Here’s a real world example. I love narrating audiobooks, especially non-fiction audiobooks. It’s a lot of work for the amount of money involved, but I love each one of them because I love telling stories and audiobooks are wonderfully long stories. So, a couple of years ago I received a message from a publisher who needed someone to edit an audiobook that was read by the author. The pay was pretty decent so I took that job. I didn’t get to tell the story that time, but it added nicely to my bank account and, as it turned out, the author was an excellent reader. All in all in wonderful experience. One I would have missed (not to mention the check) had I only thought in terms of voicing audiobooks rather than helping to solve problems.

My thanks to my friend Larry White for sending me the link to this video.

For all who serve in harms way, thank you for your service.

Kudos to you, Pam. Wonderful work. UPDATE: That’s my friend Dan Nachtrab doing the voiceover for this spot!

The best index to a person’s character is . . . how he treats people who can’t do him any good. 

       –  Abigail Van Buren

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ACTOR’S TOOL-KIT #26

BOB QUOTES HIMSELF – SORTA

by Bob Fraser

I thought I’d do another set of great quotes and I was hard at work, doing research (finding quotes that are applicable to acting is not like finding pebbles on the beach, believe me) and sweating my self-imposed deadline, when I came across this oldie but goodie:

“The immature writer suffers, the mature writer steals.”

Actually that’s not an accurate quote, but it fits with the theme, today. I’ve decided to indulge in a little unabashed plagiarism.

And so, I offer you my “rewrites” of some classic and not so classic quotations — slanted, naturally, to our narrow show biz interests.

“Pursuing success in show business is like boxing … talent is a left jab – but character, persistence, hard work and good planning are the knock-out punches. Being likable is the fancy footwork.” Bob Fraser

“Acting is not emotional. It is the ability to re-create the emotion in the audience’s heart that defines the craft.” Bob Fraser

“The most encouraging thing about show business is to see folks not as talented as yourself, who have gotten to the top through conscious endeavor.” Bob Fraser

“Happiness is not a red-carpet you are going to arrive at someday. It’s a way of making the trip.” Bob Fraser

“There is nothing new in show business — except talent.” Bob Fraser

“It’s impossible to become a movie star. Which is why so few people try it.” Bob Fraser

“The secret to popularity in show business is just this; be very nice to everyone before lunch. The rest of the day will take care of itself.” Bob Fraser

“The first a greatest law of show business is: Don’t let them scare you.” Bob Fraser

“Success in show business is not so much a matter of what cards you’ve been dealt as it is playing them like a Royal Flush.” Bob Fraser

“Happiness is doing what you like and making a fortune.” Bob Fraser

“There is nothing more irritating than a person with less talent and more success than we have.” Bob Fraser

“Fraser’s Theory – If you pay attention, you can observe a lot just by looking.”

“Stardom is all a matter of luck. Ask any extra.” Bob Fraser

“The 7 essential ingredients of success in show business are; sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom and charity. Wait that’s only 6. Oh, right … tenacity and humor. Hmm. 8. Let’s face it, there are a lot of essential ingredients… like an innate desire to tell stories and … er … Aw, make up your own darn quote!” Bob Fraser

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PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may reprint articles from Actor’s Tool-Kit, on your website or electronic newsletter.  However, in order to comply with my copyright, you must also include the following paragraph with your reprint:

“Reprinted from ACTOR’S TOOL KIT, the email course just for subscribers of Show Biz How-To — The Free Actor’s Monthly. Get your own free subscription by going to: showbizhowto.com Copyright © 2006 Bob Fraser Productions All Rights Reserved”

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What I sell (doing voiceovers for people, telling their stories) is also a luxury. My clients don’t have to hire me. After all, just about everyone can read and speak. But, just as drinking a milkshake with a straw is a more pleasant and satisfying experience than drinking the shake directly from the glass, so is hiring me to do your voiceover a more pleasant experience than doing it yourself. Sometimes, it’s even less expensive; in which case it’s not only a luxury, it’s a bargain at the same time.

Very nice work, Bruce. Kudos on the award.