In today’s episode:
A field trip to a nearby factory gives H and H all the clues they need… or does it?
Listen to episode 20 of this exclusive series from Pendant Productions:
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Sillyam Fakespeare Yea, verily! Tis time for some newly minted sayings by the immortal bard’s third cousin, thrice removed… Odds bodkins! Milady most assuredly has a plethora of junk in thine trunk! Seldom is a man so forlorn than when … Continue reading
Talent and Training vs Tools
I’ve seen way too many newbies to the world of Voice Acting ask the following questions:
- “Which microphone should I buy?”
- “Do I need ISDN?”
- “What’s the best porta-booth?”
- “How can I make my first VO demo?”
- “Who knows a good agency looking for new talent?”
Arrrrggghhh!!!
First things first: Know the capabilities and limits of your own talents.
Second things second: Get the training need to fully utilize all your skills.
Before you spend a dime on tools, booths, mics, mixers, demos, etc… Put in the work needed to be an excellent Voice Actor. Theatre. Improv. Singing. Coaches, classes and even conferences.
Many people find that the answers to many questions will reveal themselves if you’re on the right path.
Shortcuts are extremely rare. Take the time to build a solid foundation and you’ll greatly increase your odds of success.
Measure Twice, Cut Once.
Joe
PS: here are all the answers…
- The one that works best for your voice and space.
- No.
- Pillow fort, or rental car.
- Hire a pro… Only when you’re ready.
- All agencies want new talent, if you have something they need.
In today’s episode:
H and H get a taste of their own medicine as the Interims up the pressure!
Listen to episode 19 of this exclusive series from Pendant Productions:
Make America Great … Again?
It can be… But it will take all of us, and involve some serious changes.
I’m not taking about government, parties, economy, jobs or health care.
I’m taking about us. Changing.
With the rise of insults, violence, anger, finger pointing, praise of bullies, fakes and con-men, we’ve all gone down the wrong path. A dangerous path.
According to Wikipedia:
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.
This Memorial Day, I’m remembering what America had, and can have again…
(here’s the list, in alphabetic order: Beauty of Spirit, Caring, Civic Pride, Civility, Class, Common Sense, Community, Courtesy, Curiosity, Decency, Dignity, Honor, Humility, Innovation, Kindness, Knowledge, Love, Loyalty, Morals, Personal Responsibility, Pride in one’s work, Respect, Sense of Duty, Thriftiness, Truth)
Perhaps we all just need to follow the example of the Boy Scout Law: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
… And if you find yourself blaming others, try reaching out to them instead.
Together, regardless of who’s in power, We The People are the only ones who can Make America Great.
E Plebnista.
In a recent Facebook post, people were debating the merits and issues with stating your political views on a public forum. The primary concern seemed to be how it might affect their business. Here is my posted reply:
Now is not the time to remain silent. No job, paycheck or client is worth giving up our freedoms. And that’s what’s at stake. Everyone must do what they’re comfortable with, but I will not stand idly by while the underpinnings of our nation are eroded. If anyone, including a client, doesn’t like my stance on issues of this importance then I wouldn’t want them anyway. So far, I’ve only lost one connection here, and he went way off the deep end. My two cents. Your mileage may vary.
After all, what good is having the right to freedom of speech if you never exercise it?
The Role of the Jester
Although I do speak my mind plainly at times, I also often use humor to convey messages. Like the King’s Jester, some truths are easier to deliver with a bit of comedy. The laughter (or lack thereof) can tell you a lot about the audience. And make no mistake – I’ve mocked both sides of the political aisle (but one side is usually a lot more of a comedy gold mine 😉 )
Here are my latest set of short historical propaganda films – Enjoy!
Join The Republican Party: The Party of THE FUTURE!
Dead Presidents on Trump (5 short videos)
What would dead presidents have to say about Donald J. Trump?
Wonder no more!
Here’s 10-15 seconds each of alternative history for you!
Copyright 2017 Joe’s Dump
www.JoesDump.com
Not a Quinn-Martin Production
I’ll be honest: before doing a bit of research, the only thing I knew about George Washington Carver was that he found lots of uses for peanuts.
Turns out he was an amazing man. Not only a brilliant, inquisitive, scientific mind, but a strong will and sense of purpose to match.
One of the unexpected treasures I discovered were from a thank you letter he’d written to his students. Usually presented as an excerpt of “8 Cardinal Virtues” as follows:
Good rules to live by, and it will serve me well to remember them.
If you’d like to discover more, the National Parks Service has an excellent PDF about George Washington Carver, including the full original text of the letter (on page 24) – available here:
Discovering George Washington Carver — A Man of Character
… and of course there’s a pretty good Wikipedia entry here:
Wikipedia: George Washington Carver
One more parting quote that speaks to me as an artist:
When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.
— George Washington Carver
I just finished watching the first episode of “Bill Nye Saves The World” on NetFlix. The episode’s about climate change. Bill presents some good information. Bill’s excited. Bill’s upset that more isn’t being done. Bill has an audience and guests and lab coats.
But… Bill Nye failed to connect with me. Period. And I’m in the choir he’s preaching to.
This is a part of the problem. Why it’s so easy for science denial to thrive.
We don’t have a Carl Sagan.
Carl Sagan had a very unique ability to connect with a wide audience. He made the topics he covered interesting, inspiring, fun. It was like he was talking to you directly. Having tea and cookies in your living room.
So… Who’s out there now? Who’s our “Science Communicator”?
Bill Nye? No.
Neil deGrasse Tyson? No.
Al Gore? Hell No.
It’s not that any of these guys lack the knowledge or foundation to speak on a whole host of science topics. It’s that they’re not reaching their target audience. In fact, they may be pushing them away even further.
Like many intellectuals, there is a belief that if they just explain something to you in enough detail, that you’ll have to agree with them.
That ain’t the case.
As an actor, I can tell you that in order to connect with your audience, you’ve got to go where they are. Physically, mentally and emotionally.
In their homes. Having tea and cookies. A one-on-one conversation.
Even if it’s broadcast to millions of people.
We. Need. A. Carl Sagan.
… and that person hasn’t shown up yet.
In today’s episode:
The Marauding Marauder strikes again, and H & H turn to an unlikely source for help!
Listen to episode 18 of this exclusive series from Pendant Productions:
After decades of intensive research, Joe’s Dump is proud to announce it’s very own line of FITNESS PRODUCTS!
Get the full story on Joe Lamé Fitness below!!!