K4 going pro!!!

[TINMAN]

K4 the Tinman of TMU, aka James Eastman is going pro!


Yeah..... As of today, I have been accepted into a professional Voice Over organization known as Voice Universe (VU for short). It's members are in the VO industry and doing it or actively pursuing it as a full time career. They do commercials, narrative work, film, movie trailers, animation, you name it. This is the Big League here and boy do I feel puny,,,, punnnnnnnnnnnnnnny. I'm excited and surprised they even approved my request for membership (they ask you a bunch of questions, then their board reviews your application), but I'm guessing my old theatrical background, radio gigs, and voicing machinima for these last few years counts for something! I have to be very honest with you guys 'n' gals.... I feel soooo intimidated by what demos I've heard and the names of members I have seen. For instance... Don LaFontain is still regarded as a member... and if ya don't know who he is, then you don't know VO. Another example is Beau Weaver who is the reigning movie trailer king! There is the stunning Laura Ann Riley who is a goddess when it comes to commercials. You've heard her for years! My stomach is a mess right now because these guys are AWESOME! They are more than awesome... they are VO gods. I feel so very unqualified! Regardless, they let me in... so, I'm going to take advantage of it, hopefully learn some things, and see where it might lead.

Yes, it is a very competitive field...... and these are pros...... but... who knows? Maybe... just maybe.

As always, thanks for being a friend. I wanted to share this bit of good news with you first!

K4

[MikeDBoing]

WAY TO GO DADDY!!! :clap:

Congrats!!..ok Now is the time for that all important Miller Time we keep hearing about..only here its a molson..and its an ale...and it has taste....and alcohol.....but other than that CHEERS!! :thumbup:

[squirrelygirl]

You shouldn't feel intimidated at all. When it comes to vo work you have mad skills. Watch out Don LaFontain here comes Daddy! :)

[thebiz]

Congrats K4. Well deserved and exciting.

[RJANACONDA]

that's PIMP!

[Nahton]

K4 - That's awesome!!! You shouldn't feel intimidated at all. You've got the pipes to be pro in my humble opinion. Good Luck!

[stvndysn]

thats amazing news daddy, im really chuffed for you...heres hoping to hear your voice more over on uk tv possibly.

[Harb40]

Very well deserved. A great voice deserves recognition.

[Fospherous]

That's fantastic news K4! You certainly deserve it for the great voice acting service you've done in our community! I look forward to hearing you in some of these big projects you might get involved in! :)

[Uber]

Well done, guess you won't be doing VOs for us now.

[Jake]

Congrats K4! You truly deserve it. :001_smile:

[TINMAN]

Well done, guess you won't be doing VOs for us now.

That would be like turning one's back on his mother now, wouldn't it?

Believe me..... I'm under no grand dilusion that suddenly I'm going to be Mr. SOMEBODY. I could say a thousand words, but these people could easily and instantly chew me up by just uttering one simple word. Right now, I am very uncomfortable because I feel intimidated by the enormous talent of these men and women. My stomach really is in knots, I kid you not!

Being accepted into VU, which was a bit nerve wacking (will they accept me or roll their eyes and stamp REJECTED on my application??), does not guarantee any kind of success. However, it may get my foot in the door. It may provide an opportunity somewhere, somehow down the road.

Already, I've seen 2 professional VAs who live very close by. One was an announcer at the M-TV Music Awards.... the other was doing some vocal work for NASCAR. From what I've seen, they are very generous in helping noobs like me with tips and contacts.

It is highly recommended to have a demo that grabs one's attention within the first 2 seconds and to have a professional profile photo. Since my son (who is majoring in photography/journalism) is presently home with his fancy-smancy camera, he is gonna do a photo shoot with me. Ah... great.... I've grown my hair out over the summer break and have also grown a goatee. I think I look like an old hippee! Normally, I am clean shaven with or without a mustache and short hair...... but my wife and friends say they love the new look. They say I look 'healthier' and 'vibrant'.... LOL. Personally, I think it is all attributable to getting a break from the rug rats in school. I really dread going back to that low paying job, but at least it is a job... and we all know how valuable it is to be employed in this disasterous economy!

Anyways..... I need a kick azz demo reel. Without a high quality demo, one might as well be pissing in the wind as a demo is generally the first thing a potential client hears. Making that first good impression is crucial! Do I feel the PRESSURE?????/ Yeah....... yeah, I do.

My wife says that once my son leaves to go back to the university I should convert his bedroom into a recording studio. Sounds good to me. I know I could get even better sound then. And......... get this.... she says she is willing to go even more in the hole if I needed better equipment and software in order to potentially generate some supplemental or better income. Well... "income" would be nice, but new equipment doesn't mean guaranteed income. But, hell, risk is part of the game.

I'm a little minnow in a big, big ocean with some big, big fish...... but who knows...... I might make it long enough to be the next Charlie the Tuna. It could happen!

Thanks for the encouragement! You should receive your $20.00 within a week or two.

K4

[Jase180]

Nice work K4..well deserved. Cut that demo and get yourself a crackin and show em how its done!:thumbup1:

[BiggsTrek]

Best of luck, K4. And don't forget your friends when you're all famous and stuff.

:wheelchair::wheelchair::wheelchair:

[WarLord]

I wish you the best of luck even though you don't need it. I thought you WERE an active VO pro when I first heard you.

[Killian]

Here's your 75 cents; now where's my coffee? ;)

About time you got into the "big time", you old bugger...

[Chris62]

Awesome k4 i know you can do it.
You have a natural born talent for it.

[goofparade]

Great News K4 I'm very proud of you! I wish you all the best of luck with your endevours. Big hug!

[Sparky]

Really great news K4. Im very pleased for you.

Wish you the best of luck with it m8 :cool

[A_N_D]

K -

YOU are an awesome VA. The "competition" you list are your PEERS.

Deal with it, my friend, and never doubt yourself again.


Jason (A_N_D)

[Dulci]

I am thrilled for you!

[animatechnica]

K4 - very deserving honor! congrats

[afterThought]

Big Congrats, K4! Remember you wouldn't be there if they didn't think you had the chops. And also remember, no matter what they think, we think you're awesome! :)

[BenTuttle90]

Congrats K4, well deserved.

[TINMAN]

K -

YOU are an awesome VA. The "competition" you list are your PEERS.

Deal with it, my friend, and never doubt yourself again.

Jason (A_N_D)

:thumbup:
Luv ya, A_N_D.


Thanks again for celebrating with me in this piece of GOOD NEWS! It means alot to me knowing that my TMU posse stands behind me. Did I say "posse" ??? Wow! I really HAVE been playing alot of Red Dead Redemption!!!!

I had my little photo shoot yesterday, courtesy of my son, and slapped four salvaged snaps (from the hundred or so he took) onto my Portfolio Page. I'm calling the plastic surgeon tomorrow to see if he can carve away the ugly. :001_9898: LOL

Gradually I'll be gathering and creating material for a Demo. I would like to use clips from some of the movies I've had the good fortune to be in. Other material will have to be created, such as commercials, movie trailers, narrations, promos, and characters. In creating a demo, a VA is not allowed to use music, snd-fx, nor actual script unless he or she has procured permission to use that material since potential money may be acquired from the employment of a demo. This is one reason why it is best to use a service that produces and engineers demos (which I will probably end up using). There are those at VU who will critique your demo for you with brutal honesty. That's GOOD!

I'm still staggering at the talent I'm seeing associated with VU. Giants! I'm surrounded by GIANTS!!!! These are folks who easily make a 7 figure income! OMG! And... they are willing to help, which blows my mind away... because as Jase can tell ya, the Industry can be "cut-throat"! "Not so with VAs!" says Patrick Johnson, who has made millions as a VA, "We truly help and support one another." I suppose it is because as a VA, you either sink or swim according to your own efforts or lack thereof. It is all about the voice and what the client wants. The client may prefer a 10 cent VA over the million-dollar VA because he or she "fits"..... which is something all movie makers at TMU readily understands.... The voice needs to match the character!...... and "fits" the pocketbook when it comes to business.

Okay...... I suppose I need to get my azz moving here and make hay while it's daylight!

Thanks again for being a part of this exciting journey!

K4 :wheelchair:

[Uber]

Gonna use the pic of Sean Connery from "The Hunt For Red October" huh?

[stvndysn]

sorry for doing this daddy and shoot me if you want :gunsmilie:

for those who have'nt been to VU and searched daddy you will find his page daddys asylum (http://www.voiceoveruniverse.com/profile/JamesEastman?xg_source=profiles_memberList)

gotta say though daddy you look very swarve

[allpoint]

Congratulations !!, once you try anything could happen, you could be advertising toilet rolls this time next week :)

I hope its a great success for you, you can't beat doing something you love for a living.

Best of luck

[Bezzer]

Really awesome news sir!

A truly excellent VA, a gentleman and all round nice guy.
Well and truly deserved and the very best of luck to you mr. Eastman:rockon:

[act3scene24]

I'm so very happy and proud of you K4. I wish you the best and hope to hear more about your adventures in pro VO work :)

[Kinte (PlayhouseProductions)]

Congrats K4 i really respect your work you are a VO God or should i say prophet much respect

[TINMAN]

Thanks... however, I'm no more special than the next person. We all bring talents to the table; each of us is important in what we do... which is what I love about TMU. You guys 'n' gals make it happen. I just count myself lucky to know you and to make a little magic along the way.:60:

Here is something else I learned the other day about VU....... They review every post (including the one on your own page) before it is allowed onto their site. That's right! Every post has to undergo an approval. It took 6 hours before my own blog post appeared on my own page... and I also got an email notification telling me that the photo I included and the blog text were acceptable. Holy Moley! I can understand it however, since high dollar clients often scour the site and they certainly would not want to show any unprofessionalism in any way. I don't think I'm in Kansas anymore, Toto. OMG! click-click-click!

Let's see.... I found a gal at VU, Laura Post, who I had corresponded with a number of times over the years, who did alot of voiceacting at Darker Projects dot com. Needless to say, I was happy to see a familiar face. :7: By the way... if you love audio theater, I know you would enjoy some of the many productions at Darker Projects.

Well...... I'll be all alone this weekend... will have the house all to myself....... so, this will give me alot of time to practice, practice, practice. I freely admit that, normally, I am very lazy in my speaking..(I'm a Suthern boy after all)..... I'm a quiet person. I prefer to listen rather than to speak.... but, now,..... I need to build my pipes and polish up. Most of all, I want to do this for "me". Have ya ever been there? Then you know what I'm feeling. Can I punch my way out of this paper bag? LOL :001_tt2: Yeahhhhhhh. I can!... especially with the great encouragement I've gotten from you! Thanks!

That's the latest on K4's Wild Adventure!

K4

[twilit.tera]

K4, I am really excited for you! This could be the start of something big!

Professional VA has been one of the things at the back of my mind since my educational plans got sidetracked by my health issues. Vicariously, I'm living this adventure of yours!

I totally want to hear your demo, and please keep us updated with developments. A link to your profile page would be neato!

[steelblade]

Here's the link again, for those on page 4 of this thread. :)

http://www.voiceoveruniverse.com/profile/JamesEastman?xg_source=profiles_memberList

This is exciting! And you seem to look a LOT like George Lucas! The race is on to see which of us gets rich first, but you have a BIG lead on us!

[Aemielius]

Way to go K4!!!

Just remember us when you start getting the big jobs.

[TINMAN]

George Lucas would probably be insulted! LOL
Yeah.... I've been told that a few times. Now, if only my bank account would look like his!

I uploaded a few more pics onto the site. The slideshow thingy doesn't exactly work correctly, so you might have to manually scroll thru the slideshow (if you can stomach it).

Most of this morning has involved making contacts, especially in the Charlotte area. Ya gotta network... just a fact o' life.

Tera.... I would say, "Go for it!"..... Don't wait around until you are old and gray like me. You've got to strike while the iron is HOT! If only I had listened when I was younger... but.. it is what it is. So... GO FOR IT!

As you saw in my VU photos, I've a goatee and a head full of hair, all which I grew out over the summer. When school starts back, no doubt I will have to resume the shaven face and short hair presentation in order to assure administration and parents that I "fit" the profile of a school teacher. I know for a fact, that if I didn't... they would let me go in a microsecond.

Well..... I'm trying to compromise by getting a professionally styled haircut today that will convey "professionalism" and yet be "artsy". :tooth: I don't exactly know how to say it, but you get the idea. As long as my meager income is given by the school, I have to be........ careful..... and even more so in today's economy of layoffs.

I've been exercising my vocal cords... practicing, and practicing. Sometimes my voice will co-operate and then sometimes it will take a sudden side turn straight into the verbal gutter whereas it just sucks (to be truthful). That is when I panic and wonder what the hell I have gotten myself into! I feel like they are gonna laugh me out of the studio! So.... I gotta be on my game.... and to do that, like any athlete worth his salt, I have to practice.

Anyways, I'm taking the steps and glad that you are coming along for the ride. :scooter:

K4

[twilit.tera]

I don't know what you teach or what grade level, but your classroom experience will probably be helpful. Can't tell me that there are no theatrics in leading a class!

Truth be told, I don't exactly know where to start. Any truly interesting role I get, even minor character bits, go into my demo, which you've heard, but I don't know how it would rate as a professional demo.

Funimation is local to my area, and I've even met one of their actors (He plays King Bradley on FMA). They are only looking for VA with professional experience, according to their website. (I expect dubbing for an English translation of a Japanese film would be more challenging than recording pre-animation lines.) Wendy Lee is my hero!

[TINMAN]

Tera, feel free to Skype me anytime and we'll talk about it.

Yes, there are some theatrics in school... but it's mostly the kids acting up! When I get the opportunity to teach, I do try to make it fun..... for example, I'll use movement, involvement, outlandish lies, and voices.

Demos are extremely important. This statement will help you evaluate your own demo.: YOUR DEMO REFLECTS NOT ONLY WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN >>> IT SHOWS WHERE YOU WANT TO GO NEXT. ///////// This is why I'll be using a professional demo service.

Funimation sounds like a great place to "hang around" if you get my drift. Ask them if you can sit in on a session..... and another.... and another.... and another. Conversations and opportunities happen!

Sounds like a plan?

K4

[twilit.tera]

Thanks for the idea! I'll check that out!

[db4321]

It was really great to read about this and I wish you all the luck in the world with it !

[WX_IVAN]

Well K4 I can tell you the one thing you have that those other VA's don't have-- US!!!:60: Just take a deep breath and think of your audience in their underwear. Er, no wait, that's for giving speeches in public. :wheelchair:

[Roger]

K4 you have certainly earned the title of being our Daddy! :)

[TINMAN]

Thanks again.

I see 'em as totally naked, Ivan......... even YOU! Good gosh! Put some clothes on man!!!!

Thanks, Roger.... but Daddy got a healthy "reality check" yesterday, which is causing me to seriously rethink my strategy. :scared: More on that later.

K4

[josephkw]

I just came across this thread, so here's a belated WOOT for you! I'm thrilled that you've taken another step towards your dream, and got that door open a crack wider. I often find that all doors look imposing, but once you knock, you find they are not as solid as they seem. So keep knocking, despite any "reality checks". We're all cheering for you (and living vicariously through you, as some members have iterated).

By the way, can you send me an autograph before you start selling them?

[Jake]

K4 is going pro,
Lets give him his tux and bow.
He is a great man,
I am his number one fan


Good luck, K4!

[TINMAN]

Here is $20.00, Jake! - Thanks! :clown:

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

:walkman: So.. what are the realities of doing voiceovers?
Again.... as I mentioned, I'm under no grand delusion of being the next Don LaFontaine. Here are some facts to consider if you are thinking about voice acting in a full time capacity.

1). The average VA makes between $20 and $50 per job. Depending on the size of the job, one can make more, but generally a modest voiceover job pays far less than most people think.

2). The average is 20 to 30 auditions for every 1 vo job.

3). Once that job is done, you have to go out and audition all over again for another job. As a VA, you are always chasing the next job. You land a job one day, then you may not have a job for a month or two.

4). On average, there are 50 to 60 individuals auditioning for that 1 job. There is a lot of competition, so you need to be on top of your game.

There's many more facts, but, I'll stop here. It's enough to help one get a REALITY CHECK if he or she is thinking about being a "pro" voiceover artist. It was certainly was for me. :walkman:

Quitting? Noooo. Adjusting my strategy? Yupppppp.

You can too!

K4

[twilit.tera]

So how are you changing your strategy?

[TINMAN]

So how are you changing your strategy?

A strategy will vary from person to person based of his or her situation, but the goal remains the same.

I refuse to live everyday wondering whether I will have a job today or tomorrow or next month, etc. I don't need the stress. There is something to be said about having a steady paycheck and meeting the responsibilities of supporting my family and paying the bills. Spending my time traveling all over the place, going to 20 to 30 auditions for that 1 job for me is simply an absurd thing to do. I'd be spending more than the $50 bucks they would pay me in gasoline alone! That's just poor economics. I.m not going spiraling down into some dark, dismal financial hole just so I can do a VO.

For me, I am adjusting my strategy for a "win-win" outcome...... the client wins, the studio wins, and I win. How will I personally do it?

1) I'll approach the goal logically and not as a happy-go-lucky dream chaser.

2) I'll continue to network via the net and locally.

3) I'll look for effective avenues to professionally promote myself via the web (free) and other media - demos, cards, etc. (modest cost), including personally introducing myself as a voiceover guy rather than as a school teacher.

4) I'll continue to practice, practice, practice and to harvest what instruction I can from those with experience.

5) Once I retire, in a couple of years, and working for a steady paycheck is no longer a HUGE concern and my insurances remain in effect, then I can take on voiceacting on a full time basis more as a hobby rather than as a means of survival.

Doing any paying vo work that comes my way in the meantime as a result of marketing myself (via the web, meeting people, perhaps by an agency) will be - nice. Of course, it wouldn't be an immediate indicator to quit my job and stand out on the sidewalk with a microphone.

If people are PAYING, then you better be darN sure you can deliver the goods... high quality goods. Foremost, while it may be 'fun' it is work and it is a BUSINESS.

Once my son has gone back to the university, I'm converting his room into a studio whereas I can get better sound in my voice recording and a place to conduct business. Yay! I'm going to have my own padded room! :clown: The only problem I see is a small one..... I use a USB microphone and the cords range from 4 to 5 feet in length. Presently, that is a necessary restriction for USB mics. A longer cord would result in resistance and you'd rapidly lose quality. So... what's the problem? I need to isolate the computer tower from the microphone. I am thinking I may have to construct a soundproof barrier between the mic and the tower. Just call me Tim the Tool Guy! Where's my chain saw!?

K4

[WarLord]

A sound strategy by someone that looks ahead instead of only "dreaming" ahead. Nothing wrong with dreaming... but planning can make a smoother ride.

With your pipes and talent all you need in most cases is to be heard. Yeah there is competition out there but your voice and acting adds "power" to a scene. Its impact is immediate.

We all know how many times we review a clip we are working on... we get tired of it in most cases. After adding your vo performance to a clip... the scene is renewed and amped up many levels bringing excitement to the project again.

I wasn't kidding when I said your talent can make bad writing sound good. :cool

[TINMAN]

UPDATE:

I've spent the last few days recording and making more contacts. I want to give you the link to my VU page whereas you can learn a little about me and at the same time be entertained by an audio presentation that is sure to hold your attention for a minute or two at least. Some of you will hear your name if you listen closely!

Here is the link:
http://www.voiceoveruniverse.com/profile/JamesEastman

Secondly.... I need to constuct a website which is gonna be a feat for this old man........ What I need from you are short testimonials about me and my voiceovers. Listen to my VU web page before doing so. Include your studio name and preferably your real name in the testimonial. I plan on using these on my website. You may PM me the testimonial. Please don't publish it here in the open as that would be extremely bad form....... bad form, Peter! (from Peter Pan starring Robin Williams)

Okay.,....... that's about it!
Whew! What a journey!

K4 :001_tt2:

[WarLord]

Good to see you are moving right along. I only have one complaint. You and Ken have too much hair! How about sending some to the needy????

[TINMAN]

UPDATE:

I've spent the last few days recording and making more contacts. I want to give you the link to my VU page whereas you can learn a little about me and at the same time be entertained by an audio presentation that is sure to hold your attention for a minute or two at least. Some of you will hear your name if you listen closely!

Here is the link:
http://www.voiceoveruniverse.com/profile/JamesEastman

Secondly.... I need to constuct a website which is gonna be a feat for this old man........ What I need from you are short testimonials about me and my voiceovers. Listen to my VU web page before doing so. Include your studio name and preferably your real name in the testimonial. I plan on using these on my website. You may PM me the testimonial. Please don't publish it here in the open as that would be extremely bad form....... bad form, Peter! (from Peter Pan starring Robin Williams) Thank you in advance for your help!

Okay.,....... that's about it!
Whew! What a journey!

K4 :001_tt2:



Thank you Warlord!
The hair is in the mail!
K4 :34:

[TheMilkyBarKid]

Good luck, I'm so glad for you. Your VOs have been OUTSTANDING and you will get on fine in the new business. Will you still be doing voiceovers on TMU?


Please :51: :crying:

[mr_chatnoir]

K4, you the man! :clap:

[TINMAN]

Thank you, Kate and Sherwin! It will be with great pride that I display your studio name on the website.
:clap:

Today, I redid the mp3 files I had on VU. I converted the wav files into new mp3 files using Wavepad for reasons made clear in The Conquest Project thread.

I also got an account today and began the James Eastman website. There is absolutely nothing on it yet as I am just overwhelmed with a ton of work to attend.... and I'm just getting a bit exhausted to be truthful. There's a lot of stressors at the moment from every freakin' angle..... but, I'm a fighter. Ya just handle them the best ya can and go on. I think most of you older guys know that. Kick azzz and take names.... Bah! Forget about the names.... just kick azzzzzz.............. And sometimes you do that by kickin' back with a cold one, which is what I'm doing right now.

Okay... Here is a K4 Connection Tip..... I did this today in my quest for higher quality sound. I made a quick makeshift sound-resistant studio that actually gave me a wonderful result! What did I do? You won't believe it.......... I drapped a thick comforter over myself and the microphone. It's cheap and it works like a charm! Yeah... it looks stupid... but... it works! Until I get my studio built, this comforter trick will do. Try it!

It is suggested that I get a FaceBook and Twitter account for James Eastman. I have absolutely no need for those..... but I suppose it is for advertising yourself. What do you think? Good idea or not? Why or why not? How would this help professionally regarding VO work? I really don't want FB or Twitter.

Ok.... that's enough for now. I need to hit the hay.

Please consider writing a testimonial and sending it to me via PM. I would love to display them with your real name and studio on the new web site.

One more thing........ I still need audio clips of YOUR movies for THE OLLIES!!!!!!!! You can send them to:

thek4network@hotmail.com

Check the Ollies thread for more details.

Ok........... G'nite Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.

K4

[twilit.tera]

Thanks for the tip, James! I've been looking for a way to keep echoes from my gloriously right-angled stucko walls from interfering with my sound quality. So far, the best I could come up with was turning recording volume way down and speaking with the microphone in my mouth. ;)

[kuroken]

Good to see you are moving right along. I only have one complaint. You and Ken have too much hair! How about sending some to the needy????
Don't fall for it, K4 - I sent him some hair and he turned it into a destructible prop.

So now I send it all to Roger....

[Killian]

...and all Roger does is nest in it...

[stvndysn]

Don't fall for it, K4 - I sent him some hair and he turned it into a destructible prop.

So now I send it all to Roger....

well rogers quite obviously not putting it on his head...so i dread to think where hes putting it.


:scooter:

[TINMAN]

You guys are nuts! :clown:

Okay....... Update time. -------------

1.) I've updated my VU page ( http://www.voiceoveruniverse.com/profile/JamesEastman ) with a couple more Cartoon Samples. I think that is about as far as I can go with it. I may be the only one there who actually reads the text to the visitors, making it inviting and fun. Perhaps a client take a second, canvas the page and offer a contract. It does happen, as one fella got the Carfax fox gig that way.

2.) I got a Facebook account as of last night.

3.) You can follow me on Twitter if you are that bored with life.

4.) I have a website, but it is under construction. Content-wise, I don't have a thing to put on it. Wish I could have it professionally done, but I'll do what I can.

Still, there is much to do. There are logos to create and my ugly mug could certainly use a crafty photographer who could make me look like Paul Newman for the promo portfolio. All of these late night hours have caught up with me in a most unkind way. See these bags!? :56: I've taken down all the mirrors in the house. Seems to help my self-esteem some. Hell! Who is gonna see me for cryin' out loud? VA's stand or sit behind a mic, not in front of a camera! I know.... Ya gotta play the game.

Alright...... that's my little update. Thanks for tagging along!

K4 :gun_bandana:

[TINMAN]

You guys are nuts! :clown:

Okay....... Update time. -------------

1.) I've updated my VU page ( http://www.voiceoveruniverse.com/profile/JamesEastman ) with a couple more Cartoon Samples. I think that is about as far as I can go with it. I may be the only one there who actually reads the text to the visitors, making it inviting and fun. Perhaps a client take a second, canvas the page and offer a contract. It does happen, as one fella got the Carfax fox gig that way.

2.) I got a Facebook account as of last night.

3.) You can follow me on Twitter if you are that bored with life.

4.) I have a website, but it is under construction. Content-wise, I don't have a thing to put on it. Wish I could have it professionally done, but I'll do what I can.

Still, there is much to do. There are logos to create and my ugly mug could certainly use a crafty photographer who could make me look like Paul Newman for the promo portfolio. All of these late night hours have caught up with me in a most unkind way. See these bags!? :56: I've taken down all the mirrors in the house. Seems to help my self-esteem some. Hell! Who is gonna see me for cryin' out loud? VA's stand or sit behind a mic, not in front of a camera! I know.... Ya gotta play the game.

Alright...... that's my little update. Thanks for tagging along!

K4 :gun_bandana:


FACEBOOK
I've set myself as a GROUP on Facebook... but for the love of Pete, I don't know how to set it up as a Public Figure or Actor-Director or whatever....... all I can get is GROUP. But.... ya know..... it might work better as a GROUP... Hell, I dinno. What are your thoughts? PM me.... and PM me if you know how to set yourself up as a Public Figure, etc. Thanks for the help! God knows I need it.

TWITTER
Twitter is now ready to fire up! I made myself a pretty nice wallpaper for it too. Miss Dulci was my 1st Follower!!!! Got to love her for that! My Twitter name is jameseastman.

K4

[riott007]

I'm so thrilled for you!! this is pretty amazing.

Also, before you get really famous...can you vo for me one day soon. I'm writing a new riotteer project - a remake of flashdance. (Possibly)

whats the facebook group name?

[stvndysn]

here he is riott

james eastman (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/profile.php?id=100001432850108&ref=ts)

[riott007]

ty!

if you get a friends request from an angelina..it's me

[TINMAN]

ty!
if you get a friends request from an angelina..it's me

:batman: I know.... cause I'm Batman.

I'd wear fishnets for you, Riott.... but, of course, I wear them for Norrie too... so (shrugs) LOL. God love him! :thumbup:

Just let me know.

K4 :wheelchair:

[Jake]

I feel proud, I was the first to join your facebook group! :drool:

[macwemyss]

Ok, dunno if you got the question about the group answered or not but here goes.

Basically you're not meant to create a GROUP, instead you create a PAGE and that lets you change it to public figure, etc and also allows you to post on the wall as the page/group itself rather than as yourself. I know this because I made the same mistake when I was setting up the page for my band :p

[TINMAN]

Ok, dunno if you got the question about the group answered or not but here goes.

Basically you're not meant to create a GROUP, instead you create a PAGE and that lets you change it to public figure, etc and also allows you to post on the wall as the page/group itself rather than as yourself. I know this because I made the same mistake when I was setting up the page for my band :p

I'm on FB right now/.... and I am looking on the left side........ and there is not a CREATE PAGE..... so how do I CREATE a PAGE? :scooter:

[stvndysn]

james if you click on the groups link on the left under your profile, its takes you to the groups page, where, on the right at top you will see create group

[TINMAN]

james if you click on the groups link on the left under your profile, its takes you to the groups page, where, on the right at top you will see create group

That is true. I had no problem creating a GROUP. The objective is to have a PAGE that says for example, Public Figure, or Actor-Director. To better see this, search for Phaylen....... and you will see what I mean.

Thanks, :euro:

James Eastman
_Actor - Director

[TINMAN]

Okay... figured it out by accident really. After looking around in the ADs section, I spied CREATE A PAGE. I dunno if it if Free or not since it is under ADs....... anyways, I created a Page. Whew! Hope you are enjoying the 'fantasy'.

I've gotten some nice comments on my FB, Twitter, and VU pages. Thank you for such wonderful support!

You can find all of my stuff by typing in: James Eastman............. if you are extremely bored. You might find it amusing. I know I do.

K4

K4

[goofparade]

I drapped a thick comforter over myself and the microphone. It's cheap and it works like a charm! Yeah... it looks stupid... but... it works! Until I get my studio built, this comforter trick will do. Try it!



K4




Try this sucker K4!


http://www.vicoustic.com/vn/MusicBroadcast/produtoInfo.asp?Id=60

[TINMAN]

I actually have a screen like that, but it doesn't cut out the scatter in the room. The more dead I can make the environment, the better it will be for the sound engineer. When I recorded under that comforter it was amazing how the quality just jumped higher!

Work on my new studio is coming along. I did some wiring yesterday.

Thanks, GP! I highly value your suggestions!
K4

[WX_IVAN]

You also might want to try this, especially if you're strapped for cash. I hear them talk about this on the Wolf and Dulci show sometime last year. Someone talked about how they bought this portable sound booth for about $150. I looked at it and it looked pretty simple. I researched it more and found out you can make the same thing only a lot cheaper. You can buy a 24"X24" canvas storage case at walmart and I got the foam insulation from Sam Ash. It was also 24"X24" so I didn't have to cut anything. It all costs less than $50 and works pretty good. I never tried using it with a blanket over my head (it's way too hot here) :devil2: and I like its portability. I'll take a photo of it and send it to you if you're interested K4. :22:

[goofparade]

You also might want to try this, especially if you're strapped for cash. I hear them talk about this on the Wolf and Dulci show sometime last year. Someone talked about how they bought this portable sound booth for about $150. I looked at it and it looked pretty simple. I researched it more and found out you can make the same thing only a lot cheaper. You can buy a 24"X24" canvas storage case at walmart and I got the foam insulation from Sam Ash. It was also 24"X24" so I didn't have to cut anything. It all costs less than $50 and works pretty good. I never tried using it with a blanket over my head (it's way too hot here) :devil2: and I like its portability. I'll take a photo of it and send it to you if you're interested K4. :22:

If you could link it here, i'd like to see it too.

Thx

gp

[WX_IVAN]

This is a link to the one I've seen on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Harlan-Hogan-Signature-Series-Porta-Booth/dp/B00151YP18

and here's the one I ran with:
http://blogs.oreilly.com/digitalmedia/2008/02/build-a-portable-vocal-booth.html

I checked on what I wanted locally by way of these links:

http://www.samash.com/p/Wedgies%20Wedge%20Foam%2012%20x%2012%20x%202_-49983753
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Your-Zone-Zip-It-Storage-Box-Stadium-Blue/10854799?findingMethod=rr

I was in error when I said it was 24'X24". It is in fact 12"X12"

It still does the job pretty good for the price. Hope this helps GP. :punk:

[TINMAN]

I has actually made one of these about 2 months ago as I had the materials. I got tired of talking into the box and so discarded it. It is easily and affordably made and would recommend it as an option.

This weekend, I'll resume working on my studio. Since it is a 3 day weekend I should get a lot done. Yay!

Thanks for the good finds there, Ivan. With guys like you on the look out, I should be able to get back into business fast!

K4

[TINMAN]

ANNOUNCEMENT:
I've moved into my new 'home' studio this weekend. Talk about cozy! Everything seems to be working. All that remains is enclosing the recording space with soundproofing. I was able to isolate the tower with a wall! It has been a very busy weekend. I'll be able to resume next weekend. As for now... I am kicking back with a brew... or two!.......... or three...... etc.

K4

[TINMAN]

I got a new, fancy router and a new modem. My other router and modem were so outdated. The booth is enclosed now with adequate soundproofing which I'll add to as time goes on. Don't think for an instant that this is a high class, expensive set up. It isn't! If anything it is hillbilly, homemade, and cheap... but.. it works, and that is the important thing! I even ran a cooling air vent to my tower! Come Winter I'll have to shut that off of course. Total cost for this lil' studio -- $200. If i can land a few gigs I can recoop my moola.

K4

[WarLord]

I even ran a cooling air vent to my tower!

K4

Thank goodness! I was a little worried about the oxygen level in there! :4:

Congrats on your ingenuity. Something else I have to be jealous of now. It never stops does it???? :no:

[TINMAN]

Bah! Nothing to be jealous of, believe me!
It's just using what ya got handy. Country boy can survive!... and I know you are a Country Boy, Warlord! I found your mason jars of white lightenin'.
I guess the booth measures 5' x 6 x 5'11". Cozy! I'm liking what I am NOT hearing.

I think I will call it my Padded Cell...... very appropriate.
Hee hee

K4

[goofparade]

Bah! Nothing to be jealous of, believe me!
It's just using what ya got handy. Country boy can survive!... and I know you are a Country Boy, Warlord! I found your mason jars of white lightenin'.
I guess the booth measures 5' x 6 x 5'11". Cozy! I'm liking what I am NOT hearing.

I think I will call it my Padded Cell...... very appropriate.
Hee hee

K4


Glad to see see you finally got your padded cell up and running K4, you got me thinking about my own slightly shoddy accoustics here... even tried the comforter over the head thingy.. but had trouble seeing the script and got sweaty, ornery...

It did sound significantly deader, thanks.

and GL with your new set up. I wish you all the luck in the world, you already have the talent.

[WarLord]

You could at least return the mason jars!

And if anyone asks what a mason jar is then I'll let you answer that. Personally I think it stems from a secret society of jars.

[thebiz]

I was in a liquor store the other day (go figure) and saw a brand of whiskey that was being sold in a mason jar (http://www.liquorsnob.com/archives/2005/11/georgia_moon_corn_whiskey_review.php). Apparently the economy really is in a downturn..hehe. Georgia Moon is not quite moonshine (yes, I've had some..and in a mason jar no less) but its a cute bottle. Show us some pics of your setup K4 and thanks for those links Ivan. I might try to set up one of those boxes to see if it helps.

[TINMAN]

Goofparade:
Yes, the comforter was surprisingly effective although cumbersome, hot, etc. I am actually using that old comforter as wall padding now. I am thinking about eventually adding cloth baffles on the padded ceiling for even more deadening. The bad thing about this padded cell is... my wife likes it too. Sigh.

Warlord:
Brudda... I'm refilling those jars. :clap:

TheBiz:
Yuppers.... when times get hard, people do tend to drink more. The wife told me that we are gonna have to seriously speak about our finances as it is looking more and more that I will be laid off this year. Great to see your children's education being cut more and more and more, eh? .... while the politicians, CEOs, etc give themselves huge raises and bonuses. Makes me want to have a beer! See!? I'm already drinking more!:scared:

[Uber]

So, gramps, any trailer voice over jobs yet. I hear that's where everyone starts.

[alliemanasco]

Can't wait to hear you in the big league!

[TINMAN]

Ohhhh... not a single nibble yet. :blink:
I suppose I am going to have to register with some of these online agencies who get a cut of your pay if they get you a gig. I've no problem with that. Too, I've perhaps not gotten "out there' enough. Twitter is at a meager 17 followers and Facebook is kinda like being here on the forum. I'm enjoying getting to know many of you more personally on FB however. Have you seen A_N_D's photos on FB.... Very cool! I still need to create a killer website for Eastman. I've absolutely no material nor expertise to create a professional website nor how to get a high volume of traffic to that site once it is up and running. Warlord says he will help me with that. Yay! The lack of ample free time has had an impact as well since I am having to drive through absurd, heavy traffic to the other side of the county to work in my 'deadend', demeaning, low paying job, which I will probably lose next school year (which is going to be a major bummer in itself as who hires old geezers!). By the time I get home, I am depleted. I cannot afford to be exhausted if I am to do promote this Eastman personnae and do voiceovers for some chump change so I can buy some groceries and continue to pay for the net. We have to have the net for our jobs. Grrrr.... let's stop here as I am getting bummed out and there is no beer in the house.

Anyways..... I'm giving myself 2 years to get established with meaningful, revenue producing voiceovers. Yes, I do tend to get impatient... but intellectually I know it is gonna take some work and time.

What would you like to do with your talent? It doesn't have to be voiceovers..... but what would you like to do with what you have? Are you satisfied where you are and with what you are doing? Or, is there more? Let me know... cause I am nosey!

LOL....

K4

[WX_IVAN]

Well since you asked Mr. Nosey. :tt2: As you all know my job is literally a dead end job. You can't advance (well you could go in to management but that's suicidal), no one really appreciates you because they're the one who gets their mail LAST. My earliest retirement age is quickly coming up (it's 56 and I am now 48 WOOHOO!), I don't want to be some old fart just sitting around watching cartoons and yelling at kids who walk on my lawn. At the moment I have the unique privilege to get to learn more about what I enjoy doing which is video editing. At first I thought it was to be a videographer but when I got to taste a real video editing program and found out how much fun editing was compared to going out (in all kinds of weather) shooting a job and then to be told the shot ain't right and then try again. I find it purely enjoyable and entertaining, I'm glad there is a community of people that are full of creative comments and are also willing to help out in where you're trying to go. Yes, this place is my proving ground as to what works and what doesn't, and I'm constantly working on improving. I'm also preparing myself so as to be taken seriously as an editor by self study in Apple Motion, FCP, Sound Track Pro and Color for starters so that I can take the exam to be certified in these (that badge can go a long way ya know). I know that trying to get into this industry won't be easy but as long as I keep going at it I will be where I want to be when retirement time comes up. You may not be aware of this K4, but you're as inspiration to many of us here in the community and I for one appreciate all you have done for many. Here's hoping that what you're going through is only temporary and that good tidings is right around the corner. :51:

IVAN out
:cool

[rposhard]

I just did a short gig doing voices for a series of animated training videos. It was probably a one-time thing, but the $10 a minute I got paid was sweet!

Guess that means I am now a per-fessional Voice Actor. But don't worry, I don't think I'm any better than anyone else here. :smartass:

[TINMAN]

I just did a short gig doing voices for a series of animated training videos. It was probably a one-time thing, but the $10 a minute I got paid was sweet!

Guess that means I am now a per-fessional Voice Actor. But don't worry, I don't think I'm any better than anyone else here. :smartass:

Way to go RPO!... and that's the right attitude too!
You have a unique style which I personally love.
K4

[docontheweb]

Congrats guys! I knew ya had it in ya. ;)

[timothy_richmond_3]

Congrats, K4! I can't imagine just how nerve-wracking it must be to be surrounded by talent like that, but you definitely deserve it. Don't downsize your considerable voicing talents. :)

And rposhard, I am quite the fan of your voice acting as well. May I ask how many minutes you worked? Because 10$ a minute can be quite a sum, indeed.

[rposhard]

Congrats, K4! I can't imagine just how nerve-wracking it must be to be surrounded by talent like that, but you definitely deserve it. Don't downsize your considerable voicing talents. :)

And rposhard, I am quite the fan of your voice acting as well. May I ask how many minutes you worked? Because 10$ a minute can be quite a sum, indeed.
It was seven one-minute videos.

[DennisBazeley]

I just did a short gig doing voices for a series of animated training videos. It was probably a one-time thing, but the $10 a minute I got paid was sweet!

Guess that means I am now a per-fessional Voice Actor. But don't worry, I don't think I'm any better than anyone else here. :smartass:

Cool stuff... good to hear Richard.