of training and experience. I know what my voice can do, and my instinctual ability to deliver copy, but there is quite a learning curve here in terms of the business, home studio, etc. What I do have going for me is perseverance and unbelievable determination -- when you've been denied something for almost 30 years, you're not deterred by anything when you finally have the chance to do it. Giving up is not even an option ... I'll succeed at this or die trying! At this point in life, I don't have anything to lose.

So ... I'd love any encouragement or advice folks could give about getting started. I have a demo that's pretty good, although I'd like to update it in a few months because I've already learned how it could be better. I'm dabbling in voices.com and v123, but not loving SmartCast any more than any of you.

Thanks to EVERYONE who's contributing to these forums ... thanks for giving of your time, expertise and ideas. I find voice-overs.com invaluable right now. I hope to contribute more and more as I get grounded.

Melanie

[JoeActor]

Hi Melanie - Welcome!

I moved from Ohio to the DFW area a while back - quite a difference!
Now I'm in Los Angeles (more culture shock for the mid-western guy...)

Plenty of friendly people are here to help you reach your goals.

Cheers,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

[Dan7]

Originally Posted by JoeActor

Hi Melanie - Welcome!

I moved from Ohio to the DFW area a while back - quite a difference!
Now I'm in Los Angeles (more culture shock for the mid-western guy...)

Plenty of friendly people are here to help you reach your goals.

Cheers,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

you probably miss Taco Cabanna as much as i do

[JoeActor]

Originally Posted by Dan7

you probably miss Taco Cabanna as much as i do

Indeed... and Sonic (closest one is a couple hours away)
Found a good BBQ place tho - they have a giant chicken out front, which is always a good sign!

Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

[Dan7]

there was supposedly some great BBQ place that came here not too long ago but it wasn't good. no one around here understands BBQ... the 3 main places that need to move out here are 1. Taco Cabanna, 2. Whataburger, 3. Bill Millers... that would be fantastic.

[Julie Williams]

Hi Melanie, or Howdy Melanie!
Yes, it's true that you're competing with experienced talent everytime you do an audition, but it's not always about who's the most experienced. It's who is best suited for the particular spot.

Be sure to read my FAQ section at www.voice-overs.com. Also, Here's a podcast that may help you too: Voice Over Xtra

Good luck!
Julie

PS Guys... I miss Taco Cabana, too! Dan, Bill Miller is just local to San Antonio, I think.

[AlanSimmons]

Melanie,

Welcome! You're in the right place. I have never seen another profession where people are so willing to help and offer advice, instruction, and feedback. Good luck and hang in there!

~Alan

[Sameera]

Hey Melanie, welcome to the voice over industry at last! Glad you're finally able to fullfill your dreams...It's never too late! Good luck! :)

[Colin Campbell]

Great story Melanie! I so totally get the "I'll succeed at this or die trying!" I've said those same words.

It's a tough and long road but with the people you'll meet, more of a pleasant journey.

[Melanie]

Julie,

Thanks so much -- I loved the podcast! And I can't agree with you more ... I really don't feel like I'm competing ... more like finding what I have to offer in all this ... it's been great so far and I'm really enjoying your site.