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VOICE ACTING Things To Make Sure A Voice-Over Producer Or Director Never Hears During A Session July 19, 2018  By Christian RosselliVoice Actor
One should expect a certain
etiquette from talent during a recording session. The type of pro styling that
comes when we do our jobs carefully, thoughtfully - purposefully. Gone are times when "Ernie
Anderson-esque" outbursts were acceptable in a workplace
environment - though it's hard to understand how they ever were. Vanishing
quickly too is the notion that a "great" actor requires the space to
be rude, inconsiderate, or higher maintenance than those around him or her. To
be truly "great" requires an ability to work well with a creative
team, take direction quickly and without feather ruffling. So with this in mind, I'm working on my own Inner Diva Checklist, starting with:
Things
to make sure a producer or director never hears during a session.
1. My too-actual personal life: "Last night I got so
hammered..." 2. Complaints about the script: "Did they have spell
check? Basic typing skills?" 3. Refusing direction: "No, I'm not doing another
take for safety. If you don't have it by now..." 4. The Backout: "Look, maybe you need someone
else." ie., I suck. Get someone else. Also, "This doesn't seem to be
working." 5. Premature demands prior to recording: "Can I get a
copy of the spot once it airs? I need it for my website..." And yes, things that appear to be
self-explanatory upon reflection are all things I have done. We live,
learn, and try to get as much growth out of ourselves as possible. What I know
is that, as a voice talent in a booth, working with incredible creative teams,
it helps to check that inner diva at the door. ---------------------------- ABOUT CHRISTIAN Christian Rosselli is a New York City-based voice-over talent who voices national
campaigns across the internet, TV and radio. He also specializes in corporate
narration, explainer videos, promos, radio imaging and award show-live
announcing. He has worked with a wide variety of companies including
AT&T, Bic, Boeing, CA Technologies, Geico, Purina, TIAA, Staples,
United Healthcare and many more. He is also an avid photographer, coffee
drinker, and vinyl collector. |
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Personally, I'm grateful for any and all work that comes my way. I believe that having a grateful heart, comes out in your work!!
Thanks again, Christian!!
A note about Ernie Anderson, though: while I'm not defending his outbursts, Ernie was on-staff at ABC TV. Doing their promo reads was his full-time job; he was always there, doing the same thing over and over (he might've said, "Same sh*t, different day."). Just like the rest of us, things that make a full-time job more tedious than need-be made him a little irritated. We get jaded and cynical. It happened to me in several of my full-time positions.
But, getting back to your points, independent contractors need to leave all baggage at home and approach every job with professionalism.
- Be on time (a little early even) and ready to work.
- If unavoidably late, call ahead to let the team know.
- Be polite and respectful to everyone, no matter their position.
- Liberally use please and thank you.
In other words, be a Mentch! (https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Mentch)