Thanks to Bobbin Beam for pointing out this Newsweek article about the voiceover industry during a Presidential election. Very interesting stuff.
Excerpt:
Beyond the presidential-campaign spots, the airwaves are filled with local, congressional and issue-based campaigns. Voters this season will be exposed to more than 3,000 ads, depending on where they live and the vigor of local campaigns. Lots of considerations go into the making of these messages: the text, background music, images, even the size of the font. Voters can be affected by all sorts of factors, some serious, some sublime, so sending the right message in the perfect way is a finely tuned, if hastily assembled art. But the last thing campaign consultants want ad watchers to remember is the voice trying to persuade. “I need to have someone who commands attention and who people can believe but aren’t distracted by,” says Fred Davis, who runs consulting firm Strategic Perception in Hollywood, Calif. “The absolute worst is someone who comes to me with a fake radio voice.”
Every once in a while, someone comes along that reminds you ”what it’s all about” Case in point: Chad Johnson, NFL wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. You may not know who he is now but there is a good chance you will before the 2008 NFL season ends.
To put it simply, he’s a player that enjoys the game and knows that it is just that…a game. He’s also a smart marketing person who realizes the way to get your name out there is not just through hard work, but with a little savvy.
He’s part of the new breed of sports celebrity. Brash, flamboyant and always looking for a way to get on the highlight reel. He’s been known for outrageous endzone celebrations and other antics. Two seasons ago, he began referring to himself as “Ocho Cinco” as his number is “eight-five” He even went so far as covering the name on his jersey during a pre-game warmup with the name Ocho Cinco. Bengals Quarterback Carson Palmer pulled the covering off to reveal the real name before the start of the game. For that stunt, Johnson was fined $5000 by the league.
Now Chad Johnson has never had any off-field problems. No criminal activity, no drug use, no fights. He’s stated that all the criticism does hurt because all he is doing is trying to have fun playing the game he loves. He isn’t harming anyone.
So now, Chad Johnson has officially changed his name to Chad Ocho Cinco and his name will be on his jersey this Sunday. “It’s something I don’t think anyone has ever done before,” the Pro Bowl receiver told the Bengals’ Web site last week. “Have I ever had a reason for why I do what I do? I’m having fun.”
And also boosting his marketing potential.
Chad Ocho Cinco is a very good NFL receiver. Not the best, in the Top 10, but he is one of the most recognizable ones. And not because of negative headlines. I, for one, admire players that have a love for what they do…and can back it up.
Love what you do, be the best you can be, and have fun!
Please take a moment to visit Bob Souer’s Boblog to read the compilation of tributes to Don LaFontaine that are available on the web. Thanks for the great effort in putting it together Bob.
Sad news as the voiceover legend, Don LaFontaine took a turn for the worse and has passed away at 68. Prayers go out to his family during this tough time.
