Hey there, hero!

ACX is a great way to connect with a client to produce their audiobook, but only if both of you are tax paying residents of one of four countries: the US, the UK, Canada or Ireland. If you both live in one of those, you’re golden.

If not, you’re stuck. And it’s been an ongoing problem for both narrators and rights holders to contract if either live in places like Australia, any country in the EU, Mexico or other Central American/Caribbean countries, South American countries, Japan, India, China…you name it. If you’re not the ACX four, you’re going to have issues.

Especially as a union narrator.

Welp, just moments ago, I finished recording a Zoom session with Noah Michael Levine, my paymaster. I use him for all directly paid audiobook narration projects, on ACX or not. He’s the guy who runs Skywire Paymaster Services.

https://skywirepaymaster.com/ 

And he has a solution for that pesky “We live in different countries, one or more of which is non-ACX” issue.

He can administer that kind of project, too.

Hear him talk about that in this particular episode of the podcast.

Questions? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/how-to-produce-audiobooks-for-rights-holders-globally-not-just-where-acx-operates/

#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #Marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
     https://voheroes.com/start
     
...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
     https://acxmasterclass.com/
     
...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
     https://narrateyourownbook.com/
     
...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
     https://mikesock.com/
     
...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
     https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
     https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

Hey there, hero!

There’s a lot of dreaming going on in our community. We simply have to be dreamers to decide to be creative artists.

And we also have to be doers. And that moment when you decide you can’t ignore your dreams any longer and have to put in the work to achieve them…can stop us dead in our tracks.

It’s a big leap to move from the possibility of something nebulous and fancy to something planned and concrete.

And…you could fail miserably at the execution.

I’m offering a pathway or two to make that moment a bit easier and more graceful for you.

Do you hesitate to pursue your dreams because of that moment of decision? That feeling of doubt? What do you do about it? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/daring-to-move-from-the-dreaming-to-the-doing/

#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #Marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
     https://voheroes.com/start
     
...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
     https://acxmasterclass.com/
     
...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
     https://narrateyourownbook.com/
     
...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
     https://mikesock.com/
     
...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
     https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
     https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

Hey there, hero!

I’ve noticed that some people have forgotten, or have never learned, the most useful words you can use when you are getting feedback from those who might give you work.

Without judging the quality of the feedback, without deciding whether to use their feedback or not, just say “thank you.”

I’ve seen some younger (and older) creative types, when getting feedback, perceive any criticism as an attack. They then launch into an explanation of their choices, or contradicting the logic of the coach, teacher, casting director or editor, or any number of other defenses of their choices.

There’s no need to do that, unless asked to explain those choices.

If that isn’t requested, just thank the other party and move on. Whether you agree with them or not, there’s no need to feel attacked.

I mean, hey - you asked for the feedback (I’m talking about seeking work, not some “fan” telling you that you suck on social media = although “thank you” stops the conversation/trolling there as well), so be gracious about getting it.

Just say “thank you.” And listen constructively to whatever else they have to say.

Is that how you graciously receive feedback and constructive criticism? Or are you watching this episode and thinking I’m a weak-ass pushover who doesn’t fiercely stand up for his creative choices? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/only-use-these-two-words-when-receiving-feedback/

#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #Marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
     https://voheroes.com/start
     
...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
     https://acxmasterclass.com/
     
...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
     https://narrateyourownbook.com/
     
...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
     https://mikesock.com/
     
...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
     https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
     https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

Hey there, hero!

As we work toward a better performance career and face challenges to our progress, even the littlest things can make us feel frustrated.

And it’s important to remember that, as challenges go, these speed bumps in our journey need to be kept in perspective.

There are people outside the industry who would give up an awful lot to face the problems we face.

Keeping that in perspective might make your approach to problems a little less stressful and raise the gratitude level a bit as you go about solving them.

Because you will solve them, one way or the other.

How do you keep your actor, VO or writing challenges in perspective? How do you celebrate your position in the world as you make your journey better? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/some-people-would-do-anything-to-have-your-problems/

#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #Marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
     https://voheroes.com/start
     
...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
     https://acxmasterclass.com/
     
...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
     https://narrateyourownbook.com/
     
...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
     https://mikesock.com/
     
...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
     https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
     https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

Hey there, hero!

Public Service Announcements. PSAs. One of my favorite voice over art forms.

They come along all too rarely, and when they do, I cherish them.

I had a wonderful opportunity recently to coach a voice talent on a PSA, and we spent some of the time during the session talking about what a powerful opportunity they had to change viewers’ minds about the subject of the PSA (racism).

And it was a journey for the client, because they had sold themselves (and the script) a bit short, by equating this PSA to a common commercial.

Couldn’t have been further from the truth, and the change in their performance through the session was stunning.

Do you ever feel like what you’re being asked to audition for is life-changing? Could you assign that power to more audition opportunities than you do? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/psas-vs-commercials-and-the-power-of-art/

#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #Marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
     https://voheroes.com/start
     
...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
     https://acxmasterclass.com/
     
...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
     https://narrateyourownbook.com/
     
...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
     https://mikesock.com/
     
...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
     https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
     https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

Hey there, hero!

If you could talk to your career crush, the one person that you’d trade places with in their artistic journey, would you ask them what the one thing is that made the difference for them?

I’d like to propose that there is a better question to ask, and a better answer to hear, because it’s very rare that one thing someone does makes all the difference.

I think the better question to ask revolves around how things worked together in their life to make their journey special.

Do you feel like there’s a secret your missing? Or do you feel like there’s a recipe you’d like to know about instead? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/its-hardly-ever-just-one-thing-that-makes-the-difference/

#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #Marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
     https://voheroes.com/start
     
...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
     https://acxmasterclass.com/
     
...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
     https://narrateyourownbook.com/
     
...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
     https://mikesock.com/
     
...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
     https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
     https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

Hey there, hero!

“Look before you leap.” (Get some basic info before you head into the unknown.)

…versus…

“He who hesitates is lost.” (Be bold, and go for it. Damn the potential pitfalls.)

So, which is the rule to follow? The answer is, like in most messy, life-y things, “it depends.”

There are plenty of real world examples of “contradictory proverbs” in what we do as performers. In this episode, we talk about one specific clash of “rules” when it comes to your demos.

How do you reconcile opposing rules? What strategy do you put in place when there are two (or more) ways of working things out according to the “rules”? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/so-about-those-contradictory-rules/

#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #Marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
     https://voheroes.com/start
     
...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
     https://acxmasterclass.com/
     
...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
     https://narrateyourownbook.com/
     
...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
     https://mikesock.com/
     
...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
     https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
     https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

Hey there, hero!

If you find yourself looking at how those you know (or you) are really good at coming up with dreams in life, goals to be fulfilled and destinations they (or you) would like to arrive at in life…

…but they (or you) never quite get to some, or many, or most, or almost all of them…

…remember that the easiest part is to use that creative energy in your makeup and simply envision those dreams, goals and destinations.

Finding oneself complaining that one never gets anywhere in life might just boil down to being super diligent about the second half of the title phrase of this episode. Execution. Persistence. The work.

And often, all one needs is a reminder: Work the work. One can’t just dream the dream.

Let’s look at this simple connection in this episode.

Do you know people like that? Might that someone sometimes be…you (I know that, sometimes, it can be me!)? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/the-dream-is-seductive-the-pursuit-is-productive/

#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #Marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
     https://voheroes.com/start
     
...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
     https://acxmasterclass.com/
     
...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
     https://narrateyourownbook.com/
     
...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
     https://mikesock.com/
     
...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
     https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
     https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

Hey there, hero!

Not everything we undertake is a complete success.

But we also rarely walk away with a complete and utter failure, with no takeaways whatsoever.

If you attempt something, try to learn something, stretch outside your comfort zone and find that not everything worked out perfectly…consider taking a moment and doing what I call a “win audit”.

There’s always some takeaway (or several) that you can learn from, be happy with and enumerate that help you keep things in perspective, and help you remember that even a partial win is valuable, and even a partial failure is a learning opportunity.

How do you view the partial wins? What’s your frame of reference if things don’t work out perfectly? How do you avoid beating yourself up as opposed to looking for the tiny wins in life’s less-than-perfect results? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/consider-a-win-audit-instead/

#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #Marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
     https://voheroes.com/start
     
...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
     https://acxmasterclass.com/
     
...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
     https://narrateyourownbook.com/
     
...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
     https://mikesock.com/
     
...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
     https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
     https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

Hey there, hero!

Richard Bach once said, "Argue for your limitations and, sure enough, they're yours."

Wow…does that resonate with me.

And I hear examples all the time…from my students, my colleagues and my peers.

People can convince themselves of almost anything, and they often do.

I hope you check on all the assumptions you have taken as gospel, and in this episode, I want to help remind you to question the “facts” you “know” about yourself.

Do you question your limiting beliefs? Do you ask whether what you tell yourself is actually true? How do you combat this and give yourself more options? Let me know in the comments below.

REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/on-arguing-for-your-limitations/

#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #Marketing

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...

...become a VO talent (or a more successful one):
     https://voheroes.com/start
     
...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent):
     https://acxmasterclass.com/
     
...narrate your own book (if you’re an author):
     https://narrateyourownbook.com/
     
...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent):
     https://mikesock.com/
     
...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines):
     https://rehearsal.pro/

...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac:
     https://audiocupcake.com/

The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:

BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...