Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend!
I'm Leonardo Ramirez and I'm a Stage 32 moderator, author, screenwriter and as of yesterday...a voice actor. So what's the one thing you've always wanted to try but never have? Even if it's a different writing genre or a location pertinent to your script or a totally different profession, do share!
Hope you're having an amazingly creative weekend!!
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That picture is hilarious, Leonardo Ramirez. Haha Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! I've wanted to make an audio drama.
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Love that Maurice Vaughan - any particular genre? I've always wanted to make one that is a 50s style scifi like Buck Rogers or Flash Gordon.
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A 50s style Sci-Fi like Buck Rogers or Flash Gordon would be fun to make, Leonardo Ramirez. I'd probably start with a Sci-Fi, Action, or Mystery.
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Oh Mystery would be fantastic Maurice Vaughan. I feel like that would do really well.
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I'm used to writing visually, Leonardo Ramirez, so it might be a challenge writing an audio drama, but I'm up for the challenge.
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Same here Maurice Vaughan. I've been told that my books are very visual. I was actually encouraged by that since they translate to screenplays rather well. I'm guessing that for audio dramas, we may have to put in a bunch of "ka-pows!" as sound effects.
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I haven't listened to a lot of audio dramas, Leonardo Ramirez, but sound effects play a big part. And the music.
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Sounds like fun to me Maurice Vaughan!
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It does, Leonardo Ramirez. I'd probably make a really short audio drama to start with to test things out.
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Video game script. I have the first draft. It's quite something to try to get all those options to work!
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That’s a great one Jon Shallit. I’ve always been curious about the formatting of a video game script and what is involved. With all the options, the script must be huge.
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I'd really like to try voice acting. Been told since I was a kid that I have excellent oral reading skills and even got reminded of it when I narrated part of my table read more recently. It's something I've been toying with but have no idea how to get started, unless I do my own audiobook readings or something.
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That's awesome Banafsheh Esmailzadeh - you should! Are you on a Mac or PC? If you're on a Mac, you can use GarageBand for recording. It should be preinstalled. If you're on a PC, you can use audacity which MAY be a free download.
1. Make a list of 5-6 types of voices that you feel you would do well. The first read should be in your regular voice reading an audiobook narration. Voices.com has free scripts you can download or you can use excerpts from your books/screenplays. I did both. My first one is a narration in English while the second one is in Spanish. Then I did some that are specific towards my type of voice which are either calming or an evil villain. Make sure you start with a regular narration and make your 2nd one a commercially viable one that is different from the first one. Make one reel that lasts no more than about a minute and half. Then separate them out and convert them to both wav and mp3 files.
2. Look up vocal exercises for warmups.
3. Invest in a good mic - it matters. I used an inexpensive Shure MV7X microphone. It was about $75.
4. Download royalty free music and use those as background for each read. Match each one with the track of your choice. Mix it so that the music is not louder than your awesome voice.
5. Set up a profile on Voices and Backstage.
That's pretty much it. It's a bit of work but it's not hard. If you have great oral reading skills, you're more than halfway there. If this feels like too much, just try one track (narration) and listen to yourself and see what you think.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you run into anything funky.
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Thank you so much Leonardo Ramirez! I'll definitely get on it. My Dad has a Mac that he said I can use so I might use it, I have a laptop myself that I haven't been using haha. I'll definitely look into good microphones, too :)
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You are very welcome Banafsheh Esmailzadeh. Reach out if you run into any roadblocks.
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Will do, Leonardo Ramirez~
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Leonardo Ramirez I’ve always loved 1950s sci-fi and have a fine collection at home. I would love to do something along those lines, a period sci-fi; music, fashion, wardrobe and definitely those amazing American cars! I think I’d even want retro special effects. Now that would give me a real buzz!
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I was watching “Forbidden Planet” last night Geoff Hall. Has a very Star Trek feel to it. But yeah, definitely need those retro effects.
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Now I see your YIW my friend :)) Happy Sunday! I wanna try to write a thriller genre and I will begin with a short. After, I want to produce and direct! It will be the challenge of my life Leonardo Ramirez, but I will try it. I am thrilled with your Voice Actor path and I want to know how it goes :)) I know will be amazing:)) Because you deserve it!
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There is no doubt in my mind that you can do it all Sandra Isabel Correia. I can totally see you as both a producer and director as well! The voice acting is going well. I've already sent in 6 auditions and I'm about to do a 7th. We'll see how it goes from there. I'm enjoying it because it's something different to learn. Yesterday, I did so VO work and from there straight to screenplay edits. I love being versatile. As for you, I totally believe in you Sandra (the director/producer)!
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Wow, that’s wonderful Leonardo Ramirez, 6 auditions, I love that and I am really proud of you. I am crossing my fingers for you to succeed:)) We are versatile and we don’t have afraid, we are passionate about what we want to do. I believe this is the strength that moves us to make it happen and succeed! Thank you for your trust in me, and who knows :))) You are amazing Leo :))
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You are very welcome my friend Sandra Isabel Correia. And thank you so much for your friendship and encouragement!
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Look wise Leonardo Ramirez :)))
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Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Leonardo Ramirez! And huge congrats again on stepping into voice acting! That’s such an exciting new chapter, and I love how fearless you are in exploring new creative paths. One thing I’ve always wanted to try is to write a comic book. It’s such a different kind of storytelling and I’ve always admired how much depth creators can pack into each panel. Thanks for always bringing such great energy to the community!
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Ooo great question Leonardo Ramirez! I was considering an acting class this year. I'm much more comfortable behind the camera but considering giving it a try to experience what it's like from an actor's experience. Congrats on your voice acting!
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Thank you so much Ashley Renee Smith - really means a lot coming from you. My first book release ever was a graphic novel. Writing it out for the artist was a totally new thing and a lot like writing a screenplay except a bit more detailed and a lot more conversations with the artist. No doubt you could accomplish it with no issues. There was a huge learning curve with distribution but that's a totally different animal and I don't even know if the same players are still in the game. It was an awesome experience and I really think that with your organizational wizardry you could pull it off amazingly!
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Thank you so much Ayanna Anene! Most of the acting classes I've taken have been online. I learned a lot but I have to think that doing it live would be so much more fun.