TVO Schedule 2023

THU DEC. 7

Mastering MoCap - A Live Interactive Workshop With Audience Participation

Hosted by Keith and Valerie Arem (Directors, Producers and Creators, PCB Productions)

That's Voiceover! Career Expo opens the show by capturing your imagination in the world of working Motion Capture for Video Games. Join Valerie and Keith Arem, titans of the gaming world, along with superstar voice actor/mocap expert Cherami Leigh, and two PCB genius producers Jaynie Sargalis and Cye Marshall when they take us for a for a deep dive into the art and craft of MoCap with live demonstrations and audience participation. You'll get a first hand opportunity to see and experience what it takes to prepare yourself to work in this exciting field. Few people on the planet can open your eyes the way this team can. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear from them and meet them afterwards for a talk-back in the exhibition room. Disponible en Español.

THU DEC. 7

THE ART OF THE PODCAST AD

Hosted by Miya Kanzaki, Creative Director, Studio Resonate

Yes podcasts have ads read by their hosts, but if you listen, you’ll notice another kind as well: the SXM Media Podcast Announcer Read, voiced by a VO artist. Studio Resonate, audio creative agency at SiriusXM, has led the way in establishing what makes an outstanding podcast ad. And for voiceover artists, there’s great potential in this line of work — when you understand the nuances about the right tone and sound. Join one of our top-performing Announcer Read VOs, Cristina Milizia, and Natasha Marchewka, co-host of the podcast Speechless: Real Life in VO and Our Unsolicited Opinions, to get an insider’s perspective on how to customize a script read for the unique state of podcast listening. The SiriusXM Podcast Network includes thousands of podcasts from Team Coco, Audiochuck, Crooked Media, SiriusXM, Stitcher, NBC, OWN, Pitaya, Freakonomics, and more.

THU DEC. 7

WORKING IN THE GLOBAL VOICEOVER MARKET PLACE

Hosted by Seun Shobo

This is a first! Voiceover influencers from around the world open our eyes to the tapestry of our art, and the business of making a living in the global voiceover marketplace. These type-A personalities will put it all on the table and open the door to a new conversation about the pursuit of opportunities around the world. If you think your VO Career is destined to be a one-nation pony, YOU HAVE NO IDEA. There's work everywhere. And in this new era of voice acting you had better know where to find it. Join us for the first-ever, Voiceover Summit Of Nations. Just one of the many life-changing seminars and presentations at That’s Voiceover Career Expo. Disponible en Español.

THU DEC. 7

VOICEOVER CHANGED MY LIFE AND IT CAN CHANGE YOURS

Hosted by Paul Cartwright

Paul Cartwright was once struggling like so many who give their all to the building a successful career in voice acting. With a wife, kids, and a mortgage to support, his future was looking incredibly dim. Then he was awarded the SOVAS Academic Scholarship, (now the Brad Venable Academic Scholarship). What he did with that opportunity will have you on the edge of your seat. Paul tells the story of a miraculous transformation that is in reach for any one of us. This is a story you must hear and you won't want to miss. Disponible en Español.

THU DEC. 7

Stella Adler Scholarship

Hosted by John Jack Rogers

The Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre & John Jack Rogers (Executive Director) are back with a transformational gift for voice actors. Traditional acting is an enormous underpinning for great voice acting. It elevates your skills and deepens your understanding of the craft. It also diversifies the voice actors' viability for work, since on-camera work become a viable option. The best part of all is that learning the art of acting is an absolute joy. SOVAS™ and Stella Adler are offering 2 very special Actor Training Scholarships, valued at $5300 dollars. The winner is named in a special ceremony during the TVO EXPO. Anyone with a ticket to That’s Voiceover!™ Career Expo 2023 is eligible to apply. WINNERS will receive a certificate for three semesters, encompassing Adler Technique Levels I, II, and III. Each semester is 6 to 8 weeks long with three, 3-hour classes per week. For details on each class, go to https://stellaadler.la/courses/ and view Adler Technique Levels I, II, and III. TO ENTER, copy and paste this link: www.sovas.org/stella

• Stella Adler

THU DEC. 7

KEYNOTE: Living A Life & Career You Love: Amplify Your Voice

Moderated by Michelle Mitchell

Step into a world of boundless possibilities with Michelle Mitchell, the visionary from Meta! Unveil the secrets of personal wellbeing, skill mastery, and the ever-evolving realm of social media. Prepare to be amazed as Michelle reveals a holistic approach to crafting, amplifying, and nurturing your brand while nurturing yourself. As Meta's head of content partnerships, she's your guide to untapped social media gems, both existing and yet to be revealed. Unearth fresh avenues for your voice acting business and unlock newfound energy, ideas, and opportunities beyond the ordinary. Join us to discover the extraordinary! Disponible en Español.

THU DEC. 7

NETWORKING LUNCHEON

JOIN US IN INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM A

Connect with our amazing sponsors on the exhibitor floor while enjoying lunch and catching up with friends new and old. Remember, exhibitors are experts in their respective professions, hence a great resource for questions about how to test and use various products you need to produce your best work. Exhibitors are part of the voiceover tribe! Get to know them. (If you are scheduled for the CBS2 Audition Spotlight Callback, please refer to the letter you received via email or check with the check-in desk for the event room.) BE AMAZING!

• Come And Get It

THU DEC. 7

CBS AUDITION SPOTLIGHT - ORIENTATION FOR 2ND CALL BACK

If you have been notified to participate in the second round of the CBS Audition Spotlight, you will be sent an email notification with details for reporting to the check-in desk at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport. However, if you do not have your credentials, please go to the check-in upon arrival., and we will verify iwhether you are on the list.

THU DEC. 7

Pandora: Elevating the "human" listening experience - A VOMasterclass

Hosted by Steve Pogatch and David Cuetter

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! The dynamic creative and production duo of Steve Pogatch and David Cuetter are raising the stakes and working with even more audience members demonstrate and exceptional voice acting skills to employ when sound is your only communication asset. You can always up the ante when it comes to developing your performance skills. And with AI desperately trying to edge in, your "humanness" is the ultimate battle line. Steve and David will give you direct training and insight into booking work with the Pandora brand, but how to level up your booking rate for any brand by delivering a deeply human and effective performance. PLUS: This year Pandora is offering an exclusive VO ROSTER AUDITION exclusively for That's Voiceover! attendees. Two voice actors (Spanish and English) will could earn spot on the Pandora Voiceover Roster! The winning auditions will be played and analyzed as part of the masterclass, and the winners will be announced live. This is just one of the many incredibly, career-changing events you'll only find at That's Voiceover! Career Expo. *Pandora is a leading music and podcast platform, reaching 70 million users and producing 1500 voiceover promo spots monthly.

FRI DEC. 8

Anatomy of A Video Gaming Demo

Valerie Bowles-Arem and Keith Arem

Dive into the pulsating heart of the video game industry, where Keith Arem and Valerie Arem reign as true maestros of video game production. Picture this: in 2022, the global video game market exploded to a staggering USD 217.39 billion, and it's set to skyrocket to an astonishing USD 242.39 billion in 2023. The future holds even more promise, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 13.4% from 2023 to 2030, propelling the market to a colossal USD 583.69 billion by 2030. Now, imagine yourself as a voice actor poised for greatness in this electrifying industry. To thrive, you need a demo reel that doesn't just compete but dominates. And guess what? You can achieve this! Sure, you'll collaborate with a director, producer, and engineer to craft your demo, but here's the secret sauce – you must understand your pivotal role in the process. Your demo isn't just another item on your Linktree; it's your golden ticket to conquering the unique world of video games. Keith and Valerie Arem hold the keys to this kingdom. They'll unravel the mystery, revealing precisely what it takes to shine as a talent and what your demo production must deliver to hit the bullseye right out of the gate. But that's not all. They'll also unveil the secrets to infiltrating the inner sanctums of producers, directors, talent agents, and casting directors who are perpetually on the hunt for the next superstar. Your demo reel isn't just a shot in the dark – it's your FIRST and BEST chance to make an unforgettable impression. Are you ready to level up your game? Join Keith and Valerie on this thrilling journey, and seize your destiny in the video game universe.

FRI DEC. 8

AUDIO DESCRIPTION: AUDITION JAM

Hosted Joel Snyder, PhD - Producer/Author/Voice Actor

Yes, this is an actual casting call for four (4) paying jobs for TV and Film in Audio Description. Dr. Joel Snyder helms an all-star cast of some of the most knowledgeable Audio Description producers in the world: Featuring Anna Capezzera (Director Operations, Deluxe), Rick Boggs (Founder, Audio Eyes), and Jolie Mason (Founder, L.A. Radio Reading Service. Together this team will teach you the facts about performing Audio Description from script to booking to screen. And get this. It's not a theoretical conversation. This panel is in service of four (4) jobs with Deluxe and Audio Eyes. The winners will be decided by final auditions before a live audience. Whether you audition or not, don't miss the opportunity for a deep dive into this exciting and growing genre of voice acting. If you want to audition, go to SOVAS.ORG and select the "Audition" button for all details.

FRI DEC. 8

Mics, daws, and studio planning in the new era of voice acting

Jonathan Ruest, Head of Sales and Business Development for the Americas, Neumann

If you want to be the best at what you do, work with the best from the very start. From the premiere microphone company in the world, Neuman's Jonathan Ruest is back with part two on choosing your mic and planning your studio. Starting with the right gear gives the voice actor the confidence that they are delivering the best possible recording quality, and it shows your clients that you are a consummate professional. Poor equipment planning, on the other hand, is often the reason an excellent audition will never make it past the first cut. Like a pilot's cockpit, your studio is your path to a smooth take off and landing. When your studio is in order, you can focus purely on delivering the best performance within you. This is a conversation that will turn beginners in to experts and experts into masters.

FRI DEC. 8

The Wizardry of Casting and Performance from DreamWorks

Hosted by Ania O'Hare, SVP, Casting, Talent Relations, DreamWorks Animation TV

Calling all voice wizards with dreams as big as a dragon's wings! Prepare to be enchanted by the ultimate, jaw-dropping, and oh-so-unexpected experience that'll leave you on the edge of your seat (and we promise, no dragons were harmed in the making of this event). The legendary casting sorceress herself, Ania O'Hare, bring this event to you straight from the enchanting realms of DreamWorks. But hold onto your wizard hats, because Ania's not flying solo! She's bringing a brigade of DreamWorks' most fantastical voice talents right to the edge of the stage, ready to unveil the secrets of their mystical craft, including live, directed performances. Ever wondered how the magic really happens behind the scenes? Well, folks, you're about to get the golden key to the voice acting kingdom. Our casting wizards and talent maestros will hold your hand (metaphorically, of course) as they reveal their spellbinding process step by step. By the time they're done, you'll be armed with all the enchanting knowledge you need to conquer the highest peaks of voice acting for animation. This is just a glimpse of the enchantment awaiting you at the That’s Voiceover Career Expo – where we make the impossible, well, quite possible. Don't be the one stuck in the mundane when you could be soaring with the voiceover legends. Grab your spellbooks (or a ticket) and let the adventure begin!

FRI DEC. 8

BACKSTAGE VANGUARD AWARD FOR ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Presented by Tom Lawless, President of VOX, Inc.

Drumroll, please! The Backstage Vanguard Award takes a bow and gracefully glides into the hands of Wes Stevens, the visionary CEO and Founder of VOX, Inc. This, my friends, is only the second time in a decade that SOVAS™ has bestowed such an honor upon a talent agent – the man, the myth, the legend. Wes Stevens isn't your garden-variety talent agent. No, he's the cherished confidant of clients, the North Star for casting directors, and the proud ringmaster of a kickass troupe of talents. His business acumen is sharper than a cat's whisker, his imagination wilder than a kangaroo on a pogo stick, and his innovation is more on point than a compass in a treasure hunt. If VOX, Inc. were a ship, Wes would be the figurehead, steering us boldly into uncharted waters. And lo and behold, we have the one and only Wil Wheaton, the charismatic character behind Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the voice magician of countless animated worlds and audiobooks, and a bona fide New York Times best-selling author with an Instagram following that rivals the population of a small nation. Wil's the ringleader for this spectacular show! But wait, there's more! Tom Lawless, President of VOX, will strap on his rocket boots for an up-close and personal powwow with our man of the hour. You can bet your intergalactic starship, this is going to be epic! And what's in it for you, dear attendees? A treasure trove of industry enlightenment, delightful anecdotes, and wisdom fit for Merlin's library. Backstage Magazine’s very own Sonja Smith, Voiceover Casting Specialist, will take us down memory lane with her remarks, commemorating nine years as the gracious sponsor of this illustrious award. Buckle up, folks! It's a whimsical Wes-tacular ride, and it's all starting now.

FRI DEC. 8

NETWORKING LUNCHEON

JOIN US IN INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM A

Connect with our amazing sponsors on the exhibitor floor while enjoying lunch and catching up with friends, new and old. Remember, exhibitors are experts in their respective professions, hence a great resource for questions about products and services. Exhibitors are part of the voiceover tribe! Embrace their friendship and knowledge. (If you are scheduled for the CBS2 Audition Spotlight Callback, please refer to the letter you received via email or check with the check-in desk for the event room.) BE AMAZING!

FRI DEC. 8

WOMEN POWER IN VOICEOVER

Hosted by Joan Baker, VP, SOVAS, Voice Actor, Author

Stories of triumph reveal quantum leaps in achieving personal success. Imagine a time when women can succeed, and expect to succeed, at the highest levels of voice acting. You can stop imagining – IT’S HERE! These powerhouse women are at the vanguard of the art and business of the industry - powerfully accessing opportunity and delivering on the promise of incredible talent. Get ready to strap in and win, when That's Voiceover Career Expo presents WOMEN POWER IN VOICEOVER. Hosted by Joan Baker (VP SOVAS/Voice Actor/Author), featuring Laraine Newman (Original SNL Player, NBC), G.K. Bowes (voice of Jovita, Young Justice, DC Universe), Mabel Cezar (voice of Princess Leia, Star Wars Skywalker prod), Misty Lee (Female Clicker Sounds, The Last of Us, HBO), Yukiko Fujimura (voice of KSA Tourism, Nat GEO Channel), and Kimberly Brooks (voice of Jasper, Steven Universe, Cartoon Network).

FRI DEC. 8

NAVA BRAD VENABLE ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP

Hosted by Tim Friedlander, President, NAVA and Carin Gilfry, VP, NAVA

The presentation of the NAVA Brad Venable Scholarship in Partnership with SOVAS will be among the most inspired moments of That's Voiceover! Career Expo. It gives us all an opportunity to slow down, take a breath, and reflect on the power of our humanity through a beloved colleague whose life touched, moved, and inspired his friends and colleagues such that they gave of themselves to launch an extraordinary, life-changing scholarship that we trust will serve the voiceover community for many years to come. Warm hearts and tears of joy will fill the space on this day, and all in attendance will know a small aspect of the legacy Brad left for us all. If you wish to nominate someone for this scholarship, or wish to ask a friend to submit your name for consideration, copy and paste this link for the application: https://sovas.org/brad-venable-academic-scholarship/ *The deadline for applications is October 20, 2023.

SAT DEC 9th

OPTIMIZING THE COMMERCIAL READ: The Gateway Genre

Unlock the gateway to voiceover success with the masters themselves. The journey into the world of commercial reads begins at the pinnacle, where seasoned professionals spill the secrets to mastering the art. Picture this: a laid-back fireside chat with the experts who hold the keys to unleashing your inner voice, ready to help you claim your unique spot in the commercial realm and excel across various voiceover genres. Yearning for insights from the pros? Look no further. Our guarantee: you'll emerge with a refreshed perspective and actionable steps to broaden your horizons as a voice actor. And if you're an educator, no matter your level, brace yourself for a game-changing conversation that will elevate your teaching approach. Because let's face it, the best teachers are perpetual learners. Join us for an experience that's light, honest, and genuinely transformative.

SAT DEC 9th

The Art of Audiobook Narration

Hosted by Kat Jackson

Think you've got what it takes to narrate audiobooks? If so, you could be diving into an industry that's seen 11 consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth. In 2022, a 10% boost pushed industry sales to a staggering $1.8 billion. That's why we're summoning the brilliant minds of Audible for a revealing look at today's best-in-class practices for achieving success in Audiobook Narration. Audible experts will take you by the hand and guide you through this wild audiobook universe. Join us for a whimsical journey into "The Art of Audiobook Narration: from every imaginable angle, including performance, career longevity, and building a business. This seminar is designed to test limits. Wanna go for a ride?

SAT DEC 9th

HUMAN VOICES AND THE BATTLE TO TAME AI - You Have More Control Than You Think

Tim Friedlander, President of National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA)

SAT DEC 9th

NETWORKING LUNCHEON

EXHIBITOR HALL - INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM A

SAT DEC 9th

VOICING MOVIE TRAILERS & PROMOS - Top Talent Share Their Secrets

Brian Stivale, Renowned Voice Actor heard in over 300 million homes worldwide

If you want to level-up you your trailer and promo game, and we mean to really create opportunity for work and longevity, you need a village to steer you in the right direction. No, not the Village People, but a dream team of extraordinary voiceover masters who live this life every single day - each one of them breathing the rare air of extraordinary success and mastery of the craft. They will break it down so that you walk away with a renewed vigor, full of new insights and actional ideas. Bringing this group together is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Get there early.

SAT DEC 9th

BRAND IDENTITY DECODED: Developing the Winning Story of You

Jill Kershaw, CEO, Sound & Fury

SAT DEC 9th

Animation Masterclass with DreamWorks - Unleash Your Creative Genius

Ania O'Hare, Head of Casting & Talent Relations, DreamWorks Animation TV

Dive headfirst into the boundless sea of opportunities, but be sure to leave your doubts behind on the shore, because it's time to get geared up for a one-of-a-kind adventure! With the whimsical minds at DreamWorks leading the way, Ania O'Hare, the brilliant Head of Casting & Talent Relations at DreamWorks Animation TV and a three-time Emmy Winner, is your trusty captain for this thrilling journey. And guess what? Beginners are not only welcome but encouraged to jump on board. Ania will be there to hold your hand and expertly guide you through her winning techniques. As the mastermind behind casting for countless DreamWorks projects, her insight is nothing short of extraordinary. Through personal, one-on-one sessions with candidates plucked from our enthusiastic audience, she'll equip you with the audacious skills you need to conquer DreamWorks auditions and go even further in your career. This is a voyage for the daring, my friends. The treasures you'll unearth here have the power to reshape your career in ways you can't even imagine. It's not just about perfecting your animation craft and mastering your audition prowess; it's about becoming a true artist in the art of leaving a lasting impression on top casting directors, no matter where your dreams may take you. So, are you ready for this fantastic journey? We believe you are!