My voice is back

### Podcast Title: My voice is back

- [ejs voice cast journey to becoming a VO talent ]

### Season2 /Episode Number 28:

- [ 2/21]

### Episode Title:

- [ Pay to Play site ]

### Host(s):

- [ej]

### Date:

- [10/17/2024]

---

#### 1. **Intro**

**Music/Intro Jingle:**

- [Music provided by NEFEX ]

**Host Introduction:**

- [ej]: "Intro track fades in as music fades out ."

**Episode Teaser:**

- [ej]: "In today's episode, Backstage.com."

#### 1. **Segment 1: [sore throat]**

**Introduction to Segment:**

- [ej]: "Getting a cold."

**Content:**

Unfortunately this may not be recorded very soon as I have a cold. I’m going to write it and when I feel better I’ll record it. I tried a couple of takes but boy did they sound terrible.

It’s taken about a week to get over this cold. Mostly sore throat and laryngitis with minimal sinus trouble. So no talking for me. I missed out on some auditions so I need to make up for that. Even though I still have that residual annoying cough you get when you’re feeling better and the morning congestion I should be able to do a decent job of this podcast. As for auditioning we shall see. 

So let's get on with this show.

#### 2. **Segment 2: [Pay to Play sites]**

**Introduction to Segment:**

- [ej]: "Backstage.com ."

**Content:**

Well since my last post I’ve joined another pay to play site to see how this one does. It’s called backstage.com. The cost appears to be a bit cheaper than others and a beginner can access it unlike Bodalgo.com. Their site states up front if you aren’t already established don’t bother creating an account. If your audio quality isn’t up to their specification you won’t be able to keep your account it will be deleted with no reason offered.

The comparison between Backstage and Voices are in how you set up your profile, filter for the type of work you wish to do and how you receive audition notifications. So far I feel voices is better at filtering out what I’m not interested in. I keep getting notices from Backstage for gigs that are in front of the camera, or non remote work and non-paid even though those types of gigs were not part of my filter. The emails I get from backstage includes things that are not of interest to me. Voices only sends me emails with what I match with.

With voices you get a main page and under your profile you have an about me page. This is where you setup your categories that your interested in, audiobooks, documentaries, elearning, narration and others.

Next comes voice gender, age, languages, native language and accents.

Then live directed session information such as if you do or do not offer them and what formats you use, Zoom Google, Teams or Source-connect.

Your studio information, type of mic, software or any special equipment.

Lastly, your client list if you have one.

You have a demos page where you can create your own demos, use the resources of Voices to record their scripts and then the statistics page. This page tells you how many of your demos have been listened to, how many auditions have been listened to, submitted, shortlisted and other information.

Backstage has a similar setup but formatted differently. 

Your profile page shows your strength level out of 10 points. Allows you to add voice reels, another way to say demos. About me section, voice characteristics, e.g. male or female, age, voice abilities like accents and native language, description of your voice type, articulate, authoritative, commanding etc… Also on this page you can post up your voice samples like demos or your actual work. I wouldn’t go posting audition scripts or completed work from clients but if you’ve done your own mock ad’s, stories etc.. they can go here. You can also post if you’re a union member, voices dot com doesn’t have that. Your home studio information credits for stuff you’ve done and if you have an agent.

Backstage covers more than just voice over work but in front of the camera, stage, and behind the camera crew work. You can search for work in all these areas. 

On both sites you have forums and communities to join to get coaching, offer coaching, stay up on what jobs are out there, paid and non paid. Like voices you can track the number of auditions you have submitted for, how requests you have and how many drafts for auditions you have plus invites to jobs.

#### 3. **Segment 2: [ Comparison good, better, best]**

As for which one of these platforms is best is up to the person using them. I’m comfortable with voices dot com and that may be due to it’s the first one I used and I’ve spent more time on that platform. I do see more from backstage but not all of it pertains to my niche. Lots of camera work, lots of work that requires one to be in the area rather than work from home. Voices dot com posts are all work from home based on my filter.

#### 4. **Outro**

**Sign-Off:**

Closing Credits]

Music  by NEFFEX

Links:

https://linktr.ee/ericrjones

podmatch.com 

https://podpros.com/adam-curry-inventor-of-podcasting-shares-why-we-need-more-independent-podcasters

Focusrite

https://us.focusrite.com/vocaster

Voice on Demand:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/657102251585872