| Author |
Message |
< Welcome! ~ The Waiting Room |
| Lucien |
 Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:28 am |
 |
|
|
Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 182
Location: Los Angeles
|
| Do you have any pet peeves concerning conduct or conversation that goes on in the waiting rooms? |
_________________
~Can't I Scream in Peace?~ |
|
| Back to top |
  
|
| CB |
| Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:23 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 905
Location: HERE!
|
Though most of what goes on is fairly mundane chat, occasionally erupting into a bit of hilarity that may annoy receptionists and nearby recording engineers, there are some inadvisable behaviors that I find awfully inappropriate in that "ready room" context...
First, and most obnoxiously, there may be some lobby lurkers (generally B-grade performers or those who think VO work is an "easy buck" that requires no real talent or study) who fill the air with questionably boastful tales of showbiz conquest, "pointed" namedropping, and dismissive ridicule of truly successful veteran performers in this industry... And then there are the embarrassing ego train-wrecks, who seem unaware of the fact that very bright and observant people sitting around at a recording studio might be annoyed by vividly expressive phone conversations with agents, family, or "intimate" friends; distracting attire or accessories; or above all: Visibly and Audibly rehearsing their lines at full performance volume, making a jarring spectacle of marking and shuffling script pages - between throat-clearing/nose-blowing vocal exercises and/or bone-crunching back-stretches. Thankfully, I haven't witnessed a lot of that sort of thing lately... Could be that the business has gotten more serious; or maybe because I'm just not visiting the sorts of places where you encounter that type of "wannabe" personality anymore (now doing nearly all auditions and solo VO work from home).
On the other side of the coin, I've been delighted beyond measure during "waiting around time" when a masterful storyteller/showman is there "holding court": Sharing colorful anecdotes and a richly entertaining telling of historical adventures and personalities from their years in the Biz. But nowadays, there aren't many such grand raconteurs around anymore, and with the stress and costs of driving, not to mention unnecessary environmental impact, there isn't much reason to go "hang out" in studio lobbies for general VO work, at least. Unless, of course, it's a full-cast performance project - where that sort of "waiting room world" still exists, more or less as it always has. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| Lucien |
| Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 1:23 am |
|
|
|
Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 182
Location: Los Angeles
|
| Do you find these negative displays to be more prominent with a certain age group, or are the older, 'washed up' performers just as likely to be carried away with such drivel as the younger, insecure performers? |
_________________
~Can't I Scream in Peace?~ |
|
| Back to top |
|
| CB |
| Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 2:09 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 905
Location: HERE!
|
Every now and then, you might find an older performer "dropping by" at studio lobbies to "reignite" a stalled career; bearing promotional gimmicks and resumés, with fliers to plug a nostalgia-themed stage revue or one man showcase at some small playhouse or club in a forgotten part of town - and if they've bolstered their courage with a few shots of "jet fuel", all the more disruptive discomfort can ensue throughout the "just happened to be in the neighborhood" visit...
But inappropriate lobby antics are mainly the domain of either those who regularly inhabit the less-legitimate corridors and bargain basements of our industry, or sometimes tragically un-seasoned showbiz hopefuls (as in: "I'll have you know I'm a recent graduate of the How to Make Millions in Your Spare Time With JUST YOUR VOICE course, and I've come here to take the Industry by storm!"). Although it isn't as common to encounter such behavior in more mature individuals, and teens or younger adults are usually quite well-mannered at any professional recording venue, as a rule; obnoxious louts can undoubtedly come in any category of age, size or form of human creature. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| Mike Sommer |
| Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:54 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 455
Location: Los Angeles
|
So it is best to:
1. Go outside to rehearse.
2. Don't be a blowhard or a braggart.
3. Take phone calls outside, or use proper etiquette.
4. Don't loiter
5. Dress conservatively (no bangles or distracting outfits)
6. Visit the chiropractor before the session
7. Be humble
8. Be prepared
9. Listen!
10. Don't show up unless invited.
Is there anything I missed?
Is it in good taste to ask pros such as yourself question pertaining to voice acting while in the lobby? |
_________________
The problem with reality is, there's no background music.
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/ |
|
| Back to top |
|
| CB |
| Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 1:03 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 905
Location: HERE!
|
Quote: Is there anything I missed? Quote: Is it in good taste to ask pros such as yourself question pertaining to voice acting while in the lobby? |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| Tom Wagner |
| Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:56 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 597
Location: Long Island, NY
|
1) How close to the waiting room are the actual recording studios?
2) Does the receptionist tell you to go into the studio or does someone come out to greet you? If someone comes out to get you, who is it generally?
3) Are any amenities supplied (i.e. food or drink) or do you have to supply your own?
Thank you. |
_________________
~ There's a Great, Big Beautiful Tomorrow...~ |
|
| Back to top |
|
| CB |
| Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 9:13 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 905
Location: HERE!
|
| The answers to all 3 questions will vary greatly, in accordance with each venue's physical layout and level of client service, and the staff breakdown on any particular production. It can range from ramshackle "dives" to glittering palaces of audio/video production. Funnily enough, neither extreme produces any noticeable difference in final audio quality: It all depends on the ears and skills of the staff, and the wisdom of their equipment and acoustical choices. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
