Voice over Artist David Houston Chosen for New Callaway Golf TV Spots

Callaway Golf (NYSE: ELY), a global manufacturer of professional-grade golf equipment, worked with Austin, TX-based multimedia company FG Squared to produce the spots. Voice actor David Houston was chosen to provide the voice for the campaign.

In the spots (which include a series of :15 and :30 second TV commercials), Houston’s voiceover advises customers on Callaway’s Buy-Back Guarantee and 12-month warranty when purchasing pre-owned Callaway clubs. The commercials will run on The Golf Channel™ and various outlets during the Masters Golf Tournament 2009.

Callaway Golf Company manufactures and sells golf clubs and golf balls, and sells golf accessories, under the Callaway Golf®, Odyssey®, Top-Flite®, Ben Hogan® and uPro™ brands in more than 110 countries worldwide.

David Houston (davidhoustonvoice.com) is a voiceover artist, actor, and audio producer based in Austin, TX. He has been heard on numerous national TV and radio commercials, and also performs voiceovers for animation, corporate narrations, documentaries, broadcast voice imaging, audio books, podcasts and messaging on-hold (MOH). Houston was originally cast as the voice of James Bond in Activision’s “Quantum of Solace” videogame. Also an on-camera actor, David Houston has appeared in episodes of TV’s “Friday Night Lights”, and will also appear in the upcoming films “Ex-Terminators” and “Temple Grandin”.

Source: NewsWireToday.com

Johnna Gottlieb VO Class Now Available Online at UCLA

Johnna Gottlieb is no stranger to the classroom, and this new step to promote voice over excellence and inspire her students through the Internet is no exception.

Gottlieb’s new online course is scheduled to take place this spring through UCLA, entitled, “How to Become a Successful Voiceover Artist”.   Starting April 9th, 2009, students can join one of America’s most innovative voice acting consultants, studying from the privacy and convenience of their own homes using the Internet. The course covers voice over technique and essential knowledge that makes a world of difference in the career of a voice over talent from the unique perspective of a former voice over agent.

Topics include:

• Developing a marketing strategy
• The different categories of voice overs and their rates of pay
• Standards for a competitive voice over reel
• Signing with the right agency
• Understanding contracts

Instruction also covers the future of Internet voice casting, unions that govern voice over work and how to become a member, union vs. non-union work, the use of celebrities and the impact they have on the industry, and the basics of creating a home recording studio.

Guests include top voice over talent, agents, casting directors, and producers. Enrollment is limited but from recent reports, there are still some spots remaining.  Classes run from April 9th through May 12th, 2009, six meetings in total.

Source: Johnna Gottlieb

Radio Ad Market Down? Not at Bid4Spots, Nearly Doubling in Size in 2008

Video didn’t kill the radio star… and neither will a recession nor a tumbling ad market.  During what was a tumultuous year for both radio and advertising, Bid4Spots said its online marketplace for radio airtime roughly doubled in size.  The company today reported a 93 percent increase in total ad revenue generated for radio stations in 2008, compared with 2007.

Bid4Spots president and CEO Dave Newmark will be speaking at Radio Ink’s Convergence ’09 conference, held in San Jose, Calif., early next week.  His session, titled “How the Most Successful ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Media Buying Model Really Works,” is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Bid4Spots hosts a weekly online auction every Thursday, where radio stations sell airtime for the next broadcast week and advertisers can buy premium inventory at reduced rates.  What sets it apart from other media marketplaces that have failed:  it’s a reverse auction, designed from within the industry by radio and advertising veterans who worked closely with stations and advertisers to build a system that works for both.

Total advertiser participation in Bid4Spots’ weekly auctions increased by 11 percent in 2008 – much of which was generated because existing advertisers are increasing their use of the system.  The Bid4Spots network includes more than 3,200 advertisers, and at least 11 percent of that total had never used radio advertising in the past.

“We’re extremely proud of the growth we’ve experienced, because it’s a clear sign that what we’re doing is helping advertisers and stations connect with each other in a way that works for everyone,” said Newmark.  “Otherwise, they wouldn’t come.  We’ve got a thriving network of 2,500 stations and 3,200 advertisers that come together at the same time every Thursday to do business with each other in a live online auction.  We doubled that activity last year, even in the midst of predictions of doom and gloom, and as industry heavyweights struggled.  We could only do that with a winning formula.”

Newmark says one of the factors in the company’s continued success is an original auction design process that was painstaking in its detail, focused on creating the best possible user experience.  Newmark and his wife and fellow radio entrepreneur, Patty, tapped their long-standing relationships in both radio and advertising.  They worked with parties on both sides to understand and accommodate the non-negotiable
needs of each.

Stations, for example, did not want the auction system to compromise the integrity of their existing rates for scheduled buys.  So the Newmarks limit Bid4Spots’ marketplace to last-minute airtime, and keep rates confidential – masked by the system’s ranking index.

For advertisers, the Bid4Spots system makes radio airtime accessible – with no contracts, no negotiations with stations and no previous radio buying experience necessary.  The Newmarks are committed to nurturing those relationships and helping advertisers know how to use the system to get maximum results.

Complementing Search: ‘One of the Best Ways to Drive Listeners Online’ Ben Kiblinger, co-founder and managing director of online marketing agency RevUpNet (www.RevUpNet.com), uses Bid4Spots to buy radio airtime for his clients – many of whom want to drive traffic to their websites, and all of whom want measurable customer acquisition results.

“Bid4Spots is one of the best ways to drive radio listeners online,” said Kiblinger.

“I’ve seen our search numbers double as soon as we start running a radio campaign using Bid4Spots.  It’s a proven way to get people online to sign up for a product or service.  Bid4Spots has become part of our long-term strategy for our clients, especially this year as measurable return on investment becomes even more important.  With Bid4Spots we’re able to deliver better value to our clients.”

About Bid4Spots
Launched in September 2005, Bid4Spots is the industry’s only online reverse auction marketplace for last-minute radio airtime.  The Bid4Spots network includes more than 3,200 advertisers and 2,500 radio stations nationwide.  Participants come together every Thursday to do business with each other in a live online auction.  Bid4Spots makes radio easy, affordable and accessible for businesses of all sizes, giving advertisers access to desirable stations, airtimes and audiences.  Radio stations gain a revenue stream by selling inventory that otherwise would have remained unsold, in a safe format that protects the integrity of their existing rates for scheduled buys.  Founded by radio advertising veterans Dave and Patty Newmark, Bid4Spots is based in Encino, Calif.

Source: Bid4Spots

Rodney Saulsberry’s Better Than Before

In a recent interview Rodney stated, “Given the choice between music that brings me down and music that lifts me up, I’ll choose the positive uplifting music every time.”

Rodney Saulsberry’s motivational CD “Better Than Before”, features 7 motivational songs available on CDBaby.com, iTunes and RodneySaulsberry.com.

One of the most sought after voiceover artists in the world, Saulsberry is the voice of many commercial products that include, Twix Candy Bars, Zatarain’s Cajun Foods and Toyota Camry. He’s also the author of two bestselling books, You Can Bank on Your Voice and Step Up to the Mic.

Rodney Saulsberry reveals, “I recorded this CD for the voiceover community and all individuals who seek success. These seven motivational and inspirational songs were designed to help us navigate these tough times, as we pursue our VO careers with a positive attitude, and a confident frame of mind.”

Rodney returns to his musical roots with the release of his new album, “Better Than Before.” His first album was produced by the legendary jazz bassist, Stanley Clarke. He also sang on the catchy tune, Hakuna Matata on the Lion King Movie Soundtrack Album. This smooth and exciting CD is designed to uplift listeners and keep them in a positive frame of mind.

CD Baby reviewers LOVED this album.

Listener Rick Lance said “…If I had to choose one, my favorite is ‘Better Than Before’.  He sings with the sweet stylized tone of Marvin Gaye and with the soulful, gospel conviction of Al Green…”.

Reviewer Jon Morss shared “…Considering the news about the state of the economy and of the world, it is great to have some positive and emotionally uplifting music to brighten the day. This is like a personal ‘Spiritual Bailout’ that will get you out of a funk and into to a state of happiness all while causing you to dance around…”

Apparently Rodney’s music is drawing the attention of more than just the VO community and his other US fans. He is also experiencing strong sales in both Great Britain and Japan.

Rodney Saulsberry hopes that you will make the choice to purchase his new album and be, “Better Than Before.”

Source: Rodney Saulsberry

Summer James Gives a Voice to Breast Cancer Awareness

Summer James was hired to perform a voice over entitled “My Sister, Myself” which aired on Lifetimes’ Army Wives program this October in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

She got the gig through her agent (Leanna Levy of CL INC.) and recorded at a wonderful studio where a director and a host of others offered their input to make sure the voice over was handled properly for this project.

Voice actress Summer James relates, “This particular Voice Over does hold a very special place in my heart because there is NO cancer in my family, normally people are not excited about something that doesn’t affect them personally. I feel that as a woman it is our task to continue to bring awareness to Breast cancer simply because I am so fortunate to have not had to deal with this in my life.

“Once My Grandmother was told she had it and she refused to accept that anything would get her. She attended some treatment and when she went back there was no sign that she EVER had it. The Doctor said he must have incorrectly diagnosed her.

When asked about what others can do to help battle the disease, Summer replied, “It [her grandmother's brush with cancer] was just a wake up call. One I feel blessed to have received. This is yours. Support in any way you can, Run, Walk or Talk to help. It’s just that easy and everything makes a difference. Be the change you are seeking.”

Source: VOX Daily

Canadians Need More Estrogen in Political Office, Voice Overs a Good Start

The Canadian Women Voters Congress was in Vancouver Sunday. One of the many functions of this group is getting more women involved in the political process.

As Jennifer Sweeney, head of the congress, pointed out to Shannon Proudfoot of Canwest News Service, “being 52% of the population, (women) can be a very powerful group.”

And so, to attract this group, political parties have used everything from female voice-overs in political advertising, to sweaters and family-friendly messaging.

But the problem with these approaches is that they assume the majority of women will vote the same way if presented with a specific platform.
That’s hard to accept in 2008.

Women, like men, differ on almost every issue, from child-care benefits to crime and punishment.

Rather than attempt to merely woo the female vote at campaign time, we suggest all parties strive to increase the number of women at the nomination level, then after the election, increase the number of women in the cabinet or the shadow cabinet.

Women actually governing would be the truest representation of their 52% majority.

Source: The Daily News (Nanaimo) via Canada.com

Bob Jordan Voices John McCain in Political YouTube video

Voice Actor Bob Jordan was recently hired by Media Matters to impersonate the voice of John McCain in a very successful political spot that’s currently running on YouTube.

The ad entitled ‘They Love Him’ has been viewed over 14,000 times on YouTube.

Bob Jordan has been a voice actor for over 20 years and says “This has been one of those fun projects that makes you proud of your profession. It has also opened the door to a lot more work!”

You can view the spot at
MediaMattersActionNetwork.org or on Bob’s website TheVoiceBobJordan.com

Source: Bob Jordan

Voice-Over Celebrity and Author Rodney Saulsberry returns to his musical roots with the release of his new single, “Better Than Before.”

Voiceover artist Rodney Saulsberry has released a new single, “Better Than Before”,

His first album was produced by the legendary jazz bassist, Stanley Clarke. He also sang on the catchy tune, Hakuna Matata from the Lion King Movie Soundtrack Album. His new single is the first selection from his upcoming CD, “Better Than Before” that includes several other inspirational songs designed to uplift listeners and keep them in a positive frame of mind!

Rodney Saulsberry is one of the most sought after voiceover artists in the world. He is the voice of many commercial products that include, Twix Candy Bars, Zatarain’s Cajun Foods and Toyota Camry. He’s also the author of two bestselling books, You Can Bank on Your Voice and Step Up to the Mic.

In a recent interview Rodney stated, “Given the choice between music that brings me down and music that lifts me up, I’ll choose the positive uplifting music every time.”

He hopes that you will make the choice to purchase his new single and be, “Better Than Before.”

Source: Rodney Saulsberry

McCain Political Voice “Joan” a Corporate Secret

The company producing John McCain’s political ads is refusing to reveal the identity of the narrator used in the campaign’s most recent commercials. The Politico newspaper reports chairman of the company Strategic Perception Fred Davis III says, “We consider that a corporate secret.”

The woman who narrates the now-famous McCain ad “Celeb” has also been used in three other commercials attacking Barack Obama. Her voice is described by some at the company as “pleasant to listen to” and “an every-woman’s voice.”

What is known is that her first name is Joan and that she began doing political voice-overs about a year ago. The Politico reports the business is desperate for new and unfamiliar voices and that is why the company is so tight-lipped about Joan’s identity.

Source: Fox News

Voice Actors Add Humanity to Obituaries Online

When Stan Crumley’s father passed away two and a half years ago, Crumley found himself facing one of life’s milestones—writing his father’s obituary.

Crumley went through the process of trying to sum up his father’s life for the standard newspaper death notice. Afterward, though, he felt unsatisfied. “I wanted more from it,” Crumley says. “You read it and you say, ‘I wonder what the rest of the story is of this guy’s life?’”

So Crumley decided to put his 35 years of experience in television-news broadcasting to a new purpose—creating lasting video tributes to the recently deceased. A former WLOS-TV advertising salesman, he created Stan Crumley Productions Inc. and started a new business, dubbed OB-TV, which stands for “Obituary Television.” Crumley has teamed up with two other former WLOS colleagues—former reporter Deborah Potter and former producer Ernie Sigmon—to produce broadcast-quality video segments out of offices on Hendersonville Road.

The goal, according to Crumley, is to “put together mini-stories that tell the story of what that person meant to you.”

Creating the video tribute starts with the family electronically sending OB-TV 15 to 20 photographs. There’s an online form that allows family members to provide a variety of background information. Writers then put together a script for a one-and-a-half, two-and-a-half or three-and-a-half minute video. A selection of graphics can be added, and Crumley says he can draw from a group of professional voice actors to read the script.

Once the video’s completed, the family receives three DVDs to save or share, and the video will be posted to the OB-TV Web site (http://www.ob-tv.com). The service costs between $400 and $500, and the company requires a copy of a death certificate before it will produce a video.

James T. “Tommy” Rice Jr. of Anders-Rice Funeral Homes in Asheville says he’s seen Crumley’s presentation and sample video, but declined comment because he says he hasn’t had enough experience with the service.

Using the Internet to memorialize the dead is becoming more common. Legacy.com, a Web site that hosts the obit sites of more than 500 newspapers, allows people to view photos, leave written or audio comments, and combine photos and music for a tribute.

“The Internet is such a terrific tool for presenting people who have left us,” says Alana Baranick, obituary writer for the The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, which uses Legacy.com. Combining the multimedia elements allows for richer storytelling, Baranick says.

“Many of the major newspapers are doing more justice to the folks who are dead. Rather than a resume of the life, obituaries are explaining what made them tick. It tells you more about us as human beings,” says Baranick, the chief author of the book Life on the Death Beat: A Handbook for Obituary Writers (Marion Street Press, 2005). Baranick also runs a blog about obituaries called the Obituary Forum and is part of the Society of Professional Obituary Writers. Families who see the online obituaries “are thrilled,” she says.

Crumley says he doesn’t know of another company offering professionally produced video tributes, and he has high hopes for his business. The goal is to provide video tributes to anyone across the United States. Locally, Crumley says he’s reached out to a number of funeral homes to educate them about OB-TV and its services.

“We want to make it a celebration of life,” he says. “Something that represents the person they love and something that can be handed down for generations.”
Source: Mountain Express News

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