Business & Money 101 Tele-Seminar

BUILD A SUCCESSFUL VO BUSINESS FROM THE GROUND UP

Being a voiceover talent isn't just about being on the mic. Successful professionals also know that they are in business, and need to act as both artists and business people if they want to be paid properly and operate efficiently.

Learn these particulars of the voiceover business before you create your demo so that you can tailor your demo to match your new business and be fully prepared to begin working once your demo is complete!

Covering topics ranging from agents and casting directors, session preparedness, understanding VO norms and expectations, staying competitive and adapting to industry changes, this two hour intensive seminar will help you start thinking like a professional, to learn what to expect once your business is up and running, and to be ready when it happens.

Instructor Erik Sheppard's business experience with major clients including Verizon Wireless, Citibank, HSBC, American Express, Ebay, MTV and TV Land, will help you navigate the difficult questions that inevitably come up as you progress in your voice career. Questions are welcomed during the seminar. See details below.

Sign up now for the next tele-seminar on September 15, Wednesday 7pm-9pm ET.

For $79, Erik Sheppard, a veteran of the voice over industry, answers your difficult questions about the business side of the business, that arise as you progress in your voice over career. Class space fills up quickly, so it is crucial to sign up early. Register by emailing training@edgestudio.com or by calling us at 212-868-EDGE (3343). Click for Edge Studio Policies.

See all testimonials

...I must say, the staff at Edge Studio go way beyond the definition of "passion" or "devotion" to their students and the VO business...I'm truly impressed:). They are so fabulous that I wish I worked for Edge!

Laila

Hi David, "Just wanted to say thanks! You and your Edge Studio staff made the whole project--from voice coaching to studio demo session to the CD duplication process well worth my time and investment. David, you and Judy, are excellent, easy to follow, instructors. Each voice session taught me how to use my voice as a marketable tool. Now, with freshly honed skills and confidence, I've been able to develop a very marketable style. I even opted for an Edge Studio special engineering evaluation...

Jerry McClelland North Carolina

Hi, David! Just returned home from spending an entire day at EDGE STUDIO (NYC) where I took two separate workshops: The audio book marketing workshop with Grover and the documentary style narration workshop with Paul. Both workshops were excellent and I left with so much new and highly useful information. Thanks for always being so warm and friendly, and especially for your encouragement and for staying in touch with me. Warmly,

Leslie

Hi, David! It was terrific to be a part of the class attending: Voiceovers From Home, Marketing, and Telephony. I found all the classes exceeded my expectations. I got the most out of the Marketing Workshop...you gave us a wealth of information, most which I hadn't previously learned. In the future, are you planning a workshop on making a demo? I know there is a wealth of info about it on your website, and you and your staff are so accommodating, but was wondering, nonetheless. Thank...

Linda Kirk

David is about the best I've ever seen at picking out what details - sometimes seemingly inconsequential nuances - can make big impressions on your prospects, your clients, the target of your marketing programs and more. I did a voiceover demo at Edge Studio with David Goldberg. My demo turned out great, David was honest about his evaluation of my abilities and his direction to improve my delivery was great. If you can deal with constructive criticism, it's the right place to learn. If you...

Ted Morgan

Hi, David, I'm writing to complement you on the team and studio you put together. it's always a pleasure to work with everyone on your staff - and with the coaches. ok, i also like the lollypops - and the cookies when the home baked ones appear.... i've worked with Tom, Judy, Roy and now with Paul. they're all great coaches, each one with a very different in approach. i'm working with Paul at the moment and find that his approach makes me even more aware of the "science" of voice-over......

Goldie Zwiebel

David, Thank you so much. I can't tell you how pleased I am with my demo & with Edge Studio in general. As a complete novice in the business of voiceovers I had no idea what to expect and I was skeptical & fearful to say the least. After working with you through the intensive workshop, private training, and finally producing my demo I now have an amazing demo that I'm psyched to market and it's all thanks to you. Your honesty and professionalism throughout has given me the confidence and...

John

Thanks for everything. Working with EdgeStudio was a completely rewarding experience. The training sessions with David and the other coaches were invaluable. Everyone at the Studio is down to earth, friendly and so helpful. I walked away with a fantastic demo that I couldn't be happier with, as well as the confidence to start marketing myself for work. Thanks again! I'll be in touch soon about ordering copies. Sincerely,

Jaime Saginor

Thanks Dave, and remembering everything you've taught me I can hit the one word several ways ... FANtastic, fanTAStic, or with a Yiddish slant "fantasTIC?" Of course, with some creative allowance I can change it to a very natural "FAAAAbulous!"

Hi, David! I believe I'm repeating myself, but I can only say 'wow', what I've learned from you in such a short period of time, what, a couple of months -- and what I didn't learn over years of trying with several so-called voice over instructors, demo producers and whatever else is out there -- is absolutely amazingly not funny. Has no comparison. Would recommend anyone come to your studios if she/he is seriously interested in starting a career in voice over. I've only just made my demo and...

Deborah

Don't need to be "out there" to be familiar with Edge Studio.? I live in Las Vegas, and have done several phone consults with the top guy: David Goldberg.? Worth every penny.

I really appreciate the fact that you're pulling for me. That truly means a lot. I'll keep you posted as to what's happening in terms of response to my emails. Take care,

Dale

Wow!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! This sounds wonderful! What a delight! ~ Thank you, Kristin, for all your hard work coaching me to get to this point. See you at the next step - the marketing class. ~ Thank you, David, for giving me direction at Backstage's ActorFest a few months ago. I don't think I would have made it to this point so fast without your enthusiastic encouragement. ~ Thank you, Jake - what skill and talent you have for making this all come together, and sound...

Karen

To the Edge Studio staff: I am a new student of the voice over industry. Recently, I found your site and signed up for your emagazine along with downloading your voiceover guidebook. I just want to thank you for taking the time to put together a clear and concise source for helping the new VO talent. This industry can be very daunting to the newcomer. I really value the information you are providing me. Many thanks,

Stacey Medve

Hi Dave, (Hi Gina) So far my demo has been very well received by my friends and colleagues. I do have to say that my "demo day" was by far the best day ever as I start my journey into a voiceover career. The skill and patience with which my demo was produced was amazing. I really appreciated the time taken to involve me from a technical production standpoint. Not only that but it was just plain fun. The whole process from the workshop and evaluation, to speaking with Gina from time to time...

Steve Smith

Hi All, Just wanted to thank you again for an enjoyable and informative training experience yesterday. It's always nice to confirm that I'm going in the right direction, to learn new tips and tricks, and to get an extra ear on things. You run a first-class operation! Hear you later!

John Pruden

David, Thank you for the VO advice you gave me last week on pricing the job I had on the table. I did wind up taking the work for Keeler Volvo and applied your pricing advice. As always you are a resource I am glad I can count on. Since taking your course and making my demo tape I have recovered my costs and am now in the profit from the work I have obtained!

Amy (Geragosian) Fox Internet Business Developer W

Hi David, you may not remember me, I took your course and did a demo CD with you over a year ago and moved to Colorado. I wanted to let you know that I have been getting some work here and have been well received. The training I got from you was excellent and it prepared me quite well, not only for the voice over itself, but how to work with directors and editors. I feel comfortable in the sound booth and taking direction (no one could be tougher than you!). Thank you for your help and wise...

Stew Mosberg

You guys are the best. I really appreciate it. Thanks,

The workshop is a first hand look into the world of voiceovers. It's packed full of very useful information to help you pursue a career as a voice over artist. David adds a lot of personal experience to the mix, giving the workshop a real-world, no-nonsense approach to the industry. I highly recommend this workshop for anyone interested in doing voice-overs." Thanks again, and I will be in touch.

Chris Swee

Hi David, Bruce was just super on Wednesday when I taped my audition for the Christian Science Monitor. Every class I've had through Edge has really help me develop the expertise I need to have the confidence in my skills to get out there and market myself. And it's going really well. Thanks, David, for all your individual help and the help of everyone at Edge. You guys are the best.

James

How are you? its been ages since I've chatted with you! Just to refresh your memory I took a voice over class with you in DC and made a demo through your studio! That demo has served me very well! Almost a decade later, I have been involved in over 40+ audiobooks, commercials for radio and tv, narration, educational, corp imaging, messaging on hold for businesses, website navigation, you NAME it! I want to thank you once again for the amazing experience in working with edge studio. Whenever I...

Lauren Synger

Having gone through the one evening voice-over intro, one-on-one coaching and just completed my demo at Edge Studio, all I can say is "wow". Voice-over work "ain't easy", but with the thoroughness and professionalism of the Edge Studio coaches and staff, not to mention that they are just plain neat people, I am confident in launching this next career.

Sara C.

David: I just wanted to take this time to thank you for the help I received at your studio in New York City. Roy, John, and Kristen where very helpful over the last 6 months in creating my commercial/narration demo CD. Everyone made me feel comfortable and confident. I'm very excited to send it out and start my voice-over career. I look forward to working with your studio throughout my career. Thank you again,

Brian R. Winans

Thanks to what I've learned at Edge Studio, I have now been invited to auditions that I wouldn't have been asked to go to before. The one-on-one coaching from Eric Rath and the guidance from David Goldberg really raised my performance levels in both commercial and narration work. I get many compliments on my demos... and I credit it all to Edge. Be assured I will continue to sharpen my skills with more Edge classes in the future. Thank you!

Jessica, I got into the business with Edge Studio. They conducted the advanced workshop and recorded my first demo (and my second, and soon my third!), and I have used them ever since. David Goldberg, the instructor and sound engineer, is a perfectionist about voice and sound, and he really knows the business! And since he doesn't do voices himself, he's not in competition with you! I have found them to be professional, very reasonably priced, a terrific value, and extremely valuable...

Pamela

I love receiving your voice-over newsletter and read every word, taking the advice offered and applying it to my career in broadcasting.

Dear Kristin, Jay and Linda: Thank you so much for all the invaluable help you offered me on the way to (and during) the narration demo recording. I learned so much from you, and had great fun along the way. I look forward to working with you all again soon. Very best regards,

Suzanne

Thank you very much! "From production manager Gina Kijek, outsanding voice-over coach Judy Kameny, to of course the one and only David Goldberg, the entire Edge Studio organization is quite simply first-class. When I first arrived at Edge Studio last year, after four Manhattan VO coaches and six years developing myself in the VO business, I learned more in forty-five minutes of coaching with David Goldberg than all experiences previous. David's many professional talents and strengths,...

Michael Schmitt New Jersey, USA"

My thanks to you and your studio. I have had a marvelous experience and have learned so much from you, Judy and Tom. I could not have chosen a better place to launch my new career. I am very excited!

Liza

I really enjoyed all the practice sessions I took with Judy. She was very patient with me and she helped me to learn all the technical skills that are needed to do well in voiceovers. David was wonderful during my demo session. He gave me a lot of direction and good advice. The music that he found for my demo was just right. I am looking forward to participating in the marketing class. Edge Studio helps you every inch of the way, which is really what you need in this business!

Irene Stefanik

Thanks David, I had a great, and learned a lot in a very short period of time. There is no way I could have accomplished the polish I now feel I have, if I had not done the training at EDGE. Tom was wonderful, and has a great personality. He and I hit it off right away, and of course that helped to make the entire process very comfortable and relaxed right from the beginning. Tom was complimentary when deserved, but also very candid with criticism. Just the right blend. Between my great initial...

Edge Studio coaching staff succeeded in preparing me to produce a terrific demo. (Two demos, actually) Their feedback was constructive, informed, and candid. What's more, I found no one (Discmakers, Mixonic, etc.) who could beat their small job CD duplication and printing rates.

Craig Phillips

David - I appreciate the amount of time you took to meet with me earlier today. Look forward to meeting Joan this upcoming Thursday and learning more about this interesting craft. All the best...R Best Regards,

Robert

The feedback I'm getting from demo would make you proud! I keep hearing that it is "wonderful". In fact, I've had offers from three agencies, within just a few weeks.

Hello David, Thank you, I really enjoyed my workshop! I was a little hesitant on participating in a 3 1/2 hour phone call. However, the time flew by. Your techniques, candid feedback, and passion provide a great combination for understanding and learning the business. It's been a long time since learning was so much fun and valuable! I am excited to have my coaching session! Thanks,

Renee G.

Thanks, David. Edge Studio has been a great launch pad for my voiceover career, from the very first introductory session right through to the marketing class. Look forward to staying in touch.

Alan The Other Side Voiceovers by Alan Bowser 914

Thanks, David. Edge Studio has been a great launch pad for my voiceover career, from the very first introductory session right through to the marketing class. Look forward to staying in touch

Alan

Hi Lara, Just wanted to say how good those tele-classes were on Saturday, so grateful I found out about them. It was really helpful to see how many different ways there really are to read the same script that are equally good. No one right way. It was also fascinating to hear Bruce evaluate us all (many people in the last class) one by one, and also insert helpful tips and anecdotes. Glad I was able to record it all. Guess it's a never-ending learning experience. And fun. Thanks much...

WOW !!!! There are not enough positive adjectives in the dictionary to describe Edge Studio. It has been one of the most marvelous experiences I have had in my life. The staffs' knowledge and professionalism are second to none. In addition, they make you feel right at home. To anyone considering a career in Voice-Over, Edge Studio is the place for you. I look forward to continuing my Voice-Over education with Edge Studio. Most Sincerely,

Dave

David, My name is John Blackburn. I came to NYC over the weekend from Washington, DC (Maryland). I had the most amazing experiences on this trip, and Edge was a HUGE part of that. I feel I am well on my way to finding "my voice"... Thank you so much for creating Edge Studio! Every one I have worked with (Sara, Lara, Rose) have all been so professional and helpful. I felt as the owner you should know what an amazing staff I think you have. Thank you again for everything you and your...

John Blackburn

Thank you for everything David!!! Edge has been a great experience for me and continues to do so. Not sure how I ended up there...but its where I should have been in the first place.

Just wanted to say "thank you" to David. No matter what may or may not happen in terms of voice-overs being in my future (I am still interested in narrative work), I had to take this opportunity to say that David was a first-class teacher. The four or four-and-a-half hours passed very quickly, and I never once approached boredom! David was incredibly informative, humorous, patient, and persistent! I came away with a much greater understanding of what's involved in voice-overs, from all...

Steve McKay

Hi David, I just wanted to thank you, Tom, and Jean for being so wonderful throughout this process. Jean is worth more than her weight in gold as she is always so accommodating and helpful. Tom is extremely talented and taping my demo with him was a blast! I also am appreciative of your help during my demo prep session and during the beginning of my taping. Thanks again for being so great and I look forward to working with you in the future! All My Best,

Denise Martinez Przystawski

Hi David, and everyone at EDGE : I wanted to express my gratitude for all the help I have received from all of you. From day one, you reassured me and instructed me what to do, and how to get there. My coaching sessions were just what I needed. I learned a great deal from them. NOW MY DEMO IS COMPLETE!! David, the way you applied your skills and experience throughout the production of my demo, especially the improv on the fly, was inspiration to me . You are a leader and an example in the...

Tim Burnette

I would like to thank everyone at Edge for all your assistance in preparing me for this demo. The process has been a fun and exciting journey, and everyone has been so supportive and professional. Also, I really appreciate Eric for all his help working with me to create compelling material, and Jake for producing an amazing final product. David, thank you for all your insight and advice. It is always a pleasure speaking with you when I was in the office. I look forward to working with you...

Anthony

I have never written a testimonial before, but I am compelled to do so, now, because of my great experience with Edge Studio. I am a new voice over artist based in New Orleans, so rather than fly to New York of D.C., I decided to do telephone coaching sessions with Judy (whom I've never met in person). She was spectacular. I improved rapidly. I highly recommend telephone coaching with Edge to anyone. It works. I was so impressed with the professionalism I encountered, that I decided to...

--Susan Levitas, New Orleans

Hi David. I want to thank you so very much for the help and encouragement you gave me since the day I took my first workshop. Having just cut my first demo, I have some work to do to get started, but what I have learned over the past few months has been invaluable. The honesty and candor, without being crushing to my self esteem worked very well for me and I know I have improved measurably since day one. I have already used many of the techniques I learned, in my work of recording prompts for...

Jean Sandler

You can take Edge Studio to the bank. Top notch. Great people, good practices, excellent results. You can practically get a college education in VO just by visiting their website, and reading all the "free" stuff they have.

Hi Morgan, The tele-class last night was wonderful! I really enjoyed it - I had to cut off about 15 minutes early, but it was a very well-spent 3 hours. Kudos to our instructor! My next step is to set up a one-on-one with a coach - was hoping you could help me with that. I am local to DC, and wanted to see if I could have an in-studio session in the Bethesda location. Thanks so much!

Holly

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Your instructor Erik Sheppard Erik Sheppard

A truly unique and versatile voice talent. With over 10 years voice over experience, he has been the voice of thousands of high profile projects across the globe ranging from corporate presentations to national radio and television campaigns. He is consistently the preferred male voice for many of the most prestigious corporate, commercial and promotional production companies worldwide. Clients include Verizon Wireless, Citibank, HSBC, American Express, Ebay, MTV and TV Land.

When not behind the mic, Erik is a voice industry blogger and podcaster. He is the organizer of the Voice Over Mixer series of networking events and the developer of the upcoming VO List project. He is the voice over department head for a national IVR firm with offices across America. He was the moderator of the wildly popular bulletin board VoiceOverSavvy.com. Recently his career and related projects have been profiled in such places as Voice Over Extra, Voices.com, Voice123.com, The Voice Over Insider and countless blogs and podcasts. If it is happening in the voice over industry, chances are Erik is involved.

Erik is proud to sit on the Board of Directors and to be an inaugural member of SaVoa, The Society of Accredited Voice Over Artists.

Hear Erik's commercial demo. Hear Erik's narration demo.

CLASS OUTLINE

The flow of the industry

Who hires talent (casting agents, directors, engineers, end-users/clients, essentially anyone along the chain)
Who pays talent
What do casting professionals listen for? Why do they hire certain talent?
Client expectations
Discuss the politics that exist in the industry

What it takes to be professional

ONLY give your contact info to the person who hired you. (If you give your contact info to others, they may feel that you're trying to bypass the person who hired you.)
ONLY discuss your rates with the person who has hired you. (If you discuss your rates with the end-user, for example, they may inappropriately find out that the person who hired you, a studio for example, was marking up your rate 10 or 15%.)
Be on time
Be prepared
Have highlighter, pencil with eraser, mints, tissue, water
Be calm, confident, enjoy the experience!
Pay attention, listen, follow direction
Don't self-produce, don't apologize for being stuffed up, don't apologize every time you stumble,...
A professional reputation will travel as fast as a bad reputation!

How to ensure you set-off in a marketable way

The most successful students and voice over artists are those that take an active role in their own careers... right from the beginning!
Listen to select demos and LEARN WHAT THE INDUSTRY STANDARDS are for demos. Get ideas... but do NOT directly copy anyone.
Do not record your demo until you are ready:
- you are comfortable recording (no tension)
- you are comfortable following directions (rather than just reading a script your way)
How and where can you go to read, learn, and listen about the industry. The more you learn NOW, the more you can tailor your demo to be more marketable for you!
Think about the type of clients you want and THEN think of a way to stand out for them, and how to stand out from competitors. Have your demo reflect this.

How to ensure you remain marketable

Do not market your demo until
- you will be comfortable recording (no tension)
- you are sure you can reproduce the reading quality on your demo (if you market before this, you are misrepresenting yourself)
Make sure that you are all set to begin recording the day your demo is finished. If a client wants you to record something from your home studio on a tight time-frame but you don't have it set up yet, you will leave a bad impression with the client and they probably will not use you in the future.
Don't quit your day job. Do not assume that work will be instantaneous or that you will be able to demand the same rates of experienced talent out there. It takes time and patience... but don't give up! You can do this! If you think that once you make your demo you will be able support yourself right away you will become discouraged very quickly.
Continually assess the marketplace, the competition, and where you best belong in it.
Continually assess new genres (styles of vocal delivery) that are marketable for you, and be honest with yourself about the kind of work you're likely to get. Then market yourself accordingly. A great example of this is a woman we worked with: She insisted on making an audiobook demo with very serious and intense copy on it, even though she has a Southern belle/peach pie/sweet tea voice that would be much more suitable for other types of material. Not to say that you shouldn't go for your dreams, but you will likely be much more successful if you are realistic

Tips on running your business that you SHOULD BEGIN NOW!

Know the difference between a graphic designer, an artist, and illustrator, a web designer, and a web developer. And begin vetting a team now! This will give you time to select the right team to work with you to best suit your needs, and, it will help you spend/invest your marketing budget wisely.
Network with your fellow students. As your careers grow you can use each other for recommendations, advice, and to review materials before sending them to prospective clients.
Start organizing any contacts now (trying to catch up later is tough)
Keep records of costs incurred in training and setting up your business for tax purposes.