The Good Karma Network is an entertainment industry support group. We're here to help each other cast projects, get cast in projects, advertise the projects we get cast in, and share tips and tricks to succeeding in our field.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
GKN Weekly Update 9/28/09
This is my favorite time of year!
Baseball is about to dive into the playoffs, football has started, and the weather has become pleasant. The cliche is that fall is all about change and I love change. For those of you who know me, that sounds like a contradiction. I am a DEEPLY organized creature of habit who thrives on structure. However, I love it when things change. Sometimes I go out of my way just to enjoy change. I take different driving routes. I alter the order of my day-to-day activities. I often rearrange the books, pictures, and furniture in my home. Why do I do that? It's good for my brain. I strongly believe that your brain is a muscle and it can atrophy. It needs to be active and not get stuck in the same boring exercise routine.
This also applies to my voiceover career. I use an action plan where I check off daily, weekly, and monthly activities. I try new things every month. Obviously if something works I stick with it. The key for me is to make sure that piece of paper I look at every day has something fresh and interesting on it that forces me to use my brain in a different way.
TIP OF THE WEEK: Mix it up, people! If your life seems stale make it a point to do something different. Even little things like where you get your morning coffee or what radio station you listen to on the way to work. Your brain is hungry. Don't feed it corn flakes every time!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: It is better to wear out than rust out. Millard Fillmore
DISCUSS!: What can you do to make your day-to-day life more fun and interesting?
Baseball is about to dive into the playoffs, football has started, and the weather has become pleasant. The cliche is that fall is all about change and I love change. For those of you who know me, that sounds like a contradiction. I am a DEEPLY organized creature of habit who thrives on structure. However, I love it when things change. Sometimes I go out of my way just to enjoy change. I take different driving routes. I alter the order of my day-to-day activities. I often rearrange the books, pictures, and furniture in my home. Why do I do that? It's good for my brain. I strongly believe that your brain is a muscle and it can atrophy. It needs to be active and not get stuck in the same boring exercise routine.
This also applies to my voiceover career. I use an action plan where I check off daily, weekly, and monthly activities. I try new things every month. Obviously if something works I stick with it. The key for me is to make sure that piece of paper I look at every day has something fresh and interesting on it that forces me to use my brain in a different way.
TIP OF THE WEEK: Mix it up, people! If your life seems stale make it a point to do something different. Even little things like where you get your morning coffee or what radio station you listen to on the way to work. Your brain is hungry. Don't feed it corn flakes every time!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: It is better to wear out than rust out. Millard Fillmore
DISCUSS!: What can you do to make your day-to-day life more fun and interesting?
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
GKN Weekly Update 9/21/09
Happy Autumn!
Autumn is my favorite season of the year by far. It's a relief from summer (especially THIS summer!) and I get to wear jackets & sweatshirts, which I love. And of course watching the leaves turn and all that sentimental stuff.
So, last week I had my usual recording session at ETS in Princeton. This one had a bit of a twist. One of the producers makes sure I work with all of the new talent to show them the ropes. Of course I'm flattered and happy to help. The "new" talent I worked with was Jill Whelan. For those of you under the age of 35, she played Vicki Stubing on "The Love Boat", a very popular TV from the late 70's and early 80's. The producer told me who she was in advance and of course I got a bit excited, being an avid watcher of the show when I was a child. So when I got to the studio and met her, you know what I did? I introduced myself and we got to work. I didn't mention "The Love Boat" at all! We had a great time and she was a pleasure to work with.
So why didn't I say anything? No, it wasn't nerves! I figured that she hears it all the time and I felt that doting on her would be unprofessional. I think I got more pleasure out of not saying anything than I would have if I did. Call me crazy!
TIP OF THE WEEK: Most people just want to be treated like everyone else. Well, at least I hope so! Give people the courtesy and respect they deserve!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Sex is like pizza. Even if it’s bad, it’s still pretty good. Stephen Baldwin from Threesome
DISCUSS!: Have you ever had a celebrity encounter? How did you react?
BTW I've been getting some wonderful responses to the "Discuss!" portion of the GKN Weekly Update. I've enjoyed reading them! If you want to share your replies with the rest of the gang, please post them on the venue that you get this newsletter. If you reply to me directly, I'm reluctant to post them since I'm not sure if they're for public consumption. Thanks!
Autumn is my favorite season of the year by far. It's a relief from summer (especially THIS summer!) and I get to wear jackets & sweatshirts, which I love. And of course watching the leaves turn and all that sentimental stuff.
So, last week I had my usual recording session at ETS in Princeton. This one had a bit of a twist. One of the producers makes sure I work with all of the new talent to show them the ropes. Of course I'm flattered and happy to help. The "new" talent I worked with was Jill Whelan. For those of you under the age of 35, she played Vicki Stubing on "The Love Boat", a very popular TV from the late 70's and early 80's. The producer told me who she was in advance and of course I got a bit excited, being an avid watcher of the show when I was a child. So when I got to the studio and met her, you know what I did? I introduced myself and we got to work. I didn't mention "The Love Boat" at all! We had a great time and she was a pleasure to work with.
So why didn't I say anything? No, it wasn't nerves! I figured that she hears it all the time and I felt that doting on her would be unprofessional. I think I got more pleasure out of not saying anything than I would have if I did. Call me crazy!
TIP OF THE WEEK: Most people just want to be treated like everyone else. Well, at least I hope so! Give people the courtesy and respect they deserve!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Sex is like pizza. Even if it’s bad, it’s still pretty good. Stephen Baldwin from Threesome
DISCUSS!: Have you ever had a celebrity encounter? How did you react?
BTW I've been getting some wonderful responses to the "Discuss!" portion of the GKN Weekly Update. I've enjoyed reading them! If you want to share your replies with the rest of the gang, please post them on the venue that you get this newsletter. If you reply to me directly, I'm reluctant to post them since I'm not sure if they're for public consumption. Thanks!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
GKN Weekly Update 9/14/09
Hey there, back-to-schoolers!
I hope everyone is enjoying their new school clothes and Trapper Keepers.
Last week was pretty active. I landed more voice over gigs online and booked them from my home. I also had yet another wonderful recording session at ETS down in Princeton.
So, yesterday was my birthday. If you Facebookers are wondering why you didn't see it, it's because I forgot to make by birthday public so it didn't pop up on your Events. Oops! Feel free to post a belated birthday message on my wall. I'd love to hear from you!
This is one of the best birthdays I've ever had. I got to see a bunch of friends and got some very nice gifts. The best one was from three of my friends. They spent the day at my apartment redecorating! They re-covered the couch, painted the coffee table, and painted the entertainment unit. They're also going to hang up new pictures and frame some of my photos for display. I gotta tell you, what they did was pretty amazing! I'm very grateful to have such giving & caring friends.
TIP OF THE WEEK: I'm not very good at receiving compliments or gifts. What I've gotten a lot better at is looking them in the eye, smiling, and thanking them for their generosity and kind words. That's all they want. Make sure you do it every time!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: No lover is ever satisfied with the first smile of his mistress. William Henry Harrison
DISCUSS!: When was the last time you did something special for someone who didn't expect it?
Have a great week!
I hope everyone is enjoying their new school clothes and Trapper Keepers.
Last week was pretty active. I landed more voice over gigs online and booked them from my home. I also had yet another wonderful recording session at ETS down in Princeton.
So, yesterday was my birthday. If you Facebookers are wondering why you didn't see it, it's because I forgot to make by birthday public so it didn't pop up on your Events. Oops! Feel free to post a belated birthday message on my wall. I'd love to hear from you!
This is one of the best birthdays I've ever had. I got to see a bunch of friends and got some very nice gifts. The best one was from three of my friends. They spent the day at my apartment redecorating! They re-covered the couch, painted the coffee table, and painted the entertainment unit. They're also going to hang up new pictures and frame some of my photos for display. I gotta tell you, what they did was pretty amazing! I'm very grateful to have such giving & caring friends.
TIP OF THE WEEK: I'm not very good at receiving compliments or gifts. What I've gotten a lot better at is looking them in the eye, smiling, and thanking them for their generosity and kind words. That's all they want. Make sure you do it every time!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: No lover is ever satisfied with the first smile of his mistress. William Henry Harrison
DISCUSS!: When was the last time you did something special for someone who didn't expect it?
Have a great week!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
GKN Weekly Update 9/7/09
Happy Labor Day!
I hope everyone is enjoying their well-deserved time off. I, in the land of the self-employed, am doing my thing today. I already submitted three auditions this morning via Voice123 and will continue with my regular Monday routine.
Last week I recorded four voiceovers from home. For me, that's a lot! Two were from old clients and two were from a new client. I also had two auditions courtesy of Ingrid French, one for ING Savings Bank and one for the Neilsen Corporation. Both went very well, but I want to talk about the second one.
First of all, I had to wear a suit. Now don't get me wrong, I like dressing up, but I always feel like my chances of booking a gig go down when I do. I guess I feel like a schlub and all the other guys look so darn dapper. Also, I was auditioning for the role of a corporate executive. Did you know the average CEO is over six feet tall? People subconsciously equate height with confidence & power. Weird, huh? I'm 5'9" which is the average male height and I've never felt short but I did THAT day! Anyway, I did very well in the audition but I was mad at myself for weakening my own position based on my silly neuroses. Of course the ridiculous inner monologue disappears the second I walk in the room but I shouldn't psyche myself out like that.
TIP OF THE WEEK: Don't be your own worst enemy! Always set yourself up for success both physically and mentally. Be prepared, be positive, and have fun!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: We are what we imagine ourselves to be. Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
DISCUSS!: Have you ever auditioned for a part that you didn't feel right for? How did you do?
I hope everyone is enjoying their well-deserved time off. I, in the land of the self-employed, am doing my thing today. I already submitted three auditions this morning via Voice123 and will continue with my regular Monday routine.
Last week I recorded four voiceovers from home. For me, that's a lot! Two were from old clients and two were from a new client. I also had two auditions courtesy of Ingrid French, one for ING Savings Bank and one for the Neilsen Corporation. Both went very well, but I want to talk about the second one.
First of all, I had to wear a suit. Now don't get me wrong, I like dressing up, but I always feel like my chances of booking a gig go down when I do. I guess I feel like a schlub and all the other guys look so darn dapper. Also, I was auditioning for the role of a corporate executive. Did you know the average CEO is over six feet tall? People subconsciously equate height with confidence & power. Weird, huh? I'm 5'9" which is the average male height and I've never felt short but I did THAT day! Anyway, I did very well in the audition but I was mad at myself for weakening my own position based on my silly neuroses. Of course the ridiculous inner monologue disappears the second I walk in the room but I shouldn't psyche myself out like that.
TIP OF THE WEEK: Don't be your own worst enemy! Always set yourself up for success both physically and mentally. Be prepared, be positive, and have fun!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: We are what we imagine ourselves to be. Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
DISCUSS!: Have you ever auditioned for a part that you didn't feel right for? How did you do?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
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