At Your Mercy: Narration Demo

[PierceVoice]

It's not where I expected to end up, but with more of these opportunities coming my way (and even a couple snagged for payment), I figured a nice demonstration of my narration/industrial "ability" is in order. Then I realized I have no idea what I'm doing.

I'm green, raw, learning and open to all your words!

Thanksomuch,

cpv

[Jacoby]

Okay, how weird is that?! Just minutes ago I started a thread called "Why I don't do narration"... :smiley:

Chadd... I can't help feeling this is not real narration.... it may be the idea, but it sounds a little too... commercial?? Anyway, I'm too far from "home" to be commenting on this, so... over to you, Scott... or Diane... or... others. But just for the record, I like your read. You could definitely do these types of reads, however they're categorized.

Oh! But one thing strikes me, everytime you post something there's this strange effect on your voice. I can't put my finger on it, but I was confident that if I converted the file to mono, it would sound really weird. But it didn't. I'm confused. And totally off-topic, by the way.

[PierceVoice]

Jacob,

First off, thanks for responding. I've taken your words much to heart.

Now on to that "effect". The one you're most likely feeling is a ProTools plugin that simply expands the frequencies somehows to make it sound fuller. Actually it's part of a template I use in my production job that I'm just too lazy to remove (since, so far, so good). There's some compression (too much probly), some eq, some other trade secrets. Too crazy?

[Jacoby]

Uhm... too crazy? Well.... I don't think it's a good idea to add any kind of effects to a narration demo. For imaging - sure! But narration needs to have that natural feeling to it, in the read aswell as in the sound. You definitely have it in your read (edit: apart from the "commercial" feel, which we have comented on), but my advice to you (I'M giving Chadd Pierce advice???! :uglystupid2:) is to lose the effect on this. Sorta like "Kill your darlings", you know...

[Diane Havens]

Yes, I'm with Jacob here. If you didn't tell me this was narration, I'd be sure it was commercial. Narration traditionally has more of a conversational feel to it, more intimacy. "Real" talk style, ya know. Some documentary work can be more stylized, according to the subject. But secondary to the visuals -- the voice can't be the star.

But hey, if you're getting the work -- it really is all about what the clients want. What kind of narration are you getting? Long or short form?

[jsgilbert]

Chadd,

There's a lot of different types of narration, including corporate narration, such as for product rollout or internet flash work. Also more storytelling types of narration, educational and instructive, such as medical or hi tech and also narration for video games.

The one thing my ear hears in Imaging is that the air is completely gone. This seems to be very ture of the way you mix and as you move over to "narration", understand that it is the air that allows for the deciphering and absorption of the narration. Work on your pacing and leaving lots of air in. Make sure that you words per minute count is a lot slower than advertising or imaging.

Visit any of the Pharm, med, hi tech sites and listen to the styl;e and pacing of the v.o. on their internet presentations.

[Emorgan_Voiceovers]

Chadd my friend, I have to throw in an "I agree with Jacob" also. I think the reads are pretty good, but the comp/eq is a bit much for this type of demo. Just be natural. I would also say, pay attention to the placement of each piece. Throw in two different styles right off the bat. start with your money voice, throw in something a bit different sounding, and then back to the money. Maybe finish with something a bit different too. All in all though, it is obvious why you get work.

[PierceVoice]

You guys are AWESOME!!! Thanks for the amazing responses-- not a one passed over by this student. Sounds like it's time to head off to my VO Dictionary, call up the coach, and unplug my plug-ins.

I REALLY appreciate your taking the time--

Vocally Yours,
Chadd

Post Scripting...

I am working with an fella reading his audiobook. Well, I'm not reading the AUDIO... more the book FOR the um yeah.
I've got a gig voicing 30 5min self-helpish online videos for a fitness guru/marketing godzilla. So far, so fun.

[Chrisrice]

I belated agreeance on the "commercial sounding" comments. And I can really hear the imaging v-o processing, which is the opposite of narration stylistically. Try taking your dry v-o as you'd send it off... no post processing at all... and slipping a music bed underneath, playing with the mix so it sounds like something you'd hear with video accompaniment. It'll take some getting used to hearing your voice "processed" like that, but once you get comfortable with how it'll sound in practice the easier you'll find it will be shifting your v-o into narration mode.

[PierceVoice]

And to you, Mr. Rice, I also send appreciation. Good thing I'm humble and my ego is not easily *sniffle*... bruised. *sniffle*

On that whole lesson of pulling back on the wacky radio stuff... Here's one from that "self help" I mentioned. I think I'm showing a lot more of what you're suggesting here.

[Emorgan_Voiceovers]

Yeah Chadd...that's the ticket. The "Self Help" thing is much better.

[Scott Pollak]

Chadd, the only reason I've not commented on your usual stellar stuff here is because, honestly, I pretty much agree with what's already been said. And you KNOW I think you're one amazingly talented guy.