Ok.
I know.
It's been a while.
I know I have used the baby excuse already, so I'll just be honest, and say I was busy, and lost some of my motivation for a while. I had a slump where I second guessed if this is where I should be going and what I should be doing....and I lost faith. It happens! Here is how I fixed it:
Step 1: I watched some of my old favorite cartoons.
GI Joes, Transformers, Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Simpsons, Futurama....really I could go on forever...But thats what I did. And I played along, and laughed along, and joked along with characters that have been there my whole life, the characters that made up my childhood. I made funny voices and sang the theme songs to my son.
And I remembered why I wanted to do this: I want to play, forever.
Step 2: I cut a new "Commercial" demo.
Yes, animation is where I want to be, but commercials pay the bills...hopefully more of them soon...So in order to book a new agent, or at least get mine to send me out more, I needed a new commercial demo. I did a LOT of research and found Chuck Duran at "Demos that Rock," and let me tell you, they do. I love my new commercial demo, it shows a range of what I like to call: "The people I have inside me," and does so, in an upbeat minute and 7 seconds. You can listen to it here: http://www.voices.com/talents/search?conditions%5Bkeyword%5D=Abby+Collins
Now cast me. Or send it to someone you know who CAN cast me :)
Step 3: Sometimes, you need a hero...or two.
Mine came in the form of Rob Paulsen and Maurice La Marche.
I know, if you're in VO they are your heros too. And because my husband is AWESOME, I got an opportunity to hang out with them yesterday afternoon while they were guests on a new show he is producing. SHAMELESS PLUG**** "Show Interrupted," is on USTREAM at 5pm every Tuesday!*** You can watch it here: http://www.ustream.tv/showinterrupted
Back to blogging....So I got to meet them in person, and just chat with them, and listen to them just play, and talk, and curse, and have fun in some of the voices that changed my childhood. And they talked to me about my dad. And I was inspired. All of the dreams came back to me, and I came back to one simple thing: I want to change someones childhood....I want to CHANGE someones CHILDHOOD.
So, I un-slumped, and decided to be brave enough to go after what I want. Who can really say that? Who REALLY says "This is what I want, and WILL do!" and then refuses to settle. I have no back up plan, I have no fall back, no plan B. There is this, or failure. I chose to dream REALLY big, and show my son you can have everything you want. I choose this as my reality.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Of Demos and Memories....
Happy June everyone! June happens to be both the best AND the worst month, in my whole year. Well, maybe tied for best now, because Liam was born in March.... But I digress. We'll make a "emotional sandwich" with this....
June. Let's start with good!!
#1) June is the first month of Summer! Who doesn't love Summer!? I mean I'm super-pasty practically see-through white and I still love Summer....under a hat...dipped in a healthy coating of SPF 500...on an enclosed porch. But I love it none the less. Even though I no longer have "Summer Vacation" there is still something so fun and wonderful about the Summer months.
#2) THIS June marked my FIRST wedding anniversary. Man it's been a crazy first year, but I shit you not, my husband is THE best one. Really. If you disagree please type "James and Abby Wedding Flashmob" into YouTube, and you will see that I am right.
Now for the less than awesome part of June.
My dad died 18 years ago this June. 18 years. I barely feel OLDER than 18 sometimes, and yet I am old enough to remember something that happened 18 years ago, like it was yesterday. He had been sick for a while, and he died at 2am, 6/12/94. My mom got a phone call from the hospital, that it was over. She didn't wake us up...I remember getting myself some cereal and her walking in the room, telling my sister and I to come sit with her on the couch, and saying "God didn't want Daddy to suffer anymore." And I cried. And cried. And cried. I cried for a longtime, sometimes I still cry. But mostly? I smile. I smile because my dad was HILARIOUS, I smile because when money is really tight, a residual check comes in. I smile because my son looks just like him. And I smile because he would want me to.
And we'll finish the emo sandwich with a happy thought:
I'm getting a new Demo made! Chuck Duran is a great guy and I'm meeting with him on Tuesday before my VO workout group. A good demo is SUPER important, because it's how you get seen. If your demo sucks, you don't get work...I wanna work. Momma needs a new pair of shoes! Or twenty... Or just a massage and a pedicure.... But some spending cash, would be awesome. For now? I spend my cash on Demos. And on making my June a lil better every year :-)
June. Let's start with good!!
#1) June is the first month of Summer! Who doesn't love Summer!? I mean I'm super-pasty practically see-through white and I still love Summer....under a hat...dipped in a healthy coating of SPF 500...on an enclosed porch. But I love it none the less. Even though I no longer have "Summer Vacation" there is still something so fun and wonderful about the Summer months.
#2) THIS June marked my FIRST wedding anniversary. Man it's been a crazy first year, but I shit you not, my husband is THE best one. Really. If you disagree please type "James and Abby Wedding Flashmob" into YouTube, and you will see that I am right.
Now for the less than awesome part of June.
My dad died 18 years ago this June. 18 years. I barely feel OLDER than 18 sometimes, and yet I am old enough to remember something that happened 18 years ago, like it was yesterday. He had been sick for a while, and he died at 2am, 6/12/94. My mom got a phone call from the hospital, that it was over. She didn't wake us up...I remember getting myself some cereal and her walking in the room, telling my sister and I to come sit with her on the couch, and saying "God didn't want Daddy to suffer anymore." And I cried. And cried. And cried. I cried for a longtime, sometimes I still cry. But mostly? I smile. I smile because my dad was HILARIOUS, I smile because when money is really tight, a residual check comes in. I smile because my son looks just like him. And I smile because he would want me to.
And we'll finish the emo sandwich with a happy thought:
I'm getting a new Demo made! Chuck Duran is a great guy and I'm meeting with him on Tuesday before my VO workout group. A good demo is SUPER important, because it's how you get seen. If your demo sucks, you don't get work...I wanna work. Momma needs a new pair of shoes! Or twenty... Or just a massage and a pedicure.... But some spending cash, would be awesome. For now? I spend my cash on Demos. And on making my June a lil better every year :-)
Monday, May 28, 2012
Stu-Stu-Studio....
I know. It's been a few weeks. I HAVE A 2 MONTH OLD. Well....almost 3 month old....but still, it's hard to find time to blog. BUT due to having new assistants, who are an EPIC help with the baby, I shall make it my goal to blog every Thursday from now on, so be sure to keep a lookout!
As you may or may not know, I have been converting my tiny, TINY, back bathroom into a home studio, to do work in. So far it is coming along VERY nicely. I wanted it to be removable, since we rent, so I got pretty creative.
I ordered an acoustic foam kit on Amazon, along with some adhesive that can be easily peeled from the wall, so its not a super hassel when we move. The foam covered the whole front area, and most of the sides, I decided I only needed to dampen the sound a bit more, so I hung curtain rod along the back wall, and hung a moving blanket from there. I got a very nice USB mic, so I can plug right into my trusty airbook...heck I can even blog AND record at the same time, though it may be difficult, sort of like rubbing your stomach and patting your head.
Where I had to get creative was covering the sink area, and the commode. For the sink, I enlisted the help of my ever talented Father in Law. He made basically a wooden, upside-down box to nest over the entire vanity area, which will now act as a table to hold my mic stand, music stand, and laptop. It turned out pretty wicked, and very usable.
Next, the toilet. As hilarious as it may be to just use it as a chair in its original state, I needed something with a bit more height to match my newly raised countertop. Also, I don't sit much when I record, because I sound different, so the chair didn't need to be particularly comfortable or amazing. So, I got a wide-legged barstool, that sits directly over the ol' John. Simple, yet highly effective.
I'll post pics when it is entirely finished. Just a lil' more foam installation needed, and getting some carpet to cover the table and music stand. All in all, I'm pretty happy with the way its shaping up, and I expect to spend a great deal of my "free time," (need I remind you how little of that new moms get?). I'll even try to post some things I record in there when I get a minute...and get the help I need to figure out HOW to post recordings here...I'm not so much a techno-wizard.
My studio may not be perfect, but it's my place. To work, to play...to have some alone time. I love the way it's shaping up, and CANNOT wait to do some amazing work from it!
As you may or may not know, I have been converting my tiny, TINY, back bathroom into a home studio, to do work in. So far it is coming along VERY nicely. I wanted it to be removable, since we rent, so I got pretty creative.
I ordered an acoustic foam kit on Amazon, along with some adhesive that can be easily peeled from the wall, so its not a super hassel when we move. The foam covered the whole front area, and most of the sides, I decided I only needed to dampen the sound a bit more, so I hung curtain rod along the back wall, and hung a moving blanket from there. I got a very nice USB mic, so I can plug right into my trusty airbook...heck I can even blog AND record at the same time, though it may be difficult, sort of like rubbing your stomach and patting your head.
Where I had to get creative was covering the sink area, and the commode. For the sink, I enlisted the help of my ever talented Father in Law. He made basically a wooden, upside-down box to nest over the entire vanity area, which will now act as a table to hold my mic stand, music stand, and laptop. It turned out pretty wicked, and very usable.
Next, the toilet. As hilarious as it may be to just use it as a chair in its original state, I needed something with a bit more height to match my newly raised countertop. Also, I don't sit much when I record, because I sound different, so the chair didn't need to be particularly comfortable or amazing. So, I got a wide-legged barstool, that sits directly over the ol' John. Simple, yet highly effective.
I'll post pics when it is entirely finished. Just a lil' more foam installation needed, and getting some carpet to cover the table and music stand. All in all, I'm pretty happy with the way its shaping up, and I expect to spend a great deal of my "free time," (need I remind you how little of that new moms get?). I'll even try to post some things I record in there when I get a minute...and get the help I need to figure out HOW to post recordings here...I'm not so much a techno-wizard.
My studio may not be perfect, but it's my place. To work, to play...to have some alone time. I love the way it's shaping up, and CANNOT wait to do some amazing work from it!
Monday, May 7, 2012
BotCon Part 3: The Script Reading
"I'm not worthy." That was the thought going through my head during the introductions for this year's script reading. Gary Chalk, Buster Jones, David Kaye, Dan Gilvezan, and.... Me?! It just doesn't compute. It didn't compute last year either, when it was Gregg Berger, Morgan Lofting, Neil Ross, David Kaye, and, well, me again.
Honestly, this past year of perusing this elusive dream has been many things: overwhelming, disappointing, exhilarating, too fast, too slow, hopeful, random, and amazing... And I wouldn't change any of it.
This years script reading was a little bit different than last years. In two main ways, one: I actually knew what to expect! Last year, I was a BotCon n00b and had no idea what was going to happen. Luckily, in what I've learned is just the way people are at BotCon, everyone was warm, welcoming, and wonderful. The other, was that I played two very different characters. Which meant not mixing them up, and making sure they sounded different enough. You know, taking it one voice at a time. The different enough turned out to be pretty easy, when we did our run thru, the writers and I decided Texan would be fun for Road Rage, since after all, we were in TX!
Everything ended up going pretty smoothly...we had some technical difficulties with the mics, but powered through with out much other incident. The audience laughed at all the right parts :-). Afterward, I went and signed autographs for about 45 min. (it will never feel normal being asked for my autograph. Ever). Then I had to book it to catch our ride to the airport, and, sadly, back to reality.
What I came away with by the end of all of it, was that...I AM worthy. I can hold my own. Maybe I really am finally on the path I'm meant to be on. I have a family, who is beyond supportive, and I'm doing what I love to do. I am a mom now, and what better way to convince my little man to go after his dreams, than to pursue my own.
So that's what I'm doing. One day at a time, one audition at a time...one voice at a time.
Honestly, this past year of perusing this elusive dream has been many things: overwhelming, disappointing, exhilarating, too fast, too slow, hopeful, random, and amazing... And I wouldn't change any of it.
This years script reading was a little bit different than last years. In two main ways, one: I actually knew what to expect! Last year, I was a BotCon n00b and had no idea what was going to happen. Luckily, in what I've learned is just the way people are at BotCon, everyone was warm, welcoming, and wonderful. The other, was that I played two very different characters. Which meant not mixing them up, and making sure they sounded different enough. You know, taking it one voice at a time. The different enough turned out to be pretty easy, when we did our run thru, the writers and I decided Texan would be fun for Road Rage, since after all, we were in TX!
Everything ended up going pretty smoothly...we had some technical difficulties with the mics, but powered through with out much other incident. The audience laughed at all the right parts :-). Afterward, I went and signed autographs for about 45 min. (it will never feel normal being asked for my autograph. Ever). Then I had to book it to catch our ride to the airport, and, sadly, back to reality.
What I came away with by the end of all of it, was that...I AM worthy. I can hold my own. Maybe I really am finally on the path I'm meant to be on. I have a family, who is beyond supportive, and I'm doing what I love to do. I am a mom now, and what better way to convince my little man to go after his dreams, than to pursue my own.
So that's what I'm doing. One day at a time, one audition at a time...one voice at a time.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
BotCon Part 2: Hall of Fame
I've been struggling with the right words to describe what the Hall of Fame ceremony was like on Saturday night. I've come to the conclusion that if I wait for the perfect words, this blog will never get done, SO I'll just spew my usual stuff :)
I suppose I'll start with thank-yous:
Rik Alvarez- The video you made was incredible. Honestly, it was such a beautiful dedication to his life, training and work. My family and I will always be grateful for the care you put into it.
Hasbro- Thank you for choosing my father for this honor. His work was his life, and he would have been so honored to be recognized for the voices he created.
My husband- for being such an amazing and supportive human being, I don't think I would have been able to stay put together enough to accept the award if you hadn't been there.
His colleagues: Frank Welker, Flint Dille and Peter Cullen, thank you for participating in the video, hearing your memories and kind words about my dad truly warmed my heart.
And, last but CERTAINLY not least...His fans- You are why we do this. Why actors like my father and myself want to keep going. Your enthusiasm, your encouragement, your passion. With out an audience like you, we would be useless. Your reactions are our ultimate high, the energy you give us makes us want to give it back 10 fold. When I stood onstage looking out at the 1000s of you standing, and applauding my father's legacy....I was speechless. It took all the strength I had to get through thanking all of you, without breaking into tears (Which I DID do back in my hotel room). My dad would have been awed and humbled by your reaction, and probably a lot funnier than I was when accepting the award.
Phew. Ok. I got through the emo part.
The HoF dinner and ceremony itself was so much fun! I got to sit at a table with PETER freaking CULLEN! Simon Furman (the other inductee and comic book author) sat with us as well, and was one of the nicest people I have met in a long time. Rik Alvarez and Sarah Carroll, from Hasbro, and Pete Sinclair from Fun Productions were also sitting with us, making our table the fun table for sure. The food was actually pretty awesome ( I usually have some complaint with mass catered food...but this was darn tasty!)
After everything was said and done, I was approached by a lot of my dad's fans. That was probably my favorite part. People who so loved and appreciated his work that they wanted me to shake their hand, or hug them, or sign something of my father's work....it was so surreal. Transformers fans are the best fans in the world, and I am privileged to have gotten to interact with them, to share my thanks with them, and in some cases to share my grief with them.
After the HoF ceremony, there was a (I'm sure incredibly fun) casino night, which I skipped.
Liam had been SUCH a well behaved baby, and slept through the whole ceremony, that we decided not to push our luck. We headed back to our hotel, where grandma, put Liam to bed, and James and I stole 30 min to enjoy the pool, and jacuzzi.
It was an amazing night, with amazing people and memories. I am so blessed to have these experiences, and to have all of you to share them with!
I suppose I'll start with thank-yous:
Rik Alvarez- The video you made was incredible. Honestly, it was such a beautiful dedication to his life, training and work. My family and I will always be grateful for the care you put into it.
Hasbro- Thank you for choosing my father for this honor. His work was his life, and he would have been so honored to be recognized for the voices he created.
My husband- for being such an amazing and supportive human being, I don't think I would have been able to stay put together enough to accept the award if you hadn't been there.
His colleagues: Frank Welker, Flint Dille and Peter Cullen, thank you for participating in the video, hearing your memories and kind words about my dad truly warmed my heart.
And, last but CERTAINLY not least...His fans- You are why we do this. Why actors like my father and myself want to keep going. Your enthusiasm, your encouragement, your passion. With out an audience like you, we would be useless. Your reactions are our ultimate high, the energy you give us makes us want to give it back 10 fold. When I stood onstage looking out at the 1000s of you standing, and applauding my father's legacy....I was speechless. It took all the strength I had to get through thanking all of you, without breaking into tears (Which I DID do back in my hotel room). My dad would have been awed and humbled by your reaction, and probably a lot funnier than I was when accepting the award.
Phew. Ok. I got through the emo part.
The HoF dinner and ceremony itself was so much fun! I got to sit at a table with PETER freaking CULLEN! Simon Furman (the other inductee and comic book author) sat with us as well, and was one of the nicest people I have met in a long time. Rik Alvarez and Sarah Carroll, from Hasbro, and Pete Sinclair from Fun Productions were also sitting with us, making our table the fun table for sure. The food was actually pretty awesome ( I usually have some complaint with mass catered food...but this was darn tasty!)
After everything was said and done, I was approached by a lot of my dad's fans. That was probably my favorite part. People who so loved and appreciated his work that they wanted me to shake their hand, or hug them, or sign something of my father's work....it was so surreal. Transformers fans are the best fans in the world, and I am privileged to have gotten to interact with them, to share my thanks with them, and in some cases to share my grief with them.
After the HoF ceremony, there was a (I'm sure incredibly fun) casino night, which I skipped.
Liam had been SUCH a well behaved baby, and slept through the whole ceremony, that we decided not to push our luck. We headed back to our hotel, where grandma, put Liam to bed, and James and I stole 30 min to enjoy the pool, and jacuzzi.
Monday, April 30, 2012
BotCon Part 1 : The Flight
My baby is a superhero. Honestly. I was REALLY nervous about flying with him. All for not, he slept the whole way to TX. Not to say that I didn't inwardly freak out every time he made a peep, just awaiting his inevitable freak out...that never came. The secret really is nursing on take off and landing, keeps their little ears from popping, and then they knock out from being what I like to call "milk drunk."
Once we got to the airport in TX there was a very nice driver waiting for us with a sign and everything! I felt very fancy :) Hasbro put us up at The Omni Hotel, Dallas. It is BRAND spankin' new, and really beautiful.
I have heard my whole life of "southern hospitality." It always seemed like some abstract defunct term used to describe sweet old women who baked pies that cooled on window ledges. Coming from SoCal, I'm a BIT more used to the "I'm not really a waitress I'm an actress, waiting for my big break, so I'm going to halfway ignore you the whole time while I get your order half right and still expect at least a 20% tip," kind of service. But, not in TX. Everyone we met was so pleasant. Concierge, bellhops, doormen, waiters, waitresses, drivers...everyone was quick with a smile, and ready to point you in the right direction. Dallas is a really beautiful city, the skyline at night is beautiful, and it all seems SO CLEAN. LA is a DUMP compared to Dallas. Really. I don't really know what I was expecting, but I know it wasn't that. I truly enjoyed my experience in the Lone-Star State.
Once we checked in and got settled, we headed over to the Hyatt. I always love walking into "Con" venues. You instantly know you're in the right place, people rocking TF shirts, discussing which "Prime" is their favorite, and commiserating about the under-appreciation of Dinobots. We were meeting up with Rik Alvarez from Hasbro, who has become a friend since I met him at last years BotCon. We met up for drinks in the hotel bar, where I was shocked to recognize so many returning people from the year before. The great thing about a convention the size of BotCon is the familial feeling one gets when you become a returning attendee. You recognize faces, fans, and, at the risk of sounding cheesy feel kind of at home with your fellow geeks :) I was introduced to Kelly Vero, head writer of the upcoming Transformers Universe, who has quickly become one of my favorite people. She is a riot, and rocks some amazing super blonde spikey hair that I'd always secretly want, but never have the balls to carry through with. Rik is the one who made the amazing tribute video for my father, (which we will talk more about in Part 2: The Hall of Fame).
All in all, day one of our travels was great: great flight, great service, great food and great friends. I can't wait to tell you all about the HOF ceremony. I just need a couple days to get all of my feelings in place. It was a beautiful and emotional night. What I can say is that it was unforgettable and I really know how loved my father still is, nearly 18 years after he left us.
Once we got to the airport in TX there was a very nice driver waiting for us with a sign and everything! I felt very fancy :) Hasbro put us up at The Omni Hotel, Dallas. It is BRAND spankin' new, and really beautiful.
I have heard my whole life of "southern hospitality." It always seemed like some abstract defunct term used to describe sweet old women who baked pies that cooled on window ledges. Coming from SoCal, I'm a BIT more used to the "I'm not really a waitress I'm an actress, waiting for my big break, so I'm going to halfway ignore you the whole time while I get your order half right and still expect at least a 20% tip," kind of service. But, not in TX. Everyone we met was so pleasant. Concierge, bellhops, doormen, waiters, waitresses, drivers...everyone was quick with a smile, and ready to point you in the right direction. Dallas is a really beautiful city, the skyline at night is beautiful, and it all seems SO CLEAN. LA is a DUMP compared to Dallas. Really. I don't really know what I was expecting, but I know it wasn't that. I truly enjoyed my experience in the Lone-Star State.
Once we checked in and got settled, we headed over to the Hyatt. I always love walking into "Con" venues. You instantly know you're in the right place, people rocking TF shirts, discussing which "Prime" is their favorite, and commiserating about the under-appreciation of Dinobots. We were meeting up with Rik Alvarez from Hasbro, who has become a friend since I met him at last years BotCon. We met up for drinks in the hotel bar, where I was shocked to recognize so many returning people from the year before. The great thing about a convention the size of BotCon is the familial feeling one gets when you become a returning attendee. You recognize faces, fans, and, at the risk of sounding cheesy feel kind of at home with your fellow geeks :) I was introduced to Kelly Vero, head writer of the upcoming Transformers Universe, who has quickly become one of my favorite people. She is a riot, and rocks some amazing super blonde spikey hair that I'd always secretly want, but never have the balls to carry through with. Rik is the one who made the amazing tribute video for my father, (which we will talk more about in Part 2: The Hall of Fame).
All in all, day one of our travels was great: great flight, great service, great food and great friends. I can't wait to tell you all about the HOF ceremony. I just need a couple days to get all of my feelings in place. It was a beautiful and emotional night. What I can say is that it was unforgettable and I really know how loved my father still is, nearly 18 years after he left us.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Packing for BotCon...with an infant.
For those of you who know me personally, you know I'm a bit of a last minute person (understatement). I am not so much the "plan ahead, pack the week before, make sure the tickets are printed," kind of gal. But now? I have an infant.
I've been packing in my head for two weeks now. I've been making check lists for one. What can you bring to make an infant happy on an airplane?! Nothing. Well my boob, but I don't really have to think about that. But he's at an age that is mostly for my entertainment. He is too young to have a favorite toy; he is too young to be distracted by a tv show or movie, and he's JUST this side of too OLD to guarantee he'll sleep the whole time. So I'll strap him in the front pack, and board the plane, with a wing and a prayer not to be "that mom" with a screaming baby (sorry Alison, if you're reading this. I know it may bring up recently traumatizing events).
Some things I AM sure I'll pack: his binky, his small cow blanket (thanks Great-Aunt Cass!) and a few thing unique to BotCon: his "Starscream's Grandson," and COBRA onsies. Also probably his batman outfit, and comic book Converse.... (man this kid never stood a CHANCE at NOT being a geekling)
With all this to think about I have barely had time to think about the REASON I am being flown out there. My dad. Chris Collins (Latta) is being inducted to the "Transformers Hall of Fame," and I am going to accept the award on his behalf....unless he decides to come out of witness protection, which is what my grief addled 8-year-old brain put him when he died. It's a huge honor. I have been trying to come up with the right words to thank his fans, but I feel like I keep coming up short... But, I'm gonna jot a few things down here, in case I forget when I step up and accept.
Thank you for loving my dad. He had a rough go sometimes, but at his core he was a good, hard working man, and an amazing father. I think he would be in shock if he were alive to see what Transformers has accomplished, and how iconic the voices he created have become. It makes me smile to know most of us grew up listening to his voices together, and being inspired by his work. So just thank you for the honor of accepting on his behalf, he is lucky to still have such amazing fans, nearly 20 years later.
My gratitude can't fit in a suitcase. But hopefully all these diapers will...
I've been packing in my head for two weeks now. I've been making check lists for one. What can you bring to make an infant happy on an airplane?! Nothing. Well my boob, but I don't really have to think about that. But he's at an age that is mostly for my entertainment. He is too young to have a favorite toy; he is too young to be distracted by a tv show or movie, and he's JUST this side of too OLD to guarantee he'll sleep the whole time. So I'll strap him in the front pack, and board the plane, with a wing and a prayer not to be "that mom" with a screaming baby (sorry Alison, if you're reading this. I know it may bring up recently traumatizing events).
Some things I AM sure I'll pack: his binky, his small cow blanket (thanks Great-Aunt Cass!) and a few thing unique to BotCon: his "Starscream's Grandson," and COBRA onsies. Also probably his batman outfit, and comic book Converse.... (man this kid never stood a CHANCE at NOT being a geekling)
With all this to think about I have barely had time to think about the REASON I am being flown out there. My dad. Chris Collins (Latta) is being inducted to the "Transformers Hall of Fame," and I am going to accept the award on his behalf....unless he decides to come out of witness protection, which is what my grief addled 8-year-old brain put him when he died. It's a huge honor. I have been trying to come up with the right words to thank his fans, but I feel like I keep coming up short... But, I'm gonna jot a few things down here, in case I forget when I step up and accept.
Thank you for loving my dad. He had a rough go sometimes, but at his core he was a good, hard working man, and an amazing father. I think he would be in shock if he were alive to see what Transformers has accomplished, and how iconic the voices he created have become. It makes me smile to know most of us grew up listening to his voices together, and being inspired by his work. So just thank you for the honor of accepting on his behalf, he is lucky to still have such amazing fans, nearly 20 years later.
My gratitude can't fit in a suitcase. But hopefully all these diapers will...
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Group Therapy
Reunited and it feeeeels so gooood! I got to return to my VO Pro workout group this week, and MAN did it feel great to get back in the booth!
What's a workout group you may ask? WELL! It is a pretty unique experience, a group of us crazy VO peeps get together every two weeks at the home studio of a fantastic man and talent, known hence fourth as: R.A. and we play by what he has established as the "Rule of Three:" bring 3 pieces of copy, get 3 takes, get 3 people's responses. That's the simple explanation, which doesn't do it ANY justice so I'll launch into the longer one.
3 Pieces of copy: This part is pretty awesome, not only do we bring the copy we want to work on, but we all bring in 3 additional pieces so that we have a kind of stockpile. We use this stockpile when we need something new, something fresh....something we wish our agents had sent us out on...or just want a challenge! It can really give you a chance to play with reading something you would normally say "wasn't you." For example: I sound like a 12 year old girl when my "normal"speaking voice is recorded. Needless to say I don't get handed a lot of Promo Copy...BUT with the stockpile, I can try anything! Car commercials, beer commercials, bank promos...other things where all the specs say 35-40 year old man! It gives you a chance to stretch, and when we stretch, we grow!
3 takes/3 responses: These go hand in hand. You take your copy, you go in the booth, you take your best shot. Then 3 of your other fantastic brethren of VO talents give you feedback, all in a positive light! What you can punch more, establish the "who" of who your talking to, weather to be more conversational or to really "promo it up." Then you go back in, take what you liked about the feedback and apply it to your read, then you get MORE feedback, more things you can do to really stand out from the vocal crowd! Then you go BACK in the booth for one final shot, where you take what you liked, leave the rest, and, hopefully, knock it out of the park. Then when you finally exit the booth, you get roaring applause! Seriously! It's so fun :)
"Why?" You may ask? Because VO can be really isolating. Just you, and your mic in a 2ftx2ft space, recording and listening back to the same 30 sec. spot 200 times wondering whats good about it, and whats bad about it, then deciding the whole thing is crap and recording it for the 54th time before you hit submit. Honestly, it can be hard. So this group gets us out of our closets, and out of our heads and IN to some amazing talent. It gets us talking, reacting, and establishing a connection with people who WANT you to succeed. We cheer for each other when we "book it," and we commiserate together when we don't. It is a unique place to learn and grow. It is my bi-monthly group therapy, and I'm so happy to be home.
What's a workout group you may ask? WELL! It is a pretty unique experience, a group of us crazy VO peeps get together every two weeks at the home studio of a fantastic man and talent, known hence fourth as: R.A. and we play by what he has established as the "Rule of Three:" bring 3 pieces of copy, get 3 takes, get 3 people's responses. That's the simple explanation, which doesn't do it ANY justice so I'll launch into the longer one.
3 Pieces of copy: This part is pretty awesome, not only do we bring the copy we want to work on, but we all bring in 3 additional pieces so that we have a kind of stockpile. We use this stockpile when we need something new, something fresh....something we wish our agents had sent us out on...or just want a challenge! It can really give you a chance to play with reading something you would normally say "wasn't you." For example: I sound like a 12 year old girl when my "normal"speaking voice is recorded. Needless to say I don't get handed a lot of Promo Copy...BUT with the stockpile, I can try anything! Car commercials, beer commercials, bank promos...other things where all the specs say 35-40 year old man! It gives you a chance to stretch, and when we stretch, we grow!
3 takes/3 responses: These go hand in hand. You take your copy, you go in the booth, you take your best shot. Then 3 of your other fantastic brethren of VO talents give you feedback, all in a positive light! What you can punch more, establish the "who" of who your talking to, weather to be more conversational or to really "promo it up." Then you go back in, take what you liked about the feedback and apply it to your read, then you get MORE feedback, more things you can do to really stand out from the vocal crowd! Then you go BACK in the booth for one final shot, where you take what you liked, leave the rest, and, hopefully, knock it out of the park. Then when you finally exit the booth, you get roaring applause! Seriously! It's so fun :)
"Why?" You may ask? Because VO can be really isolating. Just you, and your mic in a 2ftx2ft space, recording and listening back to the same 30 sec. spot 200 times wondering whats good about it, and whats bad about it, then deciding the whole thing is crap and recording it for the 54th time before you hit submit. Honestly, it can be hard. So this group gets us out of our closets, and out of our heads and IN to some amazing talent. It gets us talking, reacting, and establishing a connection with people who WANT you to succeed. We cheer for each other when we "book it," and we commiserate together when we don't. It is a unique place to learn and grow. It is my bi-monthly group therapy, and I'm so happy to be home.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Back in Action
Well! I have been a little MIA for the last few months...I was super pregnant, and then actually HAD the baby, SO I've been a little busy. BUT I am about to hit the ground running for the second half of April! Liam is a month old, well he'll actually be 5 weeks tomorrow at 10:21 am..but who's counting? I am returning to my bi-monthly VO workout group tomorrow, which I cant TELL you how excited I am to go back to. It's not a class, but just an amazing opportunity to push your self to try new things and get feedback from some of the BEST in the business. Everyone is so supportive, and I get a good vibes high every time I leave :) BotCon it the last weekend of this month, and if you don't know what I'm talking about, you may be in the wrong place ;) BotCon is the annual Transformers Convention, and it is SUPER fun :) Last year was my first experience at BotCon and let me tell you, it was one I won't forget! I got to do a script reading panel with LEGENDARY voice artists that used to work with my dad! People like Gregg Berger, Morgan Lofting, Neil Ross, David Kaye....I had to continuously pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
This year, I was asked back, to accept my father's induction into the Transformers Hall of Fame. I really have no words to describe what that recognition means to my family and me. To know people still know and appreciate his work, 18 years after his death, is truly humbling. He is my biggest inspiration, and I was so blessed to call him my daddy. I will also be participating in another script reading panel! I will be reprising the part I did last year, Minerva, and I'll also be voicing Slipstream, who is roughly a female version of Starscream...so...no pressure there....
We're also converting our tiny, seldom used back bathroom into a recording studio!! I'm so excited to be able to just hop in there and play with different voices, while Liam naps :)
So this month, which also marked my 26th birthday, is one for new beginnings, and I hope you start (and continue) to follow me on this journey to find MY voice.
This year, I was asked back, to accept my father's induction into the Transformers Hall of Fame. I really have no words to describe what that recognition means to my family and me. To know people still know and appreciate his work, 18 years after his death, is truly humbling. He is my biggest inspiration, and I was so blessed to call him my daddy. I will also be participating in another script reading panel! I will be reprising the part I did last year, Minerva, and I'll also be voicing Slipstream, who is roughly a female version of Starscream...so...no pressure there....
We're also converting our tiny, seldom used back bathroom into a recording studio!! I'm so excited to be able to just hop in there and play with different voices, while Liam naps :)
So this month, which also marked my 26th birthday, is one for new beginnings, and I hope you start (and continue) to follow me on this journey to find MY voice.
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