Episode 6: Pivoting in VO

Audiobooks with Lisa Negrón

In this episode of The WoVO Show, hosts Tim Powers, Bari Tsvaris, and George Washington III dive into the audiobook vertical with veteran narrator and new WoVO member Lisa Negron. With 107 audiobooks under her belt, Lisa shares her journey from musical theater and theme park entertainment to running a successful home studio. The conversation explores the physical and vocal stamina required for long-form performance, the realities of independent post-production, and the collaborative bond formed when working one-on-one with indie authors. The panel also covers the current landscape of voice acting, examining industry shifts, reader backlash to AI-generated audio, and the enduring value of authentic human connection. Whether you are an established voice talent looking to diversify or a newcomer planning your first workshop, this discussion offers a realistic, expert look at what it takes to succeed in audiobooks. Guest Information: Connect with Lisa Negron and hear her latest demos at www.lisanegron.com [https://www.lisanegron.com]. About World-Voices Organization (WoVO): WoVO is a peer-to-peer network dedicated to support, accountability, and learning for voice actors worldwide. Explore membership details and upcoming events at www.world-voices.org or reach out to EB@world-voices.org. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

CAVA: The Canadian Voice Actors Association

In this episode, leaders from the World Voices Organization (WoVO) and the Canadian Voice Actors Association (CAVA) sit down to discuss the power of international collaboration. Featuring WoVO Executives Kim Hurdon and Tanya Buchanan, the conversation highlights how these organizations are working together to advocate for performers and elevate professional standards across borders. CAVA, established two years ago, serves as a vital resource for addressing the specific needs of the Canadian market—from navigating unique legal and regulatory landscapes to managing the impact of AI on the industry. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for robust AI protections and the importance of comprehensive education for those entering the field. Join WoVO at World-Voices.org [World-Voices.org] Join CAVA at CAVAVoices.org [CAVAVoices.org] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why join WOVO?

Whether you are a seasoned pro or new to the industry, this episode invites you to see what WOVO is about today: a collaborative, non-competitive force for good that partners with other industry organizations like NAVA and UVA to tackle challenges like AI and local industry crises. In this episode, you will learn: * How WOVO has evolved into a member-led educational powerhouse. * The importance of face-to-face connection and local "cheeseburger summits." * How to access a "college degree in voiceover" through the WOVO webinar library. * Why being part of a non-profit trade association is the best ROI for your career. Join the community at world-voices.org [https://world-voices.org] and become part of the organization that is shaping the future of the voiceover industry. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

That Second Take: Make It Count

In their final 2025 episode of The Wolvo Show, veteran voice actors Tim Powers, Barri Tsavaris, and George Washington III pull back the curtain on the isolated world of the recording booth to discuss the "art of the second take." This episode tackles a major pain point for casting directors: receiving multiple audition takes that sound virtually identical. The trio explores why a "mustache change"—shifting inflection on just one word—is a one-way ticket to the "no" file, and share professional strategies for delivering radical range. The conversation dives into the mental gymnastics required to stay fresh. Barri explains her use of a color-coded "Emotion Wheel" to find nuanced shades of feeling, while Tim and George discuss the importance of changing the "moment before" to alter the energy of a read. They also debate a controversial strategy: "flipping" the audition by putting the wild, creative take first to survive the brutal three-second "ear test" during open casting calls. Highlights include: * Navigating "Celebrity Specs": How to capture the vibe of a Scarlett Johansson or John Ham reference without falling into a hollow impression. * The Reality of the Numbers Game: George reveals his count of 42 "Morgan Freeman" style auditions in a single year. * Professional Standards: Why listening back to your work is essential for quality control. * Directability: Why showing range is more important than delivering a "perfect" final spot. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

On Mentorship with Nikki Lu Lowe,

THE WOVO MENTORSHIP REVAMP The main topic is the restructuring and reinvention of the core mentorship vertical within the World Voices Organization (WoVo). The organization's mission is fundamentally "actors helping actors." * The Problem: Previously, WoVo's mentorship was often unstructured, serving mainly as a "troubleshooting" or one-time advice service rather than a cohesive program for growth. * The Goal: The new initiative aims to provide structured, supportive help to both experienced actors and, most crucially, those with less experience to help the industry grow. * The Team: The initiative is being led by Nikki Lulow (a 20-year industry veteran and problem-solver/former teacher) and Rebecca Howe. George Washington III praised both women for their dedication to helping others and bringing new energy to the program. THE NEW MENTORSHIP STRUCTURE Nikki and George, Tim, and Barri, discussed the intentions behind the new, structured approach: * Preventing "Unpaid Coaching": The program is designed to be a short, structured term (e.g., 12 to 13 weeks, once a week) to prevent the mentor-mentee dynamic from turning into an endless, unpaid coaching relationship. * Focus on Solving Problems: It’s about "teaching someone how to fish" rather than just giving them a fish. Mentees will focus on one specific, agreed-upon goal to ensure progress. Mentors act as a guide to help deconstruct issues and find solutions. * Symbiotic Relationship: Mentors gain significant insight into how others run their business, discover new software, and learn about different approaches to the industry, making the relationship mutually beneficial. * Vetting and Safety: The leaders stressed the importance of vetting mentors to ensure high standards and that mentors are not just selling services. They aim to create a "safe space" where mentees can be vulnerable and ask for help. PROGRAM AVAILABILITY The mentorship program is a perk of WoVo membership (available to both Pro and Associate levels). * Rollout: There will be a slow, hand-selected rollout of a small group this fall to test the structure before it is widely implemented. * WoVoCon: Listeners were encouraged to attend the upcoming WoVoCon conference in New Orleans to meet the leaders and discuss the program in person. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.