The fine folks at Digitas informed me that Comcast has directed all agencies that create advertising for them, that they MUST use me for all union spots.  Its a career first for me and I couldn’t be more gratified and thankful.  As all VO talents know, its very rare to be guaranteed work beyond today.

I know you other voice talents…and quite a few producers have heard the old joke about the four stages of an Actor’s/Voice Talent’s career that says:

“1. Who is Carl Bishop? 2. Get me Carl Bishop 3. Get me  someone who sounds like Carl Bishop 4. Who is Carl Bishop?”

Well, It seems I’m entering the best stage:  Stage two!   Last week an agency called me directly and asked if I would be available to read more Comcast spots. After saying “yes” fast as I could, I asked the agent how they got my name.   “Well the client (Comcast) asked for you.  They said don’t bother casting.  Carl is your guy. He was so good and easy to work with”.

You see, I thought I had lost that gig after choosing my honeymoon over more work in early January, but it just goes to show if you show up and do a great job, people really do appreciate it and remember you.

I’m now the voice of Comcast/Xfinity for their holiday campaign featuring Shaq and my voice at the end of the spot.  Click HERE to view.

I played the role of Joe Gillis in a parody of Sunset Boulevard for modern times.  Hear me overcome Norma Desmond’s despicable-ness with my treachery-ness!!  You may also hear a bad impersonation of Donald Trump.   Thats me too.  Enjoy!  Click on the Studio360 logo in the carousel above or navigate to demos>narrations.

Hi friends.  My new narration demo is now posted in the demos>audio section.  Navigate on over and enjoy, and  thanks for listening.

Yes, its true, my range has expanded again to include the burgeoning field of  Audio Books!  please take a listen when you have a chance.  You can click on it from the carrousel, or go to the Audio portion of my demo section.

Yes, Its true.  I’ve expanded my range once again to include a new category for me: Audio Books.  It seems the world of educational materials, like novels and non fiction titles are a big market for Voice Over chaps like me.  Look for my Audio Book demo in the demos section

Season 1 of  Storm Riders, the new Weather Channel show I narrate, is “In-the-can”.  They have been shooting season 2 this spring, so we should go to post with me at the mic again pretty soon.  Stay tuned, and Check your local listings and set your DVR’s for Storm Riders

It’s called “Storm Riders” and debuts this Sunday April 4th at 9:00 pm eastern.  Check local listing.  Its a cool show about young, hip, meteorologists that get right in the path of tornadoes, Hurricanes and other weather that we would run from.  Listen for me doing the interstitial narration.

I get asked this questions a lot.  Here are the 6 steps I suggest to those who ask – in order.

1. Listen to and watch commercials.  Listen for  voices you identify with –  that ‘sell’ you.  DVR them and play them back.  Pay attention to the emotional content of the delivery more than the sound of the voice.

2. Find some scripts on the internet or transcribe what you hear on TV and practice into a mic and listen back to yourself. Listen to how you work the mic. Does it sound like you are reading or thinking of the idea spontaneously? It’s going to take a bit to get used to your speaking voice…

3. Take some VO coaching. Good teachers are available to do this over the phone as well so you’re not limited to face to face.

4. When you’re ready, record a :60 demo with about 6 to 8 separate pieces. Pay a pro to do this. It will pay dividends. Would you do surgery on yourself? No. So don’t try to edit yourself either.

5. Email the MP3 of the demo to agents big and small. Representation will pay off for you.  This, like all businesses, is one of forming good relationships.  Give to get.  There may not be much action if you live in a small town, but if you have a home recording rig, you can audition and work remotely.

6. Get used to having people say “No”. You are now in the ‘rejection’ business; but take heart, every now and then they will say “yes”.