7-17-2013
Today I'm fortunate to present a two-fer for our Expert in the Wings column. We will present it in two parts because there is no way to highlight these two great talents in one edition of "Experts in the Wings." This dynamic duo happens to be one of the most talented couples in the business, as well as one of the nicest. Oh yeah, they're a married couple in real life too.
Willy B and Lynn Hoffman are the equivalent of an all-purpose agency for virtually any of your brand needs.
I first met Lynn when she was one of the reporters for Metro Networks in Boston back in the early 90s and I instantly fell in love with her personality, passion, talent, and adorable spirit. There was no doubt in my mind she would become a major talent and it's become true. Lynn later went on to co-host with John Lander at WBMX in Boston, co-host at Fresh in NYC, become a TV host, actor, and voice talent.
She also added to her impressive portfolio by becoming a host on VH1 Classic and A&E Private Sessions.
Simply put she is one of the prime voice talents in America and quite a catch for not only her husband Willy but for you if you hire her.
I first met Willy also in the mid-90s when he was then production director of WBMX in Boston and found his creative wizardry amazing.
His company today is called TV for Radio and it can virtually serve as your own ad agency specializing in everything from advertising services, outdoor creative, TV spots, Internet services, and radio imaging campaigns.
If you were signing a station on tomorrow he's your guy.
Today it's ladies first and Lynn Hoffman.
Lynn and Willy B met at American Radio Systems in Boston, a venture formed by Steve Dodge and partners in the early 90s.
Lynn: I was doing traffic through Metro Traffic for the Joe Martell morning show on WBMX and Willy was working afternoon drive at WEGQ ?Eagle 93.7. I was brought over from Metro Traffic shortly after John Lander arrived in Boston in 1996 to continue traffic duties and co-host the Mix Morning show. John is one of the most talented radio personalities I have ever worked with and he's responsible for launching the careers of countless major league talents. John was a boss, a mentor, and a friend who I consider family to this day. Given the opportunity, I would jump at the chance to work with John again."
As Willy became creative services director for the Boston ARS properties, Lynn would become more interested in the voice-over world and catch the bug.
"I heard Willy was working with the greatest voice-over talent in the business and I wanted in."
Willy B: "The likes of Don LaFontaine, Peter Thomas, Chuck Riley, Percy Rodrigues, Peter Cullen, Vic Caroli, Brian James, Chris Corley, James Justice, John Pieisse, and a slew of others, it was a thrill to work with that caliber of talent. I even came in under budget."
According to Lynn she was hungry to jump into that end of the business knowing the degree of difficulty because it wasn't a "female friendly" time. "Willy heard something in my voice and saw my passion for voice-over and asked me to do some work for him. Next thing I knew we were on the Trump shuttle to NYC to meet with the William Morris Agency. Willy's massive connection network included Mark Guss and there I was with national representation and a new career path."
In early 2001, with the professional side of their life riding high, Willy and Lynn realized that they were in love.
The two headed to NYC four months after 9/11 without a job and with only a few months of disposable income. The Big Apple was calling and more career goals were in their sights.
Lynn: "It wouldn't be long before I was memorizing 80 pages of copy a week as the first on-camera host of a brand new TV network called VH1 Classic, and soon after would be hosting mornings on Mix 1027 FM in NYC with Greg Daniels."
Soon after, Lynn's voice-over career would thrive and her national TV career would take off. "When the A&E Television Network came calling in 2007 it allowed me to really spread my wings and fulfill what would be my proudest accomplishment in TV to date." As the Emmy-nominated host of A&E Private Sessions, Lynn had the opportunity to work with the biggest names in music and movies." I recently acquired the rights to Private Sessions and there has been discussion about bringing it to radio. I'm very excited about that possibility."
Lynn has been busy expanding the TV voice-over side of her career. "My agent Nate Zeitz at CESD has been busy launching my TV affiliate career. This too is a male-dominated part of the VO industry but I'm determined to break through. I'm currently on in Indianapolis with My Indy TV 23 and very proud to be the first female voice hired by Sinclair Broadcasting for ABC in Dayton and the CBS affiliate in West Palm Beach."
As far as the state of the industry, Lynn (and Willy) are eternal optimists. "Now is the time we need passion in the business. A passionate team that is well oiled is like a power plant. Remembering the listeners is paramount. Chasing the audience is usually a knee-jerk reaction that's done out of fear and is a telltale sign that a team isn't focused. It doesn't just happen magically. It takes a lot of effort and talent. When everyone on the team comes together you will win one way or another."
According to Lynn: "The female voice can be just as powerful a branding tool as the male voice. "I'm excited more and more programmers are starting to realize this."
If you are looking for a versatile voice and team player to image your Talk, Sports, Country, Rock, AC, Hot AC, or CHR station, reach out to Lynn's agent Nate Zeitz at CESD Talent Agency, 212-477-1666. You can see what Lynn's been up to at www. lynnhoffmanentertainment.com
Next week in Expert In The Wings: Willy B.
Buzz Knight is the Vice President of Program Development for Greater Media and he can be reached at bknight@greatermediaboston.com. Knight was named among ?Best Programmers? by Radio Ink Magazine in 2007 and 2010. He has served on the programming subcommittee of the National Association of Broadcasters(NAB) and is currently a member of the Arbitron Radio Advisory Council and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) COLRAM Committee.
If you want to recommend an "Expert in the Wings" email Buzz at bknight@greatermediaboston.com
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