Voice for your vision
Studio #:
(323) 989-BBVO (2286)
(712) 298-2455
Emmy-award Winning Voice Talent
Can I sign you to my talent agency roster?
Yes, possibly... But... Please Read On!
(Bo answers..)
"Since early 2008 I have been on the VO talent roster of Heyman Talent, with office locations in seven regional markets. I joined the rosters of VoiceBox Talent (Minneapolis) and DeSanti Talent (Chicago) in September and October of 2013, respectively.
2014 saw an explosion in my regional agency representations: I signed with Broadway Management (Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and Southwest US.) in February of 2014, and followed that in March 2014 with accepting offers of representation from Capital Talent Agency (exclusive in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia and vicinity markets) and IDIOM Worldwide in April 2014 (Los Angeles, SE Asia, Pacific and Oceanic markets).
May 2014 brought representation with TalentPlus Universal (St. Louis), followed by additional Minneapolis/St.Pau; representation with Caryn Models & Talent in June 2014. Mitchell Artist Management became my representation for the Pacific NW U.S. (MT, WY, WA, OR) in August 2014 and I announced Benz Models & Talent as my Florida-based agency partner in November of 2014.
After securing New York / East Coast market VO representation in 2012, internal agency changes meant the dissolution of their V/O efforts... so I am presently considering new directions for agency relationships in New York as well as in a few other select major V/O markets.
While most of my market representation goals have now been secured, I am always open to additional representation that is a 'good fit' for all involved. I full realize that there are lots of folks in V/O "begging" to be on a major roster. My approach and goals are different... I wish to be an integral part (or a trusted "go to guy") wherever I am... I am interested in working hard to build long lasting, productive agency-talent relationships... I don't want to be just a little used " name on the roster"... If you represent a dynamic, proactive, involved agency in the voice talent scene in your marketplace..(No matter how many people are on your staff!) and you feel that I can bring something "distinct, unique and marketable" to your talent offerings, and help make a difference in the success of your agency and your clients? Then Contact me.. Let's talk... ( I'll even put on the red rubber nose for you.)"
What are your rates? Do you offer discounts?
Bo Barker is presently a non-union Voice Talent, and generally employs a rate card that is very competive with other proven, established talents who work in the same V/O areas. That said, BBVO is all about building long term relationships with our client-family members, so let's talk about your needs and budget and goals before just tossing out numbers. For projects not directly booked through Bo Barker VO, the rates quoted by a talent agency, creative management. advertising firm, etc. generally prevail. We try to offer attractive rewards to clients who build long term relationships with us. Retainer rates are possible and a great way for you to secure Bo's voice for your ongoing project needs.
Studio Gear & Methods (Bo tested - industry ear approved)
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Microphones
Include: Studio Projects C1 large diaphragm, fixed-cardioid condenser microphone, AT2020 USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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Computer & Software / Mixing Console
AMD Athlon II X2 Dual-Core 255 Processor, 1TB hard drive with 4GB memory. Windows 7 based Studio Workstation, Audacity, Cool Edit Pro; Allen & Heath ZED-10FX mixing console with available effects
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Delivery Methods
CD, FTP, .mp3, .wav, .aiff and other file formats. Source Connect NOW, ipDTL and Skype available for "session patch". No requierd cost to client using any of these noted connection methods.
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Turnaround Time
Prefer at least a 24-48 timeframe please. Special accomodations upon request. Let us know what you need!
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Provide most voiceover related services., generally provide a "dry voice" end product to the client for further production. We kindly request a copy of finished product back to Bo Barker Voiceovers for our client files.
Who trained you for Voiceover?
(Bo answers..)
"Honestly? The television set and late night radio were essential teachers. Life experience and different media exposure itself has honed my style, sound and approach to script and the microphone. I was a natural "performer" at a young age and was always enamored and drawn to "unique" , different and compelling voices that I heard on radio and television, both male and female... and would often try and mimic them.... Voices and vocal cadences and tones intrigued me.... those of actors including Vincent Price, Betty Davis, Lauren Bacall, Mason Adams, Colleen Dewhurst, Orson Welles; radio icons such as Casey Kasem, Jim Bohannon, Bruce Williams, Wolfman Jack and more... and even though at the time I didn't know the names "Don LaFontaine" and "Hal Douglas" ... I knew their voices... and I was a rapt student whenever I heard them in the theater before the feature.... sometimes the trailers they voiced were better to me than the actual film that followed. (yes, we had actual theaters where you go and pay too much for popcorn, soda, and candy.. but you still go!)
I was always involved in school play and presentations early on and later into my teenage years I had extensive involvement in organized public and extemporaneous speaking competitions as well as some drama and theater presentations which let me hone my acting skills. My vivid imagination allowed me to embellish and ad-lib when demanded, a skill I still find useful today. I am as comfortable speaking in front of an audience of thousands as I am conversing with someone across the table from me.
The brief biography above covers a lot of the other facts, but more directly... since stepping into Voiceover in a more focused way in recent years I have had training experiences and interactions that include: Mike Elmore , various Edge Studios calls, and script contest winner, have received tremendous feedback on VoiceRegistry Weekend Workouts, and have studied with Peter Rofe, noted New York-based coach. I count myself fortunate to have been graced by the support and encouragement of recognized voiceover Icons who I consider friends and mentors.. most notably Ms. Randy Thomas and Mr. "Sandy Thomas" (Santo Castellano), who have reached pinnacles of voiceover success that many aspire to. Direct comments from other industry stalwarts, coaches, talent agents and producers have only bolstered what I have long known in my heart... and as was best stated to me by one of my mentors... "Bo...V/O is your destiny" Thanks to all for their ongoing belief in me!
Being a remote V/O talent has meant that I have "to train myself" as best I can.. and I have reached out through technology (the Internet) to learn from and with others in all corners of the world in this voiceover quest. I've also been approached by others who have just set out on their own voiceover quest and asking me or assistance and am honored and humbled to share what I can and help them along the path."
"In The Beginning..."
Bo's first exposures to a studio microphone came over 25 years ago when public speaking experiences led to recording of PSA's in the local radio station. But even before that, Bo was developing his now recognizable vocal styling. Through extensive communications work in the business sector, and in volunteer causes, Bo did extensive studio work in the late '90's recording regional educational and entertainment projects for a teaching ministry and local church. Professionally, Bo became involved in the region's business community as the Regional Marketing Manager for the Better Business Bureau system, routinely speaking before large business and community groups, where he was often asked "haven't I heard you on the radio before?".
In years following, Bo was a Regional Account Representative for SMARTS Broadcast Systems in Emmetsburg, IA, the developer of SMARTS Traffic & Billing System Software, Digital Program Director (DPD) music scheduling software, and the now iconic SMARTCASTER, one of the first practical automation systems for the radio broadcast industry. For 5 years, Bo worked with station owners, general managers, program directors engineers, etc. in a 14-state region, and was frequently recognized and sought after by these broadcast professionals as possible voice talent and prospective station management. Although Bo had never worked directly in a radio station to that point, the compliments were very humbling and validating.
Bo was also sought after as a show announcer, program emcee and event organizer for several years in the horse and rodeo community throughout the region. After years of encouragement and a level of demand, Bo put the wheels in motion in 2007 and launched "Bo Barker Voiceovers" in earnest. The initial response to Bo was favorable, and he has done work for different organizations and entities across the U.S. and indeed, around the globe. His voice has been selected over other seasoned talent to lend a distinctive flavor to nationwide product launches, independent DVD movie releases, station imaging and promotions and corporate projects.