Early this morning at 7am I had a session with Howie Wright from The Law Tigers for an interview spot. Those are the hardest to produce because of time constraints but having done this with Howie over the phone a number of times, I knew we’d be fine and could knock this out.

Since the subject of the spot included Veterans, we dove into his career as US Marine. Having served 10 deployments to the Middle East, his accommodations literally ran over a page I was looking at. He had seen a lot. He told me on one of his deployments to how his platoon leader was a huge history buff and they stumbled upon what appeared to be a pyramid in Iraq. Very odd. This was surrounded by archaeological ruins. Turned out his senior officer knew it just happen to be the burial tomb of Abraham.

Mind blown.

This subject matter of Military life hits close to home as I grew up in a military family. We’d followed my father on numerous deployments, including stateside and numerous overseas tours. So, Howie and I of course hit it off talking about all things military.

Travel. Living in a foreign country and all that entails. Learning about the local customs, culture, and traditions.

My father being stationed to the Pentagon in DC, had us close to some of the iconic military bases like Ft. Belvoir (Army) and Quantico (Marines), which brought a smile to Howie.

We also laughed how my family would go to Camp Lejeune in NC, another Marine Base, that had a long stretch of beach we would visit for vacation. That beach was majestic and pristine, and you could walk along it’s sandy shores but only up to a point.

You had to stop at a huge sign warning people not to pass, because just on the other side of that sign, Navy and Marine planes including the Harrier would be practicing live fire-bombing runs. Yes with explosions, fire, the big boom… the works. Howie knows of it well.

The biggest kick we had as we fist bumped heading out the door after our conversation captured on hard drive for my spot, was when I was walking him out and said, “You know Howie, there’s nothing quite like the smell of Jet A in the morning on a beach!”

Belly roll laughs.

For the uninitiated, that’s aviation fuel. You may smell that any time you go to an airport.

I like Howie a lot and it was fun walking down memory lane this morning with him.

Thank you for your service sir. Semper Fidelis!

Pictured: U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct deck landing qualification aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan during Amphibious Ready Group, MEU exercise in the vicinity of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 23, 2019. (Picture source U.S. Marines)

#travel #culture #military #aviation #usmarines #writing

The Box - A Tribute to the American Military Family

I have this box.

A box not too uncommon to those that have been in my shoes. This box is well loved, like a woobie or a well-worn stuffed bear. The edges are tattered and the fibers are showing as if this box has seen the world, honestly because it has.  

You can tell the age of this box by the countless layers of tape used to secure the contents, over and over and over again, as if you were counting the rings of a fallen majestic oak. It is indeed old. A kind of corrugated mobile roaming time capsule of memories secured within its sad sagging walls. 

A box of comfort. 

Familiarity. 

A box of Home.

In this box are things.Trinkets really, and to the uninitiated (literally) it would seem a box of junk, of trash, scraps and bits-and-bobs bound for the certain fate of a trip to the dump.

Pieces of papers, clipped and carefully preserved, pressed between bigger pieces of paper, wedged inside a yearbook or two or seven. 

Old foreign public transportation tickets, properly validated by the familiar inked dated punch from a clanky machine that chewed on its corner at one time. Old sepia drenched printed pictures in odd shapes that don’t exist anymore showing strangely dressed youth with stranger hair or glasses in far away majestic lands with grand vistas or ancient cities behind. Lands to some only a distant dream that they will never set foot on. Ever. Sad.

This box also contains things like drum sticks, and letters that were once affixed to jackets. A small vial that once contained water said to be from a blessed stream that cured people, bottled miracles. Old soda cans written in a foreign language, long since drained of their contents. Signed posters. 

Signed anything, that could be signed.

There are old hand written letters of loves past, friends still remembered and music on formats that have long lost the battle to technology that will never be played again. There are post cards and strands of puka shells once worn but missing clasps. Napkins of eateries. Strips of film negatives.

There are maps. Maps and more maps of places visited, that to this day are not needed, because the depictions of these locations are so burned into our minds, it has all but rendered maps useless.  Because, we remember.

We will always remember.

This box, so revered so treasured, that it didn’t go in the big shipment that was put in a crate that was put on a freighter that took months and months to get to its next destination. Oh no, this box was pried from the hands of many a young person and gingerly placed in the “express” shipment that, HOPEFULLY reached where we were going around the same time as that watery eyed child, it was THAT important.

Others have had this box and most likely still do. Of things. Of places. Of people past. Not of things lost, but things and people found.

For no matter where we ended up, the next destination…. It was ok. 

It was always home because it’s always there to add more things to it… the culmination of the destination and beyond. 

It doesn’t matter how much more I fill it, it stretches and grows to accommodate whatever is put into it.

I, and many others like me, have this box.

I will always have this box.

~Jim Kipping

Proud NAVY brat, for life.

WANTING something, will not always GET you something, especially if there is only a want.

I don’t understand people sometimes.  They will say what they want, i.e…. in life, love, work or career etc… but rarely will they put in the effort to achieve that want.

 

Don't get me wrong, it's great to want something, but it never ceases to amaze me that when people like that fail to GET what they want they get all disappointed when it’s not handed to them on a silver platter. 

I mean, I’m all for The Secret and all, but it  NOT just about “the saying” of what it is you want in life.  There must be some “doing!”.  

That’s like me saying.. Man I really wish the communications tower at the front gate would move to the other side of the driveway…. Or hey we want a Tuscan Farm house like the ones we’ve seen on a trip we’ve taken to Italy, then get all disappointed when we didn’t get it or it didn’t happen. 

 

The fact is there’s hard work involved in every facet of life/love/carreer, as part of what you want.  There’s effort and planning involved.  There is determination involved.  There is follow through and goal setting and goal KEEPING involved.

 

Then and only then can you feel the satisfaction and reap the rewards of the ENTIRE process, period. 

 

The really funny thing, those people tend to be the ones that say… "wow Jimbo you work too much." Here’s a little secret bomb I’ll drop on those types, and this is the real Secret.  When you really love what you do, or the goal you are trying to achieve, the sacrifices one has made to make those dreams come true, it’s not work at all.  It’s joy.  It’s happiness. It’s beyond passion.  That, and only that is a true measure of any modicum of success.  And I guarantee you, you'll truly get back what you put in.
 

The Death of Story..... And How I Combat It Every Day.

 The Death of Story,

…and how I combat it every day.
By: Jim Kipping

The art of storytelling is dying, which is sad for those of us in voice and creative.  Without story, what is left?  Just words. If you need proof, just listen to most creative copy being churned out in a number of broadcast stations or even ad agencies, just to get something on and fast. With today’s “GOT TO HAVE IT NOW” attitude, and get it in XXX characters, the story as we know it will no longer exist in the future.  That’s why almost every day before I start writing producing or voicing, I take a moment and write something in story form.  A goofy bit, a fictitious passage or as in this case, a vivid memory.  I will now always have this because it’s down in words.  I get numerous request from clients all over the country to help tell the story both in copy and voiced form, because I try and keep the art of “the story” alive. 

 

This is my warm up for today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drummer Boy:  I’m seven years old, at church with my family for Christmas eve mass on Army post at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Being winter, it’s dark and cold and there’s a light dusting of snow outside that crunches under my small feet as I carry my snare drum, stand and sticks with me into the chapel.  I’m so nervous.  The butterflies in my stomach feel like caged birds trying to escape, fluttering all the way up to the back of my throat. The Mass progresses in its regimented, structured path until the moment where I am asked to come out. It’s silent and all I hear is the noise my snare stand makes as I place it in the pre designated spot reserved for me. This is not what usually happens at this point in the service.  Every eye is on me and I am terrified. The lights in the chapel are dimmed and only the flood lights shine on the altar, the congregation in a silhouetted grey.   

 

The smell the ceremonial incense coming from the coals in the thurible to the right of me as the mulling sweet smoke licks though the tiny holes in the brass, filling the entire building with a type of foggy haze.  I see my mom and dad their eyes are proud as if to nudge and reassure me that it’s ok. I’ll be fine.  I in the middle of the alter, and Jim Reardon the leader of the folk group to the left of me, holding a well used six string Martin guitar. It was silent, with the only sound being the slight creaking, of people periodically shuffling  in the dark wooden pews.  He strums.  His voice is powerful and piercing, as he belts out the first words, and I play my small snare drum in time with his voice.   

 

“Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum” I echo with the notes and sticking we practiced a few times before.  I’m doing it! The feeling is amazing, exhilarating and scary.  I remember seeing the look on mom and dad’s face, so happy. I remember hearing in my head my silent shouts, I’m actually doing this!!  

 

I played on… 

The story above is what I remember my first ever public performance and I can hear, smell and visually see it in my head as if was yesterday. Although I do still own a drum set, my voice is my instrument these days. The microphone picks up every sound. Every emotion. Every feeling, and as Don Lafontaine told me in an interview I had with him via ISDN a year before he died, all make up what you sound like. 

 

I try to use my voice for good. In my daily writing, I try to paint a picture with descriptive words and sounds to convey emotion.  I am here again, lucky enough to do what I love, warming up with a cup of coffee and a warm memory of the past.  All the while knowing my mom is watching.  Smiling. Doing my small part to keep the art of storytelling alive and to get clients results.  And every day I give thanks for the opportunity.  

 

I am actually doing this!!  

Helping hand (SOUNDS) to Habitat

Today, during my lovely bride and my "staycation," (staying at home for a week to get things done while off work) I took a few hours to help out a cause that's near and dear to my heart. Habitat for Humanity. The Austin chapter was in need of a sound system to use when they do their home presentations. Today we made that a reality, and very happy to do so. It's a Karma thing. Also thanks to my friend Allen Kirsh at local music retailer Music Makers for helping keep the cost down. Allen is just a big of fan of Habitat as I am. Everyone wins. I will also donate my time to swing a hammer and lend a voice to them as well.

Somewhere, this spot is running. Love it.

We update my vo on this Netflix spot about every 6 months. Some form of this spot is running somewhere around the world. Get calls from friends everywhere that say they see it. Kinda funny. AND I subscribe. Loves me some streaming Netflix.. in fact, tonight even. Episode 9 of Carrier. Awesome show!

All Access Guest blogger

(a post from guest blogger Jim Kipping)

...and make it creative. Four of the most vague and really cliché words in creative today. Make it creative. To whom? Who are we talking to? What is the outcome the client wants to see? Are they wanting to move product? Are they talking about general imaging and branding? Are we doing this to enter it in a contest to show how creative we can be without regard to the client's wishes?

Make it creative. That's enough to make any producer, sound designer or scriptwriter pull their hair out ... again! Oh, THAT'S why I see a lot of peers in the industry with no hair! I have known plenty of "creative spots" before, but the funky chinchilla puppets the sandwich shop Quizno's used in their campaign a few years back didn't make me want to go get a $6 sandwich.

Last April, Val Maki of Emmis asked if I was interested in sitting in on a national webinar series with a bunch of other creatives, to talk about making better creative commercial content. I was, of course, very honored to be asked to do so and proceeded to join the weekly class for six weeks. The webinar was graciously hosted by Jerry Lee, owner of B101/Philadelphia and a consummate radio creative advocate. It featured the likes of Dan Hill, author of an amazing read on advertising called Emotionomics. Dan is also President of Sensory Logic, Inc. (sensorylogic.com ), a company that pioneered the study of emotions and how to incorporate them into marketing and the decision-making process. Dan and his firm also consult Fox TV's "Lie To Me" series using their proprietary "facial coding" technique for determining true emotional response to various stimuli.

Let me just say without going into much detail on how the webinar series unfolded, it's amazing to realize that the face doesn't lie! That's why when people do business, the preferable method is belly to belly, looking into your client's eyes. This is no different when it comes to marketing, according to Hill. The basic idea is play a spot ... in this case, radio spots ... record the face while listening to it and through mapping the face and tracking the movements of each of the facial muscles, we can garner the true feelings of the listener by recording various peaks and valleys of their likes or dislikes. Instant results without having to "ask" what they thought of the spot, or having them turn a dial one way or another.

Being a stat-and-numbers guy, I instantly fell in love with the idea of data being collected just on mapping the human face and watching the reaction during a playback of a spot. Truly amazing! The weeks rolled by and we viewed many sessions that delved into many aspects of the data ... and what was and what wasn't a bad spot by way of "emotional" response both we, the webinar panel, and the test subjects displayed on each session. By the end, we were taken on an extensive journey into the minds of the listeners of our respective mediums. With that in mind, I asked about the makeup of us in the class -- 13 ad agency types and 3 of us from radio. I found this amazing, with the vast about of local direct business radio does that there weren't more of us.

Even before being asked to join the panel, I for one have always tried to play with emotions in my copy and spots. One that comes to mind is the smell spot I wrote for a car company a long time ago. "..as you sit in traffic today, like right now, take a good long ... sniff. (sniff sfx) ... how does your car smell? Does it smell like French fries the kids lost under the seat last week? Or the dirty, smelly gym bag in the hot, dark trunk? Wouldn't it be nice to have a new car with that new car smell? (sniff sfx). At XYZ Autoplex, we have over 300 new car smells to choose from." The script went on about the smell of each car they had on specials on the various "models" of smells, etc.

This is so far away from "ad speak" ads, which are so prevalent in that category, that it really freaked out a lot of clients because it wasn't "the norm." What norm? The norm of yelling at people to purchase a $25k+ car? It did generate great results for the one brave account that finally used it. It truly used EMOTION to sell something and not just bark a list of "Why we want to be the #1 new car dealer in Dallas!" Yeah? So? What's in it for me?

The six weeks spent with my fellow creatives and Dan Hill during the "Why and How Emotion Rules" seminar were indeed memorable and beneficial. It reinforced and bolstered my desire to help change the industry by selling with emotion ... and not just a laundry list of stuff in an ad. As a consumer, appeal to my emotions and you have made a sale. The one benefit of the shakeup of the automotive industry is we all have heard less and less "SCREAMING AT THE TOP OF OUR LUNGS" CAR ADS! and more one-on-one conversations with car listeners or potential buyers. For me? This sells. "There is nothing better getting into my new car with leather seats on a hot summer day. It's like driving my favorite leather couch, or pair of shoes. Yes, I like the new leather in my new Chevy ... it's like wearing an old friend, but it's new! ...."

"Creative" is subjective. It can be proven that you can get an emotional response from someone. The question is, does every response generate a sale for your client(s)? Does our industry on a local level leave adequate time to develop and use emotions in our ads? Or is it a rush to just get something on - and you promised your client you'll get something produced for tomorrow? THAT is not always a good thing. That's next time.

Jim "Jimbo" Kipping is Creative Services Director for the 6 station cluster for Emmis Broadcasting in Austin Texas, and heard on national campaigns for Netflix, Sunny D, Amtrak California, Kreg Tool Co, Gold's Gym, Geraldo at Large and hundreds of other regional and local spots in Austin and around world from his studio in the Texas Hill Country. He can be reached at jim@jimkipping.com.

Is the "Secret" a secret when it really works?

Here’s Proof positive you get what you think about. A couple of years ago, my wife Peggy and I started watching “Lidia’s Italy” on PBS as we have seen ALL of Mario Batali’s “Molto” show on the Food Network… and we just recently said to each other, “we need to get Lidia’s cook book for our Italian Kitchen.” <<poof>> I come in today and the morning show guy on our AAA radio station hands me Lidia’s NEW book that just came out about regional cooking in Bella Italia. Now, he had NO idea we were a fan of hers, but he know we loved everything Italian and when the publisher sent him two copies, he thought of my wife and I immediately. “This will look great in your kitchen” he says. I couldn’t believe it and just sat the slack-jawed with amazement. Thanks Mr. Bryan Beck on 107.1 KGSR!! This is very much appreciated!

Seriously, something as specific as this proves that you bring about what you think or talk about!

Building the Beast... (computer that is)

I haven't built a new audio/video production box in a while. It's like driving a car with a clutch. Once you know how to do it, it's easy from that point on. This will be one of the heaviest computers I have ever built! No plastic here, all steel... and ooooh so fast and functional too! Can't wait to power her up! Still waiting on a couple of boards for inside.

Kreg Jig in action. VO for them, now work with it. AMAZING!

For over 2 years now I have been the VO guy for the national KREG JIG infomercial on TV. This past weekend, I finally put it to the test. Two words. 'Oh, my!' Really this was pretty dang easy and I am soooooooo glad I had this on hand when doing the shelves Mrs. Kipping want me to do in the Laundry room. Our home is authentic rustic Tuscan, and these shelves will come in quite handy for storage. When Mrs. K is happy, we ALL are happy. ;)

Make it bloody and 15 (seconds) please. Ok Paramount Pictures!

:15 Radio spot for Paramount Pictures.

(click pic to hear audio)

SORRY! Dec was a bugger.

Didn't have a chance to post much in December.. sorry for those that visit often. The last month of the year was a killer. Very busy at the office and at the home front. Did the Netflix session again, that should be hitting the airwaves here shortly. But it was also family time which was also fun. Also prepped and readied the home office/studio for wood floors.

I am taking vacation hours to finish the floors. Some action shots below. Or check out the progress at THIS LINK:

Thank you, on Thanksgiving! :)

During this Thanksgiving day, just a note to say thank you for visiting my site and if you are a client of mine, thank you for yet another wonderful year! Here's hoping to a great 2009! I hope you are thankful for something special on this day! If your not a client yet, let me know how I can help you on your next project. (I'll thank you later for that!!)

I also just got word for a session on Monday for another year as the main Netflix voice for their testimonial campaign. Another thing to be thankful for on this special day.

Thank you again! Have a great Turkey Day! (uh.. I'm so stuffed!)

Interview with Radio Creative Land

Very cool site out there for creatives for all forms of media called Radio Creative Land. (http://www.radiocreativeland.com/) And Doug Zanger and I spoke about our industry, including success and challenges we face in the coming years. Very cool guy and love his enthusiasm for our industry. Click on pic below to hear entire interview.

RBR Article - Success in Decision Making.

I had an article featured in this weeks RBR.com site, another industry trade publication that is viewed around the world. Click image below to read full article.

Peggy made simple.... actually "Home Made Simple" Audition

Casting people for Discovery Network, TLC's "Home Made Simple" came to audition us today to possibly appear on one of their upcoming episodes to be shot in January. It's a fun show where you have three "Mavens" that come in and help you do any number of things that need finishing up, fixed up, or created in the home to make life better. Kind of a cute show. We watched an episode before the producers came over. Here's Peggy below being asked questions. They shooed me away to ask her questions, then did the same to me and shooed Peggy away. Payback! :)

TXMPA - Friday Night.

Local Agents Liz and James of TAG Talent and a lot of our roster all got together at the Texas Motion Picture Alliance Spaghetti Western dinner and fund raiser! Fellow talent and friend Jeff Jordon and I hung out and networked. It was a great time to visit with a number of the other talents on the roster for a great cause! Lots of celebs, and casting agents including Diana Guthrie (that's Diana with Jeff and me above) on hand to relax and toast with a Shiner Bock. Shook the hands of Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) and Directors Richard Linklater, and Mike Judge (Pictured below). It was a fun night! Seeing how the house is wrapping up on the small projects, I am heading out and making more time to network with my fellow peeps.

Creative Proof

A success story of a client at the station that was picked up by a new creative community I belong to: http://www.radiocreativeland.com/ . Already got a bounce back from the big guy at corporate. ;-) Nice.

Creative Proof

Austin Wind Symphony - Live narration last Friday Night.

To boldly go, where Jimbo has not gone before..... in a long time!!! To stay up past his bed time! No really, last Friday night was a trip. I donated my voice and time to the Austin Wind Symphony for another fall concert. What fun! For those that came? Thanks! All went well until later in the show where I stared reaching that optimal sleeping temperature. ;) That 4AM wake up happens on weekends too. Just a couple of lost places in the script. But recovered ok. I did get to be Captain Kipping and be addressed by Captain Picard... Nice FX too. WAS is a class act group. The Pic below is of Conductor Patrick, VP Shelly and I after the "fitting" of the star fleet Captain's uniform. (I think I still have a stick pin somewhere I can't reach.. )

If you have never seen the Austin Wind Symphony, check them out. Their next concert is in March and will feature music from Video Games! Thanks all. Now back to the 4am grind. See you next time!!!

Blogging on my voice and ... uh.. .blogging. ;) Sweet.

Blog on the Blog? Won't that mess up the space time continuum?

This Friday I am performing LIVE (and way past my bedtime!) with the Austin Wind Symphony. This very unique group, only performs music from TV and Film. This marks the second time they have asked me to join them to host and play along, this time for the STAR TREK themed show this Friday. Looks like a blog is covering the blog! Come join us Friday night at 8:00PM for the show. It's very high tech too! Come find out. (click picture below for a link to their blog)

Texas type auditions.... y'all !

This evening I did some auditions for the home state... TEXAS!
Click logo's below to hear auditions for each of these.

Press the flesh... and pass the biscuits!

Radio and Production interview from September.
Here's the full read! Thanks Jerry V!

Who the...? Why would I get a hit from here?

After I blogged about the Kreg Jig infomercial I voiced for a national roll out that hit the air recently... I get a hit on the tracker. What a hoot. Look at the city and state! Now.. I love that you hit my site and blog but a question we, (meaning every American resident residing in the lower 48) has is uh.. how do I put this... THERE'S AN ACTUAL CORPORATE T1 THERE??? No s@#t? We can move there! But can you get ISDN!?! Hmmmm

(Click on image to make it larger)



Thanks for visiting Wasilla! Say hi to the Ruskies when you see 'em don'cha'noh. And yes order the Kreg Jig. I am getting one in the mail myself and can't wait! Their amazing!

Kreg Tool Infomercial - Jimbo VO, just in!

I know this is already running, as I have recived hits on this blog from Google searches that point here. So.. here's a portion of that Kreg Tool Company show I voiced. The original show is 30 minutes. Of course just finishing building a house, WOW this would have come in handy! Dang! ;)

Amtrak, Feedback, Body by Jake!

Uh.. that sounded like a line from Billy Joel's "We didn't start the fire." Nope, just a day in the voice over fun! First the spots for Amtrak have been completed MINUS the local tags, it's amazing, 15 second spots. My part is just half of each of these: SPOT1, SPOT2, SPOT3. Short & sweet, and I get paid for this? Ok! Some nice feedback from Flannery at the ad agency, Glass McClure;

Matt, the copywriter, picked you because he liked the improv
bit at the beginning (showed an ability to be flexible) and felt that the range
you showed was much higher acting ability than any of the others we listened
to... And there were over 200.... we loved working with you! The
client is thrilled with the spots, and they will begin airing in a few
weeks...

Today's Auditions included: BODY BY JAKE infomercial, and some sort of client that wants an Australian accent for a "high end" client. Oh, and no script.. so make it up. Quick, watch me pull a rabbit out of this hat! So this is my best sophisticated Crocodile Hunter. Oh, and some sort of VIDEO GAME bit. Whew.. busy afternoon.

2012 Audition Today and TQ's Memorial Service

Today was a busy day. NAB conference started today. Went to the hall and picked up show passes and sat in the Emmis job fair booth to talk to attendees. Also picked up Ted-Smith and took him with me to Tom Quarles' (TQ) service. Dusty Black did a wonderful job of putting together a fitting tribute to Tom. A veritable Who's Who from the Austin Media market were there. We all laughed and cried and laughed again. Exactly what TQ would have wanted. Austin radio veteran Bob Cole, Bamma Brown, and Cody Nichols were there to keep the festivities moving. Again, very moving. We'll all miss you Tom!!

Today also had a nice audition for a History Channel project: Nostradamus 2012. (Hear my aud HERE) Nothing like narration! Love that stuff! Tomorrow Amtrak California session and more NAB. Tonight will be a late one, NAB festivities will keep me out waaaaaaay past my bedtime. 4AM will not be pleasent tomorrow morning!!

Oklahoma Tourism - Travel OK... uh.. ok!

Nicer and nicer gigs have been coming down the pike here lately. These spots below are a good example. These were done for Oklahoma Tourism, and are high end shot on film, many helicopter shots too. All in all very nice campaign, and am very happy to be part of the final product. Thanks TAG Talent and Oklahoma! (where the wind goes......)

This first one above is for the entire state. There is a little wait before it fires off, but hang tight.

This one is Tulsa-centric. Again, very lush in colors and pacing.

This one is OK City-centric. Big and bold. Don Juntunen (good Oklahoman name.. right?) did an awesome job of putting these together at the agency Ackerman/McQueen. They can be found at http://www.am.com/. Thanks ya'll! (they hate that... tee hee)

Weekend Happenings - Singapore calling - Nerf too.

First off, the service for Tom Quarles (TQ) will be this Wednesday, Sept. 17 @ 2:30pm/Weed-Corley/N. Lamar. Wow.. I still can't believe he's gone. What a local legend and someone I looked up to. Gonna miss Tom.

In voicing news, Voices.com came through with a gig for Best Denki, a chain of electronics stores in Singapore. Makes a huge difference working with someone 13 hour difference in time. We're getting up while they are going to bed! This was a corporate video project that was a rush job. Of course I am coming off of some nasty cold/bug picked up from someone at the station!! Aaagh!! (snort, spit)

However one thing that does happen when a cold comes on, I can channel Don Lafontaine as I did in this audition for Nerf for VoiceCasting in Atlanta. Wow.. what a violent... toy? Listen to entire audition, it's kinda funny. Never voice angry..... or hyped up on antihistamines!! ;)

This week NAB Radio also hits town (That's David Rehr, NAB Pres above). I think he was against the bridge to no where from the beginning. ;) I will be attending the radio festivities, Tom's service, the Amtrak California session is also this week. Whew. Glad I can multi-task.

Another larger than life hero of mine leaves us.

It is with great sadness that another large figure in voice and production, Tom Quarles or TQ to most that remember him, passed away earlier this week. Tom and I shared the same positions, Creative Services Director, he at Clear Channel, me at Emmis. We spoke often, fighting the good fight to make better radio. TQ was Production Director prior to Frank Scales here when the company was simply LBJ Broadcasting back in the 80's, and prior to that was an on air personality back in the day before play lists and computer generated music logs. Little known fact, it was Tom that actually was the FIRST jock to play The Police on the air in the US and broke the band before any other station at KLBJ in Austin TX. Sting still credits "that station that was owned by a US President" for playing their record first. That was Tom. An incredible voice, fantastic sound designer, and impeccable writer. Couple that with he and his wife Bev's love of rescue dogs (cocker spaniels in particular at first - something close to my wife Peggy an my hearts) as well as his gift for cutting through the clutter of many times BAD radio and TV commercials... needless to say, there is a big hole in our hearts with his passing. I'll miss you Tom. I hope crossing the Rainbow Bridge is everything you thought it would be. ;) Please kiss Sassy for us! We'll see you again Pumpkin!

ALLLLL ABOARD!!! Now landing in studio 1...

Ok.. for those of you that know about THE SECRET... it works.. that's all I have to say about that. (silly Forest Gump voice here) Today, as I was grocery shopping I thought to myself.. Hey.. self... what's the deal with the Amtrak audition I did (see Amtrak posting way below) a few weeks ago? Then did a call-back audition last Friday last minute. I called Becky at BigFishVoice.. Hey Becky whats with Amtrak? "I'm on it.." she says.... I get a message while I'm standing in fresh fruits and veggies isle about 10 minutes later (beep) "Hey Jimbo, Becky here.. no sooner did you hang up the phone with me, I get a call from the agency for Amtrak California.. you got the gig. I didn't even have a chance to call them.. they called me!" Seee? Attraction people, Attraction! How funny.

Wait, more potentially huge news, as I get home there is a very large audition for the new Harry Potter video game coming out. Let's just say this is wwwwaaaaaayyyyyyy huge..er. Of course I gave it the full treatment on the audition file to send in... hear THAT here. That and I get messages from three friends from high school I hadn't seen in 22 years?Strange. (I'm thinking of you right now!?!?! OOOoooooooooo)

Trade Pub... Pub.. Radio and Production Mag tease.

Jerry V at Radio and Production and I had a wonderful conversation about life, sound design, radio and building homes (my wife and I general contracted and lived IN my soon to be studio while building our house). The article hits this month's issue. Here is the tease that the publisher has on their site: http://www.rapmag.com/

Interview: Jim Kipping, Emmis Broadcasting, Austin, Texas
by Jerry Vigil
How many times have you said, “One of these days… I’m going to buy me a piece of land outside of town and build my dream home, with my dream studio”? That’s what Jim Kipping said some 9 years ago when we last interviewed him in May of 1999. In fact, he had just purchased 11 acres near Willie Nelson’s home outside of Austin, Texas. This month’s RAP Interview checks in on this dream, which is in the final stages of completion – a fabulous home he calls, Il Poggio Secco, Italian for “the dry hill.” Keeping with the Italian theme, the house features a tile roof, picturesque views from the windows overlooking the Texas Hill Country and the Pedernales River, ornate décor throughout, and of course, his soon-to-be dream studio. Did he hit the lottery? No. This is a simple story of vision and hard work, even while maintaining a demanding full-time job, which he still holds as Creative Services Director at Emmis Broadcasting’s Austin properties. An in his spare time, Jim has managed to cut his niche in the national voice-over business. Jim tells us what’s new at Emmis Austin, how he’s managed to grow his VO business, and what it has taken to bring his dream to fruition. Check out this month’s RAP CD for a sample of the excellent work his crew is churning out at the stations, and check out his website at www.jimkipping.com for more on Il Poggio Secco.

Loss of a voice legend, Don Lafontaine.

You might not recognise the face, but the VOICE you sure will. And it will beat you upside the head until you do! Don Lafontaine, pioneered the modern movie trailer that we all know today. Over 5,000 movie trailers and 100's of thousands of TV spots and promos are just some of the credits to his long 30 years in the voice business.
I was fortunate enough to have a chance to speak with Don from my home studio (ISDN, the way he did most of everything he voiced in recent years) for a book I am writing about people that make money from their voice. The book, (working title) Me and My Big Mouth, and How It Makes Me Money! is not necessarily how to break in to the business, but more about peoples unique story on how THEY did, and their success. I spoke with Don for about an hour, and found him to be the most gracious, humble, hard working and fun guys you would ever meet. One quote I got from him includes THIS ONE that pretty much sums up the book. Don died this past Monday, he was 68 years old. He worked all the way to the end, as many of us could only hope and pray for. He was and still is a legend that, although his voice may be silenced in body, will live on forever somewhere around the world, on some media. I'll miss you Don. I hope your new session is everything you thought it would be. Stand by?!? JK

Monday, Monday... session session.

Today, had a wonderful session for Oklahoma Tourism through TAG Talent. John from the agency was great to work with and in the same time zone for a change. Wow! Will post those when I get a copy to show you all... the original audition did indeed perk their ears and made it stand out, but I also gave them some dry reads which they used to close the deal with the client. I'm sure glad that stuff works out! Got a glowing review from the VoiceCaster audition for TimeWarner Cable which would be nice. Finally last Friday was the session for Kreg Tool Company Informercial. Great session with John and Drew live from DownStream in Portland and Poggio Secco Studio... albeit in temporary settings as the new studio construction hasn't started yet. Today Auditions: Culver's and TXDot.

New Agent signs on.

VoiceCasting Agency out of Atlanta Georgia singed on as another talent agent to rep my work, in yet another outlet. Glad to have them on board!!

My first day with them and had a nice audition for NERF / LASER TAG click HERE to hear.
And got really good feedback from the casting agency. Would be nice to snag something on the first day..... sweet!

New profile on VoiceCasting

Sunny Delight - BBoys Step Up - TV

Kind of a unique project here. I voiced this way back

in Feburary and finally got a copy of it.

STOP THE PRESSES!!!!!!

Cox media announced that the local paper is for sale. Wow they really know how to liven up the Christmas party! Right? Who wants to do some TEAM building? I am truly sorry for those that have put their lives into the Statesmen that will be affected.

In other news... Jerry Vigil publisher of industry trade mag Radio and Production did a follow up interview with me, revisiting some things we spoke about waaaaaaay back in 1999. Remember those times? Y2k, and mp3, BEFORE mp3 became a household word!?

http://www.rapmag.com/ next issue.

Thanks Jerry!

Seen this spot before?

Have you seen this yet? Yep.. that's me sprinkled throughout and at the end. Oh.. AND we're huge Netflix fans too. ;)

Next generation voice-over star! Meet Evan.

One thing I truly believe in my heart is if you want to get somewhere in life, help others get to where they want to go! ;-)

Today, my former next door neighbor had an opportunity to bring their boy Evan up to my studio, for a CALL BACK audition for a pretty big character on PBS Kids called Hooper. This is significant because he has never done anything like this before. One of my agents in Denver emailed with a call to us "talents" that may know any young kids that may fit the Hooper voice mold last week. Why yes.. Yes I do. I called Evan's mom and dad and told them about the audition.... needless to say they were excited so they brought him in last week for the the initial audition. Since this is summer break, no problem to bring him up to the studio and BAAAAM! Today he got a call back on the first time. Good for him!!! Now let's land it Evan!!!

Hear Evan in his call back audition HERE!!

Greetings there...

Aaaahhhh. Another day, another blog.
Welcome to the first entry.......
uh....
yeah.......
Welcome.....

Since my jimkipping.com site is being revamped, I thought I would include a blog to keep all those interested in the happenings in the studio. So that is what this is. I'll post some fun stuff and auditions and success stories along the way. You'll see the behind the scenes of the new studio project and how goes it with this wacky world of voice. Hope you enjoy it. It's a work in progress. Isn't it always?