After months and months of being hounded by well-meaning friends I finally bit the bullet and joined Facebook a few weeks ago.

That explains my temporary absence of new blog entries on my website.  Sorry.  I did not expect Facebook to be so, well, fun.  There was no way I would of ever imagined that I'd spend several hours....every day.....just goofing off on Facebook.

 Being a hater of learning new technology (hey, I'm a baby boomer, give me a break!) it did take me awhile to figure the whole thing out.  Still, there's things that make no sense at all to me.  For example, when someone "sends" me a hamster.....what the heck am I supposed to do with it?  I must admit, it did put a smile on my face to see that cute little brown and white furball gift.  Which is probably  the whole point of Facebook.

Finding old friends is another amazing feature of Facebook and I've recently connected with old radio buddies from my  KYMX Radio days. These are people I'd lost track of 15 years ago. 

Now I want to find more old radio jocks going back to my start in radio back in 1979 including KMNS Radio in Sioux City, Iowa, KVRF Radio in Vermillion, South Dakota and WOW Radio in Omaha, Nebraska.  

For those of us working in or interested in learning more about voiceovers, I believe that Facebook has amazing potential in buiding a voiceover network.  I always say that producers like to work with voiceover talent they know and by connecting with other voiceover professionals it could serve as a foot in the door.  

 So, the next time you are on facebook, look me up.  I'd love to be your friend.   

What do you do at Voiceovers International?

Audio!  And for almost any application.

Can you give me an example of your work?

Sure.  Jim is an audio producer/engineer and specializes in Messages on Hold for phone systems.  He also produces image liners for a Sacramento radio station plus he produces custom sound effects and speciality audio, too. 

My area of expertise is voiceovers and I voice commercials for radio, TV, telephone systems, websites, instructional training films,  public transportation systems, kiosks and much more, for clients around the world.   

Jim and I also teach voiceover workshops in our midtown Sacramento studio.

I've been told that I have a great voice.  How do I get started in the voiceover business?

  Surprisingly, in today's voiceover world it's not so much about having a "good voice" as much as having a trained and skilled voice.   I'd recommend taking a couple  voiceover workshops to learn as much as possible about the business....and to see if this is really something you want to do.

 Besides taking a couple voiceover workshops is there anything else I need to get started?

Yes, you will need a professional voiceover demo that showcases your vocal abilities.  It's the standard in the voiceover business and is difficult to secure paying jobs without one.

Do I need to join the union or get an agent to get jobs?

No, you don't need an agent to get voiceover jobs.   Down the road, as your level of skill increases, you may want to get an agent but in my own experience I've been able to build a nice voiceover business all on my own.  

Is it difficult breaking into the voiceover business?

No and yes.  It depends on YOU.  If you love being behind the mic and have a passion for the business and are willing to work hard......voiceovers can be the best thing you ever did!

On the other hand, if you are easily discouraged, if  practicing behind the mic feels like a chore and you get frustrated, then maybe this isn't the business for you. 

So, only you can answer that question.  And most times, you won't know the answer until you've taken a couple classes.

How do I know what classes to take?

We have 3 levels of classes:  introductory, intermediate and advanced.  Start at the beginning and work your way through the curriculum. The classes are fun, educational and are based on our real-life working experiences in voiceovers.  Our mission is to prepare you to compete with those that have been working in voiceovers for many years.  We're serious about our training program and make sure you get more than your money's worth.

How much do the classes cost?

A 3-hour class is only $75.00 and includes all materials, practice copy and downloads of the audio recorded during class.  Individual vocal coaching is also available at $100.00 per hour.

Where do I go when I'm ready to have my voice demo produced?

We offer professional voice demo packages, including custom copy with full production, including music, sound effects and sweetening.  You will sound like a star!

I've got more questions!

Give us a call at 916 446-2004 or email me at:  cammie@cammiewinston.com.