Episode 219: SUPER EXCITING VOICEOVER NEWS

Podcast: A VO's Journey: Voiceover and More
Host: Anthony Pica
Release Date: August 25, 2021
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Introduction

In Episode 219 of A VO's Journey: Voiceover and More, host Anthony Pica shares groundbreaking updates about the growth and expansion of his voiceover platform, VO's Journey Elite Academy. With over six years in the voiceover industry and more than two decades of experience in acting, coaching, directing, and teaching, Anthony delves into the new offerings, structural changes, and future plans designed to empower and support new and upcoming voiceover artists.

VO's Journey Elite Academy: Evolution and Expansion

Origins and Growth

Anthony begins by reflecting on the inception of VO's Journey Elite, which started nearly three years prior as a mastermind group meeting every Saturday morning. The primary goal was to create a collaborative environment where voiceover actors could exchange ideas, share experiences, and receive guidance from Anthony based on his own journey and lessons learned.

"I wanted to first create a mastermind group where voiceover actors could get together, you know, once a week and go over ideas, share thoughts..."
— Anthony Pica [00:03:45]

As the group expanded, Saturdays became challenging due to personal commitments, prompting Anthony to add a Wednesday session. This adjustment allowed for increased participation, eventually leading to meetings on Mondays and Wednesdays to accommodate growing demand and to better serve the community.

Four-Pillar Approach

Recognizing a gap in comprehensive, multi-faceted education for voiceover professionals, Anthony introduced a four-pillar structure to the academy:

1. Voice Acting
2. Marketing
3. Technical Production
4. Business Systems and Accountability

"There was nothing out there that really gave voice actors a weekly look at the four different pillars that I think voiceover falls under..."
— Anthony Pica [00:07:20]

Each pillar represents a critical aspect of building a successful voiceover career, ensuring that members receive holistic training and support. Unlike typical workshops that occur sporadically, VO's Journey Elite Academy offers live sessions four times a week, fostering a continuous learning environment.

Live and Interactive Learning

Anthony emphasizes the importance of live interactions over pre-recorded classes or workshops. He believes that real-time feedback, the ability to ask questions, and the sense of community are invaluable for personal and professional growth.

"I always learn better myself, personally, through, you know, listening to someone talk, you know, being able to interact with them, ask questions, be a part of a community..."
— Anthony Pica [00:09:10]

Upcoming VO's Journey Elite Conference

Event Details

Looking ahead, Anthony announced the launch of the VO's Journey Elite Voiceover Conference, scheduled for summer 2022 in Williamsburg, Virginia. This event aims to provide an inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere where voice actors can network, learn, and enjoy recreational activities together.

"We're going to be holding it in Williamsburg, Virginia... I'm very excited about that. It's a great location in the sense that we are by the beach."
— Anthony Pica [00:14:30]

Family-Friendly Approach

Understanding the challenges of attending conferences solo, Anthony plans to create an environment where members can bring their families, making it easier for those with children to participate without logistical stress.

"I wanted to try something where maybe if you wanted to come, you can also bring your family. Busch Gardens is here... There's so much historical stuff here in Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown."
— Anthony Pica [00:16:50]

Launching the VO's Journey Elite Agency

Integration of Academy, Conference, and Agency

The VO's Journey Elite Agency serves as the third pillar supporting the academy and conference. The agency aims to provide top-tier voice talent to clients by leveraging the training and development members receive through the academy.

"Avio's Journey Elite agency, Talent agency. And the idea is it's three pillars that hold up avo's Journey Elite, the Academy, the conference and the agency."
— Anthony Pica [00:21:15]

Commitment to Quality and Affordability

Anthony is committed to maintaining affordability while ensuring high-quality talent by utilizing a dedicated group of trained voice actors. This approach differentiates the agency from others in the market and aims to build trust with clients seeking reliable and skilled voiceover professionals.

"It's going to be at a like ridiculously reasonable price because like to me it doesn't have to be thousands of dollars when we have our own small army of people."
— Anthony Pica [00:23:40]

Addressing Industry Challenges

Navigating Pricing and Competition

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the challenges voice actors face regarding pricing, especially with the rise of platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Anthony advocates for a balanced approach, encouraging education and community support to help actors confidently set and negotiate their rates.

"Most of us in the price debate, I think we're concerned about prices. It doesn't matter who you are... We're all worried and thinking about price because that is an aspect of our business and we have to think about it."
— Anthony Pica [00:28:10]

Empowering Through Education

By offering comprehensive training and fostering a supportive community, VO's Journey Elite Academy aims to empower voice actors to value their work appropriately and make informed business decisions.

"The smarter we are, the more education we have, the more able we are to make our own decisions."
— Anthony Pica [00:30:00]

Building a Supportive Community

Anthony stresses the importance of unity within the voiceover community, opposing divisiveness and promoting collective growth. He dreams of a unified group where members support each other, share knowledge, and collaboratively elevate the industry standards.

"Together as a group, we can get to more people, we can find more people. We can, you know, market to more people. We can create so much more."
— Anthony Pica [00:34:50]

Inclusive and Adaptive Framework

Embracing Diversity of Approaches

Acknowledging that voice actors operate under varying circumstances and preferences, Anthony ensures that VO's Journey Elite Academy is inclusive. Whether members choose to work with agents, join unions, or prefer freelance platforms, the academy supports all paths.

"I want this academy to be inclusive. I want people, whether you want to be on platforms or not be on platforms, that's okay. That's totally okay."
— Anthony Pica [00:37:25]

Addressing Personal Needs and Livable Wages

Anthony highlights the importance of recognizing individual financial needs, which can vary widely based on geography, family responsibilities, and personal circumstances. The academy aims to educate members on tailoring their business strategies to meet their unique financial goals.

"We all have different needs, and what fits for one person might not fit for another person. We're in different places, we have different needs."
— Anthony Pica [00:39:10]

Call to Action and Membership Details

Enrollment Information

Anthony encourages listeners to join VO's Journey Elite Academy, providing details about session schedules and the expertise of various instructors:

• Mondays: 5 PM ET – Marketing with Anthony Pica
• Tuesdays: 6 PM ET – Acting with Susan Fouche
• Wednesdays: 5 PM ET – Technical Production with Don and Donnie Barnes
• Thursdays: 5 PM ET – Business Systems and Accountability with Angela Clark

"If you haven't signed up, please do... You can find it, Anthony or vo'sjourney.com and I'd love to chat."
— Anthony Pica [00:43:30]

Pricing and Grandfathering

Currently, the membership price remains unchanged for those who join in September, with Anthony committing to grandfather existing members even as prices adjust in the future due to added features and instructors.

"The price is staying the same for now in September... You get grandfathered in."
— Anthony Pica [00:44:20]

Encouraging Engagement

Anthony invites listeners to reach out with questions and feedback, emphasizing his dedication to fostering a responsive and engaged community.

"If you've got any questions, email me... I love talking to you. I love answering your questions and meeting you."
— Anthony Pica [00:45:00]

Conclusion

In this enthusiastic and forward-looking episode, Anthony Pica outlines his vision for VO's Journey Elite Academy, positioning it as a comprehensive resource for voiceover artists seeking to enhance their skills, grow their businesses, and build a supportive community. By addressing key industry challenges and fostering an inclusive environment, Anthony aims to revolutionize the voiceover landscape, empowering artists to thrive both creatively and financially.

"We've come a long way, and I'm excited to go just as far into the future again with you, too."
— Anthony Pica [00:50:00]

Listeners are left inspired and motivated to join the academy, participate in the upcoming conference, and become part of a unified voiceover community dedicated to mutual success and professional excellence.

Thank you for tuning into Episode 219 of A VO's Journey: Voiceover and More. Stay connected by visiting avo'sjourney.com and follow Anthony Pica for more updates and opportunities.