Character Demo - Opions?

[kemitix]

I've made my first attempt at a demo. Went for characters, as that is what I have been doing so far.

What can I do to improve on this?

Thanks,

[JoeActor]

Hey Paul,

I like your accent (I take it it's natural). I may have to steal it! :smiley:

For a character demo, you'll want a greater range and variety of characters. This, to me, sounds more like a complilation of narration bits. Although there is some variation, it wouldn't fall into the "Character" range just yet.

To head toward a Character direction, you'll need to do some more homework. Accents, characters, etc can be developed in many ways. Classes, Theatre work, Improv, etc... There are even some good Dialect resources (cd's, online, etc).

Characters must "Live" - they must be more than a voice. The details and depths of character development show up in a thousand subtle ways when you're reading copy.

Wish I could suggest some good local resources, but I'm not familiar with the area. Look into theatre, improv, or character development classes near you. Community theatre is usually the lowest cost option of the three...

You may want to go to VoiceBank.net and listen to some of the character and animation demos there. Granted, these are (mostly) pro's and have been fully produced, but it will give you a better idea.

Hope this helps,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com (http://www.JoeActor.com)

[kemitix]

Hey Paul,

I like your accent (I take it it's natural). I may have to steal it! :smiley:

For a character demo, you'll want a greater range and variety of characters. This, to me, sounds more like a complilation of narration bits. Although there is some variation, it wouldn't fall into the "Character" range just yet.

To head toward a Character direction, you'll need to do some more homework. Accents, characters, etc can be developed in many ways. Classes, Theatre work, Improv, etc... There are even some good Dialect resources (cd's, online, etc).

Characters must "Live" - they must be more than a voice. The details and depths of character development show up in a thousand subtle ways when you're reading copy.

Wish I could suggest some good local resources, but I'm not familiar with the area. Look into theatre, improv, or character development classes near you. Community theatre is usually the lowest cost option of the three...

You may want to go to VoiceBank.net and listen to some of the character and animation demos there. Granted, these are (mostly) pro's and have been fully produced, but it will give you a better idea.

Hope this helps,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com (http://www.JoeActor.com)

Thanks Joe.

Yes, the accent is natural. I live in Fife, just north of Edinburgh.

I'm already involved with a few local amateur dramatics groups, so I guess I'm already working on some of your advice. As for the selection in the demo, they were from recordings I already had for either roles I had already done or had auditioned for. Guess I shouldn't hold my breath on those then. :p

I had struggled to find segments where they were talking for about 10-15 seconds.

I'll have a listen at VoiceBank.net.

Thanks,

[Dina Monaco-Boland]

Joe's giving you some tight advice Paul. My only addition would be to lose the music between the cuts. There are better ways to make the demo flow-- but I'm sure you'll be checking those out at voicebank.

By the way, I'm a sucker for a man with an accent!

[kemitix]

Joe's giving you some tight advice Paul. My only addition would be to lose the music between the cuts. There are better ways to make the demo flow-- but I'm sure you'll be checking those out at voicebank.

By the way, I'm a sucker for a man with an accent!

Why, thank you.

Yes, I'm listening to loads of demos. Everyone makes it sound so easy.

Leaving characters for now, till I get more experience, and can thus put together a decent demo.

I plan on putting together a narration demo this weekend.

[PierceVoice]

If it's not too late to catch ya, I figured... what's 2 more cents?

Here's a piece of my own that's gotten attention based on the attitude and way it's put together. Kind of an anti-demo, which can either demonstrate to your potential client that you have a confident understanding and are not afraid to have fun... OR... tells them you're a wacko worth ignoring.

I have to admit, I haven't tested it with clients, but folks here seem to have enjoyed.

Click here: http://piercevoice.com/images/PierceVoiceFunnyFile.mp3

Good luck, fella!