Kim Voynar

Unpacking Some VO Tips #2 Best laid plans often go awry… So I had intended to make this a daily posting of the unpacked VO Tips and then yesterday go away from me (for very good reasons though).  And now, I’m thinking maybe it’s not a daily posting but perhaps every other day so that the previous tip has time to sink in and marinate. Alright, on with the show! Today’s VO Tip unpacking: Stay in the Moment. Humans are very good at NOT being in the moment and a keen listener will actually be able to hear when you’ve slipped out of the ‘right now’ and into a past regret or a future worry. And you can bet your bottom dollar that whoever listens to your audition will indeed have keen ears.  They’ve spent years listening to thousands of auditions and I have zero doubt that they wouldn’t be able to catch a voice actor detaching from the moment. In order for you to improve your self-directing muscle, this is one area I think requires extra attention.  And I have a nice, quick little exercise to help you practice being in the moment.  It’s called Taking the First Thing.  Here’s how it works: Sit some place where there’s a lot of stuff, people, and sensory stimuli.  Close your eyes, count to 10, and then open them and say out loud the very first thing you see.  Simple right? But you may be surprised to know that a lot of actors will immediately question if they’re doing it right or they’ll spend time trying to find the right object to name.  Past regret or future worry. My favorite thing about this exercise is that you can use it to reset yourself into the moment while you’re in the booth working on an audition.  The only way you can do this wrong is if you allow the past regret or future worry to get in the way of naming the first thing. The resources I compiled for today’s unpacking can be found here https://bit.ly/invact2 in this document because LinkedIn limits posts to about 600 words, so I thought it would be best to keep them separate. What do you do to keep or get back into the moment? Wanna have a free 30 minute coaching session with me to practice Taking the First Thing?  DM me and let’s talk! Now go have a blasty-blast day!

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Seriously, I mean no offense by offering up this opinion. But this change in comp, as described in this article, is reason #257 that I can't believe so many people wrote about how the writers and actors won the negotiations last fall. On top of a decrease in content spend, fewer projects, fewer tentpoles, and a pivot to more sports, now Hollywood, led by Netflix, is trying to get rid of the cost-plus model, in an effort that serious people know is an attempt to save money. The genius in this move by Netflix is that now that they've built up the premier streamer and has way more eyeballs than anyone else, talent can't really push back. Besides, who can argue with pay for performance? They can't. Again, I'm not taking a side here. I'm just pointing out that when we look back at those WGA and SAG agreements, the articles that claimed victory for the guilds probably won't hold up. What will be the best way to measure that? Guild revenue? Overall content spend? Streaming P&Ls?

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Fascinating to watch how film programs are going to integrate AI into their curriculum. Schools like USC, Loyola and Chapman leaning into teaching this is a big move. While it is of the utmost importance that creatives are protected (and this is a massive concern for the creative community!), it's also important to acknowledge that AI is an inevitable part of our future. By educating university students on AI, we can empower them to seamlessly incorporate it into their creative workflows, enhancing their innovation and artistry. https://lnkd.in/e6EzJgRu

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You are in the education sphere or are just curious about teaching AI to others. I recommend this great podcast with Léonard Boussioux, hosted by Todd Bishop. GeekWire Podcast  https://lnkd.in/eFqi5Aqc An educational approach that highlights the need for 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 while fostering the 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 and 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 abilities that define the human experience. 🧑‍🏫 Innovative Course: “Generative AI in the Era of Cloud Computing” empowers students to harness AI for real-world applications, emphasizing human-AI collaboration. 🌍 Global Goals Focus: The course encourages addressing United Nations global challenges like healthcare, sustainability, and education through AI solutions. 💡 Hands-On Learning: Students engage in live demos and create practical AI-driven projects, from identifying sustainable fashion to generating personalized music playlists. 👩‍🎨 Creative Empowerment: By integrating various AI tools, students expand their creative potential, realizing that AI is a tool to enhance, not replace, human ingenuity. 🤖 Tool Mastery: The course covers essential AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Suno.AI, teaching students to leverage them for diverse tasks, from coding to music generation. 🎨 Personalized Projects: Each student tailors their learning journey, developing unique projects that reflect their interests and aspirations, fostering a deeper connection with AI technology.

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"Netflix sits last among the major SVOD services in hit rate, which measures sentiment for films, with 64% of titles falling into the “Average” category, according to Parrot data. This leads to a number of forgettable films that don’t generate much viewership or demand, as evidenced by Netflix’s own Engagement Report. (The top 1,000 TV/Movie titles out of 18,000, or roughly 5%, accounted for nearly 60% of all viewing in the six month period). This can also lead to the company’s popular films quickly falling out of relevancy in the greater pop culture conversation. Netflix ranked last behind Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, 20th Century Studios, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Entertainment and The Walt Disney Company in terms of the percentage of films that maintained significant public interest for more than five months, per The Wall Street Journal. As of Q1 2024, Netflix original movies accounted for 25% of the platform’s total movie catalog in the US market, a significant increase from the 20% it saw in Q3 2022. Despite this, just one Netflix original movie ranked among the 50 most in-demand films worldwide from January 1, 2020-April 3, 2024."   It is my earnest hope that all stakeholders in the film industry will prioritize quality in their endeavors. This sentiment underscores the significance of first-release film theaters, which play a crucial role in setting the tone for a film’s reception and success. #FilmIndustry #Insights Parrot Analytics

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Unsolicited Audio Advice to PICTURE Editors: Noise Reduction* I'm back with this little impromptu series (aka, I write things as I encounter them out in the world!) and wanted to share a quick and easy one. Editors, please don't use noise reduction - let that happen in the mix. Not even to "clear it up" for the "ref mix." Just avoid it - and if you encounter pushback, tell your producer/director/client that you're doing your job by not doing that. Us audio engineers will love you for dropping a note on our timeline saying "can you help this section out?" versus us getting baked + artifact heavy audio files. Then we have to likely email you or slack you asking for the raw file then waiting until we get a new AAF after you've had to bug your AE or worse, come back to your desk after you shipped prep to mix. Thank you for being open to hearing this end of it! Happy projects, gang.

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"Always have the convo." This is my baseline response to the independent artists I work with or consult...every. single. time. Having the convo with someone interested in being a part of the ecosystem of your career harms nothing. There's no risk there – you have no obligation, but you now have access. There are so many more takeaways than just working together or not, too. You may discover some of the less black-and-white ways to have that person or org or service support your goals. You may learn a personality type you're not interested in integrating into your team. (Because we all know there are some pretty intense approaches to each piece of the music career puzzle.) You may learn how you are or aren't willing to achieve certain milestones. The fast follow to "Yes. Take the call." I always offer is, "Remember that embracing what you don't know will get you further than acting like you do." Always have the convo. #musicindustry #indiemusic #independentartists #musiccareer #artistmanagement #musicmanagement

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I've been working on a movie streaming platform for virtual reality headsets for well over a year and half and I haven't talked much about it, but since we're finally nearing a beta release it's probably a good time to share some background.   There's plenty to talk about, but I'll start by addressing some of the reasons I haven't said much about the project. (None of them are because I wanted to keep it a secret).   1. I'm terrible at self-promotion. I'm not saying this because I'm modest, I'm just really bad at marketing. Even when I'm supposed to be putting all my attention into marketing, I would much rather be doing anything else. And I usually find something else to do. I also didn't want to talk incessantly about a project that I was never sure would be completed. As it was, it took over 18 months to get to this point and it always seemed to be on the brink of failure. (See item 2.) 2. I was pretty sure the whole thing was going collapse at any moment. The startup process has been a crazy journey and I have no clue what I'm doing so it didn't seem like I could speak with anything that sounded like conviction or authority, so I generally kept it to myself. This probably sounds like some form of avoidance (maybe it is), however I did share the idea with some people. 3. Everyone hated the idea. (I know, I know. Not everyone hated it… just most people.) I was honestly surprised that the reaction to a video streaming app for virtual reality headsets was so negative. I know that the hardware still needed to improve, but that seemed like it was only a matter of time, and sure enough when the Apple Vision Pro was finally released the feature that everyone was talking about was… the ability to watch movies in virtual reality. I was never going to compete with Apple, but I would have been much further along in development of an independent movie streaming application if I had found some support earlier. Maybe this goes back to item 1: my terrible self-promotion. Maybe it's because I'm always coming up with crazy ideas that fail. (Item 2.) I'm not sure, but I'll have a lot more to say about this subject in the future (a bit of grumbling) and also some of the reasons I was convinced it was a good idea and pushed forward with my own money to finance the development.   At this point I'm actually looking forward to the release of the Kariboo application, but there's still a lot of work to do. I'm also sure there will be some speedbumps ahead. Probably more like Snake River Canyon jumps.   If you don't hate the idea of virtual reality movie streaming check out our website: https://www.kari.boo/

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As someone who has spent over 10 years pursuing stories and films that I hope can make a (small) difference, I am deeply troubled that Participant, the company that inspired me more than any other, has just folded. But I draw inspiration from Brad's message here - that the work mattered, beyond the bottom line. I'll carry on focusing on that, and worry about if I ever make something that pays my rent second. Because that IS the way to make things that matter (not to mention feel good to put your name to). Step by step. With the help of those who connect with each project. Theme by theme. Personal story by personal story.

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Having worked with this label and roll7, im super disheartened to see more moves away from indie/new ip in games… indie bets are the lifeblood of new ip and i think we’re all poorer with less shots on goal like the outter worlds, olliolli, rollerdrome, etc Private Division Roll7 #riskaversion #gamesindustry #indiegames #layoffs #gamesindustrylayoffs #shorttermthinking

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So Dave (and all who may check out this comment), Last week I was out to dinner with my next door neighbor, a young (early 30's) AI programmer. Very successful, building huge custom home, Tesla Model S, you get the picture. He's telling me about Chat GPT 4 & 5 and how amazing it is, recommending I use it to help write an analytical report I'm co authoring with an colleague. I make it clear that this kind of tech in the hands of humans will lead to big fucking problems on a scale we can't control. He's telling me how it's neutral and fact based and just gives you back what you ask for. I say, OK. Ask it this form me while we're waiting for our orders to arrive. My question was.... Given what we know about human nature and modern life, what will a future society operate like if decision making is created by AI? Chat GPT's response was a description of the socio-political environment much like the world saw in 1940's Nazi Germany. This is a true accounting of what happened. AI may be amazing. People, given great power and god like technology, not so much. Do with this what you will..... I for one, don't see the glorious, creative, life of ease AI/humans will bring us.

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I keep reading the phrase "in selected theaters," and I really find it quite amusing. It's often a euphemism for a very limited release, but it’s framed to sound prestigious. Despite this, such minimal, ineffective theatrical releases often result in significant costs for investors, who are enticed by distributors with the "we are going theatrical" dream. At the same time, distributors inflate these limited releases with costs that are then cross-collateralized with digital distribution revenues, ultimately channeling most of the earnings to the distribution side. Is it really necessary to go to theaters with these limited releases?

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READ THE FINE PRINT! Big Tech like ADOBE and META are trying to steal from you with their new terms of service to satisfy their machine learning with Artificial Intelligence. GREEDY AND TOTALLY UNETHICAL. Sick of these companies and their deceptive practices. Time for some more news stories on BIG TECH's slimy behavior. Gotta get this news thru TikTok influencers. Time to dump ADOBE and META until they change their ways. Again - READ THE FINE PRINT and OPT OUT (if you can). Better yet. CANCEL BOTH ADOBE AND META. All Big Tech is doing is trying to steal your privacy ... and get a hold of that credit card. No justification for these terms written by some slime lawyers who have no ethics.

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I haven't posted much these past few weeks. Partly, I've been doing several all day sessions with clients. Partly it's because I've been trying to hit a major deadline. After almost 9 months of work, we are getting ready to launch our online program. And in the last 5-6 weeks before launch, there have been a lot of things to do if we are going to hit the deadline. And though I have delegated as much as I can, there are still some things only I can do. I put together a rock star team. Nine people (eight plus me) have been working on this for months. But some of it has to be done by me (including the core teaching videos). So, I have been recording and we're now editing and uploading as fast as we can. It's been pretty intense for all us. We can't work casually anymore if we are going to hit our deadline. Why am I telling you all this? The honest truth is that none of this is required. I made up the deadline. No one told us we had to be done by the end of this month. But I have learned that I work best when I'm given a deadline. Without one, I will just keep picking away at my projects and it will take years to get something simple done. So, I publicly announced that we would be ready by the end of this month--and even took money from customers for it! I tried to pick a deadline that was both realistic and would make me have to push, to change my calendar and really work for it--and it's working! :) What have you been dragging your feet on? What if you announced when you were going to be done? How can you add your own deadlines to increase your performance? (If you want to learn more about this program, check out https://lnkd.in/etV2SqpX)

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MEANINGFUL MEANING - The Sixth: Luminary Fusion ID: Someone’s Director –   Drawing from years of expertise as a Reality Producer & Life Coach at www.tabeautypoptree.com I have cultivated a refined skill set in product management and project execution, specializing in initiatives that drive engagement, skill enhancement, and digital outreach. Notably, I have overseen the comprehensive lifecycle management of an esteemed Elite Hangout & Live-Photoshoot, now in its dynamic sixth season, orchestrating tasks ranging from talent scouting to training sessions and the creation of captivating Cinematic Charisma Motion Picture – Triple Platinum Views   The genesis of A Pro-Station of Creativity emanates from a profound commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering creativity among individuals. Rooted in the belief that each person harbors unique talents awaiting expression, I have endeavored to establish a collaborative platform where individuals converge to co-create, learn, and manifest their creative visions. Through the provision of a supportive ecosystem and facilitation of resource accessibility, my aim is to empower individuals to explore their creative potential and effect positive change within communities and broader spheres.   Driven by an unwavering aspiration to effectuate meaningful and enduring change, I aspire to serve as a catalyst for transformative progress, empowering both individuals and communities, products and stakeholders to actualize their fullest potential. Whether through endeavors in media production, coaching, or product engagement, my overarching objective is to inspire, instill empathy, and contribute to the cultivation of a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society.   Central to my vision is a fervent desire to leave behind a legacy characterized by kindness, empathy, and resilience. I envision spaces where individuals feel acknowledged, valued, and empowered, fostering an environment where diversity thrives as a cornerstone of strength. By advocating for social justice, environmental sustainability, and mental health awareness, I endeavor to confront systemic challenges and pave the way for a future imbued with brightness and equity for generations to come.   In retrospect, my ultimate aspiration is to reflect upon a life well-lived, knowing that I have made a tangible and meaningful meaning in the lives of others, and have contributed to the betterment of our shared world.   A Life Coach – Reality Producer https://lnkd.in/d97QxwRF https://cutt.ly/nBofUDs https://lnkd.in/eu8mKEw4 T.A.Beauty •Pop.Tree #someone'sdirector #business #future #investment #event #hangout #lifecoach #photoshoot #youngleader #film #production #advertising

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Ed Saatchi was ”obsessed with the future of storytelling.” That’s what the Fable Studios CEO told me five years ago. That obsession led him from VR to virtual beings, to Emmy wins for VR films featuring virtual beings, and finally, to something disturbing. Earlier this week, Saatchi unveiled Showrunner, an AI-based content generation platform that offers to, with selections of genres and prompts from a user, write, voice, and animate episodic entertainment. The news comes almost a year after Fable Studios released “The Simulation” a set of fake South Park episodes entirely generated by their AI. The craftsmanship and voice work is exceptional and most people would be unable to tell the difference between Matt Stone and Trey Parker’s original and these AI shows. At the time of the release, Saatchi told Forbes the result was “both exciting and disturbing“ and the company had no plans to release its AI content generation platform to the public. Now, though, with the actors and writers strikes in the rear-view mirror, Saatchi has reconsidered. You can sign up to be granted access to an Alpha version of Fable Simulations’ system which will let you write prompts and create AI TV shows in whatever style you choose. As the teaser trailer puts it, you'll soon be "producing your own TV show about any idea imaginable...Just think it. Then watch it...Get ready for the simulated AI show revolution."… #netflix #ai #tech #creativity #actors #screenwriters #animators

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So this is a big deal. I’ve been posting about the use of AI generated music in the creation of songs by some of the top artists in the world over the past month. One (of many) questions has been around who gets paid when these AI songs are sampled, if anyone? This is significant, given that Google and others are pushing AI generated stems and music as the new form of “crate digging“ (finding samples on old records to use in productions). Even when some of those generated works may have been created from training on unlicensed data. Well, here you go. Previously, Metro Boomin sampled the song BBL Drizzy, generated Udio with the lyrics and the prompt written by King Willonius (Willonius Hatcher) In response, last week Sexyy Red (featuring Drake) sampled the same song for use in the release “U My Everything”. Here’s how that shakes out. The master recording of BBL Drizzy is not copyrightable, so there’s no need to clear the sample, but Willonious is now getting publishing alongside Drake and Red because he wrote the lyrics—even though he used AI to generate both the music and the melody, curating the output. It’s still the wild West, which is why that master recording can even be used, copyrightable or not. Of course, this is where rights issues around training data come in. Is this the beginning of a massive new trend in the sampling, free (for the moment) from the traditional expense and hassle of licensing? Quite possibly. I’m interested when someone generates a song that is clearly derivative of a famous artist/work—let’s say Bohemian Rhapsody—and then somebody samples that. It’s coming, and it will be messy. Wondering if Sony Music Entertainment may end up being the first to take action. The awesome Kristin Robinson has a great piece on this in Billboard. #ai #music #musicindustry #tech #ip https://lnkd.in/gkPKuBFb

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