It's August and my audition count is where it's usually at by the end of the year because of voice over opportunities. Although I count just one day for the vo work, sometimes I've had to lay 2-4 down which equals more chances for me to get out there. If you haven't looked into the world of voice overs yet, please do so...there are different types of work as well as the jobs in film, T.V. and animation, just as there are different aspects in acting, so is true of voice overs. 1 self submission for a web series as a recurring and 2 vo days to fill out a slow time period in the industry...so the constant practice has kept me in shape for regular auditions as well, so don't shy away because not only is the money good, but the extra workout doesn't hurt as well while you're waiting! Loved playing a female pastor but decided to go a more subtle route since I felt it's already enough being black...a female...and now a pastor. I kinda know what they may have been looking for which is the standard but whenever the chance, play against type...it's usually the same ole, same ole for black productions but if you want to see a change, you must be willing to risk giving that change. So onward with no regrets! 3 very fun voice over bits ranging from parts in video games to everyday necessities and why not? At least it's another shot, another chance to work and let me tell you these voice actors work, are paid well and living good without you knowing who they are and what they do. There is plenty for us all, don't let this business fool you into thinking only a select few get these...if you want it, go for it as I am. All it requires is a decent mic and a quiet place to record, give your artist self the gift of being in it always...no down time, no cold periods, just different types of work to consider and enjoy the endless options!!!
Booking has been slow for me this year, most of my work coming from people I know and random gimmes but I receive...it's been tough loosing some of the people I love in just a short amount of time so steadily plodding along has been my goal and it should be yours as well. This business is unpredictable with high-highs and low-lows but it's up to you to adapt, change and expand in order to keep up with the ride. Yes it sucks to do something good that contains momentum that keeps pushing you forward but then have life knock you on your ass so you end up meandering for awhile which in turn makes you feel like you're starting over again but mentally you've got to be prepared for these moments. What if you get into an amazing film with the right director, great cast etc all the makings of a career leap...the build up is fantastic but then you find out you've been cut out of the film? What if the film tanks and tanks bad and your performance is overshadowed by it all? What if the film gets shelved? One minute you're riding high and the next it's all for nothing and maybe it has something to do with you but most likely not...then you being the artist you are, takes it in personally as it weighs on your mind, spirit and being to the point that you don't want to function. It's FUNK TIME but it's up to you how long and why you stay there...it's okay to grieve and feel the enormous pain of it not working out but if there is nothing you can do, it's not your burden to keep carrying that negativity. I've never had to deal with this on a mass scale but I've had some friends that are dealing with it/dealt with it and still trying to find the way out in some ways and I can't wait to see the one man show Ahmed. I remember after doing "The Colony" and reading some of the nastiest comments about me online...whether it was me being the angry black woman with a chip on my shoulder because I would randomly express my opinion when called for to just having people hate my voice and thinking I was so stupid for some choices made when others made worse choices at times but they were white...male...or considered people with more knowledge of surviving than me. I fell into a black hole for a bit, trying to explain myself to strangers and feeling hurt by the judgement of people who had no inkling of my full soul. I slowly realized it wasn't my responsibility to make them like me or to even see me...their opinions were just that. Who were they in my life? Did they have any idea of the good I try to lead by everyday I'm living? Do they pay my bills or help me at all? No...then why did I even give them the time of day? Once this all soaked in and my beast kept at me to not only stop looking at the comments but to realize who I truly was fully, I was able to let it all go. Does it still hurt when I think about it from time to time - absolutely, but in order for me to survive in this line of work, I had to be able to shake what I could off. So how do we do that part? We take care of ourselves one step at a time...we look into our fullness and ask what can we do better, how do I give to myself and others. I stayed home a lot, I focused in my workouts, I ate delicious foods, I learned to appreciate a good drink, I found ways to enjoy nature at every opportunity and I watched/saw all sorts of art forms deemed good, bad and ugly. I then figured I could go on and share my art or I could go hide/give up because of...people. I chose to fight because I knew the person I was and all that I had to be/give and no one/nothing was going to change my course...even me feeling sorry for myself. So even through this trying time, I haven't looked at this as a "failure" of a year but of time to grow as an artist, regroup and constantly find a way to push forward. Opening myself up to voice over work is keeping me sane while things are slow and I had to pass on some fun stuff because of life but it's because I know it's just a matter of time...it's all going to pay off, it's going happen but you've got to be in it, in order for it to be so. So, you plod along, you do what you can do to keep on swimming, to keep your hope centered. This work isn't for the faint of heart...mass disappointments await you but you've got to mentally tackle it all with what's more important - your art that sings from your pores when you're doing what you love or the topical hurt of it all. MOVE...CHANGE...DO...and watch those negatives, rack focus on the good bringing nothing but awesome into your life! ARE YOU READY????
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