April 3, 2017

Meet Martha Mayakis of TalkShop in Sherman Oaks

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Mayakis.

Martha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a voiceover casting director for 23years. I got my start at The Voicecaster and was invited to open TalkShop in 2008.

As a casting director – I’ve cast and directed thousands of commercial, animation and narration auditions – with all the top talent in this city.

As a VO teacher and coach, I’ve worked with hundreds of students – from newbies to seasoned pros looking to improve their booking ratios.

As a demo producer – I’ve produced dozens of VO demos that helped secure talent representation and help book talent great gigs.

And now I also manage the studio facilities at TalkShop. I still wear all those hats – sometimes all in the same day.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Changing technology was a challenge at first. I started my career recording on reel-to-reel, moved to DAT, then mini-disc before finally moving to computer-recordings with Sound Forge and then Pro Tools. Each new system is a challenge but of course improves the quality and ease of auditions and the final product.

Additionally – the industry has changed so much in the last 2 decades. All auditions used to be face-to-face – which allowed greater opportunity to direct – based on personal knowledge of talents’ strengths. New technology has made it more convenient, but also diluted the talent pool -making getting any work an accomplishment. For both individual talent and casting facilities.

TalkShop – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
TalkShop is truly a one-stop VO shop. We have 3 beautiful recording studios which we utilize in every possible way: recording sessions for TV & radio commercials, animation, video games, narration, promos, ADR, etc. via phone patch, ISDN, Source Connect, SKYPE or live in-studio, every day – as well as teaching group classes and private coaching sessions, producing demos, and recording auditions.

I think what sets us apart is that although we do it all – you still get personalized attention. If you work with us – you know who we are and that we’re willing to get you what you need. We like to deliver what you need in a fun, and efficient environment.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Nothing public or earth-shattering… just personal notes from students who feel as if their lives have been changed in some positive way by having worked or studied with me.

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