1. How did you become interested in your profession? What do you enjoy most about your calling? I started in radio when I was ten, and really enjoyed being reading the script or interviewing other children. I studied theatre (acting), Dance and Piano and my college years were spent at the Pasadena Play College of Theatre Arts, and I received my Master’s Degree from California State University in Theatre.

2. What was your first year like? I actually don’t recall a specific first year, acting, dance and writing have always been part of my life.

3. What were/are some of the obstacles you have encountered? In the field of Voice-Over, and I did start some many years ago, there was still a prejudice against women voicing documentaries, educational or industrial films and video’s. That, of course, has changed through the years.

4. What is the most unique aspect of your business? In Voice-Over one has the luxury of not being judged on looks, but rather one’s vocal delivery of the script or copy. So, I don’t worry about memorizing scripts, wearing make-up and costumes, being overly concerned about my weight or whether my face is showing signs of aging. What counts is how I deliver the copy when recording in the studio.

5. From where do you draw inspiration? In the writing part of my career, inspiration seems to come from everyday experiences or events. As for my Voice-Over career, it is the joy of giving the best performance possible when reading a script.

6. What significant partnerships have played a role in your success? I’ve never had a “partnership” however, I have had several very dear and close friends who supported me spiritually and with encouragement and even criticism in my work as a writer and voice-talent.

7. What would you say is your “claim to Fame”? I don’t know if I have any “claim to fame” but I think my best success comes from a flowing well of inspiration for writing and script interpretation that never seems to stop.

8. Since the focus on the Women’s ECommerce Assoc. is to help women connect and do business on the web, could offer one piece of advice about the internet/ ecommerce/ websites to our readers? I think it is important to keep one’s website updated with new and interesting material as often as possible, and to make the site easy for the not so computer savvy individuals to navigate.

9. What are some of the trends you are noticing in your industry? In the Voice-Over and On-Camera Industry, I notice a big trend for actors to use their own recording and editing programs on the computer at home.Home studios are ever more popular, and use of video-cameras and computer.

10. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Look for new horizons to expand your skills.

To contact Betty Lougaris, visit: www.mediaguilds.com

© 2006 - Heidi Richards is the author of The PMS Principles, Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business and 8 other books. She is also the Founder & CEO of the Women’s ECommerce Association, International www.WECAI.org (pronounced wee-kī) – an Internet organization that “Helps Women Do Business on the WEB.” She can be reached at www.HeidiRichards.com.