Hi,
I'm so happy to have found a site with quality information and intelligent posts etc.
I am hoping someone can help me with a little general info. I know a little about LA and NY, but assume I know nothing. (like Sgt Schultz)
Briefly, I am 36. Professional working v/o artist in Aust. I am doing/ have done animation work, but mainly advertising. Impressions/characters. I have been very nicely referred to as "Jack Blackish, Robin Williamsish" . I have a wife and a 2 y.o son.
Can anyone tell me which city does more animation? Or which city is more open to new v/o talent? My wife is pushing for NY as she says its a better city, but I say LA as thats where Nick do their animation as well as the big studios. However, there are more ads in NY, yes?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated esp if you have lived in both cities. We both have obtained Green cards, so thats not a problem. (packing and moving is!!!!). If you want to be a super duper pal my website is www.thomasbromhead.com and that might help you understand 1. that I have a great head for v/o and 2. What sort of voices I do
Many many thanks for any replies.
I too am also a voice over talent, starting and starring as the voice of my own character of my own cartoon in next year's fall season.
I personally will advise you to get an agent, if not, apply to a notorious network, If you wish to have a well paid job and work with the best, LA is the place for you.
You have me as an ally, accomplish your dreams and strive for excellence ;)
He who seeks the truth, must first empty his heart of a false pursuit.
Diemeras Dark Angel
Thanks for your reply.
All the best with your cartoon.
Yes, I will hopefully land an agent. I realise its impossible to work freelance. The notorious v/o site is 123 I guess.
Shocking pay huh? Yet there are so many desperados willing to do it and obviously producers willing to sort through 100's of demos. I won't be renewing - seen enough of it after 2 months.
See you round the traps I hope!
Cheers,
Thomas :)
Don't get too cocky, to become the greatest you must adapt not only a good personality but talent, and I mean...........Talent.
Hopefully you possess all and I know you will blow our minds, GO GET E'M!!!!!!
He who seeks the truth, must first empty his heart of a false pursuit.
Diemeras Dark Angel
Thanks for that. Sorry, I didn't mean to come over as cocky.
That is definitely not who I am.
You are right though - sometimes its best to keep my mouth shut as
tact is not my best trait. Thanks for LA Lesson #1.
I like your quote at the bottom of your signature. It makes a lot of sense to me.
All the best and I appreciate the time you took to write to me.
Many Thanks. :)
Aww come now, don't let me get to yuh, you're a well open minded person, and one of the nicest I've ever come across, you, I'll do anything for, cause unlike so many, you're a darn cool guy. ;)
He who seeks the truth, must first empty his heart of a false pursuit.
Diemeras Dark Angel
There's plenty of work on both coasts.
New York tends to have more advertising work, including national radio spot.
Anime dubbing is done out of both cities, and San Francisco too.
In NY you have more opportunity for stage work, in LA more opportunity for film and extras work.
I haven't heard of staff voice talent in the modern age, unless its an artist who also does a voice.
To get the best jobs you'll need to join AFTRA, the union. You also get residuals through their collective bargaining agreement. All you need to do to join is get hired on a union gig and pay the dues.
Thanks Richard. I appreciate the information.
Yes I intend to join the union. We only have one union here - the Media Alliance which covers just about everyone in the entertainment industry.
You have SAG, AFTRA and Actors Equity (am I right on last one?).
I will join AFTRA and if I get any acting work I'll join SAG, but what about Actors Equity - do you know what they cover?
Thanks,
Thomas
Thank you for helping my boy Tom. :D
He who seeks the truth, must first empty his heart of a false pursuit.
Diemeras Dark Angel
Equity is the stage actor's union.
SAG is the screen actor's guild. That's for motion pictures.
AFTRA is the American Federation of Television and Radio Actors (or Artists?).
SAG and AFTRA are basically interchangeable. Equity is is really for Broadway and touring companies although "off-Broadway" in New York is usually Equity "off-off Broadway" usually isn't.
There's something called the Taft-Hartley Act which means you can not be refused work on a union job if you're not in the union. That's how you get in. You get hired on a Union show and join.
It is harder to get a quality agent if you're not in SAG/AFTRA, most agents will only send their clients on union calls.