AMERICA'S NEXT VOICE offers the former homeless man with the "Golden Voice," Ted Williams a deal of a lifetime.
Joe Cipriano & Randy Thomas explain to Ted Williams,"We're producing a television show called, America's Next Voice."
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The Voice of Entertainment Tonight, The Oscars and others, Randy Thomas with Ted Williams on set.
I seldom comment here. But, the best news about Mr. Williams, in my opinion, is that he is going into treatment where he can hopefully get the medical attention he so greatly needs.
The Joe and Randy thing I just don't get. Someone was quite misguided here, in my opinion. The offer for Mr. Williams to be on a show that seems to still being pitched causes one to question the sincerity of the "offer."
I don't have an issue with Joe and Randy pitching their show, but, the timing could have been better.
@Maurice: Having a video that has gone "viral" does not guarantee anyone success in any industry and instant fame isn't always a good thing. Just ask Youtube "Stars" like that Numa-Numa Guy, or the guy who sings showtunes in falsetto, or the "Evolution of Dance" guy.
Ted was a broken man with a criminal record and a history of addition, and he was legitimately homeless. He needed help. God in His Divine Wisdom chose to give Ted a second chance and save him from become another unfortunate statistic -- a potential tragedy like dying on the streets.
Anyone who tries to argue that this was some type of stunt to get exposure needs to look at the facts:
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/meet-felon-golden-...
And due to the nature of the VO industry being unknown and unrecognized, there is going to be a certain element of jealousy with some VO people, especially those who are just as talented and gifted as Ted who have been spinning their wheels and languishing in attempt to carve a career for themselves in the market. And we all have our own stories of personal struggle -- perhaps not as incredible or heartbreaking as what Ted has experienced, but the point is that Ted didn't "use" what has happened to him in order to become famous. It wasn't an elaborate attempt at a viral marketing campaign, and it's ridiculous to assume it is.
I don't question why God chose Ted to become famous for his voice and his story. I am happy for him and his is an inspiring story of someone who has been given a second chance at life and to redeem himself for previous wrongs.
Like it or not, Ted Williams' celebrity has given an the voiceover industry an unprecedented visibility, validity and recognition. And there are pros and cons with this new awareness, but for Ted Williams it has provided hope, restoration, an opportunity for redemption, and a second chance to live a fulfilled life. I find Ted's story most inspiring and it motivates me to be a better person and to extend my reach to those who need help.
@Noah: Bob Bergen was pitching a VO-related reality-type talent show back in 2008. His was a very unique concept, but I don't want to elaborate because as far as I know he's still trying to get it produced.
And as I've already mentioned, I also would be interested in auditioning for this. Heck, a lot of us would. But I can't find anywhere on the web where Randy and Joe have even mentioned it before they offered Ted Williams a slot. I'm getting numerous queries about it through my"Voice Actors in the News" blog and I've just been telling people tocontact Randy and Joe through their websites.
I wonder, though, if Ted were on a talent show like what Randy and Jo eare producing, wouldn't he have a conflict of interest having already accepted the offer with the Cleveland Cavaliers? I mean, reality shows of this nature tend to have a lot of legal stuff involved -- I went through it myself when I auditioned for America's Got Talent 3 years ago. Part of the reason I declined to be on the show (I was selected for callbacks) was because I couldn't promote any existing product release I was associated with, and couldn't release product within the first year after being on the show. Also, anything I might have performed on the show -- my original material -- they would have owned.
And so I don't seem like a total insensitive jerk, I am happy for Ted that he has been reunited with his family and I wish him the best going forward.
So I just read about an upcoming competing show called Behind The Mic: The Voiceover Talent Search that'll be co-produced by Marc Cashman and Erik Sheppard they say that their hand was forced in announcing it prematurely because the idea was plagiarized. I really hope we don't have to walk on eggshells around here.
Perhaps there's room for both series without having to take sides in all this?
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