I love Big.
It’s a fantastic film. If you haven’t seen it, and later we’ll try to figure out what the hell is wrong with you, “Big” is about a kid who makes a wish and turns into a grownup.
In my favorite scene, the “bad guy” Paul is complaining about Tom Hank’s character Josh Baskin to Josh’s adult girlfriend, Susan.
Paul: What’s so special about Baskin?
Susan: He’s a grownup.
I’ve always delighted in the irony of that exchange. Josh is kind, caring, honest, and respectful: qualities that grownups are supposed to have. Most of the adults in the film have lost their way and are a bunch of soulless jerk-wads.
I’ve noticed a correlation between the level of success a voice talent achieves and how much of a grownup they are in terms of both personal and professional maturity. What does it mean to be a “grownup” voice talent?
TIP OF THE WEEK
Cash Flow: you have revenue goals and a budget that you stick to. You spend & save thoughtfully. When negotiating with clients never look for the “maximum kill”.
Tools: You have a quality microphone, up-to-date software, and an easy-to-navigate website with strong demos, your contact information, and your social media buttons on the main page.
Technique: you are a trained voice talent. You keep up with the times. You know how to interpret copy and take direction. You are a good listener who isn’t in love with the sound of your own voice.
Marketing: Your brand is in harmony with your voice, age, gender, skill sets, and personality. Your social media presence isn’t the “Look At Me” show.
Health: you are in shape both inside and out. You are a thoughtful contributor with strong values and always strive to give to the voiceover community, not take.
NEWS AND NOTES
If you’re an APA member, the webinar that Andi Arndt and I did, “Give yourself a Raise – Time Management for Narrators” is now available! Go to AudioPub.org, log in, hover over the Member Resources button, and click on Webinars.
No blog next week! Why? Because I will be yucking it up in Chicago at the Audio Publisher Association Conference. Yes, I will also be at Johnny Heller’s Spendliferous Workshop, the APA Mixer, The Audies, and The Naudies. See you there?
HAPPY HAPPYS
Happy Password Day and No Diet Day!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
From my village to yours; this is Tom Dheere, GKN News…
Tom Dheere is a 20-year veteran of the voice over industry who has narrated thousands of projects for clients in over a dozen countries. He is also a coach at Edge Studio, voiceover business consultant known as the Voice Over Strategist, and is currently writing & producing the comic book “Agent 1.22”.
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