Performing International or Global Voice Overs

All hail the Interweb! (tee-hee!) With its global reach, the Internet gives us voiceover gurus the opportunity to branch out and communicate on a level never seen before in history. It's amazing to think that just 20 years ago, no one even knew what the Internet was or what it would mean to society. And now look at us. What would we do without it? Well, one of the things we voice talents wouldn't be able to do is promote ourselves internationally.

This technology allows us to show our voiceover skills to potential clients around the world, but be warned It can be tricky and it isn't something you'll want to dive into unarmed. One of the things to consider upfront is, can you crank out voice over projects in different languages? If so, you have a big edge over the rest. Advertising for voice services in multiple languages to multiple countries can expand your profits exponentially.

If standard American English is all you speak, however, there's a good chance you can snag a well-paying international voice over client. The reason is that English is spoken so widely, many companies outside the United States regularly seek voiceover talents with American accents. That's great news, but how do you get to them?

Simple -- consult the Interweb! Use the Internet to fish around for foreign businesses that may be looking or have use for an American accent. Think about it... there are tons of Americans and English-speaking folks living or working in different places around the world. Whoever they're working for needs to reach out to them in mass communication style every so often. Retail and service outlets in these foreign lands need to reach them as well. Get the picture? There's money to be made outside the U.S. for the courageous voiceover talent.

Once you find these companies, try this. Send your voice demo via e-mail and follow up with them to find out if they can use you. If they don't right then, you will have at least put the bug in their ear and when they do have a need for an American voice talent, guess who they'll call? Create websites for your international voice over services and optimize them accordingly. When you send them your demo, provide a link to your voiceover site so they know you're serious and professional (not just an amateur looking for more money).

One thing to watch out for, however, is that you must be careful and do your homework. Though English is widely known and recognized, the same words can carry totally different meanings in other countries. As an example, where in America a talent might use the phrase, "voice over," a customer in another sovereign country might say "voice actor" and "voice over" may not have much meaning to them. So, it's important to find out the proper industry terminology in that country, otherwise you may not get any clients... just confusion when they see your website. So as not to offend, you may also want to do a small amount of reading on the country you're aiming for. Simple things like a wave "hello" in America could be offensive to someone from another part of the world (be sensitive). Another task you'll need to complete is finding out what the going rate is for voiceover services in that region. Look up other voice talents and research their rates. You won't want to frighten prospective clients away by charging more than the home-grown talent. It's also a good idea to learn about the country's accepted technical specs, so you'll be familiar with the most prevalent audio file formats in that region.

The Internet is a vast and wonderful tool but like any other, research, cunning and patience are key to being profitable, particularly for voice over talents.

http://www.americanvoiceover.net/ has been in business for over 10 years and is your top source for global voice over, voice talent, announcer and narrator services.

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International Band Makes Magic

Pink Martini is a delectable concoction of twelve Portland, Oregon-based musicians whose sweet, smooth, spicy, tart and tangy programs are savored throughout the world. Pianist Thomas Lauderdale laughingly admits that he probably came up with the name when he was slight intoxicated and in the process of abandoning his political career to return to his first love, music.

He never imagined he would establish a band. Such a thing was not in his radar when he received a contract to go back home to Portland and play several concerts with the symphony. Because his life had shifted away from music toward politics, he was working on ballot measures that interested him involving civil rights. The only sour note came from the bands and DJs at political events. Convinced that he could write catchy songs and put together a lively ensemble to inspire voters, he assembled musicians guaranteed to add zest to the gatherings.

The band took off like the proverbial wildfire. Along with performing at political rallies, they were invited to appear at many other gatherings. It was not long before Lauderdale realized it was more fabulous to be playing in exotic locations and thanked by applause than to be working under fluorescent lights and dealing with angry constituents.

He next convinced China Forbes, a former Harvard classmate turned guitarist and songwriter, to join him in Portland, bribing her away from New York City with Frequent Flier miles. Multilingual, as are many in the band, she is the lead vocalist amid a cocktail shaker of musicians representing wildly diverse styles. Their assorted backgrounds and languages enable them to converse wherever their schedule takes them. When needed, the core dozen is often enhanced with a string section. Despite the exotic origins of some members, Lauderdale often finds fresh talent right at home. As an adopted child who grew up with adopted siblings representing Africa, Asia and Iran, he easily reaches out to people of all nationalities.

He has never undertaken an active search for band members, accidentally finding the needed trumpet player, violinist or other instrumentalist by initiating a casual conversation. His conga (Cuban drum of African heritage) player was working in the kitchen of a place where he was having lunch. During a break, he came out and began entertaining the guests. Lauderdale snapped him up.

After making its European debut at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, Pink Martini has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the BBC Concert Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra and other major orchestras in Europe, Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. They have collaborated with stars like Jimmy Scott, Carol Channing, Chavela Vargas and Michael Feinstein. The title song of their debut album, "Sympathique," won France's Victoires de la Musique Awards of 2000 for "Song of the Year" and "Best New Artist." Their second and third albums, "Hang on Little Tomato," and "Hey Eugene!" have gone gold in France, Canada, Greece and Turkey. Their latest, "Splendor in the Grass," is climbing rapidly.

Lauderdale's political background comes to the fore today only when he muses about the role of music as a democratic vehicle and the appeal of beautiful melodies and beautiful lyrics to all ages and political affiliations. Whether embarking on a love affair or going through a crisis, Pink Martini lends support.

It even goes back to the future. At a recent concert, a soldier and his wife who were expecting their first baby came up afterward to explain that they had driven all the way from Fort Bragg so their unborn child could enjoy hearing the concert.

Emily Cary is a prize-winning teacher and novelist whose articles about entertainers appear regularly in the DC Examiner. She is a genealogist, an avid traveler, and a researcher who incorporates landscapes, cultures and the power of music in her books and articles.

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