VO Buzz Weekly (Chuck Duran & Stacey J. Aswad)

Information and advice that can help you shift your career into high gear. Part 2 with Kristine Oller is loaded with golden nuggets of information and advice that can help you shift your career into high gear in 2014. You’ll learn tangible ways to find support, accountability and inspiration and hear Kristine’s perspective about the obstacles that prevent people from making positive changes in their life. Kristine talks about the other free online resources she provides to help grow your business and increase your knowledge as well as how to play her Golden Nugget game for effective networking. Get the details to enter to win Kristine’s amazing audiobook, Feeding Your Focus, giveaway ends January 31, 2014. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

James shares his formula for learning celebrity impersonations. The brilliantly talented James Arnold Taylor, voice of Fred Flintstone, Johnny Test and Obi-Wan Kenobi, takes us back to his childhood to talk about being the class comedian and how it lead him to a career in radio, stand up comedy and voice acting. He shares some of the changes in the business that he likes and dislikes and how his experience working in radio helped him as a voice actor. As the author of the inspirational book, JAT 365, James tells why he wrote it, explains the ways you can utilize it to help reach your own personal goals and give the details for how you can win an autographed copy of his book via Twitter. Hear James in action in one of his amazing demos and some stories of working the celebrities he voice doubles like Johnny Depp and David Spade. He shares his formula for learning to impersonate a celebrity, complete with a stunning excerpt from his one-man stage show, Talking to Myself. The episode closes with James sharing the life changing experience of losing his voice and how he was able to rise above it. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

An Interesting approach when auditioning and slating your work. James Arnold Taylor’s trailer for his amazing one-man stage show, Talking to Myself, opens the second episode and James talks about how he landed the role of the voice of Fred Flintstone. He shares some of his current projects and gives sound advice to those who are in the voice over business. James talks about his experience hosting one of the largest Star Wars fan events at Walt Disney World and reveals that he watches Stacey’s Must Do Disney TV show a lot. James details his method for auditioning which includes an Interesting approach to the audition slate. Find out how you can enter to get an autographed copy of his book JAT 365, giveaway ends February 16, 2014. The episode closes with James telling Chuck and Stacey what helps him when he’s having a bad day that involves Chuck and how he defines success. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

The 5 Step approach to auditioning for animation for voice actors. Richard Horvitz of Invader Zim, The Angry Beavers and The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, tells how his acting career began at ten years old in TV commercials then led him to the Broadway stage and doing voiceover. In between all the fun banter and singing, Richard explains his teaching philosophy and how he can help actors recapture the art of, playing pretend. He offers some great tips for someone starting out in the voice over business with respect to training and demos. Richard discusses his strengths as a voice actor, the 5 Steps he teaches and his approach to auditioning for animation. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Good and bad habits that can help or hinder success in the business. The conversation continues with Richard Horvitz who talks about taking control of what you can in auditions and the importance of telling the story. He shares some good and bad habits that he sees in voice actors that can help or hinder success in the voice over business. Richard reflects on some of the characters he has played over the years and why they are so special to him. He explains why teaching is one of the most rewarding aspects of his career and reveals what he still wants to accomplish in his career that involves writing, theater and music. Richard offers his personal definition of success for his life and career as well as what he is most proud of in his life. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Fun stories and great tips & advise for a successful voiceover career. Actor, Comedian, Carlos Alazraqui talks about his first big break into the voice over world with Rocko’s Modern Life and how his stand up comedy experience helped him do it. He shares the kind of childhood he had and how it nurtured his fascination with different accents and dialects. Hear about some of Carlos’ upcoming personal appearance and the process he goes through when auditioning for new projects. Carlos talks about his strengths as an actor and what things are vocally challenging for him. He reflects on the keys to his successful career, the ways he continues to grow and learn as well as the voice over work he has done in Spanish like the Taco Bell Chihuahua, El Chupacabra in Disney’s Planes and more. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Sound advice and ideas for how you can get things started on your own. Chuck and Stacey continue their conversation with Carlos Alazraqui who talks about doing voice over work in Spanish and how his stand up comedy and on-camera acting experience helps him in his voice over career. Carlos shares stories from some of his favorite moments playing Deputy James Garcia on Reno 911 and what he still wants to accomplish in his career. He talks about his sky diving adventures and describes what success means to him. Carlos offers sound advice to those wanting to be in the voice over business and ideas for how you can get things started on your own. Stacey asks the ever popular IF question, which brings out Carlos’ killer Johnny Carson impression and props to a great VO friend. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Delivering strong auditions and how to find the message in the copy. Chuck and Stacey express their sincere thanks to all who have donated to help support VO Buzz Weekly. If you would like to join the other generous benefactors, go to the Support Page to make a one-time or recurring donation. This week’s guest, veteran film and voice actor, Fred Melamed, shares the fascinating story of how his performing career began. From the Yale School of Drama to the Broadway stage, Fred candidly discusses how his battle with stage fright led him to working for decades in voice over. He talks about the shifts in the voiceover business that dramatically affected his livelihood and the subsequent phone call from Joel Coen that changed his life. He discusses what he loves about being a voice actor along with who he respects in the business. As one of the first to have a home recording studio twenty years ago, Fred gives amazing insights on delivering strong auditions and illustrates how to find the message in the commercial copy. Fred talks in-depth about one of his recent films, IN A WORLD. Hear how he met the film’s Writer/Director/Actor, Lake Bell and how he got the role as well as more about his character in the movie. You can get the DVD of the movie on Amazon or iTunes. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Solid advice and tips to those who want to have success in VO and life. The conversation continues in Part 2 with Fred Melamed who offers solid advice and tips to those who want to have success in voice over and life in general. He talks about his love of music, what record he played guitar on and who his influences are musically. Fred shares stories about being on the hit comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm and working with the show’s creator and star, Larry David. We find out more about Fred’s current TV and Film projects like a new series for USA Network and a biopic produced by Rolling Stones singer, Mick Jagger. Fred shares what he likes about living in Los Angeles and what it was like going back to Broadway in 2011 to face his fears. He reflects on what things he is most proud of in his life and asks Chuck and Stacey to answer the same question, which results in a very poignant, candid moment. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Superb advice for all voice actors to help you get your thinking right. Actor, singer, songwriter, Golden Bridge Choir director, Maggie Wheeler takes time out of her busy schedule to chat with Chuck and Stacey J. about how she got started in voiceover. Maggie shares her approach towards on camera and voiceover work and discusses her amazing CD, Sweet Time. She talks about how she takes care of her voice and tells a wild story about working with a mysterious healer. Maggie shares what advice she would give to actors, if she were mentoring them, to help them succeed. She reflects on what she would do differently if she were starting her career over today. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Keys to a long successful career and handling times of rejection. The conversation continues with Maggie Wheeler, actor and co-director of the Golden Bridge Choir, a non-audition choir in Los Angeles, CA. She shares how she got involved with group singing and the ways the choir raises money for charities that help people all over the world. Maggie tells the amazing story of how she spent her 16th birthday that involves Mt. Kilimanjaro. She reveals what she feels are her strengths as an actor and remembers the incredible experiences she had working with Larry David and the casts of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. She talks about the people she emulated growing up, reflects on the keys to her long, successful career and the ways she handles the inevitable times of rejection. Maggie shares some of her current projects like working with Betty White, the upcoming Golden Bridge Choir concert and discusses what still wants to accomplish in her career. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Effective stratagies on networking and best social media platforms. KLAS news anchor, voice actor, blogger, author, Dave Courvoisier joins Chuck and Stacey via Skype from Las Vegas to talk about the upcoming release of his book, You Need More Than a Good Voice to be a Voice Talent. Stay tuned for more details of how you can get the book and make sure to read Dave’s informative blog at Courvo.com that covers topics related to voice over as well as universal themes about technology and conducting business. Dave weighs in on the role that social media networks play in the life of a creative professional’s life and he offers some helpful tips for incorporating it into your business plan. Dave recommends which social media platforms are most effective, gives some great networking tips that really work and suggests incorporating video into your voiceover career. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

More marketing tips & strategies and the benefits of VO conferences. Dave Courvoisier explains the origin and mission of World Voices Organization and how you can get involved with it. He tells how he got into broadcasting and why he decided to start a career in the voiceover business. Dave discusses the ways his background in broadcasting helps him in voice over and shares some of his favorite tech choices for home studios, mobile recording and software. Dave offers more marketing tips and strategies and the benefits of getting coaching and attending VO conferences. You’ll learn more about the groups Dave supports that help children and the ways that he has been advocating for disadvantaged children for decades. The episode closes with some sage advice Dave got along the way that has helped him in his life and career. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Ways to make auditions stand out so you get noticed and book more jobs. Chuck and Stacey welcome, Mary Lynn Wissner, Owner and Casting Director at Voices Voicecasting, VO coach and creator of the Voiceover Self Direction App. Mary Lynn discusses her background in the entertainment business and how she has ultimately become one of the top Casting Directors in the voiceover business. She offers some great insights for people wanting to be successful in voiceover and gives some tips on how to interpret audition scripts. She breaks down the casting process from audition to booking and shares her opinions about Pay-to-Play sites and being union versus non-union. Mary Lynn shares the importance of valuing your talent and what makes auditions stand out so you get noticed and book the job. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Helpful audition do's and don'ts plus great voiceover demo advice. The great information continues with Mary Lynn Wissner as she talks about things to do and things to avoid in auditions from the slate to doing multiple takes. Learn more about how you can study with Mary Lynn and attend her incredible workshops with leading industry pros at VoicesVoicecasting.com She talks about her amazing new VO app, Voiceover Self Direction, and shares some of the highlights and challenges of being a casting director and business owner. Mary Lynn gives great advice about the importance of having a competitive voiceover demo from its production value to the content. She discusses what you need to do to have a long career in the VO business and reveals what she would do as a career if she were not in the VO business. Mary Lynn shares what’s still ahead for her both personally and professionally and what she feels have been the keys to her continued success. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

The benefits of having an agent and the importance of a great demo. Ilko Drozdoski, managing partner and co-owner of TGMD in Los Angeles, tells the story of how he started in the entertainment business and explains the role of a voiceover agent and the benefits of having one. He addresses what TGMD looks for in a potential talent to represent and discusses the best way to submit your demo to the agency. Ilko talks about the importance of having a great voiceover demo, what the content of the demo should be and things that he likes and dislikes about the demos he hears. He breaks down the process of what happens after you submit your demo to his agency and hear what you can expect when meeting with TGMD for possible representation. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Advice on having a successful VO business from top L.A. agent. The conversation continues with Ilko Drozdoski, managing partner and co-owner of TGMD voiceover agency in Los Angeles, as he talks about the ingredients for having a successful agent-client relationship, the things actors do that makes him crazy and what keeps him excited about being an agent. He offers advice to those wanting to be successful in the voiceover business and expresses more opinions about the ultra important voiceover demo. Ilko explains how he built up the Spanish division, under the guidance of Steve Tisherman, and shares what is happening in the Spanish VO market right now. He reflects on the privilege of knowing and working with TGMD client Don LaFontaine and other personal stories from early in his career, which included doing extra work in feature films and he ends the episode with what he feels have been the keys to his success. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Great tips on how you can find work in niche areas of voiceover. Anne Ganguzza, creator of VO Peeps, voice actor, producer, marketing and branding guru, shares her extensive and impressive background working in technology, which led her to teach computer graphics and eventually to do voiceover work. She talks about the niche areas of voiceover she works in like medical and technical narration, corporate E-learning, IVR and telephony and offers tips on how you can begin to find that kind of work. She discusses the importance of being specific when marketing to the areas of voiceover you want to work in with the content of your demos and website. Anne gives some key points for effective marketing and branding and her approach to social media with respect to the different outlets and their target audiences. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Branding yourself through social media and your website content. Anne Ganguzza continues to share her expertise about website content, SEO (search engine optimization) and Google search standards. She shares ways to find potential clients via the web and the process she uses to introduce herself to potential clients. Anne explains her passion for “brand immersion” and how she tells her story through social media, her website content and in face-to-face networking. She offers some ideas for effective face-to-face marketing and what things to avoid when marketing in general. She lets everyone know how you can connect with people around the world, by joining her organization, VO Peeps. Find out what’s ahead for the VO Peeps and the mission of the Career Education Scholarship Fund, which helps people realize their voiceover career dreams. The episode closes with Anne reflecting on what she believes are the keys to her success in life. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Booking a job versus building a successful voice over business. Harlan Hogan, versatile voice actor, author of VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice Actor and creator of VoiceoverEssentials.com tells the story of how he went from working in radio and computer sales to building a career in voiceover for the last thirty plus years. He discusses his views on booking a job versus building a voice over business as well as what he thinks it takes to be successful today. He shares how his marketing skills and creativity have helped him stand out and some benefits of having agents around the USA and abroad. Harlan talks about his experience working with international clients and his approach to creating memorable auditions and navigating through the casting process. The Headphone Giveaway Trivia Question #1 is revealed, viewers learn how Harlan’s store VoiceoverEssentials.com came into existence and get a sneak peek at some new gear from CEntrance coming out the of Summer 2014. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

An insightful list of the 5 things a voice talent should never do. Harlan Hogan shares more details about getting on the “no obligation waiting list” for the Mixer Face from CEntrance. Trivia Question #2 is revealed and Harlan recalls some of the iconic advertising slogans that he voiced for years like Raid, Life Cereal, and Head and Shoulders. He speaks to how he keeps up with the changing voiceover business and offers his amazingly insightful list called, The 5 Things A Voice Talent Should Never Do. He talks about what’s new in the second edition of his book, due out this summer, VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice Actor, and how you can score an autographed copy. Harlan demonstrates his passion for magic tricks and the final Trivia Question #3 is revealed. Hear in Harlan’s own words what has helped him succeed in life through an excerpt from Rodney Saulsberry book, Step Up to the Mic, and what he hopes for the future. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Developing listening skills and maintaining a successful business. Chuck and Stacey celebrate VO Buzz Weekly’s 125th Episode with Disneyland and California Adventure Park Announcers, Bill Rogers and Camille Dixon who share their journey from radio to voiceover. Bill and Camille address the challenges they had to overcome of sounding like an announcer with the help of veteran voice actor and mentor, Scott Rummell. They offer good advice about developing listening skills, diverse training and some of the benefits of having a radio background. They talk about the importance of having an amazing voice over demo and credit Chuck and Demos That Rock for helping them get started in the business with Camille remembering the experience recording her first demo with Chuck. Hear the story of how they first met and the secrets to maintaining such a successful personal and professional partnership. Bill and Camille discuss what they do to sustain ongoing relationships with their clients as well as their specific approach to building and maintaining a successful business. They praise all their agents teams around the country and advocate for going after voiceover opportunities in other markets around the country. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

The Park Announcers for Disneyland and California Adventure. In Part 2 with Bill Rogers and Camille Dixon, we get to hear in their own words the touching stories of how they landed the Park Announcer gigs for Disneyland and California Adventure. They talk about the TV series they’re producing for PBS SoCal which allows them to collaborate with the very talented writer and filmmaker, Taylor Rummell. They share why they are creating their own project together and what they hope to accomplish with it. Bill and Camille discuss many of the different areas and genres of voiceover they work in like automotive, medical, training videos, narration, IVR and the 511 services in Los Angeles and around the country. They close the episode by sharing what they still hope to accomplish in their lives, both personally and professionally. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Super great tips on making good choices when reading your copy. Terry Berland, award-winning casting director, on camera and voiceover coach, and author of Breaking into Commercials shares how she got started in casting by way of Madison Avenue in New York City. She explains her casting process and some of the extra steps she takes to find the perfect talent for the role. She tells how many submissions she gets on average for voiceover projects and explains some of the subtle nuances between on-camera and voiceover acting. Get all the details for how to enter the giveaway of a private Skype session with Terry as well as great tips on making good choices when reading the copy. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

How to capture a casting director's attention with your audition. Award-winning casting director and author, Terry Berland explains what catches her attention when listening to auditions and offers advice to people wanting to crossover to do on-camera commercials as well as voiceover work. You will hear more about the 3rd edition of her amazing book, Breaking Into Commercials including why she wrote it, so get your copy at BerlandCasting or Amazon.com She tells the ways she stays on top of the trends to know what talent buyers want in today’s voiceover business and gives more information on her upcoming workshops and how to study with her at VoicePrintWest Terry shares what she still loves about being in the voiceover industry after so many years and answers what she believes are the keys to her career success. She discusses what it takes for a talent to be successful in the voiceover industry and demystifies the meaning of “real” when reading copy. Remember to send in your email to try and win the free coaching session with Terry Berland! The deadline is August 18, 2014. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

The 5 Golden Rules for animation voice acting you need to know. Chuck and Stacey welcome Emmy winning voice director, voice actor, casting director and teacher Stevie Vallance via Skype from Toronto, Canada. She tells the story of how she got her first job working on the TV series, Madeline that also won her an Emmy. Stevie takes us back to the beginning of why she initially started doing voiceover and describes in detail her amazing 5 Golden Rules For Animation Voice Acting. She explains effective ways to practice and how to determine if voice acting is for you. She shares what stands out to her in animation auditions and what she looks for in talent when she is casting animated shows. She talks about her process of listening to mp3 auditions and gives the insights and information that you need to know. Stevie talks about what she likes to hear on demos and the importance of having a great attitude, being able to take direction and be spontaneous. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

How many characters you need before you get started in animation. Part 2 continues with Emmy winning voice director, voice actor, casting director and teacher Stevie Vallance via Skype from Toronto, Canada as she takes you through the process she uses when casting an animated TV show. She answers the question pertaining to how many characters you should have before you make your demo and try to get started in animation voice acting. Stevie offers insights about what a voice actor should know to help make her job easier and shares what voice actors do that make her not able to work with them. Hear more about Stevie’s music and why she became a jazz singer as well as some of her projects and musical inspirations. She explains what she means by “acting down” and encourages you to connect with her on Facebook to get the latest news and how to attend her ToonedIn Animation workshops. The episode ends with Stevie expressing what she is most proud of in her life, both personally and professionally. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Styles, technology and auditioning changes in today’s VO business. Chuck and Stacey welcome, Annie nominated actor, Townsend Coleman, known for promos for NBC, ABC, ABC Family and The Hub and in animation as the voice of The Tick, Michelangelo in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Corporal Capeman in Inspector Gadget. He talks about how it all started for him as an Architect major in college, to working in radio and reflects on what lead him to move to Los Angeles 30 years ago which led to his first big break in animation. He shares the story of how he landed to promo voice job for NBC “Must See TV” that lasted for 16 years and what being a part of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise as the original voice of Michelangelo, means to him. Townsend talks about what his career entails now, auditioning daily from home and what voiceover work he prefers not to do. He addresses some of the changes he likes and dislikes in today’s VO business with respect to styles, technology and auditioning. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Great advice on steps to take if you want to voice TV promos. Townsend shares what makes up his humble home studio setup that includes an awesome Sennheiser 416 microphone. He reflects about the projects he has done to date that he’s really proud of, what he feels are his strengths as a voice talent and some current projects he has going on. Townsend offers some great advice to anyone wanting to work in promos complete with what important steps to take and ways to develop your skills. He gives advice to his 20 year-old self that is very inspiring and his positive attitude and approach to life is infectious including what he feels are the keys to his success. He talks about his involvement with the Don LaFontaine Voice Over Lab and remembers some personal experiences he had with Don. Townsend discusses charity work he does for the Primetime Voices for Children organized by Joe and Ann Cipriano. The episode closes with what Townsend still hopes to accomplish personally and professionally and answers the IF question that takes him back to high school. Watch more videos, get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Some great advice on how to bring your animation auditions to life. Canadian voice acting super talent, Eric Bauza known as the voice of Foop, Buhdeuce, Chet, Tiger Claw and more, came to Hollywood and began working as a production assistant, went on the editing and it led to his career as a voice talent. He speaks to how his experience working on the production side has helped him as a voice actor as well as his brief foray in stand up comedy. Eric talks about some of his current projects like Bellybag on Uncle Grandpa with Kevin Michael Richardson, Foop on Fairly Oddparents, The Looney Tunes Show playing Marvin the Martian with voice over royalty recreating other iconic Mel Blanc voices, Turbo Fast as Chet, Buhdeuce in Breadwinners, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as Tiger Claw. He recalls the moment when things changed for him in his career when he booked El Tigre and shares his approach to the audition process including what his experience drawing animated characters gives him. Eric also gives some great advice for how to bring auditions to life. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Things to do and steps to take for aspiring animation voice actors. Eric Bauza, voice of Foop, Chet, Tiger Claw and more, talks about where he finds inspiration for creating unique characters like Buhdeuce and Bellybag. He recalls when he started doing impressions and voice matching and performs some amazing examples like Jeff Bridges, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Chris Rock. He speaks to what he believes are his strengths as a voice talent and Chuck and Stacey chime in about his genuine, kind, humble spirit. Eric talks about his experience going to Comic Con 2014 and why he likes being as these kinds of fan events. He thinks about what he would do as a career if he wasn’t a voice talent and gives some advice to those aspiring animation voice actors, like things they should do and steps they should take. He reveals what he is most proud of, which includes gratitude for being on VO Buzz Weekly to share his story and being able to be a part of the voice over industry with such talented voice actors. The episode closes with Eric hilariously answers the IF question. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Inspiring advice to help fellow voice actors have more success. It’s time to get inspired by Mike Brang, an up and coming voice actor who is building a very successful voiceover business. Mike talks about how he is able to support his family with his voiceover work and a once full-time job that has become part-time. Stacey and Mike plug Chuck’s amazing demo producing ability and Mike shares his experience working with Chuck creating demos that changed everything in his career. He talks about the tips and techniques he learned during the session that help him book jobs today. Mike discusses his 50+ hours a week commitment to his voiceover business as well as his state-of-the-art home studio that produces broadcast quality. He reflects on what drives him to work hard every day and offers sound, inspiring advice to fellow voice actors who want to have success in voiceover and in life. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Priceless advice for voice talent who want to make a six figure income. Versatile voice actor, Beau Stephenson shares his childhood dream of becoming an actor and his experience working as an audio engineer before launching into voiceover. He talks about his approach for getting and maintaining long-term clients as well as the importance of having a high quality home studio setup. Beau speaks to how he overcomes the setbacks that arise while pursuing his career and the discoveries he made about his talents while recording his demos with Chuck. He elaborates on what Chuck and his rockin’ demos did to help start his career and the value of investing in making a quality demo when you’re ready. Beau, who spends and average of 70+ hours a week working his business, offers advice to voice talent who want to make a name for themselves in the voice over business and closes the episode with tears, laughter and inspiration. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Positioning yourself to make BIG bucks in todays voiceover business. Talented voice actors, Mike Brang and Beau Stephenson, are back to discuss the important role taking workshops and continuing to study with top industry pros like Jodi Gottlieb, Jeff Howell and Mary Lynn Wissner has played in their careers. Mike and Beau talk about their approaches to making the popular online casting sites work for them and how they position themselves to maintain their business integrity and value. They offer their support for Voices.com and Voice123 and appreciate the opportunities they have gotten from them. They talk about how the online profile setup is a game changer by utilizing correct SEO and keywords. Mike and Beau discuss the challenges they face on a daily basis like setting their rates, negotiating with clients, discerning what jobs to take and knowing when to walk away. They share what they want to accomplish in their voiceover careers in the future and the episodes closes with Mike and Beau answering IF questions about relationships and voice over super talent, Joe Cipriano. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

The skills you need to work in promos and the pitfalls that prevent you from being great. Chuck and Stacey J. welcome to the show, Jodi Gottlieb, an award-winning writer, producer, and director of network promos and commercials, as well as a respected teacher. Jodi talks about her start as an actor in NYC, her decision to move into directing theatre and how it all lead to moving to Los Angeles to work at CBS to direct talents like Ernie Anderson, Bob Newhart and Jonathan Winters. She discusses the difference between a promo for radio and TV promo and the approach a voice actor should to take when doing their reads. She speaks to why she’s an effective director and teacher and Stacey shares the amazing experiences she’s had working with Jodi. You too can study with Jodi in person or via Skype by reaching out with a private message on Facebook - Jodi Gottlieb VO and on Twitter @Jodi Gottlieb VO. Jodi talks about what skills a talent needs to have to work in promos and explains her approach to teaching a client as well as the pitfalls that prevent someone from being able to do it well. She talks about what she looks for when hiring talent and why she needs to hire people who can deliver a performance fast! Jodi gives a big shout out to VO Buzz Weekly guests, Mike Brang and Beau Stephenson and offers her best advice to aspiring voice talent. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Voicing promos and the importance of staying on top of the trends. Chuck and Stacey continue their conversation with the amazing writer, producer, director teacher, Jodi Gottlieb about making demos and she gives more great advice for what to do and not do. She shares the things to include and avoid on a promo demo as well as what voice talent like veteran Townsend Coleman do in sessions that she likes. Jodi talks about what things stand out to her in auditions, both pro and con, when she is casting for a promo and gives some inside information about what happens behind the scenes. She reveals some challenges of working in promos for both her and the talent and the importance of staying on top of the trends. Jodi talks about the workshops she has coming and some with Jeff Howell of World Wide Wadio, including a new improv project for commercials and promo. The episode closes with an IF question which reveals her favorite movie and Chuck and Stacey express their appreciation for their friend Jodi’s generosity. Watch in the session, more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

The doors to success will open up when you overcome the challenges and break down barriers. Chuck and Stacey J. welcome Kimberly Brooks, voice of Ashley Williams in Mass Effect, promo voice for Soap Net, Mom on Doc McStuffins on Disney Jr. and more. She talks about her singing and acting experiences since childhood that lead to her break in voiceover on Rugrats. She shares what she believes are her strengths as a voice actor as well as how she overcomes challenges and breaks down barriers. She explains her audition process and talks about some of her most beloved characters in video games and animation. Kimberly expresses her feeling about getting to meet fans at conventions and how she takes care of her voice to keep it healthy. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Great advice for everyone wanting to pursue a career in voiceover. Kimberly Brooks, voice of Ashley Williams in Mass Effect, promo voice for Soap Net, talks about her character Mom in Doc McStuffins on Disney Jr. and other projects like voicing commercials for Coffee Mate and Tylenol. Chuck, Stacey and Kimberly banter about celebrities in voiceover and Kimberly offers some advice to people wanting to pursue a career in voiceover. She shares some advice she got early in her life that still helps her today. Kimberly gives kudos to some amazing teachers that instilled great things in her and answers the IF question about being a teenager and raising kids. Watch in the session, more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Get the inside scoop on what really goes on at a busy voice over talent agency. Chuck and Stacey J. welcome Everett Arthur Oliver to VO Buzz Weekly to share how he went from living in Atlanta to working in production and casting for animated shows like The Simpsons and King of the Hill in Los Angeles. Everett talks about how his background helps him as a booth director and coach to bring out an actor’s best performance and what a talent needs to do in the booth. He offers easy tips for improving sound quality when auditioning from home and on the go. He shares insights about what happens at a busy talent agency when they’re casting projects and the volume of work that has to completed everyday. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Changes in the casting process for animation, video games and commercials. Everett Arthur Oliver talks about how the animation, video games and commercials casting process has changed since he started in the business and now how he better understands the volume of work that comes into a talent agency on a daily basis. He offers solid advice to people who want to have a career in voice over and the importance of networking and building relationships. Everett speaks to what happens in the booth when directing voice talent auditions that works and doesn’t work with respect to partner reads, adlibs and having options. Everett answers what he still wants to accomplish in his career that brings out his passion for giving back, the ways to connect with him on Facebook and LinkedIn and answers the fun fashion related IF question. Watch in the session, more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Five very important things every Voice Actor needs to do. Chuck and Stacey welcome to the show Tony Oliver, producer, director, writer of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and one of IMDB’s Top 20 Anime Voice Actors of All Time. Tony started his career singing and acting in theatre and now uses those skills as a voice actor and director. He shares the story about getting his first voice acting job, talks about the world of anime and the major differences between recording anime and animation projects. As a director, Tony speaks candidly about what things voice actors do that are good and not so good in audition and session situations. He answers what some of his favorite character are that he has voiced over the years like Rick Hunter, Obscurio and Bang Shishigami. Tony talks about the TRIBE’s new productions he is performing in, Love Sex and the IRS, that opens in January 2015 at the Bindlestiffe Studio in San Francisco. Part 1 closes with Tony offering his list of the Top 5 Things Voice Actors Need to Know and shares some invaluable advice he heard from Liza Minnelli and Emmy award-winning voice director, Andrea Romano. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Tony Oliver, creator, producer and writer of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers TV show shares the story of how it all came about and why it became such a cultural phenomenon. He talks about teaching beginner, intermediate and advanced workshops with BangZoom Entertainment. Register and learn more at: http://AdventuresInVoiceActing.com/wo... He reflects on what he enjoys doing most in voiceover with respect to acting, directing, producing and writing. Tony discusses the process of working with Chuck on his newest commercial demo with http://DemosThatRock.com and what have been the keys to his career success. He hints at some of his current projects he has going that he is excited about and talks about his favorite project to date. The episode closes with Tony’s answer to the IF question about his personality. Watch in the session, more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Finding and using your strengths and versatility as a voice actor. Happy New Year! Kick off a brand new year of VO Buzz Weekly with a hilarious and heartwarming BUZZ, thanks to this week’s guest, voiceover icon Cam Clarke. He is known for his work as Leonardo in the original Teenage Ninja Mutant Ninja Turtles, Liquid Snake in Metal Gear video games, He-Man, Freddy the Ferret in Back at the Barnyard and so much more. Hear the amazing story of how Cam started in show business in the 1960’s performing on his family’s hit TV show, The King Family and how he eventually started working in voiceover. He speaks to his strengths as a voice actor and demonstrates some of his versatility with vocal ranges. Cam shares what inspired him to step out of his comfort zone to create the one-man show, Stop Me If I Told You This, premiering in February 2015 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. Get more details at http://CamClarke.com Watch in the session, more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Advice to fellow voice talent about building your confidence. Get ready for Part 2 with the incredibly talented singer, actor, Cam Clarke and listen to an excerpt from his amazing CD, Inside Out. Learn more about his music inspirations and some of his favorite characters he has voiced. Cam talks about some special people he worked with in looping who saw something in him that was a game changer for his career and the trio celebrate the overall graciousness of the voiceover industry. He shares a poignant story about a fan letter he received and how much meeting fans at conventions means to him. He answers a fun question that includes fellow original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Townsend Coleman and talks about his approach to auditions. He offers advice to fellow voice talent about building confidence and reveals what advice he would give to himself if he were starting his career today. Mark your calendar for Cam’s one-man show, Stop Me If I Told You This, opening in February 2015 in Los Angeles. Get ticket info at http://CamClarke.com The episode closes with Cam telling what he wants to still accomplish in his life and a precious response to the IF question that leads to a hilarious ending with the famous VO Buzz Weekly green apples. Watch in the session, more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Join us for a fun, informative journey with California native and DPN client, Scott Parkin, who started in morning radio. After discovering improv in Dallas, he moved to Los Angeles to launch his on-camera acting, comedy writing, voice acting and coaching careers. Take a listen to Scott’s podcast called Scott Parkin & The Farm Report and sign up for his upcoming Meet the Pros night with Mary Lynn Wissner at Voicetrax West. Get all the info at http://VoicesVoicecasting.com Scott shares his approach to incorporating improv into commercial scripts and offers ways to create a conversational read. He explains his coaching approach when working with talent which is also available via Skype, so get in touch with him at: cgravy@mac.com He defines what “being real” in copy means to him and why it’s so challenging for actors to capture it in their reads. He discusses the nuances between doing radio versus TV spots and the importance of knowing where you fit in the business. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. continue their chat with actor, writer, VO coach, Scott Parkin who talks about adlibs in auditions and offers some great tips to people for self-directing their auditions from home. He gives great advice and insights to those who want to make it in the voice over business and shares what current writing and acting projects he has going on. Scott shares how he balances being a single Dad with a busy career and what he loves about being a father. The IF question reveals Scott’s idols, and who he would love to have worked with as an actor. Follow Scott on Twitter @CaliforniaGravy and on YouTube – Scott Parkin Actor Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. celebrate VO Buzz Weekly’s 150th episode with an award-winning actor who has more than 160 video game credits to her name and the Guinness Book of World Records called “the most prolific female video game voice actor”. Time to get BUZZ-ed with the truly incredible, Jennifer Hale. Be sure to get your copy of Marc Cashman’s new book titled, V-Oh! Now available at www.CashmanCommericals.com You can also watch Marc in Episodes 60 & 61. Jennifer shares her beginnings in theatre, on-camera acting and singing in clubs, which ultimately lead her to do voiceover work full-time. She tells what she did to help boost her confidence as an actor and the ways overcoming tough times growing up has helped her as an adult. She offers her philosophy for staying creative as an actor, year after year, and explains some of the challenges of video game acting. Jennifer describes in detail her approach to auditioning and the importance of continuing to do workshops with amazing pros like Jodi Gottlieb (Episodes 138 & 139) and Jeff Howell (Episodes 91 & 92). Jennifer quotes the great Don LaFontaine to illustrate her work ethic and mind set towards her career. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. continue chatting with voice acting phenom, Jennifer Hale who discusses some obstacles she wrestles with in life and how the state of the world influences her decisions when it comes to taking care of her family and community. She responds to being called, “the Meryl Streep of the genre of video games” and offers more insights about surrendering expectations, and what responsibility a voice actor has when it comes to helping advance their career. Jennifer shares her philosophy for having a happy life and career and reveals some of her favorite projects and characters over the years. She speaks to having been named in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2013 and why video game acting really suits her. She talks about why she does fan conventions and they all show some love to mutual friend and talent manager, Jeff Zannini of http://CelebrityTalentBooking.com Jennifer explains the motion capture process when recording video games and reflects on what have been the keys to her success and longevity in the business along with some great advice that everyone can use. The episode closes with what Jennifer still wants to accomplish in her life and what she is passionate about right now, along with the popular IF question. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome voice over superstar Vanessa Marshall to the show. She is known for her work in commercials, narration, video games, promos and animation with characters like Hera Syndulla in Star Wars Rebels, Black Canary, Black Widow, Wonder Woman, Irwin and Mary Jane Watson. Vanessa, who got her BA from Princeton and MA from New York University, shares more about her journey in academia, her love of storytelling and anthropology, working as an on-camera actor and how she eventually found her way to voice over. She tells the story of her first experience getting a voice over agent and offers great advice for staying passionate about your career by doing things like self-discovery and taking workshops. She reflects on some memorable jobs, gives great professional tips and answers what ingredients are needed for an effective working relationship with other actors, directors and engineers. Vanessa describes her strengths as a voice actor and breaks down her process for getting in the right mindset to be a believable storyteller. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue their chat with voice over superstar Vanessa Marshall. She is known for her work as Hera Syndulla in Star Wars Rebels, Irwin in The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy and Mary Jane Watson in The Spectacular Spiderman. Vanessa talks about her audition rituals and sings the praises of her renowned teacher Marice Tobias. She tells the story of how she got the role of Mary Jane Watson in The Spectacular Spiderman and shares great advice that she has gotten along the way from Pat Fraley, Marice Tobias, Jodi Gottlieb and Jeff Howell. She talks about what she would do if she were starting her career over today and ways to ride out the tough times. As a lifelong Star Wars fan, Vanessa shares her feelings about playing Hera on Star Wars Rebels and connecting with people on Twitter and at fan conventions. Vanessa answers what she feels have been the keys to her success and the IF question that reveals a voiceover parallel with her Mom, actress Joan Van Ark. Learn more about the various charities Vanessa works with that help women and children at www.VanessMarshall.com Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

This week, Chuck and Stacey J. get BUZZ-ed with Chicago-based voice actor, coach, presenter and author, Bill DeWees, who describes ways a voice actor can generate work, with or without an agent. He stresses the importance of having a great demo, specifically a “Demo that Rocks” by Chuck Duran. He shares his background in radio, business consulting and college teaching and what high stakes event catapulted him towards a career in voice over. Despite having more than a dozen agents in different markets, Bill explains that the majority of his work comes from using his marketing and sales background to build a successful voice over career in genres like technical and medical narration, e-learning and explainer videos. As a coach, he helps other talent build more contacts and offers some great tips for effective marketing including embracing technology and online opportunities. Bill speaks to what is necessary for being a key player in the industry, which includes having a head for business and being persistent. He addresses some mistakes people make when building their VO business and has a tutorial full of helpful information at http://VoiceoverPlaybook.com Chuck and Stacey J. role-play a phone call with Bill talking to a potential client demonstrating how easy it is to do and the value of getting your demo in front of the right people. If you’re interested in coaching with Bill by Skype, contact him at http://VoiceoverRevolution.com or by email at voiceoverexpert@gmail.com and be sure to subscribe to the Bill DeWees YouTube channel. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. continue getting BUZZ-ed with Chicago-based voice actor, coach, presenter and author, Bill DeWees who talks about how the video content for his YouTube channel got started as well as what to beware of when looking for voice over career resources. Known for the “real guy” delivery and as the signature voice of Chevy (outside the U.S.) Bill gives great suggestions for giving that natural, non-announcer style read and gives props to his personal coach, Marice Tobias. He talks about why it’s not effective to be too perfect in your performance and what inspired him to write the practical, how-to-guide book, How To Start and Build a Six-Figure Voiceover Business, available on Amazon. Bill speaks to why he feels he is having success in his career and his background in music and playing guitar. He shows his love for his wife of 35 years as well as his daughter, a fellow voice actor, who works with him. He shares where he wants to be in ten years and reveals his ultimate voice over dream job. The interview closes with Bill’s IF question that involves one of his idols, Casey Kasem, the iconic DJ and voice of Shaggy in Scooby Doo. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome an icon in the world of network promos and voice over coaching, Joyce Castellanos, who shares how she started as the secretary to the VP at NBC and worked her way up to promo director. She talks about the first people she directed, the legendary Don LaFontaine and iconic voice of NBC, Danny Dark. She reflects on the changing styles in promo reads, shares her expertise on how to find the conversational tone and what trends she is noticing now in promos. Joyce gives great advice about finding your signature voice and range and marketing yourself to where you best fit in. She speaks to why it is so vital to get training in the promo style of voice over and lets people know how they can reach her and partner, Gene Cordes of One Stop VO, for ongoing training and audition coaching. Part 1 closes with Joyce answering the True or False question which speaks to her commitment to being a brilliant director able to work collaboratively with voice actors and some more sage advice anyone wanting to work in promo needs to hear. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue talking with teacher, producer, director, Joyce Castellanos, who speaks to some of the challenges facing voice talent today as well as some misconceptions about being in the voice over business. The super important promo demo is discussed including when to do one, what should be on it and what should be left off it. Joyce shares what she loves about teaching and what she still wants to accomplish in her life, personally and professionally. She offers her opinion about attending voice over events, ways to network appropriately and reveals what charity is near and dear to her heart in the IF question. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. welcome Emmy winning writer, director, producer and actor Jeff Nimoy to the show. After graduating from NYU, Jeff shares how he found his way from voice acting on the Mutant League show to producing and directing that led to him winning an Emmy. Jeff talks about what factors he considers when hiring actors for projects and his experiences working with super talented VO actors like Steve Blum, Crispin Freeman, Debi Derryberry, Colleen O’Shaughnessy and Yuri Lowenthal. He speaks to some key things that are important to pay attention to especially in anime auditions and what stands out to him when he is casting roles. Jeff reveals what talent should and shouldn’t do in professional situations and things that will make him not want to hire an actor . Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. continue chatting with Emmy winning writer, director, producer, Jeff Nimoy who talks about creating the healthy blog, CookingCaveman.com Jeff shares why adopting the Paleo eating plan changed his health and life for the better and led to writing a book called, The Cooking Caveman: How to Lose Weight, Eat Healthy, Create Mouthwatering Paleo Recipes and Piss Off All Your Friends, available on Amazon. You can also watch videos on the Cooking Caveman YouTube channel. As an advocate for eating healthy, organic, whole food, Jeff was inspired to start a free dating site to help him and others connect with people who have similar tastes in food. Check it out at SamePlate.com Jeff talks about how Digimon came to be, why he thinks it was so successful in America and shares a touching story about his cousin, beloved acting icon, Leonard Nimoy. He offers his views about the business of acting and who his writing influences are, David Mamet and Quentin Tarantino. Jeff shares where he sees himself in 10 years, reflects on voicing Wolfwood, one of his favorite anime roles, and the IF question reveals his TV character crushes. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey are honored to welcome a living legend in the voice over industry, 8-time Daytime Emmy winning voice director, Andrea Romano. In Part 1 of this special 3-part episode series, Andrea begins the story of how her personal and professional dreams began to come true growing up in Long Island, New York with her large, supportive family. After graduating from SUNY Fredonia in Theatre Arts and one year of graduate school, she moved to New York City to act professionally, supporting herself working in retail and doing phone sales. Setting her sights on California, she took a temp job with the talent agency, Abrams Rubaloff and went on to become the youngest franchised agent in Hollywood at that time taking voice over classes so she could understand what a voice actor experiences. After a time there, Andrea was invited to start the VO division at Special Artists with an A-list celebrity client roster. When friend and colleague, Ginny McSwain called to tell Andrea she was leaving Hanna-Barbera, she jumped at the chance to apply for the casting director job working alongside, Gordon Hunt. Andrea shares her experiences working with acting greats like Daws Butler, Jonathan Winters and William Christopher as well as helping start voice over careers for Mark Hamill and Jessica Walter. While still at Hanna-Barbera she was able to work on other projects like DuckTales, Rescue Rangers and Winnie the Pooh. A fearless risk taker, Andrea signed on to direct for the newly formed Warner Brothers TV animation where she started working with Steven Spielberg on his new productions. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Respected voice director, Andrea Romano continues her compelling story in Part 2 of VO Buzz Weekly with Chuck and Stacey J. Andrea talks about the process of casting the classic series, Animaniacs, with Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille and Jess Harnell and how she landed Bernadette Peters for the role of Rita the Cat. She explains how she decides what projects she will do or pass on and the challenges of having to negotiate her own work. Andrea speaks to what prerequisites a voice talent needs to be competitive in the VO business today and answers the question whether being in Los Angeles is essential to do animation. Tune in next Sunday for the conclusion of Chuck and Stacey J.’s interview with Andrea Romano! Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey’s special conversation with iconic voice director, Andrea Romano, concludes with a discussion about what stands out to her in auditions and what information and questions voice talent should have when submitting them. She gives invaluable tips about submitting multiple takes, proper etiquette at callbacks, essential elements of an animation demo and when it’s appropriate to adlib in a script. Andrea gives more details about her planned retirement in five years, which includes diving into writing a book full of stories of her amazing career. She tells some stories about recording The Jetsons with the original cast and working with Mel Blanc. She talks about her passion for gardening and growing her own vegetables as well as valuable advice she has gotten from family and peers that has helped in her life and work. Andrea shares how she maintains her good health and expresses gratitude for having worked so hard in her life to achieve success. She reveals some of her current projects like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Turbo Fast, Puss in Boots and the IF Question reveals her love of cooking. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey’s guest this episode is the super talented voice actor, Erin Fitzgerald, known for her stellar work in animation, video games and anime in projects like Ed, Edd n’ Eddy, Wild Grinders, World of Warcraft, Skull Girls and Persona. Originally from Canada, Erin shares her story from loving to perform as a child to getting to a university degree in theatre and trying her hand in TV and film work. After doing a voice over looping job, she discovered voice acting was her calling and eventually was inspired to move to Los Angeles. Erin explains the intense process she went through to get her green card and speaks to her strengths as a voice actor. She talks about some of the characters she has played that she adores like the fan favorite, Chie Satanaka and May Kanker. She explains her audition process, gives invaluable tips for self-direction and the specific things she needs to do when creating characters to guarantee she'll nail the acting. Erin reflects on advice she gets on a daily basis that helps her get better and better. Learn more about the acting troupe that Erin performs with doing authentic radio plays from the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s at FakeRadio.net Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey’s continue chatting with the fabulously talented and fun voice actor, Erin Fitzgerald, known for her brilliant work in Ed, Edd n’ Eddy, Wild Grinders, World of Warcraft, Skull Girls, Monster High, Persona and more. Erin talks about some of the projects she has worked on that she adores like World of Warcraft and Wild Grinders currently on NickToons. She shares how she worked to rebuild her career multiple times, what she does during slow times and offers amazing advice to people who aspire to be a voice over professional. She talks about the life-changing book she read, The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, her obsession with fan art and expresses appreciation for her amazing fans and family. Erin reflects on the keys to her success and the things she does to keep her life in balance. She shares some of her favorite characters she has played and the IF question reveals what personality trait she would want to change about herself. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome Senior Producer at the CW Network, Harry Dunn, who brings his vast experience as a promo producer, writer, director and promo coach to the show. Harry shares how he got started in the business as a trailer writer/editor at Cannon films directing greats like Don Pardo, Mark Elliot and Don LaFontaine and writing for television shows like In Living Color, which eventually led to working at the CW network since 2002. Harry offers his opinions on having a range of skill for voicing promos and identifies some of the mistakes voice talent make when reading them. He gives great tips for delivering solid promo auditions that stand out and how to interpret the scripts. Harry talks about some voice over demo myths and explains his process when listening to demos. Inspired by Atlas Talent Agent Heather Vergo and VoicesVoicecasting friend, MaryLynn Wissner, Harry started teaching privately and doing group workshops. Find out more about studying with Harry and his demo production at DunnPromo.com Get Rodney Saulsberry’s latest book, Tongue Twisters and Vocal Warmups, on Amazon and get an autographed copy on Rodney’s website, RodneySaulsberry.com Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. continue their conversation with CW Network Senior Producer and VO coach, Harry Dunn who talks about working with the main voice talents of the network, Mike McColl, Scott Rummell, Rino Romano and Zach Fine. Harry tells how he has been able to give new voice actors opportunities like Max Mittelman and Dustin Layton and that the CW Seed is generally a better fit for female voice talent. He addresses how to deliver a conversational read using a quote spot promo he wrote and offers details about the responsibilities and challenges of his job including the importance of doing May Upfronts. Harry gives great advice to people doing promos that includes, getting good instruction and constant practice, and shares that he does private coaching for auditions as well as ongoing study. Find out why Harry felt compelled to start teaching, what he still wants to accomplish as a writer and how he feels about working at the CW Network. The episode concludes with an IF question that reveals one thing Harry doesn’t want to live without. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome the truly inspiring Melissa Moats, versatile voice actor, singer and founder of The Voice Actors Studio in Las Vegas. Melissa shares how it all began for her from loving commercials as a kid, to being a cruise director on a cruise ship that lead to meeting her husband of 18 years, to discovering her love of voice over in a University of Las Vegas course with Alice Whitfield. As the voice of Ashley Furniture, Best Western and Meaningful Beauty, Melissa talks about the process of making her new promo demo with Chuck and Stacey and the amazing promo gig she booked from it for The Ellen Show. Melissa explains the daily investment she makes to build her business including reaching out to companies and that a voice talent is responsible for the success of their career, believing that you get out of it what you put into it. A walking example of what happens when you believe in yourself, Melissa chooses to focus on the possibilities and her strengths and shares the inspiring, touching story of how being creative and doing what she loves everyday helped her beat cancer. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey finish their conversation with Melissa Moats, voice actor and founder of The Voice Actors Studio in Las Vegas. Melissa offers great tips for effective networking to perspective clients and her approach towards keeping a positive attitude when auditioning. With recording more than 30 auditions a day, Melissa shares what she books a lot and the challenge of nailing a conversational read. Melissa explains her philosophy about voiceover which includes building and nurturing relationships and being creative in the search for work opportunities. Viewers get a guided tour of The Voice Actors Studio and can stay in the loop with what’s going on by going to their website at http://www.thevoiceactorstudio.com Melissa shares news that she’s teaching a voice over class through University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) where she got her start years ago. She speaks to why she and her husband make a great team, personally and professionally, and expresses gratitude for her friend and mentor, Beau Weaver, for his sage advice and help. The IF Question is all about love and shows even more of Melissa’s huge heart and even a little spontaneous singing. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. welcome Emmy and Annie winning writer, producer, director and actor, Kevin Shinick to the show. Kevin shares how his performing career began in college then lead to acting alongside Laura Linney, Ethan Hawke and Tyne Daley on Broadway. After moving to Los Angeles, he started working with friend and Robot Chicken colleague, Seth Green. Kevin offers great advice for doing what you love and taking control of what you want to do with your career. As the former host of Where In Time is Carmen Sandiego, Kevin shares his philosophy on auditioning and how working on the other side of the glass has been invaluable to him as an actor. He speaks to how he feels when actors adlib in a script and the importance of building professional relationships. Kevin talks about how MAD the Animated series came about and gives great advice to people creating their own content. He shares life lessons given to him by Tony Randall and his college professor and why he makes the most of every moment. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. finish their conversation with the Emmy and Annie winning creator of MAD the Animated Series, Kevin Shinick who talks about how he keeps all the aspects of his career in balance as well as great advice for turning what you love to do into a career by utilizing resources available to you. Kevin reveals some of his current projects like the Robot Chicken DC Comics Special, the Scooby Doo and KISS: Rock n’ Roll Mystery movie, a panel with KISS at ComicCon 2015 and some on-camera TV work. He speaks to his approach for writing shows that are appropriate for kids and adults while still being true to his vision. We find out how the answering machine helped develop his voice talents and what he loves about his life. Kevin reflects on what he feels are the keys to his success and explains more wisdom he received from mentor, Tony Randall. The episode closes with a funny Gene Simmons story, the IF question pertaining to fashion and some of Kevin’s celebrity likenesses. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey shine a spotlight on voice actor, Alanna Bryant, the winner of the spontaneous VO Buzz Weekly Giveaway at VO Atlanta 2015. Via Skype from Atlanta, Alanna shares the story of the way voice over came into her life in elementary school and the training she later received from teachers like Noelle Romano and Jay Snyder from Edge Studio in New York. As a singer/songwriter, Alanna talks about the kinds of voice over work she has done and what is was like to hear herself for the first time in a radio commercial. She offers advice to those wanting to pursue voice over and shares some of her long-term career goals that include TV narration and animation. She speaks to how she balances working her hectic day job in TV/Film Production while trying to pursue her voice over career and how valuable it was for her to attend VO Atlanta 2015. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome voice acting phenom, John DiMaggio to the show. Adored for his roles in Futurama, Adventure Time, Gears of War and Agents of S.M.A.S.H., John talks about the hit VO documentary he produced, I KNOW THAT VOICE, available on Netflix and iTunes. He shares what inspired him to make the film that came out in 2014 and also takes us back to how his career started in NYC including doing stand up as the duo Red Johnny and the Round Guy. Upon moving to Los Angeles 1996 to do the TV series Chicago Hope, he explains how booking the role of Bender on Futurama in 1999 was a career game changer for him. Find out where he got the inspiration for the voice of Bender and how he is able to perform stellar impressions like Tracy Morgan and Johnny Carson. John shares his approach to auditioning, his philosophy about his career which includes plowing through rejection and never giving up. The episode closes with John offering gratitude for his long-time voice over and on-camera agents and recalling a Twitter encounter he had surrounding his movie, I KNOW THAT VOICE. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue the hilarious and uplifting roller coaster ride with animation genius, John DiMaggio, who shares where he finds inspiration for creating characters and what he loves about doing panels and making appearances at conventions. He celebrates his talented wife, actress Kate Miller, as well as what he feels are his strengths as an actor. He talks about his approach to working with other talent and what misconceptions celebrities may have about doing voice over work. He answers why he feels he gets hired for jobs and shares his passion for cooking which includes a spontaneous performance of the famous Adventure Time, “Bacon Pancakes” song and discussion of the Alicia Keys remix that went viral on YouTube. CLICK HERE to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUYSG... John shares advice he has gotten along the way that has helped him in his life and talks about current projects like the Gears of War Trilogy and Adventure Time. He reveals what he would do if he weren’t an actor and the IF question answer includes icons like Walt Disney and Andrea Romano. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome Lara Jill Miller, child star from the TV sitcom Gimme A Break and animation mega-talent known for her work in Henry Hugglemonster, Doc McStuffins, SciGirls, Wow, Wow Wubbzy and the Life and Times of Juniper Lee. Lara Jill shares how her performing career began at a local dinner theatre in Pennsylvania then on to Broadway alongside Dick Van Dyke in Music Man. She talks about how she landed the role of Samantha in Gimme A Break for seven years working opposite entertainment icon, Nell Carter. After a hiatus to graduate from NYU and Fordham Law School, she left the legal field and headed back to Los Angeles and got cast in Digimon and Clifford’s Puppy Days. We find out more about Lara Jill’s current projects as Lambie in Doc McStuffins, Henry in Henry Hugglemonster, SciGirls and a new series for Nickelodeon. She shows gratitude for her supportive family and being able to stay on the straight and narrow path while growing up in show business. Lara Jill talks about her approach to auditioning and bringing characters to life as well as what she thinks she is great at and what is not in her acting wheelhouse. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey’s chat continues with TV child star and animation super talent, Lara Jill Miller who offers wisdom to people wanting to work in animation that have a real passion for it. She reflects on some of the coolest and most challenging roles she has done and what sacrifices she chooses to make to take care of her voice. Lara Jill shares what she has learned over the many of working in show business and how she stays at the top of her game, always practicing and working to be her best. She answers what have been the keys to her success and what her strengths are as an actor. The episode closes with an IF question that reminds her of the kindness of strangers when she needed it most. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome versatile voice actor, Chris Fries, from network promos, commercials, TV Narration and video games who shares his inspiring story of persistence against all odds to work full-time in the voiceover industry. Chris talks about his beginnings in radio, a career in government, then a series of fortuitous events including a meeting with veteran VO pro, Scott Rummell, that would change the course of his life. Undeterred by any obstacles, Chris talks about his time working as a county jailor and shares the challenges and setbacks he encountered while getting started that would prove to be blessings in disguise. He talks about his experience recording his demo with Chuck Duran of Demos That Rock and offers advice to people starting out in the VO business. Chris reflects on the moment he felt he had gotten his big break in the VO industry and how his life experiences gave him an affinity for doing video games like the Call of Duty franchise with Gary Oldham and Kiefer Sutherland. Chris shares some of his current projects like Dead End Express on Nat Geo, The Briefcase on CBS, ACE Hardware and Hyundai commercials and network promos. He talks about his audition process, his strengths as a voice actor and the value he has found from working with top coaches Joyce Castellanos, Jodi Gottlieb, Marice Tobias and Huck Liggett. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue their conversation with voice actor, Chris Fries who shares what gear he has in his home studio and how it has evolved over time. Taking inspiration from his mentor Scott Rummell’s studio, he worked with home studio expert George Whittam, who still helps him keep everything just right. Chris talks about how he rebounded after getting dropped by an LA agent and shows gratitude for Sandie Schnarr of AVO Talent for providing some great opportunities early on in his career. He shares his approach to being versatile in the voiceover business and why he “tweaked” his name to be more in alignment with his branding. Chris explains the mantra he lives by and what mobile gear he takes with him everywhere, even on vacation. He tells the story of how he got signed with top talent manager, Debbie Cope and what he feels are the keys to his success including being ready when the opportunities come to you. Chris’ determination, tenacity and business-like approach to his VO career is only part of why he is thriving, he shows much love and appreciation for his wife’s ongoing support and sacrifice over the years. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome their youngest guest to date, teen phenom, Kiara Muhammad, the original voice of “Doc” on Disney Jr.’s hit show, Doc McStuffins. An accomplished singer, actor, dancer, Kiara talks about her love of performing as a child and as a high school senior, how she maintains her honor student status. She shares her musical influences and her experience working on Curb Your Enthusiasm with Larry David. Kiara remembers her first voiceover audition ever for the role of Doc on Doc McStuffins and how she handles the response from the show’s fans. She shares what she does in her free time, why she tries to have a “none show business” life and her post-graduation plans. She offers advice she has gotten from her parents that has helped her as well as some current projects like episodes of Sofia the First and Showtime’s Ray Donovan. Kiara reflects on what she wants to achieve in her career, what professional success means for her and her strengths as an actress. She reveals her real-life hero, her passion for fashion and social media and offers some wise advice to anyone pursuing their goals and dreams. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome versatile 2-time Emmy winning voice actor, Lex Lang, who shares his journey as an actor, musician and stand up comic. He tells of his first break into the voiceover business and how his skill at celebrity impressions and voice matching was a unique selling point for him. He credits his voice actor wife, Sandy Fox, talent agent Sandie Schnarr of AVO Talent and beloved voice director, Andrea Romano for being instrumental in helping him in his career. The very proactive and resourceful Lex shares some of the projects he is most proud of doing like Dr. Neo Cortex in Crash Bandicoot, Batman in Batman: Brave and The Bold and for Mattel toys, and Hans Solo for the Star Wars franchise. Lex describes the difference between celebrity voice matching and doing impressions and how he uses his background as a musician to find the tone and rhythm of the person’s voice. He demonstrates how he voice matches Sean Connery and teaches everyone how to impersonate Christopher Walken using just two words. He shares some cool tips and insights for breaking down audition copy for commercials and animation, how he interprets the “real, conversational” specs and shares some sage advice he got from Andrea Romano that has helped him along the way. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue their conversation with 20-year voice acting veteran, Lex Lang, who offers some great ideas for what voice talent can do to deliver great auditions. He explains what he feels are his strengths as an actor and how he keeps the balance between his personal and professional life. Lex talks about the philanthropic endeavors he co-founded with his wife, Sandy Fox, called The Love Planet Foundation and H2Om Water with Intention. Lex, a certified meditation teacher, shares some basic concepts of mantra-based meditation and explains some of its benefits that impact your daily life. He talks about his love of music, his influences for songwriting and guitar playing as well as a new music project he is working on that’s due out in 2016. Lex offers his definition of success and some advice to those wanting to pursue a career in voiceover. The episode closes with an IF question that reveals his love of making people laugh. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome the incredible writer, director, producer and illustrator of the hit Nickelodeon’s shows The Fairly Oddparents, Danny Phantom, and T.U.F.F Puppy. The Michigan native, who grew up watching cartoons talks about how he eventually found his way to Cal Arts and went on to work on the Johnny Bravo show at Hanna-Barbera with then fellow newcomer, Seth MacFarlane. Butch, a Nickelodeon veteran of 18 years, shares casting news about Season 10 of The Fairly Oddparents that includes the fabulous voice actor, Kari Wahlgren. He speaks to how he stays inspired to create new shows and episodes and offers great tips for what makes a voice actor stand out to him that includes committing to strong acting choices. He shares some of the challenges and responsibilities that he deals with and why you should never throw away any of your ideas for new content. Butch explains the necessary steps for pitching a new show idea and where he came up with the idea and characters for The Fairly Oddparents. Hear how he juggles creating multiple shows simultaneously and why he created his latest genius interactive project, The Noog Network and free app on iTunes. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue their conversation with the amazing Butch Hartman, writer, director, producer and illustrator of the hit Nickelodeon shows, The Fairly Oddparents, Danny Phantom, and T.U.F.F Puppy. Butch talks more about why he chose to make his latest entertainment creation The Noog Network a family friendly, safe place for kids. Butch explains why he won’t compromise his principles for work and offers great advice for becoming successful in life. As co-founder of The Hartman House with his wife, Julieann, Butch talks about its mission and what they do to help needy families in the U.S. and abroad. Butch shares some wisdom that has helped him in his life and how he balances his very busy life. He reveals what he still wants to accomplish that includes The Noog Network, books, painting and music. He talks about having confidence and not following the crowd, shares stories about voice actor Carlos Alazraqui, Mr. Crocker on The Fairly Oddparents, along with Family Guy creator and friend, Seth MacFarlane and even his experiences as a Tom Cruise body double. The IF question reveals some of Butch’s favorite smells as well as his love of Hawaii. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

This week Chuck and Stacey welcome Christian Lanz, bilingual voice actor in promos, commercials, animation and video games who explains the influence the Hispanic population has on the entertainment industry at large. Born in Mexico City, Christian talks about the way television helped him learn English as a child and the fearless life choice he would make in order to pursue an acting career in Hollywood. Christian shares the challenges he overcame while starting out which included living in his car, working as an extra and how his first opportunity to work in voiceover changed his life. He talks about why his favorite career moment to date is working with animation icon, Frank Welker, the voice of Fred on Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated. He offers his approach for delivery of copy with “non-announcer, conversational” specs and the major differences he finds between the General and Hispanic markets. Christian gives sage advice about being truthful as a voice actor and showing confidence. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. continue talking with super talented bilingual voice actor Christian Lanz who shares specifics about his home recording studio and the gear he uses from Sennheiser, Avalon and Apogee and describes his experiences as the Live Announcer for the 2015 Daytime Emmys and TV Land Awards. Christian explains how he masters the cadence and nuances to voice double celebrities like Antonio Banderas and Ricardo Montalban and encourages people to study the industry regularly to stay on top of the trends in Daytime and Primetime television. He offers great advice about being yourself and not copying other people and why having both a Talent Agent and a Manager has helped his career in a big way. Christian talks about playing the mutated villains, Fishface and Xever, in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series and what he feels are his strengths as an actor. He offers some of the most valuable lessons he has learned from being in the voiceover industry and how he approaches auditions and maintains objectivity about the copy. The thoughtful IF Question reveals Christian’s paternal side and wonderfully optimistic spirit. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey J. welcome the super fun and talented voice actor, Kari Wahlgren, known as the voice of Chloe Carmichael in The Fairly Oddparents, Tigress in Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness and Little Suzy in Phineas and Ferb. Kari talks about growing up in Kansas and moving to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of being in the entertainment business. She shares what she did right and wrong on her first voiceover demo and gives specific advice about what to do and not do when making a demo including following her mantra, “A bad demo is worse than no demo at all.” She stresses the importance of knowing yourself, your voice type, what you can actually book and how she discovered the range and versatility of her own voice. She describes her approach to auditioning by using all the clues and information in the script as well as the importance of loving the process. She offers advice for what she thinks is essential to find success in the voiceover business today and how things have changed since she started. Kari explains how she got through the challenging times in her career including some of the survival jobs she had while she was breaking into the business. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue talking with the fabulous and ever stylish animation voice actor, Kari Wahlgren who shows off the shoes her Mom made for her when she played Wonder Woman and hysterically demonstrates how she gets into character with vocal warmups that include singing Marilyn Manson and Van Halen songs. Kari excitedly talks about her latest role as Chloe Carmichael on the Butch Hartman show, The Fairly Oddparents and why it is so fun and challenging for her. She explains what she likes about recording her lines individually and with the whole cast of a show as well as her history performing as a ventriloquist. She shares her feelings about following your dreams and offers some amazing perspective for being open to other possibilities and what she still wants to accomplish in her life. She talks about doing fan conventions, what words that best describe her and the ever popular IF book gets two questions for Kari because she loves it that much. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome Mark Elliott, one of the most iconic and beloved voices in the industry who shares stories of his early days in radio in Des Moines that ultimately led to voicing network promos for CBS and FOX. Mark talks about getting his first trailers for hit movies like Smokey and the Bandit and the radio campaign for George Lucas’ Star Wars. As the memorable voice of Disney trailers and promos from 1977-2001, Mark talks about what it has meant to him to have that opportunity and how he captures his authentic signature sound through knowing the value of the words on the page. Mark explains how he landed a cameo part in Lake Bell’s movie, IN A WORLD, with VO veterans Joe Cipriano, Marc Graue and Fred Melamed and talks about the changes in the voiceover business that he likes and some of the things he misses. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue talking with Disney’s classic movies’ voice, Mark Elliott, who answers how his background in radio was beneficial to his career, what he feels are his strengths as a voice talent and some of the work he is most proud of doing. Mark talks about his longtime friend and colleague the late, Don LaFontaine, which includes a clip from the famous Five Guys in a Limo video produced by Aspect Ratio. He reflects on what career he would have chosen if he had not pursued voiceover and why he feels he has such a great life. He talks about his approach to auditions, getting out of your comfort zone and offers some of the most memorable lessons he has learned in life like remembering what is important and not living in the past. Hear what Mark still wants to accomplish and the IF question that reveals Mark’s love of television. Watch more videos and get the late

Chuck and Stacey are happy to welcome Samantha Paris, the accomplished actress, teacher and founder of Voicetrax SF in Sausalito, CA that’s celebrating its 27th anniversary. Samantha talks about her acting career beginnings in Los Angeles and why she fell in love with voiceover the first time she got behind the microphone. She shares what inspired her to follow her instincts and leave LA for San Francisco to start teaching and voice casting. She speaks to the importance of patience when developing your voice acting skills and finding joy in the journey. She explains the goals and aspirations of her students and how she prepares them for the voiceover business as well as some of the classes that are offered at Voicetrax SF. She gives some great tips for self-direction from interpreting the script and specs, to not relying on editing to create your auditions. Samantha expresses what she is most proud of in her life and why she decided to change her name from Bobbie Block to Samantha Paris. Get all the details of how to enter the Giveaway to win the weekend class at Voicetrax SF in 2016, valued at $400. Giveaway entry ends December 15, 2015. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue talking with Samantha Paris, founder of Voicetrax SF and voice actor in the TV shows Jem and Bionic Six, who talks about the elements of the voiceover demo and why it should showcase your strengths. She talks about the ways she mentors her students so they can accomplish their voiceover dreams which includes responsible business practices and knowing their value. She shares what she still loves about being in the voiceover industry and expresses gratitude to her agents, Jeff Danis and Natanya Rose at DPN, for supporting her, Voicetrax SF and her students. She talks about why she is so selective about the people who teach her students and celebrates the industry leaders like MaryLynn Wissner, Bob Bergen, Jeff Howell, Rob Paulsen and Townsend Coleman who have shared their talents at Voicetrax SF over the years. Samantha talks about the demographic of her students, what they want to accomplish in voiceover and reflects on what she believes have been the keys to her success and longevity. She explains what she means by “Safety lies in the risk” and the IF Question is one of the most poignant to date, answered beautifully by Samantha. Get all the details for how to enter the Giveaway to win the weekend class at Voicetrax SF in 2016, valued at $400. Giveaway entry ends December 15, 2015. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome the two-time Voice Arts Award winning actor, Jay Britton, who shares how the love and support of his wife helped him leave a successful, yet unfulfilling career in the IT industry in order to pursue a career in voiceover. He talks about the importance of continuing to study with top industry teachers like Rob Paulsen, Nancy Wolfson, Richard Horvitz and Jodi Gottlieb to keep his skills sharp and to stay on top of what is happening in the industry. Jay explains the process of getting an agent and auditions in the U.K. and why he decided to master other accents besides his native tongue so he could be versatile and work more. He describes the biggest differences between working in America and the U.K. and how he handles challenging sessions. He describes his experience recording demos with Chuck, the importance of having specialized demos to make yourself stand out in the industry and why he just recorded a new a promo demo with an American accent. Jay shares what professional level gear he has in his studio and why taking himself seriously is a great marketing tool that gives clients confidence to hire him. Jay talks about some of the things he did and the mindset he adopted that really took his career to a whole new level. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue talking with versatile voice actor, Jay Britton, who shares how he navigates through the challenging times and the fortuitous turn of events that landed him a sought after London voiceover agent. Jay talks about why he wanted to give back and mentor newcomers to the industry about the business side of voiceover so they can get started with a solid foundation. He reflects on what he feels are his strengths as an actor and how his music background helps him find the melody in the words. He reveals some of his upcoming work including a new virtual reality, full performance capture project, called Spirit City with Troy Baker and what is ultimate goals are for his voiceover career. Jay offers some good storytelling and performance tips, stresses the importance of having a great professional support system for networking and guidance and why he doesn’t allow negativity to be a part of his business plan. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome their last guest of 2015, Andrew Atkin, Talent Manager with the bi-coastal management company ACM Talent, who turned his love of movies into a successful career in the entertainment industry. Andrew shares how he got started as an assistant and booth director at SBV Talent and went on to become an agent at William Morris in Los Angeles. He talks about what he learned from directing actors in the booth, explains the role of a good manager and the collaborative role they play with voice talent and their agents. He describes how his experience as an agent influences his management style and the importance of learning the nuances of selling and networking. As a longtime colleague and friend, Chuck compliments Andrew for his flair for building and maintaining industry relationships, asking the right questions and being so effective at working with people. Andrew answers what he listens for in a demo and why you should showcase your unique voice and confidence. He speaks to the business practices and skills a talent needs, including paying attention to the trends and knowing what is in demand. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue talking with their final guest of the year, Andrew Atkin, Talent Manager at ACM Talent who offers amazing tips for making strong choices in animation, narration, promo and trailer auditions. He shares things that new voice talent do that could be detrimental to their career advancement and some of his survival jobs he had from driving an ice cream truck to working in a video store. Andrew forecasts where he sees the promo and trailer business in five years and the current trends that he is noticing now. He shares some of the challenges he deals with on a daily basis as a talent manager and what he believes have been the keys to his career longevity and success. He explains the way work he and ACM Talent partners, Marc Guss and Phil Sutfin, work with their clients and why they make such a great team. Andrew, a loyal VO Buzz Weekly viewer, shares what he likes about the show and the episode closes with the IF question that reveals his curiosity about the idea of cause and effect. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey kickoff Season 5 of VO Buzz Weekly with acting powerhouse Phil LaMarr, from animated shows like Futurama, Family Guy, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Static Shock and Turbo Fast, an original cast member of the sketch comedy TV series MAD TV and “Marvin” in the iconic movie, Pulp Fiction. Phil talks about his performing career that started in high school, took him to Yale University then brought him back home to The Groundlings in Los Angeles. He shares the benefits from his background in improv and how his work on MAD TV led to working on Family Guy and Futurama. As a gifted impressionist, Phil performs some of his best like Humphrey Bogart, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Billy Crystal, Prince, Sammy Davis, Jr., Michael Jackson and some of his personal favorites like Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro. He talks about how he masters doing impressions and the way he discovered the range of his voice early on. Phil explains why decided to stop auditioning for on-camera commercials and offers some great advice when auditioning for animation work that includes finding the balance between play and technique. He reflects on how his voiceover work has changed over the years and whom he looks up to in the voiceover business. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue talking with versatile actor Phil LaMarr, from animated shows like Milo Murphy’s Law, The Lion Guard, Futurama, Family Guy, Turbo Fast and Samurai Jack. As an original cast member for five years on MAD TV, Phil shares more about the process of how the sketches on the show were created, some of the most valuable lessons he’s learned working in the entertainment business and why all you can control is your performance. He talks about his love of comic books and The Walking Dead Motion Comic he worked on as the voice of Rick and Shane. Phil offers sage advice to those wanting to have success in voiceover that requires working your skills and working your business. Phil answers how he would navigate the business if he were starting out today, what factors have contributed to his success and some things he still wants to accomplish in his career. Hear more about some of Phil’s current projects and career highlights like working with Carol Burnett and John Travolta. Phil expresses what he likes about appearing at fan conventions and the IF Question reveals a memorable experience he had that offers amazing wisdom about living with gratitude. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome the super talented and funny, Fred Tatasciore, voice of The Hulk in television show, movies and video games for ten years and counting. Originally from New York, Fred talks about growing up with show business parents and always knowing that he wanted a career as a performer. Fred tells the story of getting the role of The Hulk and his inspiration for creating the well-known character in a multi-dimensional way. Hear how Fred approaches auditions everyday and get some great tips for when you have a callback. He offers great advice that he has gotten along the way that has helped him in his career and does some amazing impersonations of Jimi Hendrix, Samuel L. Jackson and Jeff Bridges. Fred describes what he thinks he is really good at as an actor, his dream roles to play and why he loves giving back to people. He talks about projects he is creating that draw from his animator and stand up comedy experiences and reveals how he got through discouraging times in his career. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue talking with the super talented video game and animation voice actor, Fred Tatasciore, who reflects on the early days of his career and offers advice to aspiring VO pros that includes learning as much as you can and exploring the range of your voice. Fred talks about his first voiceover demo, the importance of the demo in today’s industry and how his classical acting training has helped him in his video game work. He shares how he takes care of his voice from vocal rest to warming up to honey loquat tea (Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa) and more. He answers what he would have done as a career if he wasn’t a performer and how he stays in balance which includes living in gratitude. Hear about some of Fred’s current projects like Halo, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Regular Show, Robot Chicken, Breadwinners and charities that he is passionate about like Make A Wish Foundation. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

After 4 years of non-stop production on what we think are some of the greatest voiceover interviews with the industries top leaders, we have hit the milestone achievement of 200 episodes and we celebrated it BIG TIME! We did something that we've never done before, which was record the 200th EP in front of a live audience, and it was THE Voiceover Party of The Year! The "A-list" of the voiceover business showed up to celebrate with us and voice actors from all over the country and beyond came to get BUZZ-ed with us. Episode 199 has some super fun footage and photos of the pre-show and red carpet with VO superstars... Let the PARTY begin! Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

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

Chuck and Stacey are back with a whole new look! They wrote and produced a new show opening with Chuck singing the new theme song and the voiceover done is by Chuck, Stacey, and amazing VO pals Scott Laverty, Scott Rummell and Joe Cipriano. Be sure to listen during the new show credits too for Joe Cipriano again along with the totally fabulous, Vanessa Marshall. The vision Chuck and Stacey had for the new opening was brought to life through stunning graphics by the super talented, Mariana Brang. Episode 201 welcomes the accomplished voice actor, former studio executive, voiceover coach and founder of the TRUETELL METHOD, Dave Walsh. Dave tells how he started in radio and television in Boston and eventually moved to Los Angeles to work in the entertainment business. He shares how the discovery of the book, Word of Mouth written by Sue Blu, literally changed the course of his life and helped start his VO career. Having worked in all genres of voiceover, Dave talks about how important it is to create a self-motivated career in this day and age, why he feels not everyone can be a voice actor and some misconceptions that people have about doing voiceover.  Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey continue talking with respected voiceover coach and TrueTell Method creator, Dave Walsh, who shares more about his passion for coaching and fostering a talent’s authenticity to trust that telling the story is enough. Dave gives great tips for staying on top of the trends because that is part of the actor’s job as well as perfecting their skills which all shows respect for the voiceover industry. He offers insights on straightforward website branding and his do’s and don’ts for making voiceover demos, from never doing one before you’re ready to working with a professional demo producer/director when it’s time. Dave discusses the shifts he sees in the industry and where he feels things are right now with respect to union and non-union work and making sure talent know their value. He expresses his gratitude to Chuck and Stacey for creating an invaluable resource like VO Buzz Weekly that celebrates the industry and benefits people all over the world.  Dave feels he is currently enjoying the best part of his career and shares his dream job which involves helping people and how the relationships he has with agents has helped him as a coach and in turn his coaching clients. Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com

Chuck and Stacey welcome voice acting sensation and professional tournament poker player Nika Futterman, from The Loud House, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Fanboy and Chum Chum, Sonic Boom and so much more.  Nika talks about her background as a singer and on-camera actor and how her voiceover career began with the show Hey Arnold, and ultimately why she chose to focus on voiceover exclusively. She shares the things she loves about voice acting, what has changed over her 20+ year career and what led her to take her love of poker to the professional tournament level. She offers advice for delivering great auditions and the importance of having strong improvisation and acting chops as well as a wide range of vocal ability. She speaks to her strengths as a voice actor and some of her beloved characters like Luna in The Loud House, Ventress in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Sticks the Badger in Sonic Boom.  Make sure to subscribe to the VO Buzz Weekly YouTube Channel and tune come back next week for Part 2 with Nika Futterman …  Watch more videos and get the latest voiceover news, advice and updates on contests and giveaways at http://vobuzzweekly.com