Are Independent Voiceover Artists Reaping All the Benefits
of Technology?
It's already difficult enough just to
learn the business of the voiceover industry, let alone attempting to
keep up with the ever-evolving technological aspects. But, I assure you,
it's a must for those of us making a living with our voices.
Hardware is in a perpetual state of flux
with companies competing with each other. While these companies certainly
have their board of directors firmly embedded in their creative process,
some are or already have developed some of the neatest new tools ever. What
I mean by this is that, of course, bottom line and profits are the impetus
of the suits involved. But, the creative types truly want to assist the
voiceover artist or producer in providing the latest, greatest technology in
an effort to make our jobs easier and more convenient.
Mobile production is gaining momentum
within the voiceover industry. In order for voiceover artists to retain
their established clients, they must be available at a moment's notice,
ready to produce the voiceover the client needed yesterday. Before mobile
production technology, the voiceover artist remained confined to their
studio 365 days a year. It's not just the money for the voiceover artist
either. It's the prestige and the pride of being able to provide for their
clients. Now, the voiceover artist need only pack a few pieces of gear to
take that respite from the confines of their studio. Enjoy a getaway in the
form of a vacation. Vacation? Yes, vacation. Oh, you'll receive calls while
you're relaxing on the beach or hitting the slopes. But, you need only take
a short break to deliver the client's needs. You've made some money to pay
for that vacation AND you've met your client's needs and retained their
business.
One of the
latest pieces of gear simply amazes me. This
hand-held studio manufactured by one of the largest audio/visual
companies ever, provides everything the voiceover artist needs to produce
that all-important voiceover in a
self-contained unit that fits in your hand! It's all there. You won't
need to pack up several hard-shell cases full of gear for the road. But, it
won't come cheap! You'll have to decide for yourself.
Software is also being developed which
will eventually replace clunky, expensive hardware. This will be a welcome
problem-solver for the stationary studio user. Do you use ISDN in your
studio? Sure you do. Remember what you paid just for the codec - let alone
the line fees? I happen to know that there's a software solution on the
horizon that will replace the need for the extra rack space in your studio
and will cost nowhere near what you paid for your Telos or your Comrex!
There will still be fees for server maintainence and you'll need a good
broadband connection - but, you will welcome this technology when it becomes
available. A little birdie told me that should happen within the next couple
of months.
So, strap yourselves in, kids! Stay up
with the technology. Hell, by the time this article is published it may all
be obsolete.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Doc Phillips has been providing voice work in one way or another for 30
years. He is also an internet entrepreneur who hosts and manages several
sites. He built, maintains and "markets" his website,
http://www.docphillips.com.
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