customer service | the brand experience I don't fly often, but when I do, my airline of choice is Delta. Their customer service, in-flight experience, and general policy towards safety is one-of-a-kind. {End Script} - but really - this is how commercials actually kick off, right? The essence of the actual customer experience... So Here's mine: In April, I was on the way to L.A. for some much-anticipated voiceover connection fun. The ride from JFK to LAX was on time and a complete breeze. The trip home was one of THOSE TRIPS. The ones that cause people like me to become the paranoid, anxious travelers we now are. But as the initial flight (already a late-night one) was delayed over four hours due to maintenance issues, I found myself completely without an urge to complain, rage against the machines, or call anyone's customer service hotline. Why? Because I watched the captain and crew of our flight remain gracious and accommodating throughout what was probably a pretty rough few hours. The captain kept us updated on the progress of our situation, explaining in detail what was happening to our plane, while the crew served refreshments and opportunities to rebook on other flights. They taxi'd the plane back to a gate and let us de-plane to grab some food while we finished waiting. So, as a person who experiences anxiety on a regular basis, I felt relieved, calmed, and particularly grateful. To be fair, there were definitely people panicking and being generally hostile as people can be - of course we each have our own, personal "must-get-here" issues, mine included. And I wasn't happy to be stuck in the airport. But I felt calm, and confident that whatever the problem was, it would be fixed and we'd be on our way eventually. Big steps for a travel-freakout guy like me ;) The whole experience pretty much ended me up in an airport lounge for awhile, thinking about brand experiences in general, and this one with Delta specifically for me. How a brand delivers on a promise, and what that means for us in marketing, maybe? But that's pretty deep. Simpler, perhaps. That in this case, for this customer, I felt that the campaign Delta was running (and featuring the inimitable Viola Davis, BTW) measured completely up to what it hyped. Anyway, even airlines & travel aside - the point for me was being reached by an experience that matched an expectation. And it felt great. #delta #customerservice #travel #voiceover #brand #marketing

Trends to Takeaways When I first began my career, the conversational trend was just beginning to trend. As a guy without that "big booming announcer" voice, I was excited that nationally-advertised products were requiring less of an over-the-top sound, and developing into a more genuine connection with consumers. People weren't looking for a cheesy voice anymore, and while that style still had its place within certain markets, the general consensus became focused on nuance and understatement. As brands became ever more engaged, they realized that audiences demanded transparency; a great ad spoke directly to people instead of at them. Because of this trend and its impact, my own voice found its position, and I've been able to parlay the "conversational" style into career success. Today, as the trend morphs into the standard, and conversational-type voices saturate the playing field, standing out can be tricky. Still, it's the consideration of "conversational" that matters, and breaking it down remains less about trends and more about what started the trend in the first place. The brass tacks of conversational itself. When working with voice talent, conversational is more than just talking to a friend at a bar. It's more than applying a smile to your read. It's more than "having fun with it" or "being laid back." The truly conversational voice over is engaged with the subject matter as it relates to others. It speaks to someone in a way the ad agency or producer hasn't expected, because it is genuinely how you would connect! It involves being human. And isn't this the true beauty of working in commercial entertainment? Booth director & acting coach Hugh P Klitze makes the case for a more "refined" and "real" read, claiming: "It’s a read connected to the emotions underneath the copy. It’s a non-sell. It’s letting the words work for you. All the stuff that makes a great commercial read great. Just more subtle and unique than ever. " TAKEAWAYS Be genuine. Bring yourself to the read. Engage with the brand's audience. Be unexpectedly YOU! Below: an example of the conversational read in an online spot for Intel. Produced by Space Junk Media. #conversational #voiceover #voicetalent #nyc #commercialvoiceover

Less Worry, the Better It's been months since our last voice over booking.  We've had many auditions but, much to our dismay, we're not booking a whole lot.  We double up on coaching, work with someone new, read our fare share of industry blogs, and even experiment in new genres.  Still, nothing seems to be happening.  We think to ourselves: maybe it's time to go back to the drawing board.  Give that demo a facelift, revamp our marketing plan, take some time off to get some perspective. However, there seems to be no easy fix to this interruption and impatience quickly settles in.  Pretty soon the ruminating and comparisons start.  Although we're well aware that this kind of negative thinking can impede our progress, it still bugs us.  Hold it right there.  In reality, this is an all-too-common case of audition fatigue.  No matter where in our career, we aren't impervious to creative struggles.  The ups and downs are an integral part of this business and they prepare us for the next challenge. Self-Resistance is silly.  We're only getting in our own way. Good news: audition fatigue can have a low shelf life.  With a clear strategy in place as well as confidence in our talent and abilities, bouncing back is easy.  Once we stop caring about whether or not we're going to book, the spontaneity of the business comes into play.  And if we're on the right path, there's no giving up.  Some of the best advice I've received isn't from a Tony Robbins seminar or a book of Zen odes but from more experienced talent.  Those who have stood the test of time and rode the waves of uncertainty. As my friend Jack says, "Keep doing what your doing.  Give yourself more credit.  You're already there." #acting #audition #voicetalent #motivation

Reviewing the custom vocal booth for solid voice over recording I wouldn't exactly call myself a techie or an audio junkie but I do know quality when I hear it.  Optimum sound exists.  Several months ago I upgraded my home studio with a custom vocal booth from QC Acoustics, a company in California.  As I had been wanting to do this for a while, you can imagine the huge sigh of relief as we finished assembling this booth and setting up all the equipment.   Finally, after years of make-shift isolation booths, my very own whisper room had arrived.  That potentially meant the following: No low rumble from city subways or trucks No screaming children playing ball in the streets No thundering jet engine during take-off or landing Bye bye ice-cream truck! The results? Absolute perfection and all of the above no longer an issue.  I can now audition and record without having to worry about any distracting outside noises that would break my concentration.  By the way, this is the dream of a NYC voice over artist. What does that mean for you, the buyer? Relief, confidence, and assurance, knowing that not only did you hire the right voice but that you will also be getting a professional sounding product as well. Hear for yourself. #audio #homestudio #review #vocalbooth #voiceover

The Next Generation of Amtrak Acela Trains Is Worth A Look As you may know already, trains are an important part of my life.  I grew up fascinated by them, rode them constantly and watched them at any chance I got.  Today, I continue that same passion for the rails and even with a bit more fervor than before.  Seriously, I'm nuts about the rails.  So when Vice President Joseph Biden recently revealed new federal financing for additional Amtrak Acela trains, I couldn't have been happier.  And when I discovered Amtrak's plans to do a complete overhaul of their high speed trains, I jumped for joy.  Train travel in America is really no laughing matter, as we are still behind most other countries, especially in Europe.  However, the installment of these bad boys and girls from manufacturer Alstom, could be a blessing the U.S. is in desperate need of, at least on the Northeast Corridor.  It restores faith in the overall system and the possibility of something to look forward to in our country once this new line is in full operation. Here are some of the key highlights from the article on Amtrak's website: Continued expansion and modernization of current infrastructure Increased travel comfort and perks A 40% increase in the number of train sets, adding to those already in operation Improved and upgraded interior design Way better food and Wifi (we'll see about that) More departure options during peak hours A 20% reduction in overall energy consumption Now, how does that sound?   As you can see, much to look forward to (including no more indigestion from eating pre-packaged, pre-made omelettes and sausage patties).  The coffee is still good though.  I'll give them that. Amtrak. “Amtrak Announces Next Generation of High-Speed Rail” Video. YouTube 26 August 2016. 30 August 2016 #amtrak #trains #future #highspeedrail #acela

A Great City Lives On Fifteen years later, I do remember this day well- where I was, what I was doing and who I was with. But most importantly, I remember what NYC was like prior to that day, as having been really just around the block (a Connecticut boy making regular visits to the city with his family).  Events of that scale tend to hit me much later and today is one of those days.  Much has changed since then, but the energy and magic are still alive, I feel.  Even with millennial hipsters, holding smart phones, roaming our streets, the feeling is there.  Even with more tourists than this city can sometimes handle, the feeling is there.  Even with rising rent and gentrification, the feeling is strong and present to this day.  I first saw this video sometime last year, and it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Manhattan during the times I visited in the 1990s.  Towards the end of the song, you'll even hear the late Michael Brecker on saxophone soloing. Interestingly enough, you'll also notice some footage of Times Square circa 1993.  See if you can find the advertisement for "Guys and Dolls" in the background.  I saw that very production with my mom, directed by Jerry Zaks and starring Nathan Lane, Peter Gallagher, Faith Prince and J.K. Simmons.  That show, that sound of New York is what I remember most.  So, all in all, a tribute to this great city before and after and for all time. #September11 #Tribute #Video #Memorial #NewYorkCity Silvestri, Stefano. “New York 1990s HD” Video. YouTube 19 Mar 2013.  11 Sept 2016

My Studio on Wheels Back in June, while visiting my native Connecticut for a doctor's appointment, I had the rare opportunity to audition from inside a very hot car.  This was my first mobile recording adventure on wheels - my initial experience recording inside a car, as I'm normally in the city and use the subway for transportation.  But after my appointment, a few projects arrived in my inbox with important deadlines.  I figured: why not test out my current set-up.  The video above showcases the recording rig, though not the actual recording in process.  I know - I'm such a tease! While mobile recording for voice over is common in our industry, this particular set-up is different.  I normally record in a closet or somewhere extra cozy and confined.  However, the vehicle acoustics here, while not the greatest, did produce very acceptable results. Unfortunately, I can't post the audition out of respect to my agents and the client. Sitting comfortably in the driver's seat, I'm equipped with a microphone resting on top of a steering wheel.  Without my usual trusty pop filter, I am far enough away that I don't have to worry about and popped p's or hard consonants distorting the audio. Thanks for watching! And if you have any questions, please let me know! #recording #audio #auditioning #voiceover #mobile

Implement moments of clarity and pave the road to voice over success Today the voice over industry is slightly more competitive than it ever was and many of us are chomping at the bit to seize on as many opportunities as possible and secure a steady stream of gigs. The problem is not many of us book gigs.  We post demos on plenty of casting sites, sign with multiple agencies all across the country, and audition for many of the same projects as hundreds, if not thousands, of our voice talent competitors.  When this happens, many of us are stuck.  While there are many reasons why this may happen, sometimes a few simple observations go a long way to understanding ourselves better as talents and becoming more confident.  Personal insight and business go hand in hand. Invest in The Material The art of story-telling is not for sissies.  Just because we are speaking about a particular product or service doesn't mean our responsibility to the brand stops at words on the page.  A well-known voice over coach once told me, "Don't phone it in!"  At one point or another, we feel as if our business is not rocket science and/or that we are all able to do this in our sleep.  We wake up, brush our teeth, and hop in the booth - knock out an audition or two without thinking, and rush to complete our projects.  In this way, we may not completely invest in the material put in front of us. We may not immerse ourselves in a brand, an audience, in the particulars of the who, what, when, where and why of what we're selling or describing.  The fact that the voiceover industry is rather over-saturated and highly competitive are sometimes too easy a scapegoat.  Our lack of personal connection or directional capacity can sometimes be more at fault; do we actually believe in a brand's story? And with that in mind, do we take the time to consider all that means while we're telling these stories? Consider Proper Use of Technology It’s a mass cattle call audition but the creatives want to tie it down to a select group of talents with specific technological capabilities.  Sound familiar?  Do we have phone patch or ISDN?  If not, then how about Source Connect or ipDTL?  Do the people requesting our technological requirements actually know what these various connections are, and if not, can they be convinced of the efficacy of our studios?  For instance, many voice talent use Skype as a phone patch tool, and we know it to be quite effective in that regard.  However, this could rule us out when it comes to audition algorithms that require seekers to use technical requirements as a decision-making factor.  The truth is that many advertising industry professionals trust that a voiceover talent has all the proper technology to deliver materials from their end.  It's generally assumed that we know what we're doing and can put the voice seeker's worries at bay.  Carefully consider your market, what it requires as far as technology - where you will be delivering files and who will be requesting them.  Which types of technology will you require access to, and will you be able to install it in your home, or are you close enough to a professional studio to utilize their technology in a way that offers this to your buyers? Train. Train. Train. And then, Keep Training... Many of us are convinced that our industry is us "just talking," a means to a financial end, or worse, not something we need to keep working at because we are booking.  Those who do not seek to constantly better their skills will never improve (true of any industry).  The last two years of my career have proven incredibly successful as a voice talent, leaving me in a position to further what I have worked on thus far.  I've spent this time working with an incredible coach to keep me polished and increasing my voiceover presence.  A coach challenges us to grow in ways we could never imagine. We emerge armed with new materials and techniques, and our voice over career will only get better. The truth is we get rusty when we live these isolated booth lives, and even when we think there's no one looking or paying attention, there's always (always) someone at the other end, listening to what we're producing.  Any improvement is a step in the direction of booking more work. Invest in Time We all have busy lives and experience last-minute changes in our schedules; it's challenging to keep track of important deadlines.  When is our next audition due - this morning, yesterday, three days ago? Either way, it's tough trying to keep track of a producer’s time-frame.  It happens to us all.  When submitting auditions that seem to come in round the clock, I submit as soon as possible, not as quickly as possible.  There's a distinct difference.  We remain invested in the material and mindful of the ticking clock.  Otherwise, some careless oversight costs us a great opportunity. Invest in an Agent Many voice talent are successful without an agent.  Able to start and build relationships without any middleman, they achieve their strategy with hard work and perseverance.  After all, it simply takes a successful self-marketing and social media campaign and voila: clients come a' knockin right?  Well, not exactly.  While this may be a "new world" of freelancers and non-union work, voice talent remains blocked from higher profile work without agency representation.  Cold-calling large ad agencies, production houses and networks as a freelancer?  There's a reason agents have these relationships, foster them, and have inroads within these worlds, negotiating on our behalf.  This makes the difference between small time and big time. Invest in the Right Agent Lately, it seems as though agents all over the country are in a rush to sign anyone they can get their hands on.  I'm not quite sure how to explain this recent phenomenon, but something seems abuzz.  Chances are, the majority of us nowadays are signed with multiple, non-exclusive agents, meaning we're able to freelance with as many as we'd like.  Good and bad.  Good in the sense that we're exposed to more opportunities and bad in the sense that some agents see this as a showcase of loyalty.  Chances to gain new representation can be lost if a voice talent appears over represented.  How does an agent know this person isn't going to submit to another agent instead?  The non-exclusivity clauses have the effect of making us all just a wee bit paranoid.  When looking at the people representing us, we consider their market, their relationships, and their ability to garner us projects and deals.  A mutually beneficial relationship with a great agent results in them wanting to book you - because they'll consistently make money.  If you're investing in your career, a solid agent will want you on board.  Just remember that you're still in charge of your career.  Choose an agent who will represent you the way your career needs to be represented. Get Your Marketing ON The age of self marketing has dawned, and voice over is following its trends.  Advertising houses aren't hitting us up for huge campaigns every five minutes, but we do see internet videos with our voices running on Hulu all the time.  For many aspiring voice talent in today's competitive business frenzy, self-marketing is a bit of a learning curve.  It may come as a challenge, especially for the veteran voice actor indoctrinated in the golden age of VO, devoid of advanced computer skills and/or social networking savvy.  Easier to hire a marketing firm, isn't it?  But that's not really the world we're in anymore.  It's constantly evolving and changing before our eyes.  People want the authenticity of misspellings and blurry faces.  There's something real about these new networks which are designed to display ourselves in a new way.  We are learning to be self promoters and marketers of our own work when we (most of us anyway) don't have this background.  We learn how to be authentic online, how to showcase more than our voice but our personality - our, what's the word?--BRAND!  How to sell who we are as a talent without over-selling.  Talking about ourselves without talking about ourselves.  It's tough and there is no one secret that works for everyone.  We struggle to figure it all out, and luckily, we're doing it together.  Whatever you do - DO SOMETHING.  Get your face out there, either via an agency, casting site, social networking site, or some way for producers and casting directors to find you.  When the herd of voice talent go in one direction, take the road less traveled and reap the rewards.  Marketing encompasses anything that will get you hired. So get creative!  You'll be glad you did. #voiceover #success #tips #advice #marketing #smallbusiness #solopreneur

It was a real honor and pleasure to be featured as VO Of The Week in a recent interview with radio imaging powerhouse,  Benztown. I love everything about these folks and they're a joy to work with! Be sure to check it out! #benztown #radioimaging #voiceover #voicetalent #interview

One Ad Agency is Taking Chances You may remember my recent post defending Commercials in the current digital landscape.  And you may also remember me highlighting their efficacy in the grand scheme of things. We know that not all commercials are bad and some, in fact, place such a heavy emphasis on brand awareness and, in most cases, offer good ol' fashioned entertainment, as in the case of our favorite Super Bowl Ads. With the 2016 Super Bowl behind us, one company seems to stand out in its understanding of brand direction in advertising. Any brand or company would be remiss if they didn't do other things in tandem with a super bowl commercial to create a more cohesive 360 campaign. Nick Maschmeyer, Sr Strategist, Droga5 It is clear that Droga5 is quickly becoming one of the hottest digital advertising agencies in town - and rightfully so.  In the past several months we've seen a number of articles relating to this agency, some favorable and others, not so favorable.  But the main verdict seems to be that this particular agency is not only breaking new ground; It's constantly evolving and redefining what it means to have a successful advertising campaign.  The above-referenced video, "Why A 30-Second. $5 Million Super Bowl Ad Isn't Enough,"  recently published on Wired.com, speaks to this evolving mind-set. It immediately captured my attention as a representation of what goes into creating an ad. Consider yourself connected, not just from the point of impact of a traditional :30 TV spot but from all aspects of engagement and on all feasible platforms.   I am by no means an advertising/creative expert, as I only specialize in one element of the entire process, however it is fascinating to watch these changes unfold from such a unique perspective. Wired.com  “Why A 30-Second $5 Million Super Bowl Ad Isn't Enough” Video. Wired.com 11 Feb 2016. 21 Feb 2016 #advertising #superbowl #digital

Network Affiliate Collaboration Got a brand new TV Affiliate Demo hot off the presses! I really enjoyed working on this project with Eric Romanowski of Ear Blowing Audio.  We always have a blast and, as usual, Eric delivers! #Affiliate #Voiceover #EarBlowingAudio #EricRomanowski #VoiceOverDemo

Being Comfortable is Nice and...Safe? If you're a New York City dweller like me or reside in a busy urban area, you may know a thing or two about being in your own comfort zone.   I say NYC mainly because this city is notorious for being a frantic playground for smart careerists.  Being comfortable, frankly, feels nice.  It's a great thing to know that sometimes we don't have to go that extra mile.  That being patient is better than just doing it.  That we really can wait until just the right time to take the leap. But then, comfortable is also safe.  And thus, it equates somehow to seeing the glass as perpetually half empty.  It is a life of remaining single and playing the everlasting NY scene vs. putting ourselves out there and finding the love of our lives (or the safety of that perfect marriage with a mortgage, puppies and children).  The difference between the things we always do vs. the things we never seem to get around to. Volunteering at a soup kitchen on a Saturday morning or staying in to play video games (yet again) in our pj's.  Traveling the globe, meeting new people and immersing ourselves in other cultures, people and places.  We don't have the time now, but we'll eventually get to it.  Yeah, eventually.  It's easier to live in our safety zone. A friend recently published the above link on their Facebook page.  Do yourself a favor and watch the video.  It's quite remarkable.  When I first saw it, I thought to myself, "Ah, herein lies the problem."  It reminded me of a wonderful conversation I recently had at a conference.    I was chatting with someone on the subject of pursuing your dreams, choosing happiness, and the struggle to maintain long-lasting friendships.  The conversation was so intense and fulfilling because I felt as though this person was speaking my language and understood exactly where I was coming from.  I have been on an incredible journey over the last few years, pursuing my ultimate dreams of success, with each year passing adding to that journey's success.  More opportunity = more growth.  More knowledge of who I am, and understanding of my essence. And what I've come to understand is that this growth and understanding - the long-term development of myself and my career - has not come without compromise or hurdles along the way.  It is the change that develops us, and it certainly doesn't involve being in a 24/7 comfort zone.  Not every month is a "golden basket" of opportunities.  While work has been plentiful, the friendships, on the contrary, are not always consistently perfect or stable.  And change becomes necessary in order for progress to happen. Several years ago, I was in a job I hated with many friends to hang out with - party with, drink with, go to the movies with. We were all in sort of similar situations, complacent with our current jobs, not entirely happy with where things were and hoping ultimately for something better.  While I knew I needed to make a difference in my own life, it was still a kind of a comfort zone, as everyone I knew was in somewhat of the same situation.  Change was not going to come about by moping around in a stagnant place.  So I broke away, and left that comfortable place of dormancy. When I started actively pursuing my voiceover career, I began to gradually see many of my close friends fade away.  We began to live different lives, and this break in routine caused me to see the world differently.  Initially thinking it was something personal, I was second guessing many of my friendships. Why were so many people drifting away? Where was my comfort zone? What's the saying?  "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans..." And mine certainly has. I see this all the time.  People become trapped in energy-wasting comfort zones, paying off grad school debt and taking the road often travelled into conventional landscapes.  Ask someone how they are and chances are they'll respond by saying they're "busy."  This answer is a very American response - especially in a city like New York, where the majority of people favor being busy over being productive.  Because there is a difference.  We fear risk-taking because it requires a different thought process.  We fear things like the loss of our jobs.  Our friendships.  Our possessions.  But do we fear the loss of our passions?  Our time.  Our energies?  Which things are more important to us, and where should we be concentrating our thoughts? In early 2011, I was developing that new thought process and veering off into an unfamiliar path when I discovered what my true passion was.  When I really sat down and evaluated my life. I just had to create a plan and execute it.  And as every year built upon itself and I began to feel more fulfilled and happier, more relationships tended to fade into the background of this new life.  Now, with my voiceover career at an all-time high, and with "booth" life being an often times isolated one, I'm spending a lot more time alone and less in social situations, but this is my choice now, and one I've developed with passionate intent.  I have a fabulous core group of three or four close friends with whom I regularly spend time, but it's certainly not the same as it once was in that systematic "comfort zone" I once lived so anxiously inside. The place where life consisted of The American Dream.  The Comfort Zone.  The safety net where people's opinions mattered more than my ideals about my own life.  I lived there for too long, and seemingly had everything going for me - top job at a top movie studio, tons of friends, hot dates in a hot city... But get this: I wasn't happy then. Moral of the story: Break out of your comfort zone. Find all that life has to offer. Collective Evolution. “What's Your Biggest Regret?" Video. Collective Evolution. 2 Feb 2016  21 Feb 2016 #comfortzone #dreams #passion #NYC #video