Voiceover Audition Success

The real work in voiceover is crafting a flawless audition. I spend a lot of time on my auditions, which, these days are more numerous than ever. While you'll never known for sure what the client has in his/her mind for "the voice", you can certainly improve your chances in landing the voice over gig and try to synch up with the client's vision by preparing each audition carefully. This is not about script breakdown, which is another fundamental aspect of the voice over audition and delivery process. This article is about freeing the vocal instrument to achieve a successful performance.

I've been frequently doing a workout routine each day to improve my voiceover delivery. The routine includes breathing and relaxation techniques, body and neck stretches, yawns, lip and tongue trills, resonance and articulator drills. Of course each day when I wake up, I read the newspaper, and select several stories to read aloud, in order to get my brain to mouth engagement into motion early on way before I head into the booth. Coffee helps me in the wake up process.

1. In any performance situation, the voice actor must have poise and confidence. This is a challenge, especially to the voice actor who auditions alone in the confines of his/her home studio. Remember that confidence grows with every rehearsal and script preparation, whether or not you book the job. I look at each audition as a chance to keep "my chops well-oiled".
2. The successful performer is one who is able to control tension so it will not interfere with performance.
3. Relaxation is paramount! Keep practicing warm-ups. When you are warmed up, thoroughly prepared and relaxed, you'll gain self-confidence.
   
4. Psych yourself up for the audition performance and use breathing exercises, or use some type of physical or vocal release.
   
5. The more experience you gain through recording auditions and listening to and critiquing your playback, the easier it is to lose your apprehension over the process. Think of "owning" the delivery.
   

Whether it is the audition, or a booked session, a successful performer prepares, concentrates intently and executes swiftly with creativity and professional distinction.

The primary tool of the voice actor is the voice that is free of tension and anxiety, and one that is freely expressive. Think of your warm-ups as a massage to your resonators and articulators. A voice that is tuned up and warmed up through regular workouts and vocal exercises that will help you explore your range accurately and creatively. The more you relax, the more natural the delivery and that just might book you the job!

Written by Bobbin
Listen to Bobbin's Demo
www.VoicesOnlineNow.com

Growing Film Industry

Utah film industry leaders are hoping to lure the production of more blockbuster movies to the state by offering a larger tax incentive.

The Governor's Office of Economic Development is set to present a proposal to state lawmakers Wednesday calling for an increase in the state's rebate for motion picture expenditures, from 20 percent to as much as 30 percent.

The larger incentive is intended to make the state more competitive with nearby New Mexico, a longtime rival because it offers similar geography and a 25 percent rebate, among other incentives.

In the past year, New Mexico beat out Utah for productions of the films "Cowboys & Aliens," starring Harrison Ford, and the remake of "True Grit," featuring Jeff Bridges. Those productions have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in New Mexico.

"At 20 percent, we're just not getting the looks that we'd like right now," said Marshall Moore, director of the Utah Film Commission.

Utah is one of a dozen states that currently offers a 20 percent rebate or tax credit. Another 11 states offer a 25 percent incentive, while eight states offer a 30 percent incentive. Several other states offer incentives between 35 percent and 44 percent.


To read the rest of this article visit www.KSL.com
Written by Brock Vergakis, Associated Press Writer