009 NAVAgator podcast - Education update with Tracy Lindley

In this episode of The NAVAgator Podcast, host Graeme Spicer speaks with Tracy Lindley, Director of Education at the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA). They discuss the variety and philosophy behind NAVA’s educational programs, which blend performance and business skills to cater to diverse voice actors. Tracy shares her journey, NAVA's mission, unique class offerings, fundraising efforts, and how the organization champions inclusivity and community in the voice acting industry. Listeners are encouraged to participate and provide feedback to help shape future programming.00:00 Introduction to the Navigator Podcast00:49 Meet Tracy Lindley: Director of Education at NAVA03:11 The Role and Impact of NAVA's Educational Programs04:42 Fundraising and Community Events05:56 Class Structure and Accessibility08:17 Resources and Benefits for Members10:26 Choosing Topics and Instructors19:21 Inclusivity and Feedback24:37 Upcoming Classes and Events26:55 Conclusion and Contact Information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

008 NAVAgator podcast - Best Practices for Authentic Casting

The Navigator: Creating Inclusive Best Practices with NavaIn this episode of The NAVAgator, host Matthew Parham discusses the development and significance of NAVA's Best Practices for Authentic Casting. Joined by Jazzy Frizzle from Voices of Color, JP Karliak from QueerVox, and Aimee Gironimi from the Disabled Voice Actors Directory, the panel shares their experiences and perspectives on the importance of inclusive casting in the voice acting industry. They highlight the collaboration between diverse organizations, the challenges faced in creating these best practices, and the impact these guidelines have had on promoting intentional and authentic representation. The episode emphasizes the value of dialogue, community building, and the ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity within the industry.00:00 Introduction to Authentic Casting00:54 Meet the Collaborators01:33 The Birth of Best Practices05:52 The Importance of Safe Spaces08:35 Challenges and Solutions in Authentic Casting18:55 The Impact and Future of Best Practices30:37 Final Thoughts and Resources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

007 NAVAgator podcast - Voice Acting for Kids: A Parent's Guide to Best Practices

Creating Best Practices for Kids in Voiceover: Insights from Industry MomsThis episode of The NAVAgator Podcast by the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) discusses the development of the Best Practices for Kids in Voiceover. Host Carin Gilfry, with guests Jennifer Sun Bell, and Laya Hoffman (all mothers of young voice actors), share their experiences, challenges, and insights into working with children in the voiceover industry. They cover the nuances of protecting children's futures and voices, highlight crucial guidelines for auditions, directed sessions, and rate usage, and emphasize the importance of creating a safe and empowering environment for young voice actors. The episode serves as a valuable resource for parents and industry professionals working with child voice actors.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:41 The Origin Story of Best Practices for Kids in Voiceover04:51 Challenges and Solutions in Kids' Voiceover Work07:15 The Importance of Best Practices and Guidelines08:43 Breaking Down the Best Practices15:26 Audition Guidelines and Turnaround Times20:16 Musical Auditions and Challenges22:00 Directed Sessions: Best Practices23:47 Parental Advocacy in Sessions31:50 Rates, Usage, and Legalities37:40 Final Thoughts and Resources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

006 NAVAgator podcast - Standing Up For Yourself with Maria Pendolino

In episode six of The Navigator Podcast, Vice President Karin Gilfry speaks with Maria Pendolino, hailed as an expert negotiator in the voice acting industry; and Graeme Spicer. They discuss strategies for standing up for oneself in business dealings, drawing on Maria's career transition from finance to voice acting. Key topics include navigating negotiations, understanding client needs, setting fair rates, managing relationships with agents, and protecting oneself against potential AI misuse. This episode offers practical advice for voice actors on effectively managing their careers and ensuring fair treatment from clients.00:00 Introduction to Negotiation for Voice Actors00:50 Meet Maria Pendolino: The Queen of Negotiation02:35 Maria's Journey: From Corporate America to Voice Acting06:16 The Art and Commerce of Voice Acting08:45 Practical Tips for Negotiating Rates16:54 Handling Client Relationships and Quotes22:25 Working with Agents and Managers27:02 Contracts and AI Concerns36:49 Conclusion and Contact Informationwww.voicebymaria.comMaria Pendolino is an award-winning voice actor who began her performing career scream-singing Broadway musicals like Phantom of The Opera and Les Mis in her basement, while dragging her parents along to community theatre auditions. Today, Maria works across voiceover genres like commercials, promo, animation, games, industrial, imaging, documentary, politicals, telephony, and more. As a voiceover industry educator, Maria often presents classes and webinars that focus on topics like thinking like a business, negotiation, marketing, building a solid business foundation, and taking your income to the next level. Maria lives in Buffalo, NY with her husband Eric and their tuxedo & calico cats. She proudly serves on NAVA's Advisory Board and is active with the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Buffalo Broadcasters Association. She was also a founding member of the Disabled Voice Actors Directory (DVAD). Her fun fact is that she was on an episode of HGTV's House Hunters. You can see more about Maria on her website, voicebymaria.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

005 NAVAgator podcast - Discussing the fAIr Voices pledge, with Rolf Veldman, CEO of Voice 123

Protecting your Voice Data: The Fair Voices Pledge & AI in Voice ActingIn this episode of The Navigator podcast, host Matthew Parham, along with Vice President Carin Gilfry and President Tim Friedlander, discuss the Fair Voices Pledge with Rolf Veldman, CEO of online casting site Voice123. The episode delves into the initiatives behind the Fair Voices Pledge, which ensures companies handling voice actor sound files agree not to use or sell these files for AI training without consent. The discussion highlights the importance of legislative protections for biometric data, the evolving role of AI in the voice acting industry, and how voice actors can safeguard their work. The panel provides insights from both the voice actor and company perspectives, emphasizing the need for transparency and the ethical handling of voice data.00:00 Introduction to AI in Voice Acting01:13 Overview of the Fair Voices Campaign03:26 Voice 1, 2, 3's Role and Ethical Practices07:19 Addressing AI Job Concerns10:31 Legal and Ethical Implications of AI16:23 Fair Voices Pledge and Industry Impact22:20 Future of AI in Voice Acting28:03 ConclusionFor more info: https://navavoices.org/fair-voices/Rolf is CEO of Voice123, a signatory to the fAIr Voices Pledge www.voice123.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.