My latest demo

[Bob Crandall]

Ok here it is. Let me know what you think.

Thanks
Bob Crandall

[jsgilbert]

Bob,
It's all the same. You have an interesting, I call it quirky voice, but I'm not sure it's showcased properly.SOme of the clips on here strike me as things you probably wouldn't be cast for, but more importanly, I learn nothing new about you from the 10th second to the close of the demo. Aside from the big smile that comes up in the scratcher clip, the cadence an tone is very similar from one to the other and also you seem to be pushing just a little too hard. I think a lot of the fun in your voice would be seeing it expressed in totally different ways - soft, crying, etc.

Did you have someone work with you on this demo or was it mostly something you did on your own?

[Mike Sommer]

The first thing I've got to say is, you have an interesting voice, and the slight lisp is charming. I think
perfecting a dead pan or clueless character would really severe you well.

This demo for the most part is good, but it's not spectacular, and that's what one needs to standout in a
world of good and average demos. After listening for a while, it seemed I was hearing a much of the same
read -though there are moments where you interjected bits of emotions, there is not enough to instill the
confidence of a director that you can handle any role given to you. There is also little if any contrast between
the spots, neither in terms of delivery, style, emotion or production.

I would suggest you look into acting classes, along with VO coaching to gain the acting chops one needs to
be competitive in this business. Also, as I tell everyone, you should not produce your own demo.

You have one of those voices that can really stand out, but you need the acting behind it to make it versatile,
strong and believable character voice. Much like Brian Posehn, who did a series of OSH Hardware commercials a few
years back. He owned the spots simply by exploiting his strength; his unique voice and a polished delivery of
his stock character.


Good luck

[Bob Crandall]

Thank you both so much. I do produce my own demos. Can't afford a studio, director etc. I will take your comments to heart., and practice daily. People tell me I'm not putting my best foot forward, but what is my best foot ? I was in a drama workshop a few years ago but the guy died and that was that. I'll look around there must something going on here in town. It was a lot of fun, even did some stand up comedy. Thanks again I really appreciate your thoughts.

[Mike Sommer]

Nobody can afford a produced demo, but then again, we can't afford not to either. This is a business where presentation
is everything, so there are no corners that can be cut. But now is the time to hone your craft and gain the skills in VO
that will put you in the place where you are ready to make that demo. Any acting work out is better than nothing, but
look for some VO coaching, this can set you squarely on the straight and narrow path of VO.

VO is a career that is built upon small gains. Sometimes it's two steps forward and one step back, but so as long as
you are moving forward, your still making progress. This is not a get rich quick business. It is a career that rewards hard
work and where the talent is rewarded because s/he has built a reputation as being a skilled, talented, gifted and trusted actor.

"Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself," the same goes for VO. There is no substitute; You've got
to want it, you've got to work at it.

[Bob Crandall]

Mike
Very insightful. This is the kind of feed back Ive been looking for. Glad I joined this forum.

Thank You