Podcast appearances and mentions of rudy gaskins

SOVAS founders Joan Baker and Rudy Gaskins join Mike and Emma and discuss the "That's Voiceover! Career Expo", The Voice Arts Awards, and share some powerful thoughts on diversity and inclusion in casting and beyond!

(VIDEO PODCAST)   Everything about Medical Narration from Debbie Irwin!! Sign up for our show takeaways, resources, and drink recipes before episodes air here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.speechlessvo.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE SPONSORS & AFFILIATE LINKS:  Please visit our sponsors! ⁠⁠⁠⁠STUDIOBRICKS⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Center Cam⁠⁠⁠⁠ (15% discount when you use this link!) RESOURCES mentioned in this episode: ⁠Joan Baker & Rudy Gaskins of SOVAS Hugh P. Klitzke VONow.com Debbie@DebbieIrwin.com https://debbieirwin.com/specialties/medical-narration-coaching/ CONTACT INFO: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: SpeechlessVO@gmail.com PRODUCTION CREDITS: Music: Rick Wilson Editing: Hamza Latif Written and Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kim Wilson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Natasha Marchewka⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Natasha and Kim are both in ⁠⁠⁠⁠StudioBricks⁠⁠⁠⁠ booths and are using ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Center Cam⁠⁠⁠⁠ everyday.

Episode title and number: My BOLD for 2023 is... Season 3 - #1Brief summary of the show:In recognition of the new year, we here at Bold Blind Beauty On A.I.R. asked a few of our previously featured guests to share what their BOLD for 2023 is. We love their answers and hope you do too. Here are their names in order of appearance: Anne Mok, Roy Samuelson, Caroline Desrosiers, Melody Goodspeed, Rudy Gaskins, and Catarina Rivera. Our hosts, Nasreen Bhutta, Dana Hinnant, Stephanae McCoy, and Sylvia Stinson-Perez get in on the fun by sharing their bolds. Then Dana provides her Beauty Byte followed by a brief discussion.Supporting Our Advocacy Work:⦁Shop our online store ⦁Buy us a cup of coffeeBullet points of key topics & timestamps:0:00 | Welcome0:37 | What it means to be bold3:00 | My BOLD for 2023 is...15:50 | Supporting Bold Blind Beauty16:30 | Dana's Beauty Byte18:92 | Viva Magenta27:20 | Upcoming featuresBold Blind Beauty Monthly News:If you haven't checked out our newsletter you may do so here: Yes, Sign Me Up!Finding Bold Blind Beauty On A.I.R.Each podcast episode along with its transcript will be posted here and to Bold Blind Beauty. You can also find Bold Blind Beauty On A.I.R. on iTunes, Google, Amazon Music, Anchor, Spotify, or whichever podcast platform you prefer. Subscribe today!Connect with Bold Blind Beauty to learn more about our advocacy: Join our Facebook community @BoldBlindBeauty Subscribe to our YouTube channel @BoldBlindBeauty Check out our website www.boldblindbeauty.com Music Credit: “New Inspiration” by BasspartoutX https://audiojungle.net/item/new-inspiration/7204018Thanks for listening!❤️

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

The voice over industry was excited to get their very own awards show when the Voice Arts Awards came on the scene in 2014. Since then, countless voice actors have had a spotlight shone on their excellent work and the industry as a whole has received recognition it deserves. There's more to SOVAS than just the awards though. In this episode, I speak with SOVAS President and CEO Rudy Gaskins to get a better understanding of what SOVAS is all about. We talk charity, the future of the awards, That's Voiceover conference and more. Website - https://sovas.org Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SovasVoice Twitter - https://twitter.com/SovasVoice Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/societyvoicearts/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/society-of-voice-arts-and-sciences-inc/ -----   Marc Scott on Instagram - @marcscott RESOURCES * One Piece of Advice Free eBook https://marcscottcoaching.com/onepieceofadviceebook/ * Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott * Need a little marketing help? Download a FREE eBook - 5 Steps to Marketing Like a VOpreneur Download now at https://marcscottcoaching.com/5marketingstepsebook * For voice over services: Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com * Want VOpreneur Swag? Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur * Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur   EVERYDAY VOPRENEURS IN THIS EPISODE * Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance! Visit http://antlandproductions.com * Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions! Visit https://christyharst.com * Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions! Visit http://krystawallrauch.com   If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

Here is the part two of my conversation with Rudy Gaskins. He's the Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of SOVAS (Society of Voice Arts and Sciences) and international nonprofit corporation that oversees That's Voiceover!™ Career Expo, the Voice Arts® Awards and multiple programs providing training, education, academic/financial aid scholarships and career counseling for voice actors. Check out the website and their upcoming That's Voiceover Conference! https://www.sovas.org/  We now have a shop on Tee Public and we have shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, notebooks, mugs, masks and so on. Check out the website and get some fun merch! Thanks so much for listening! http://tee.pub/lic/HzUIT6hAiRM 

I had the pleasure of talking with Rudy Gaskins. He's the Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of SOVAS (Society of Voice Arts and Sciences) and international nonprofit corporation that oversees That's Voiceover!™ Career Expo, the Voice Arts® Awards and multiple programs providing training, education, academic/financial aid scholarships and career counseling for voice actors. Check out the website and their upcoming That's Voiceover Conference! https://www.sovas.org/  We now have a shop on Tee Public and we have shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, notebooks, mugs, masks and so on. Check out the website and get some fun merch! Thanks so much for listening! http://tee.pub/lic/HzUIT6hAiRM 

Adaptability is your superpower. Keeping on top of changing trends, technologies, and reads is what makes a marketable voice actor. Co-Founder and CEO of SOVAS, Rudy Gaskins joins us this week to discuss how being adaptable will keep us working during the rise of AI voices. Join Anne and Rudy four our next installment of the voice and AI series where we discuss how to stay relevant, why now is the time to get in the AI game, and how the future of voiceover, both union and non-union may be impacted by this disruptive technology. Guest Bio Rudy is the Co-founder, Chairman & CEO of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences™ (SOVAS™), an international nonprofit corporation that oversees That's Voiceover!™ Career Expo, the Voice Arts® Awards, and multiple programs providing training, education, academic/financial aid scholarships and career counseling for voice actors. Rudy has also worked on Union sound editing and music production. Transcript >> It's time to take your business to the next level, the BOSS level! These are the premiere Business Owner Strategies and Successes being utilized by the industry's top talent today. Rock your business like a BOSS, a VO BOSS! Now let's welcome your host, Anne Ganguzza. Anne: Hey everyone. Welcome to the VO BOSS podcast, the AI and Voice series. I'm your host, Anne Ganguzza, and today it is my pleasure to have special guest Rudy Gaskins, the co-founder, chairman and CEO of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences, otherwise known as SOVAS, an international nonprofit corporation that oversees the That's Voiceover career expo and the Voice Arts Awards and multiple programs that provide training, education, and financial aid to voice actors. So in addition to this, Rudy was also a union sound editor for Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing," and a music editor for Brian Depalma's "The Untouchables," and last, but certainly not least, and I don't want to make him angry, he holds a second degree black belt in taekwondo. Thank you so much for joining me, Rudy, and welcome to the show. Rudy: It's a pleasure. Thank you for having me, Anne. Anne: Well, I am very excited to talk to you today about this topic, which seems to be on everybody's minds, and that is of AI and the voiceover industry. And you had sent out an email to your subscribers the other day -- I was one of those and I received it -- entitled "Adaptability is Your Superpower." And in that email, you asked us to take a look at the impact that artificial intelligence is having on the world of the voice arts. And I really liked that you had this quote in the beginning from the French philosopher, that the sad thing about artificial intelligence is that it lacks artifice and therefore intelligence, which I think is a really great way to lead off that conversation because it is a very sensitive topic for most of us. Talk to me a little bit about how you feel about AI voices and their impact on the voiceover world today. Rudy: Well, I guess the first thing I would say is that there are, there are many uses for AI voices that are critical to life and death situations. And so it's important not to look at artificial intelligence and automatically assume bad things, automatically paint a picture of doom and gloom. For voice actors, it's very different because we're literally talking about our livelihoods and I'm not a voice actor, but I, I speak on behalf of voice actors as, as the chairman of SOVAS, and SOVAS, our very existence is only because of voice actors. So we do have a dog in this fight, so to speak, but there is a lot of emotion that services -- when you're talking about taking away people's livelihoods. But what's missing beyond the emotion is really understanding how AI is finding its way into the zeitgeist of communication and seeing more clearly why producers are using AI and for what reasons they're using it. And I think when you start to look more carefully at the why, you begin to understand it better, and it lessens the anxiety in terms of whether you in particular are at risk, given the kind of voice work you may be doing. Anne: Do you think all types of voice work are going to be effected ultimately or what particular genres? Rudy: I think ultimately they will all be affected to some degree, and some, the AI aspect may fall away because it's not as effective, and others, it may become more of a hybrid where, hey, we need to do it this way in order to manage money, manage time, and well, those two things alone is enough. But I think all of it will be tested. Anne: Mmm, yes. I, I think it's important that you said in the very beginning that you think that some of it will fall away. And I think yes, due to people using it and seeing if it's acceptable or they like it, or they don't like it, and they tweak -- and I think that that's something that as voice actors may feel that their livelihoods are being impacted so greatly with this, it's fear, based on fear. But I think we do need to really understand that I think there's going to be a testing period where people see if these voices will work for their need. And that's an important thing that we tend to forget, and we tend to get very up in arms, and basically just out of fear, just make a blanket statement saying that we never want to affiliate ourselves with an AI voice ever again. Rudy: Right, just say no! Anne: Just say no! And somehow we might get labeled, if we, if we look at AI voices, as if we are contributing to the demise of the industry. Your thoughts on that. Rudy: Yeah. That's, I think it's just the opposite. If we put our heads in the sand and hope it goes away, we're just going to find ourselves out of work. And, you know, AI is here. It's not a thing that's coming. It's not a thing that anyone is testing to see if it will work. It does work, you know, on many different levels. And so it is here. And the smart thing to do is to examine it, and see how it works, and see where it works best, and why people are choosing it, whether it be money or, or just creating more efficient processes for getting the work done. And so that you can then know how you can fit into that. And you've got to test it for yourself. You've got to play with it, and learn about it, and hear from the people who are on the development side. And because there are lots of jobs now that are in the AI space, and kids are coming out of college with a focus on artificial intelligence. So it's not going anywhere. Learn about it, and your chances of thriving as a voice actor are going to be better. Anne: I think also you have something in your newsletter that talked about that your voice is your own personal signature that ultimately no amount of programming can really replace. And I think that that's also important for us to remember that I believe that there is a place for AI voices, but perhaps not in places in voice acting that require maybe long format or a lot of the acting. A lot of times people will refer to it, what level of acting is AI going to replace? What are your thoughts on that? Rudy: Well, one AI is starting with actual voices. So the best AI that you're going to hear is going to be sourced from a real person who is making every attempt that they can conceive of to bring emotion and nuance to what they record. And then the technology is looking very carefully, and it's getting smarter every day, to make sure that it can replicate emotions and nuance. It's not going to ever be, I don't believe, as sophisticated as, as a human being because we can react in a millisecond to something that's emotional, whereas that has to all be programmed into AI. So I believe acting will remain key, whether you're recording your voice to put it into a bank, or whether you're the developer who's trying to manipulate the voices so that they have more resonance with human sensibilities, acting is going to be key. And perhaps those who are not studying acting, but are strictly focused on voice acting would do well to expand their skills on the acting side of things. Because as even with AI coming into prominence on some level, when you compare one voice to the next, there's going to be a judgment about whether it's better or worse. And if your performance is better, then you're going to win the day. Anne: Yeah, if your performance is better for the particular application. Rudy: Yes. Anne: So do you think that every voice actor should create an AI voice? Rudy: I think it's going to happen. You know, I, at this point, I'm not endorsing how people should actually use the information as much as saying, get the information, know what it's about, understand it, and then make the smartest choice for you. And, you know, sometimes we create technologies because we can without thinking about whether we should. Not every technology that gets created is a positive disruption. If something causes a loss of massive jobs in the country, and the upside is that, you know, two people get rich, obviously that's a bad choice. On the other hand, some technologies create more jobs and open up new evidence. And the number of people who are doing voice acting in the niche areas where AI may have an impact is probably not going to change the unemployment rate in the United States. Knowing that you can be swept away like that is part of what's very agonizing. It would create a lot of fear, but knowing how it works and where to use it and how to use it is going to enable you to be able to be a part of the growth as opposed to a casualty. Anne: Yeah. Well, I've been thinking, you know, as of late, after I've been doing a lot of research on the topic, because I've been doing a lot of podcasts on it, that AI, I think, is wonderful for a lot of things. And I think it's kind of just feeling out this voice acting replacement kind of deal where, you know, it's going to be what I think the consumer of the media is going to accept. It's kind of like, you know, video production and, and music when it went digital, and then video production went, oh, we can shoot movies on our phones. And so I think this is kind of feeling its way. And I think that the technology is only as good as the humans that are developing it. And I, I'm hoping that, you know, ultimately it will find its place where we can all survive in this industry and, and have a piece of it and it actually generates more work for us. However -- Rudy: Yeah, that would be great. Anne: -- I know that it's -- yeah. I like to believe in that. And I, I like to think that it's going to evolve that way, because, you know, with these, with certain cases that have been prevalent in the news recently, the TikTok case with Bev Standing, and then also the Anthony Bourdain movie, where they used a few lines of, of AI -- what are your thoughts about how voice talent can protect their voices? I think that these cases might be able to help enact laws that might protect our voices. But what are your thoughts? Rudy: I'm, I'm already hearing the producers, who are really pushing AI, in many cases are already talking about how they're going to pay the actors, and ensure that when they, when they add lines, for example, and the actor is not there, and they're just using the voice to fix the script or to generate an entirely new script, that the actor will get paid as if they showed up and did the job. If they make fixes, the actor gets paid, as if they showed up and did the fix. That's, that's where the battle is on, on the economic front. It will still be a matter of hiring talent to do the original source material. And then it's just, how do we keep track of that and make sure that people are getting paid -- Anne: Right. Rudy: -- and that the buyers are being straight with everybody. But I think that fight is going to be on the economic front. You know, when you, you talk about the acting side of it again, I mean, in my heart, I believe that there are inalienable traits of being human that really do sustain us through, through oral communication. And those things are, they're not, I don't believe they're trackable or traceable in such a way that you can kind of write an algorithm about it. You can mimic it, but when it comes to how we communicate with each other -- and a lot of it is also already lost in, in video games and things in terms of body language and things that happen that are part of communication that only happened when it's an actual person. And we feel these things, these things happen in microseconds all the time. So even for animals, you know, the, you know, not that we aren't animals, but even with, you know, other kinds of animals, they make sounds, and that's part of how they communicate with each other. And if you were to record those things and try to create something that would communicate animal to animal, I'm not sure how effective that would be. Anne: Hmm, interesting. Now also you're a director, Rudy. Rudy: Yes. Anne: So what, you know, I'm thinking how directable -- I mean, thoughts on being able to direct an AI voice? That's a little bit difficult right now. And I don't know, I don't know if you've heard anything, if it's going to be as possible as you think. I know that you can tweak some AI voices in terms of pitch and pacing and possible emotion, but I'm not quite sure. There's so many nuances of the human emotion. What are your thoughts about that? Rudy: Yeah, well, here's -- the scary, the scary news is that as much as we recognize the quality of great acting and the nuance of communication, the consumer is not that concerned. That's where we lose, that people are, are happy with good enough. And we see that everywhere. I mean, there was a time when I thought I will never watch a movie on a seven-inch screen, but then I was thrilled that I could find one in the back of my seat on an airplane because it gave me something to do. Anne: Right, right. Rudy: And people use their phones to watch movies all the time. But once upon a time we thought that'll never work. That's crazy to even consider. But it's a matter of convenience. I work -- I'm working now with the audio description, which is narration for blind people, to be able to understand what's being seen on the screen. And many of them would rather have an electronic synthesized voice that was not created from a source than to have nothing. Anne: Right, right. Good point. And that's kind of the scary point, right? Rudy: Yeah. Anne: It's what, it's what the consumer is going to say is, well, it's okay. It's good enough. And I think that's almost impossible for us to really -- I mean, I wish I could see into the future -- but I, I have a feeling over time, especially with, you know, voice technologies like Alexa, and hopefully you don't have one there that I just [laughs] that I just woke up. Or the voice technologies, I mean, children are using them on a day-to-day, and I think that it all starts with your ear and what your ear is used to and what, just what you get used to as being the norm. Rudy: That's right. Anne: I think that as the years go on with people using -- I know that I've been using my voice technology more and more, and as long as I know that it's a voice and it's a synthesized voice, I'm okay with it. I think if the quality gets to be too human-like and I might, and I have like, just a, a note that isn't human-like I might be like, hmm, I don't know if I trust that anymore. And I think that might have a lot to do with using AI voices in commercial spots where trust has a lot to do with things in terms of selling. Rudy: Yeah, I think commercials is one of the places where it will be a difficult road for AI. Anne: Yeah, yeah. Or maybe long format like narration, I'm thinking, that might require some acting and some human engagement. Rudy: Mm-hmm. But there, again, it becomes a matter of how much quality do you -- is really required. Anne: Right. Rudy: Again, for audio description, like I said, there are synthesized voices that are completely manufactured without starting from a human source. And that can be fine for certain things, you know, reading something that's on a screen, for example, when you have nothing else at your disposal, then you're thrilled to have at least that. And so that will always be pushing back against, you know, having a human voice, you know, replete with all the nuances. The, I think the other issue is speed with which you can get information to people. Anne: Yeah. Rudy: And it takes time to record human beings in a booth. And there are lots of cases where we need the information more than we need the nuance. And we'll take advantage of that. The young folks growing up, they're actually learning to decipher these types of voices. It's not, it's not, it's not something new for them. It's what they're born into. Anne: Right, right. Rudy: So they're, they're already learning to decipher and figure out what nuances between the lines. So at some point there won't be much of an argument in terms of, you know, great acting, makes all the difference. There's going to be some sort of common ground there, some sort of middle ground. Anne: So where do you see the industry in five to ten years? Right now, it's like, hmm, I can, I totally understand. And of course, as the younger generation comes up, are they going to be even caring about the nuances really? Where do you see industry in five to ten years? Rudy: Well, I do, I do think what we're calling the nuances will still be a factor in five years. I won't go to ten because I think the shakeup in the, in the fall, that is going to happen in less than five. Anne: Oh, I agree with you there. Yeah. Rudy: And, and that there will be instances like, like you suggested earlier with commercials where the appeal is very specific to, to a demographic, and the story that you're telling and the memory that you hope to create is essential. Because, you know, with commercials, people aren't running out to buy your product right away. You have to create something that lives in their mind until they come around to it. So one day I'm walking through the grocery aisle, and I think, oh my God, I've been thinking about trying that product. Maybe I'll grab it now that I'm out of dishwashing liquid, I'll try this one, versus the promo, for example, where it's tonight at nine. Anne: Right, right. Rudy: Then you're either going to show up or you're not. So creating those kinds of memorable stories does require a kind of detailed nuance enacted and specifying -- Anne: That's what sells. Rudy: Yeah. Anne: Yeah. That has been a longstanding marketing 101 kind of piece of knowledge that, you know, selling by emotion really works. Rudy: Yeah, and advertisers love that part of the process. Anne: Yeah. Rudy: It's not a hindrance to the process. It's not a, it's not a waste of time. It's not taking up a kind of, kind of time that would interfere with the process at all. Anne: Right. That's very interesting. I find because I do a lot of corporate narration myself, which to me, with Fortune 500 comp -- or brands that really want to invest money in their message and using those tactics to sell, I figure corporate brands actually just have longer. It's a more, more of a soft sell for corporate narration. And so for me, I'm hoping that that work, where you have companies that want to have that human engagement and, and be able to touch on that story and to create that emotion, that they will still be requiring human voices. Although I did read or I have a lot of people that have said that e-learning, you know, corporate narration -- I think explainers might be probably quicker to go than corporate narration, which like I've always maintained, is more than a minute and less than maybe four or five minutes of a soft sell. Kind of like what I compare to be a Super Bowl commercial where there's more time to tell the story. So I'm hoping that that genre is going to still work with the human voice, as well as e-learning for those companies that really need to have that teacher behind the mic and have that engagement. Rudy: Absolutely. And you, you cite the brands and what they will choose to do. And that makes a big difference because you have brands like American Express and Lexus, and these brands are luxury brands -- Anne: Yup. Rudy: -- that care a lot about how they manage their messaging. And when, even when it comes to, you know, explainers, they do a lot of B2B communication -- Anne: Sure. Rudy: -- with their partners. And those folks who are working at those companies, who need to hear those messages are just like you and me sitting at home. We have to be inspired. You know, if you want me to get up and, and partner appropriately with our new company, that -- a new company that's now working with us, American Express, for example, does a credit card with Delta Airlines. So they have to communicate to Delta Airlines staff, what they're doing, and how to, how to sell this, and how to build that partnership. If you send them an electronic message, it may fall on deaf ears. So even though it's an explainer, and it's, and it's something that's on the Internet only, you're talking to real people who require being excited and inspired -- Anne: Yeah. Rudy: -- to take action. Anne: Mm-hmm. And if I remember correctly, I mean, Rudy, you've spent years doing branding for companies, if I'm correct. Rudy: Yes. Anne: Did you -- you've had a branding company for years. And so you've worked with companies that may want to have, like, that voice be part of the brand, maybe part of a, what I call a sonic brand. What are your thoughts about how AI and, and a human voice can work in regards to being a total voice for the brand? Rudy: Yeah, that comes, kind of comes back to that five-year shake-out. I think in the near future, the human voice rules when it comes to a sonic signature, because we've always had non-human sonic signatures that are either musical or sound effects. And so we know what those are and we deal with them accordingly. But when you have a human voice like Ving Rhames' Arby's commercials -- Anne: Yup. Rudy: -- "we have the meats," that stands out in a way that, you know, shook everything up. I mean, I even hear similar music being used on other fast food chains now with with an over-the-top voice because advertisers are known for glomming onto whatever is hugely successful. Anne: Sure. Rudy: So they're all following Arby's now and trying to create that sonic signature. Anne: I would imagine though, if they could make an AI voice out of him, that that might work for their maybe phone system, right? That's what I'm thinking maybe the human voice with an AI voice together would make all aspects of the company similarly branded. Rudy: Yeah. Anne: Yeah. Rudy: That's an excellent point. Anne: Yeah. Rudy: And since the voice is already out there, and we know it, even if the AI version is not quite it -- Anne: Right, it's close. Rudy: -- will fill in the blanks. Anne: Right, right. Interesting thought, interesting thought for voice talent, right, who are fearful that this is taking away their jobs, maybe this actually will offer an opportunity to become a voice for a company. Rudy: Yeah. Anne: And I think that that wouldn't be a bad thing to aim for. [laughs] As a voice actor. Rudy: Yeah, I think the worst case scenario is that we're using human voices to source this material. Nothing has changed in that sense, that you're still one of tens of thousands in a voice bank. And you want to be there when someone reaches out for a particular sound. And once you have that sound, you're going to be promoting it. You know, you're gonna be promoting your voice. Anne: That's a, that's a good point. I think that that's something I want to also reiterate for maybe voice talent who are, who are fearful, is that not everybody's going to have an AI voice created. I mean, there's still going to be a selection of voices to choose from. And if this is the wave of the future, if this is what is evolving, and you want to stay within the industry, it's a thought, you know, you could be a part of that pool. And I don't believe that the technology nor do I believe that the laws are going to be there in place for a company to just create a voice out of, let's say, media without licensing and without permission. I do believe that that's probably in the next five years where you're saying a lot of this is going to kind of shake out and get hopefully worked out. I think that those laws are going to be, you know, completely enacted and put in place, because there's going to be -- Rudy: I believe so. Anne: -- there's going to be a few incidents where it's going to be not licensed or not used without permission. And I think that just that's, everybody's going to just make it so. [laughs] There'll be a lawsuit. There'll be something that we'll just -- there will have to be laws enacted to prevent that from happening. And also from companies that are less than ethical. Rudy: Correct. Everything I've read coming from producers that are being interviewed and producing work in AI has included paying the actors fairly. And I think that that's a good sign, that conversation is part of what they're projecting in their, in their public relations and in their process. We have to push that. We have to keep that conversation alive and not let it become a maybe or maybe not kind of thing, but an obvious fair and equal choice. Anne: Yes, I agree. And I think that also voice talent need to really look closely with companies that they may be working with. If they're thinking about this, or if they happen to see an audition that comes around for a TTS, or if they're being asked to record, you know, lots of lines for what may seem like a good amount of money at the time. But I think that it's important that they all, that all voice actors that see that kind of opportunity really take time to look at it and make sure that it's valid. And even me, I'm at the point where if I see anything like that, and it, and it interests me, or if I might want to work with the company, I'm having a lawyer look up [laughs] or work with me to, like, look over any documentation to make sure that my voice is protected. Rudy: Yeah. That's, that's very smart. Woe to the voice actor who doesn't hire a lawyer to look at a contract first. Anne: Right, right? Especially now, I think especially now, I think it's really, really important when you're doing -- because that type of information is what is required to make an AI voice, a lot of information. And in regards to, you know, celebrity voiceovers, I don't think that that's going to happen too quickly unless they're getting paid. And I -- Rudy: Right. Anne: -- I'm hoping that the union is going to really start having a voice. So far as today, I've heard that they're looking into it. They've commented on a lot of things, but I haven't heard anything officially from the union about AI voices. Have you heard anything? Rudy: Well, no, just the same thing you're just suggesting. Anne: Yeah, yeah. Rudy: And, but, you know, the union has been weakened tremendously as result of non-union work. Anne: Yes. Rudy: Union actors, talented union actors who teach voiceover to newbies. And so those people become really good because they're getting trained by -- Anne: Sure. Rudy: -- really good people. And then they're out doing non-union work. So the union is, is kind of struggling -- Anne: Yeah. Rudy: -- because they have not updated their outlook and their way of communicating or connecting with actors. Anne: Yes. Rudy: And the union is only as strong as its membership. So that's a, a weakness right now. Anne: That's another podcast episode probably to talk about what could be done, because I think that they need to be involved. Rudy: Yeah. Anne: I'm hoping that they will be involved to help protect, help to protect. Rudy: Well, folks are definitely turning to the union now -- Anne: Yeah, yeah. Rudy: -- and asking these questions as a result of AI and hoping that they'll, they'll get something done. The union has tended to be more pro its regularly working talent. Anne: Sure, absolutely. Rudy: And a multitude of actors who are union, but not working regularly. Anne: You know, but also they're very connected obviously to actors, you know, on camera actors as well, where I think that some of this is they're going to be wanting, especially with the Anthony Bourdain kind of fiasco, that that happened. I think that they're going to be probably involved sooner than maybe they thought [laughs], so in terms of protecting their voice actors. So tell us, do you think, ultimately, since you are the CEO and founder of the SOVAS awards, Voice Arts Awards, you think that you'll have a, an award category for anything AI coming up soon? Rudy: We've had an award category for AI for three years. Anne: Wait, where've I been? Rudy: Artificial intelligence, as well as augmented reality. But the way, the way it works is the voices have been actual actors. So as you know, these are, these are voice actors who were submitted -- Anne: Oh, gotcha, right, right. For the, yeah, for the best, that's right. I do remember that category last year. Wow. So Rudy, it has been so enlightening talking to you today. I really appreciate your perspective and -- Rudy: Thank you, Anne. Anne: Yeah. BOSS listeners out there, I think that we just need to really educate ourselves, and you've been a great part of helping us to do that, Rudy. So I really appreciate that. How can people get in touch with you if they'd like to know more, know more about SOVAS, know more about Voice Arts? Rudy: Oh, sure. Well, go to our website for one. And that's very simple, SOVAS.org, and there, you will find our events, and you can find out about, learn about our mission. There're auditions that are available as part of That's Voiceover, which is coming up in November. And so there, there are three audition opportunities, and the first one will show up next week and the others will continue to roll out. That will be two scholarship opportunities. Anne: Awesome. Rudy: This year, That's Voiceover is giving away $20,000 in studio gear. Anne: Whoa. Rudy: So -- Anne: That's amazing. Rudy: Yeah. I still can't believe it, but between some of our sponsors, they put that together. Anne: That's fantastic. Rudy: Yeah. So all those who attend That's Voiceover -- Anne: Is that going to be in New York this year or LA? Rudy: That's Voiceover will be virtual. Anne: Ah, okay, good to know. Good to know. Rudy: We're very careful about that. Anne: Yeah. Rudy: And I'm glad we did hold onto that virtual position this year because COVID is still kicking around. Anne: I know. And I, yeah, there's, there's a couple of conferences that are going to be in person, and I'm not quite sure anymore because yeah. We're having a flare up over here. Rudy: Yeah. That's, that's what I've been hearing. Some folks are concerned about that now. Anne: Yeah, yeah, a little bit. Rudy: I would be. Anne: Absolutely. So SOVAS, That's Voiceover in the scholarships. Wow, fantastic. Rudy: Yeah. The scholarships and we're working on some new scholarships right now with Pandora. Anne: Oh fantastic. Rudy: We're going to keep adding stuff, you know, value that people can find here. I mean, we are a nonprofit organization. So a big part of our mission is to, to, to be charitable, and our sponsors understand that. And so we look to partner with them to find ways to, to help people to grow. And studio gear is a big one. Anne: Well, fantastic. Rudy: And training is a big one. Anne: Yep. It absolutely is. And I appreciate all of your efforts in the community, and I know our BOSS listeners do too. And so thank you so much again for joining me today. I'd like to give a big shout-out to our sponsor ipDTL that allows me to connect with people such as Rudy. And thank you again, BOSSes, for listening. You guys, have an amazing week and we'll see you next week. Bye. Rudy: Bye-bye, all! >> Join us next week for another edition of VO BOSS with your host Anne Ganguzza. And take your business to the next level. Sign up for our mailing list at voBOSS.com and receive exclusive content, industry revolutionizing tips and strategies, and new ways to rock your business like a BOSS. Redistribution with permission. Coast to Coast connectivity via ipDTL. 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Go beyond #KnowYourNarrator - this bonus episode from the weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite decision makers, creators, writers, and influencers for movies and episodic tv.

Bold Blind Beauty On A.I.R. Show NotesDate: 6/4/21Name of show: Bold Blind Beauty On A.I.R.Episode title and number: Voice Arts Awards Presents Audio Description Episode #5Brief summary of the show: Welcome to another edition of Bold Blind Beauty On A.I.R. In each show, our co-hosts, Stephanae McCoy, Sylvia Stinson-Perez, and Nasreen Bhutta will discuss Bold, Blind, and Beauty related topics. Our goal for every program will be a special focus on accessibility, inclusion, and representation."But for everyone that's involved or who's on any level in the process of making these choices you have to push back wherever you see a situation that is lacking in awareness of diversity and inclusion. And stand up to it by pointing to the opportunity for positive change, for inclusion." ~Rudy Gaskins One phone conversation was all it took for a mainstream company to make the decision to embrace inclusion. We are so excited to share with you that three categories of Audio Description will be presented at this year's Voice Arts Awards Gala in December. Rudy Gaskins, Co-Founder of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences sits down with us to discuss this exciting news!Bullet points of key topics & timestamps: Introducing Rudy Gaskins  | 0:45History Of The Voice Arts | 2:14How To Become A Voice Artist | 3:49Audio Description Nomination Process | 5:05A.I.R. In The Judging Process | 7:51Audio Description Categories | 9:26The Benefits of Audio Description | 10:30Embracing Inclusion | 11:47Taking A Stand To Increase Diversity | 13:18Advice For Future Voice Artists | 15:21Supporting Our Mission | 17:38  Reflections On The Importance Of Audio Description |  18:36Contact information & social media handles: Email Rudy Gaskins  rudy@sovas.orgFacebook @SovasVoiceInstagram @societyvoiceartsTwitter @SovasVoice  LinkedIn @SocietyOfVoiceArtsAndSciencesCalls to action: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @BoldBlindBeauty Share Bold Blind Beauty On A.I.R. |  boldblindbeautyonair.buzzsprout.comSupport Our Mission | “Blind Chicks With Attitude” Racerback TankMusic Credit: “New Inspiration” by BasspartoutX  https://audiojungle.net/item/new-inspiration/7204018

Join Patti Katter with DC Glenn as they talk about his life before and beyond his career as a music icon. DC of the iconic old school hip-hop duo Tag Team, who were behind the Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hit single Whoomp! (There It Is), shares his story of success and how he claimed his ticket to fame. He also narrates how he explored other things aside from music. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in this episode: DC Glenn’s early life experiences Hustling from music to business Shifting to voiceovers Musician turned actor Realizations and lessons learned And so much more! ~ About DC Glenn: DC Glenn is an American film actor and voiceover artist residing in Atlanta, GA. He is also known as one half of the 90’s rap group Tag Team who created the classic stadium anthem “Whoomp! There It Is.” And is also featured in the SAG national GEICO commercial “Scoop! There It Is.” DC has been training tenaciously for film, tv, and commercial acting since 2017. Enjoying this fruitful journey sharpening his craft with LA acting coach Crystal Carson (Auditioning by Heart), ATL acting coach Natalia Livingston (Actor Boutique), and improv veteran Ray Bengston. DC has relished the process of auditioning and training with the aid of all his talented actor colleagues on WeAudition to become a successful working actor. DC has also enjoyed training vigorously for years, seeking mastery in the arts of voiceover. His magnetic presence and rich, textured voice have been nurtured by VO coach Rudy Gaskins and Joan Baker (SOVAS) and Denise Woods (author of The Power of Voice), dialect coach to the stars. With the continued support of The People Store agency in Atlanta, GA, as his representation, this partnership is achieving goals only dreams are made of. ~ You can find DC Glenn on . . . Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcglennatl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TagTeamWhoomp Twitter: https://twitter.com/TagTeamWhoomp Website: https://www.tagteambackagain.com ~ Connect with Patti . . . Website: https://pattikatter.com/ Online Shop: https://thepatrioticmermaid.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pattikatter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pattikatter/ Don’t forget to join The Wake Up with Patti Katter's private Facebook group. Listen to Wake Up With Patti Katter on all major podcast platforms. Interested in Podcast Editing Services or Interested in starting your own Podcast? Ask Patti for a Consult! Podblade: https://app.podblade.com/r/5KQLLY --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wakeupwithpattikatter/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wakeupwithpattikatter/support

Joan Baker and Rudy Gaskins, Founders of the Society of the Voice Arts and Science Award Show and That’s Voiceover Career Expo, join us on EP176! Joan and Rudy break it down for us about the journey they have been on, answer your burning questions about the voice over industry, how they continue to bring … Continue reading EP176 Joan Baker & Rudy Gaskins: SOVAS Awards →

Happy Thursday, and Happy Halloween friends! This week, I'm chatting with THE voiceover power couple - Joan Baker and Rudy Gaskins. They both have enormous passion for what they do, as well as a genuine desire to help the voiceover community. Listen in as we chat about the location of their office, how they started their career and their conference "That's Voiceover". New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Joan Baker is a voice-over artist, teacher and coach. She is also the author of Secrets of Voice-Over Success. And along with her husband, Rudy Gaskins, she is the co-founder of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences. SOVAS is a non-profit organization created to enhance opportunities for gainful employment across all aspects of the voice-over industry and its related fields. Learn more about Joan and SOVAS. Learn more about The Passionistas Project. Listen to Joan's Bonus Material: BONUS: Joan Baker on the challenges of doing voice over BONUS: Joan Baker on almost introducing Obama BONUS: Joan Baker the Voice Arts Awards and That's Voice Over BONUS: Joan Baker on her mantras BONUS: Joan Baker on Josephine Baker BONUS: Joan Baker on her pop culture icons

Voice Actor and renowned microphone expert, Christopher Currier, lectures around the world to voice actors, singers and engineers about the relationship between the talent and his or her microphone. Some call him the "microphone matchmaker." On this episode of GET OUT THERE Christopher takes on the burning questions every voice actor should ask before saying "I do." Is there a best microphone? How do you know when you've found your microphone soulmate? Is it okay to date more than one mic? What if my mic makes more money than I do? Truth be told, Christopher is a romantic, with an uncanny insight for helping you  to fine the perfect microphone mate, and that means more success in the VO booth. So light your favorite scented candles, cozy up by the fireplace and open your heart to microphone love on GET OUT THERE with Joan Baker and Rudy Gaskins.

Everyone's got a quick question about breaking into voice acting. It's the answers that take time. On this week's GET OUT THERE, actor/author/teacher Joan Baker, and Emmy Award-winning producer Rudy Gaskins tackle the most burning FAQs of Voice Acting, with your dreams for success squarely in focus. Where do you start? Do you have the right stuff? How do you choose a teacher? Do you need acting skills? How do you get an agent? How do you self-direct? What is the financial investment? How long does it take to get agent-ready? This episode is your one-stop shop for expert answers to the top FAQs ever asked about voice acting. Let's GET OUT THERE.

Everyone's got a quick question about breaking into voice acting. It's the answers that take time. On this week's GET OUT THERE, actor/author/teacher Joan Baker, and Emmy Award-winning producer Rudy Gaskins tackle the most burning FAQs of Voice Acting, with your dreams for success squarely in focus. Where do you start? Do you have the right stuff? How do you choose a teacher? Do you need acting skills? How do you get an agent? How do you self-direct? What is the financial investment? How long does it take to get agent-ready? This episode is your one-stop shop for expert answers to the top FAQs ever asked about voice acting. Let's GET OUT THERE.

From Siri to Alexa to the proliferation of animated shows and podcasts, the human voice is having a moment. And no one is relishing this moment more than the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences. Founded by actor and writer Joan Baker and Film and TV director Rudy Gaskins the Society of Voice Arts is on a mission to educate and celebrate the power and potential of speech and verbal communication for people, entertainment and brands. Listen in as Rob Schwartz, host of the Disruptor Series Podcast, unpacks this very vocal phenomenon.   Credits Host - Rob Schwartz  Intro/Outro Voiced by Theresa Howard/Sophia Barnett Executive Producer - Dan Bradbury Audio Engineer/Sound Design - Corey Bauman  

This week on the VO School podcast we are celebrating our 20th episode by honoring Black History Month with a show devoted to the founders of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS), which boast the longest running and most prolific voice over conference in the world. This episode is guest hosted by chief diversity officer for international advertising agency TBWA, Doug Melville. Doug brings a wealth of knowledge to this episode. He is intimately familiar with the SOVAS mission, and he matches that mission as a vocal proponent of diversity in all its forms both in his day-to-day role within TBWA, and via his personal outreach on social media and public appearances. Joining us this week on the podcast are power couple, Joan Baker (voice actor and author of Secrets of Voiceover Success) and Rudy Gaskins (Emmy Award-winning producer and creative director). Joan and Rudy are the founders of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences, a Not-for-Profit organization that brings education, job training and award recognition to the global voiceover community. They organize and present professional networking events, workshops, presentations, job opportunities and learning opportunities across America, and curate That’s Voiceover! Career Expo and The Voice Arts® Awards. In this episode we learn how Joan and Rudy established themselves in the industry, how they advocate for the concerted inclusion of talent from diverse backgrounds, where they believe the industry is heading, the importance of the human voice and how the collaboration of technology and voiceover presents new and exciting opportunities for voice actors.

Is the voiceover industry growing? Contracting? Has it plateaued? And where is it going next? How does a new talent break in? And is age a barrier to entry? Presented by Jamie Muffett and with special guests Amanda Rose Smith and Rudy Gaskins, this first episode takes a broad look at the VO industry.

Emmy-winning producer Rudy Gaskins is CEO and Executive Creative Director of Push Creative, Inc., a full-service branding agency providing strategic marketing, graphic design and video/film production. Clients include Lexus, FOX News Channel, BET, American Express, Spike TV, ABC Television, Actors Federal Credit Union, History Channel, MSNBC, and NBC Sports. Drawing on his former experience as a filmmaker and writer/producer/director for PBS, Gaskins has recently expanded Push Creative’s production scope to include program development and is actively developing TV and web series in several genres. In an admirable gesture to elevate the quality and perception of the voiceover industry, Gaskins conceived and initiated the creation of two innovations that have had a very special impact on the TV marketing and promotions community: 1) In 2007, Gaskins created what has become Promax/BDA’s tri-annual event called “Speed Dating for Clients and Vendors.” The process, which is not unlike speed dating in the personal relationship world, has greased the rusted practices of how vendors and clients discern and create partnerships to achieve outsourcing objectives. 2) In 2009, Gaskins brought to Promax/BDA an idea to create and award category that, for the first time in TV history, would recognize the contribution of voiceover actors to the success of a multi-billion dollar advertising and marketing industries. With the passing of the legendary Don Lafontaine, Gaskins engaged Promax/BDA to inaugurate the annual Don LaFontaine Legacy Award which Gaskins presented to Don’s wife at the 2009 Promax/BDA conference. The Don LaFontaine Legacy Award is given annually to a voiceover actor who demonstrates humanitarianism in his or her life. Gaskins began his professional career after graduating from NYU’s Film and Television program. He wrote, directed and produced several award-winning short films before signing on as an apprentice film editor on Francis Coppola’s The Cotton Club. From there Gaskins went on to work with some of the most influential filmmakers of our time, including Jonathan Demme, Brian DePalma, Milos Forman, Spike Lee, and Alan Pakula. Having never lost his original passion for creating and directing, Gaskins joined PBS where he produced over 12 hours of programming spanning dozens of countries and cultures around the world. The PBS journalistic tradition was indeed fertile ground and a perfect complement to Gaskins’ next challenge as writer/producer/director with ABC News advertising and promotion. Here he oversaw the writing and production of on-air advertising for World News Tonight featuring the legendary Peter Jennings, 20/20 with Barbara Walters and Primetime Live with Diane Sawyer. Gaskins also produced and directed behind-the-scenes press package for ABC News and its national affiliates. Seeking to broaden his challenges, Gaskins took advantage of an entirely new challenge when he was tapped by Court TV to develop an in-house department for creative services and on-air branding strategy. As vice president of Court TV’s creative services department Gaskins managed two successful re-launches of Court TV’s network identity as it moved from a news network to an entertainment venue — overseeing an award-winning re-branding campaign forged in partnership with Lee Hunt. Gaskins would go on to produce similar results as an executive producer for Food Network before launching Push Creative. Among many awards won before and since, Gaskins’ first Emmy Award was for Push Creative’s work on the Olympic Games. Gaskins continues to look forward, focusing on the integration and proliferation of new media development across all platforms. Over the past 5 years he has guided Push Creative to the edge of the digital revolution, exploiting the social networking phenomenon, developing web sites, iPhone/Pad applications, widgets and web games for a variety of high profile companies like Spike TV, Lexus, JP Morgan and others. As a brand guru and creative director, Rudy has been able to grow Push Creative into a full service integrated creative agency with its greatest assets being new ideas and innovation. Gaskins currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with his wife and business partner, Joan Baker. For more info on this and other episodes head over to mikelenzvoice.com

Chuck and Stacey continue talking with bilingual voice talent Sylvia Villagran, known for her impressive work in promos, commercials, trailers, live announce and radio imaging, in both the English and Spanish markets. She comments on the Spanish dialect that is most in demand with respect to national and regional work. Sylvia shares how her desire to give back and share her experiences has lead to starting to coach bilingual voice talent, inspired by her teaching a class for crossover voice talent at the Don LaFontaine Voiceover Lab. Sylvia can be reached about coaching by DM on Twitter @sylviavillagran She tells some of the most memorable and thrilling moments from her recent honor of announcing the 2016 Democratic National Convention, a stand out opportunity in her career to date. Read more about it on her website, http://sylvia-villagran.com/blog/ Sylvia discusses her need to always continue improving her skills and appreciates every job as it happens including some challenging work that stretches her past her comfort zone for the Mun2 Network. She reveals that she listens to everything and is constantly inspired by the work of her voiceover colleagues. Sylvia reflects on what advice she would give to herself if she were starting her career today, celebrates her Voice Arts Awards nomination for Outstanding Body Of Work and along with Chuck & Stacey, and expresses gratitude for the contribution of Joan Baker and Rudy Gaskins. She defines what success means for her which includes getting to do what she loves everyday. Sylvia shares her scariest moment as a live announcer from the 2016 Democratic National Convention and find out some of Sylvia’s favorite foods. Follow Chuck, Stacey and Sylvia on Twitter @sylviavillagran @vobuzzweekly @staceyjaswad @demosthatrock Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VOBuzzWeekly Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/VOBuzzWeekly Instagram: https://instagram.com/vobuzzweekly Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vobuzzweekly/ VO BUZZ WEEKLY IS SPONSORED BY: Demos That Rock http://www.demosthatrock.com Neumann Sennheiser Microphones USA http://www.neumannusa.com http://en-us.sennheiser.com Throat Coat Tea http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com Entertainer's Secret http://www.entertainers-secret.com Najla's Bodygood Bars http://najlas.com/index.php/products/... Stacey J. Aswad http://www.staceyjaswad.com Voiceover Essentials http://voiceoveressentials.com Voiceover T-Shirts, Hats, Jackets, and MORE! http://www.vobuzzweekly.com/store.html

Let the VO Buzz Weekly LIVE celebration begin, presented by DEMOS THAT ROCK and EDGE STUDIO! Chuck and Stacey marked their epic 200th episode milestone of VO Buzz Weekly in style by filming the show in front of a sold-out crowd at the historic El Portal Theatre in the NoHo Arts District of North Hollywood, CA. Since starting the show in 2012, Chuck and Stacey have sat down with more than 100 amazing guests and this two-hour show taping brought many of them back to the stage to enlighten and entertain the audience… yet again. As the show’s Emcee, Scott Parkin delivered brilliantly as did Graeme Spicer, Dee Bradley Baker, Jess Harnell, Jim Cummings, Maurice LaMarche, David Goldberg, Jeff Howell, Jodi Gottlieb, Marc Cashman, Nancy Wolfson, Bob Bergen, Charlie Adler, Dave Fennoy, Townsend Coleman, Joan Baker, Pat Fraley, Scott Brick, Rudy Gaskins, Debi Derryberry, Erin Fitzgerald, Kari Wahlgren, Lori Alan, Andrea Romano, Butch Hartman, Ginny McSwain, Mary Lynn Wissner, Beau Weaver, Joe Cipriano, Mark Elliott, Scott Rummell, Bill Farmer, Cam Clarke, James Arnold Taylor, Fred Tatasciore and Jeff Zannini of Celebrity Talent Booking’s Twisted Toonz. It was a truly memorable night that brought together the voiceover industry’s best and brightest voice actors, talent agents and managers, teachers, producers, voice directors, writers, casting directors, loyal friends and fans alike from all over the globe. We are so honored to be a part of this incredible community and offer our heartfelt thanks to all of you amazing people who have supported the show these last four years. To our incredibly talented and dedicated VO Buzz Weekly crew who work with us all year long and those wonderful people who brought their talents to 200th Live Show, thank you so much, you rock beyond measure! Thanks to the generosity of all our ongoing show sponsors- Demos That Rock, Entertainer’s Secret, Voiceover Essentials, Multiin Tech, Najla’s, Neumann Sennheiser, Traditional Medicinals, Vocal Booth To Go and to our LIVE event co-sponsor EDGE Studio and giveaway sponsors- Apogee, Cole Michaels Salon, Kaotica, Najla’s Neumann Sennheiser, SOVAS, Vocal Booth To Go and Voiceover Essentials- you’re so amazing in every way! To our loving and supportive friends and family, thank you for going on this wild journey with us… we love you! Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Show Log 0:01:37  Opening video 0:02:19  The show begins with a big radio sound! 0:04:03   Hot weather in Southern California.  He was in Las Vegas last week in 110+ heat.   0:04:49  Ventilation in a pre-fab booth and how to add it your recording space. 0:05:40  You need to exchange the air.  The first key after air circulation is having cool air to work with.   0:06:58  You may need to build a “muffler” to quiet air movement.  You can buy them or build them yourself with online instructions. 0:08:22  Another trick: make the distance the air has to travel a lot longer.  Longer ductwork snaking around in the attic will quiet air movement. 0:09:06  In a small closet, you may have to get creative with convective cooling.   0:10:30  You may have to install an A/C unit outside the house.   0:11:32   Dan tells his tale.  He cut a hole in the ceiling of his closet and installed a “plenum.”   0:13:37   This is why a booth in a garage is a bad idea, since there's little cool air out there.  Also, “sound proofing” by making a booth air tight is unhealthy!  The best a basement. 0:15:34  Break 0:16:40  Radiant celestial brothers clip.  Name that movie (Grand Budapest Hotel). 0:17:00  They're back.   0:18:26   Q: What's a good way to measure the “noise floor” of a personal studio.   A: George—there is no industry standard.  He'll listen to a voice (between -6 and -3 dB) and room tone.  He'll then normalize to 0 dB.  He then takes the room tone and analyzes the peak level for “noise.”  He feels -55 dB is a good level. 0:20:34   Dan joins in.  Any noise below -55, -60, is much easier to remove with gating.  Don't use reduction; it destroys audio.  Dan does a similar process.  He also looks at the frequencies of the sounds in the lower end of volume.   0:22:46  George talks about noise gates.   Q: Isn't -50 kind of high?   A: low frequency noise isn't as loud.   0:23:56   Q: If through EQ you get to -60, should you take it down further?  A: It's not your problem if you're not a producer.  But if you're going to process your auditions, downward expansion can be useful.  George doesn't use a compressor without a downward expander.   0:25:54   Q: How do you export stacks in TwistedWave?   A: George describes that.  In the Stacks window, you'll see an option that says manage stacks.  That will take you to a folder where you stacks are. Open the Stacks folder.  See George's video on importing stacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Wn9OZa6Xo 0:28:23   Q: How do you change the settings in the effects stack?   A: If you want, go ahead, just don't change the original.  Play back as you change the settings to see what they do.   0:30:50  If you have a question email ewabshop@gmail.com, write Question in the subject line.  They also have a voicemail box at ewabs.net. 0:31:56  Break 0:33:46  They're back with Rudy Gaskins. 0:34:54  George asks Rudy how he picked his business location in NYC.   0:36:18  Dan asks Rudy to tell us about himself.  He tells about his career. He got into sound engineering.  He got his start recording sound effects for a Coppola film.  He moved into directing and producing on NY TV. Then he went to ABC News doing promos and that got him into marketing. He then launched Push Creative. http://www.pushcreative.tv/ He met Joan Baker, a voice actor. http://joanbaker.tv/ They married and that got him into voice work and spawned “That's Voice Over.”  http://thatsvoiceover.com/ which led to the Voice Arts Award. 0:40:31 Dan notices an Emmy in the background.   0:41:50  Rudy won his Emmy for the 2000 Olympic Games with NBC Sports, writing and producing promos and athlete vignettes.   0:43:20  Dan asks about the Voice Arts Awards.  Rudy explains “That's Voice Over.”  This yearly expo led to the awards.   0:46:12  Dan asks how many categories are in the Voice Arts Awards program.   0:46:58  A display of the categories appears on-screen. 0:48:00  Dan asks how people submit for the awards.  Rudy explains the process.  It's all online.  http://sovas.org/home-vaa/  and https://www.facebook.com/VoiceArts. 0:50:38  The nomination process doesn't include sending in a demo.  Submissions get reviewed by a group of jurors who put out nominations.  This elevates how you feel about your work. 0:52:15  Dan asks what the judging criteria are.  Rudy says they're explained online.  Generally, they look at creativity, innovation, originality, and execution on the brand message.  The judges are all professionals—agents, publishers, producers, voice actors—who know what's effective. 0:54:20  The web address, voicearts.org (redirects to http://sovas.org/home-vaa/).  The event is on November 9.  Submission deadline: August 24 (it's been extended).  There's a cost to submit.  See http://sovas.org/rules-eligibility/#entry-fee for details. 0:55:37  Rudy explains how the fee helps support the quality of the award itself.  The design includes a mic hanging upside down over a copy stand.   0:57:02  Sponsor time: Harlan Hogan http://voiceoveressentials.com/  He's got everything you need except your voice! 0:58:07  George praises Harlan's return policy. 1:00:30  Q: Do you have to be a member of SOVAS to participate in the award.   1:00:49  This leads to a pronunciation discussion SOVAHSSS?  Nevah-duh?  Neva-dah?   1:01:08  A: You don't have to be a member, but members get discounts on several things. 1:02:10   Q: Why do people have to pay to enter?   A: Again, it has to do with making this non-profit work.  You aren't nominating yourself, you're entering a field from which nominations will be chosen.   1:03:44  Rudy reviews the process.  There's a lot to be gained for your marketing effort.  Get exposed to major producers without asking for a job.   1:06:37  Throughout the process, there's buzz, win or not.   1:07:42   Awards are a line item in production company budgets.  This is an unknown in the VO world, but well known in other areas. 1:08:55   Q: Do all the submitters get heard?   A: Yes, they listen to everything in order to select the nominees.  Rudy explains what the jurors expect. 1:10:25  Some jurors want to stay anonymous.   1:11:00  Dan asks how jurors are selected.  Rudy explains. 1:11:50   Q: How did you come up with this year's Lifetime Achievement awardee, James Earl Jones.   A: Rudy explains. 1:13:44   Rudy observes that when the James Earl Jones choice hit Facebook, the feedback was all positive.   1:14:31   Q: What were your greatest challenges?   A: He's done a lot of things—launching the award show is the hardest thing he's ever done. 1:15:14   Q: Are the jurors names on the website?   A: Some, soon, on Tuesday next week.  Look for the “juror” button on the SOVAS website. 1:16:05   Q: Where will entry stats be posted?   A: They won't list all entrants.  Nominees will be listed. Note: During these few minutes, Dan replaces his malfunctioning microphone with a VO1-A from Harlan Hogan to fix the problem. 1:16:47   Q: What do you think the awards will do for the VO industry?   A:  The award becomes a lightning rod for how we collaborate.  You'll list your producer, copy writer, and others, as in other industries.  The pursuit of excellence doesn't happen by itself. 1:19:27   Q: How many nominees in each category?   A: It depends on the quality of work in that category, maximum of five. 1:21:38  Break with information on VoiceOver Xtra 1:22:29   Hear now from Sponge Bob Squarepants. 1:22:42   They're back. 1:22:53  Announcements, including a Dan freeze. 1:23:28  Donor acknowledgements.   1:24:49  Clickers!  Buy some today!  Go to www.ewabs.net to order.   1:25:23  EWABS Essentials at the EWABS YouTube channel.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSdw5Ry09A0&list=PLDHBaemlTK_T7X-gGnPiTq9zcc7YcVuZH 1:26:20  Next week (August 4): no show! 1:26:36  On August 11, Dave Courvoisier will be the guest.  Dan and George will both be in Southern California.   1:27:12   August 18—a surprise guest! 1:27:19   August 25—Social Media Roundtable! 1:27:40   September 1—The show will be recorded at Voice2014 and aired on this date. 1:28:11  Thanks to sponsors, Edge Studio, VoiceOverXtra, and VoiceOverEssentials.  Click the LIKE button at YouTube! 1:28:47  Thanks to the wives. 1:29:08  Thanks to Kathy Curriden, Anthony Gettig, Jack de Golia, Tim McKean, and Lee Pinney.   1:30:30  End of show.

The Sound Architect had the pleasure of speaking to Emmy-Award Winning Director/Producer Rudy Gaskins. Rudy Gaskins is the co-founder of Push Creative. Rudy has been working professionally for nearly 20 years. His experience covers film and TV, cable and broadcast, radio and theater. He is a seasoned DGA director, and an accomplished writer in the WGAE. Rudy's a years of experience at PBS, ABC News, Court TV, NBC, and Food Network. Rudy has also been a great supporter of the voiceover world, working with Joan Baker to create amazing events such as That'sVO! and more recently the amazing Voice Arts Awards! We discuss Rudy's career, these amazing events as well as gain some great insight for aspiring voice artists.

Join Voice Over Expert Joan Baker with guest Rudy Gaskins as they discuss "The Myth of Rejection". Discover a new philosophy on how you can regard auditions, react positively to rejection, and embrace each audition as a learning experience and opportunity for growth.