Voice-Overs.com - A discussion forum for the voice-over industry - View Single Post - Plans for Marketing Online

Bob Bergen · 01-14-2008, 07:16 PM

Hey Mary!

OK-first of all, you're in Fort Worth. Texas is the anime dubbing capital of the world. So demographically you are where you need to be for anime. Since anime is a big focus for you, let me discuss your character demo first. You do a lot of voices. But what I'm not hearing is original characters. Let's take that southern "voice" on your demo. If I were to tell you to take the accent out, you'd be stumped. That's because you aren't doing a character. You are doing an accent. Now, some characters have accents. But it seems to me you are relying on the accent to define that character. Bottom line is, it isn't a character. It's a voice with an accent. Your character demo needs more,well, characters. You need original characters. As original as Jimmy Neutron, or Bart Simpson, etc. Originality in characters is what will get you noticed!!!!!!!! Also, your entire character demo sounds like it was recorded on the same day, same mic, etc. Your energy has a sameness that makes your acting sound one note. Overall I need to hear more from you. You are on the right track. But I don't get that "wow" factor that is needed to compete/stand out amongst those already working.

Your commercial demo is OK.I like it more than your character demo. But again, I want to hear more from you. More conversational at times, less pushed, more real. But you're definitely on the right track.

I would improve the demos before further marketing. Once you get the demos rockin, I'd concentrate on getting more agents. Online VO sites are fine as well. It's a hard journey, Mary. But all of us have been on this journey. I'm grateful I got in when I did. As competitive as it was back then, it's 10 fold today!!!! Technology has opened up VO and made it possible to compete no matter where you live. However, due to technology, it's upped the competition 10 fold! So it's so much harder to get the gigs. Even in LA!!!!!!!!!!! So you aren't alone!!

But you do need to be better than everyone else! Your demo has to be as good or better than the top VO actors represented by William Morris. If you want the big bucks you need to work union. The only way to make a good living at VO is through residuals. And with union work you gain health benefits and a damn good pension.

But union work in down the road. If your goals are indeed that high you'll get there.

As for spending money joining online sites, ya gotta spend it to make it. There are no guarantees. But if it's important enough you'll do whatever it takes to make it in da biz.

The only online site I personally work with is Voicehunter. I joined them a few years ago. I decided to give it a year. If I didn't get work in a year I figured I'd chalk it up to a business write off. I lucked out in that I booked enough my first year to justify the costs. I now make more in a month than all the money I've spent being a member over the years. But that's just me. Again, not everyone will succeed.

But like I said, you never know till you try!

01-14-2008, 07:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bob Bergen User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 151	Hey Mary! OK-first of all, you're in Fort Worth. Texas is the anime dubbing capital of the world. So demographically you are where you need to be for anime. Since anime is a big focus for you, let me discuss your character demo first. You do a lot of voices. But what I'm not hearing is original characters. Let's take that southern "voice" on your demo. If I were to tell you to take the accent out, you'd be stumped. That's because you aren't doing a character. You are doing an accent. Now, some characters have accents. But it seems to me you are relying on the accent to define that character. Bottom line is, it isn't a character. It's a voice with an accent. Your character demo needs more,well, characters. You need original characters. As original as Jimmy Neutron, or Bart Simpson, etc. Originality in characters is what will get you noticed!!!!!!!! Also, your entire character demo sounds like it was recorded on the same day, same mic, etc. Your energy has a sameness that makes your acting sound one note. Overall I need to hear more from you. You are on the right track. But I don't get that "wow" factor that is needed to compete/stand out amongst those already working. Your commercial demo is OK.I like it more than your character demo. But again, I want to hear more from you. More conversational at times, less pushed, more real. But you're definitely on the right track. I would improve the demos before further marketing. Once you get the demos rockin, I'd concentrate on getting more agents. Online VO sites are fine as well. It's a hard journey, Mary. But all of us have been on this journey. I'm grateful I got in when I did. As competitive as it was back then, it's 10 fold today!!!! Technology has opened up VO and made it possible to compete no matter where you live. However, due to technology, it's upped the competition 10 fold! So it's so much harder to get the gigs. Even in LA!!!!!!!!!!! So you aren't alone!! But you do need to be better than everyone else! Your demo has to be as good or better than the top VO actors represented by William Morris. If you want the big bucks you need to work union. The only way to make a good living at VO is through residuals. And with union work you gain health benefits and a damn good pension. But union work in down the road. If your goals are indeed that high you'll get there. As for spending money joining online sites, ya gotta spend it to make it. There are no guarantees. But if it's important enough you'll do whatever it takes to make it in da biz. The only online site I personally work with is Voicehunter. I joined them a few years ago. I decided to give it a year. If I didn't get work in a year I figured I'd chalk it up to a business write off. I lucked out in that I booked enough my first year to justify the costs. I now make more in a month than all the money I've spent being a member over the years. But that's just me. Again, not everyone will succeed. But like I said, you never know till you try!