GKN Weekly Update 5/24/10

Hello and welcome back! Not that you went anywhere, but it's nice to have you nonetheless.

Life is FINALLY getting back to normal for me! I finished recording the audio books for Infinivox and the science tutorials for Sumanas, which actually turned out to be a companion for a textbook so it's sort of an audio book, too. Now I can get back on track. But first, an announcement!

Remember a few months ago when I said I did a video game but I couldn't talk about it? Well, now I can! The video game is "Red Dead Redemption" by Rockstar Games and I play Benton Manning, a lawman. It's a small role but I had a lot of fun with it and I'm very excited now that the game is released. If you're a gamer, keep an ear out for me!

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a fundraiser for "The Cohesion Project", a documentary about a man with cerebral palsy who climbs Mt. Washington. This film is being directed by my old friend Doug Bollinger. He directed "Transition" which I was the Assistant Director for, remember? Anyway, it was satisfying to help a worthy cause and I got to see some wonderful friends, including fellow GKN'ers Kevin Carolan and Amanda Beelitz.

Also, I want to say congratulations to my dear friend Sarah Ackmerman for the FIVE Drama Desk nominations her play "Boys in the Band" received. Unfortunately it didn't win but being recognized among such great company is an accomplishment, indeed!

TIP OF THE WEEK: Man, it was such a good feeling to actually go out this weekend and have some fun! It's been a while. I was recording at all hours to get those big projects done for so long! Remember kids, all work and no play makes Tom a dull boy. Don't forget to mix all that business with some pleasure.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Just remember: it's not a skirt. The last man what called it a skirt got kilt. Cory Doctorow

STUFF!: My new best friend Kim Surowicz, who is producing "The Cohesion Project" is also opening up a new business with Doug Bollinger called Shore Riders. It's a bicycle rental service down at Point Pleasant Beach. Check it out on Facebook and click on Like so they can reach their Memorial day goal of 100 followers.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week: Just remember: it's not a skirt. The last man what called it a skirt got kilt. Cory Doctorow

Check out the voiceover I did for Mionet! http://ping.fm/rtXup

is excited that Red Dead Redemption releases today. I have a small role in it and this is my first major video game!

GKN Weekly Update 5/17/10

Hey there, all you TV fans!

Once again I have a busy day so I don't have much time. I have an audition in NYC for...actually I don't know! I'll find out when I get there. Then I have another animated science tutorial script to record (eight down, two to go!). Sorry if I haven't been able to give the GKN the time and effort it deserves lately, but I have a feeling things will settle down after this week.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Business is booming right now, which means more loot! The good problem is figuring out what to do with it. This happens a lot with people in our profession, that is, having a wave of good fortune come and go. Remember the #1 rule: pay yourself first! Always make sure you set a little aside before you cover your expenses. I don't mean buying that Space Invader-shaped toaster you've been dreaming about. I mean taking some of that surplus cash and socking it away in an interest-bearing account. Thanks to Dan Duckworth of Voiceovers Unlimited for that nugget of advice. It has reaped dividends for me, literally!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: My failures have been errors of judgment, not of intent. Ulysses S. Grant

STUFF!: Did anyone see Iron Man 2 yet? I want to see it tomorrow and I've heard both good and bad things. Anyone care to contribute a quick review?

Quote of the Week: My failures have been errors of judgment, not of intent. Ulysses S. Grant

is having another amazing week of voiceovers! Two audio books, some science tutorials, and two ESL sessions...

GKN Weekly Update 5/10/10

And good morning to you on this crisp, Spring day!

I have to make this an uber-quickie one. Today I go to Panetta Studios to narrate the sci-fi audio book "Mongoose" by Ian Creasey. Then I go to Full House Productions in NYC to narrate some Cambridge ESL tests. Then I go back to Panetta Studios to narrate "Events Preceding the Helvetican Renaissance" by John Kessel. Then I'm taking my best friend Carly out to dinner for a small going-away celebration, since she is moving to Vermont. She is the mother of the world-famous Asha!

TIP OF THE WEEK: My life has been a whirlwind for the past five weeks. I've had more voicoever gigs in this span of time than I can count. Actually, I can count them, but that's not the point. The point is this: marketing and networking are like gardening. Plant the right seeds in the right places, water them, nurture them, and if you're patient & the conditions are right, they will grow and flourish. THAT'S how you do it!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Good breeding consists of concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person. Mark Twain

STUFF!: I saw "Inglorious Basterds" on Netflix. CRAZY movie! I strongly recommend it.

Have a great week!

GKN Weekly Update 5/3/10

Happy May! Is it hot enough for ya?

April was the busiest month I've ever had. I...am...POOPED! But in a good way. Just want to way thanks to Merit/Andrew, Sumanas, ETS, Infinivox, Oxford UK, Pearson Learning, NY Audio, Full House Productions, Panetta Studios, and a bunch of other great clients for entrusting me to voice their projects.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Please remember to take off your watch, jewelry, and any other objects that may make sound during a recording session. Nobody noticed that my wristwatch was ticking until about halfway through this morning's session. How embarrassing!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Never pass up an opportunity to use a revolving door, an escalator, or a bendy straw. Anonymous

STUFF!: Does anybody wish to share a recent faux pas in the recording studio? Please, enlighten us!

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week: Never pass up an opportunity to use a revolving door, an escalator, or a bendy straw.