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We welcome you to read the thoughts and sentiments of some of our upper level graduates. See what they think, and read about their experiences with Voices For All from their own personal perspective. Students from all over the country choose to start and further their career in the voiceover industry with VFA, and we are proud to display some of their feelings about us here in their own words, unedited. Some students even choose to send us success updates. Please visit our Success Updates section to view them. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions or inquiries you may have.
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 It was a very good experience from start to finish, one that I know will launch yet another career for me. Unlike many who come to voice-over, I already had some insight into the industry. For several years, I’ve hosted a Saturday home improvement radio talk show here in Portland, Oregon. Part of my responsibility has been to voice commercials for our station’s clients. About six weeks into the training with VFA, I was starting to get comments from the professional staff that my commercials, and in fact my on air show as well, all were sounding somehow different. I’d just smile and say, “Thank you.” But, my real thanks go to Voices For All; you guys turned an amateur into a very confident professional. I’m now marketing myself for all sorts of VO work, much of which will have nothing to do with my radio show or even the station I work for. Bob S. - OR |
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SUCCESS UPDATE: I attended the Master Class in Chicago, with many hopes and dreams of the possibilities that layed ahead. I had no idea the variety of VoiceOver projects that were available until we began digging into the manual. A few weeks after returning home from the MC, I set up my home Studio and began to practice reading scripts, recording and editing. I kept the manual on my desk until I learned all the steps. I chose a busines name, designed and ordered business cards, began to sign up with the social networking sites and free VO sites. It was 2 months later that I landed my first 'gig' voicing the Mrs Watters character for a youtube video. Currently, every Tuesday night I work at WORT 89.9, Madison as a member of the Promos group. We produce promos for the station. Typically we write, voice, edit and fully produce 8 - 12 promos. This talent pool has a wide range of knowledge and experience from radio and television alike. I also Host "The Morning Show", Monday - Friday, 9am until Noon, on ASLN Christian Radio. This is completely unscripted and Voice Tracked, with no editing capability. This truly challenges me to either 'get it right' or do it over, and I don't like do overs! I'm learning more about breath control, speaking succinctly and clearly as well as creating topics for my show. How fun is that???!!! : ) The best paying VO project I completed during the summer was for CUNA, two eLearning programs used for training of their employees. This was awesome. I went to their studio and was blessed with an Engineer, and you know what that means - right! Yep, HE did the editing. WOO HOO I also completed a Documentary Narration, which was especially challenging, in that the script was amended, changed and added to several times before the project was done. The film has not yet been released, however I look forward to the screening when it occurs. I have done several PSA's, one went International, airing on Canadian radio stations. I voiced the character of Mrs. Watters on a youtube SIMS video. Not my best work, but it was early in my career and I was completely excited to be chosen for the part. I discovered the 'elf' character voice in me, when I voiced a promo for a radio station during Christmastime. I've produced Telephone Greetings and On-Hold Phone Messages for a variety of companies, announced Cheer Squads, DJ's and have done a few other liners as well. I was invited to audition to be a Co-host of a Podcast - but declined the offer as it was not the genre or the image I wish to portray in my business. I find some of the projects and some of them find me. I know people are checking out my vfa webpage because the visitor counter is growing steadily. I look forward to the day I can quit the day job, I also know this will take time and perseverance on my part. Laurie H. - WI |
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Dear VFA, It's been about three months since taking the Masters Class with Mike Elmore and I wanted to let you know how I happy I am that I took the course. I have finished setting up my home studio. Thank you so much for recommending the vendor. He was patient with all my questions and extremely helpful. Everything was shipped as promised and received faster than I thought possible, with no shipping fees. WOW! As I sent up my studio, I had to refer back to the Master's Class workbook often. What a valuable tool it is, the step by step instructions are the only reason that I was able to set up my home studio at all. Every time I read in the workbook I pick up something new as well as refresh what I learned in the Masters Class. I have had one professional audition so far and I really only started sending out my demo's last week. I look forward to having a great year with my new business in Voice-acting and will continue to read the workbook and use the resources that VFA offers. I'll let you know when I get hired for my first job. Thank you. Jon L. - CA |
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SUCCESS UPDATE: Eric, I got my first job! It's volunteer, but it's national. It's the radio commercial for the YMCA Twin Cities that they will be sharing with their affiliates nationwide. You helped me revise my cover letter last week. I thought I wasn't selected because I didn't hear back from them on Monday, but this morning I sent my VFA web page with bio and demos AND NOW I'M IN, MAN!!!! It's a start. Baby steps every day. Thank you and all at VFA. Patrick L. - MN |
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SUCCESS UPDATE: Well, I guess I am now officially a voice over person. Not too long ago I finished the Powerpoint presentation for Florock products. 54 slides, and a happy customer. Sent off the invoice, and just waiting for the check. I really had fun doing it, and am looking forward to other projects, although they're hard to come by. I do want to thank you, Eric, and VFA for the education and help in getting this launched. Bob R. - IL |
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If you're reading this, you're more than likely, trying to make the decision to take the VFA classes. My advice to you: DO IT! Stop thinking about it and DO IT! You are in great hands with the people at the home office and the coaches out in the field. I took the intro class and met Mike Elmore. A couple of days later I got a call from VFA inviting me to the Master Class. I'm telling you, it was the best thing I have ever done. Look, they have a vested interest in having you succeed. On top of that, even after the classes end, they are still there to help you in whatever you need to become a success. These people are pros. They know whether you have THAT skill or not. The Masters Class takes you step by step on how to do everything. From how to read a script to getting paid for reading that script. It's all there. Business plan, marketing, demos, recording, all of the how to's you need. What's great? If you have more questions down the road there is always someone there to help you out. I took my Master Class in Dec. of 2010, it is now Sept. of 2011. It took me a while to get everything in place, but I can happily say I'm busy, having a lot of fun and making a decent living doing it! Mike Elmore has been the biggest help through all of this as I'm sure your coach will be too. If it wasn't for him I would not be writing this today. His patience and direction gave me the confidence I needed, when I needed it. In the last 3 months, I've booked jobs from Kobalt Tools to Ford Explorer, Movie Trailers, Radio ads, Product demos, Corporate identities and a lot more. Look, they can show you how to be successful, but it's up to you. Like anything else, the more you put in to it, the more you're going to get out of it. Thank you VFA and a big THANK YOU to Mike Elmore extraordinaire. DO IT, I'm telling you, just DO IT! Matt M. - WA |
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SUCCESS UPDATE: Completed an acting gig and VO project for the feature Film SPACESHIP TERROR as the voice of the "Killer Captain" The Movie has gone on to win the Seattle True Independent Film Festival's best picture Kick Ass award, and is currently a success in Japan. Completed an acting role in the feature film 68 MINUTES (still in production). As Dr. Sark. Currently acting in A HARWEN FILM'S production of a feature entitled Grimises Rising As the Grimises Demon. (There is a Page on FB, Grimises Rising) All of which is a direct result of what I learned through VOICES FOR ALL. Stephen L. - WA |
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SUCCESS UPDATE: I was speaking with an attorney, who was helping me with some legal issues, and told him I was working on getting voiceover work. He said he knew the CEO of an agency in San Francisco and wrote an email introduction to her about me. I then filed my headshot, VO demo and resume. Was called to do an audition - which I felt I had blown, but apparently had not. So don't judge yourself, we are usually our own worst critics! Then called in last week for an interview and contract. This agency was founded 25 years ago by an actress and now employees her son and daughter. They have film and voice over studios in their offices. They are a respected agency in the SF bay area. I hope to get some acting and/or VO work with them and will keep you posted as to what I do land. It is difficult to get picked up by any agency in the area so - it's all about relationships!! My experience with my VFA class was wonderful. I received more direction and guidance that I have in any other performance class I have taken. Eric knew how to draw out of me the best that I could give with his patience and clear explicit instructions and guidance. The taping of the demo was a great experience and best of all, FUN! I am so glad I took this class and have greatly benefited from it. I am looking forward to taking the character development class in the near future. Please continue to keep giving classes and supporting us, Voices for All. Mary Ann M. - CA |
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