Old Commercial Demo

[chucktaylor]

I need to update my commercial demo, but for kicks, I thought I'd throw my old demo from 3 years ago up just to see what you guys think. I thrive on constructive criticism, so don't be afraid that you'll hurt my feelings. As my grandpappy used to say, "The day you stop learning is the day you need to dig a 6 ft hole and bury yourself!" (besides, I know I've improved in 3 years or I wouldn't be working in radio in DFW) And yes all voices are me (ok except for the shout!)

ct

[chucktaylor]

What? Is it that bad? There's been like 8 views and no replies. Honest, I'm a big boy I can take it, that's the only way I'm gonna grow.

[JoeActor]

Hey Chuck,

I'm one of the "lurking listeners"...

I don't do radio or liner work, so no expert testimony from me.

Sounded fine to these untrained ears,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio (http://www.JoeActor.com)

[chucktaylor]

Help from anyone? Would really like some feedback before I try to put together a new commercial demo... I know I need a few different reads, but is there anything else that I'm not hearing that you think would help me as I try to step more into the world of VO.


Thanks!
ct

[Jon Morss]

Chuck - Nice variety. I would have placed the 'Movie 16" spot first and maybe include more like it; more straight reads that show off your natural voice and then sprinkle the others in and around them. A good idea, as I have been taught, is start with your "money voice" and build the energy as the demo moves along and then end with the"money" voice again. As far as including characters, some think that you should "keep like with like". That is, keep commercial spots on the commercial demo and character spots on the character demo. But, this is more of a personal preference. It can add more flavor to a commercial demo if they are not over done and used sparingly. One character spot is usually alright.

Well, that's all I got for now. Keep at it.

Jon

[chucktaylor]

Thanks both Joe and Jon. I appreciate the input! Jon that's exactly what I was thinking for my new demo, I just never thought that the Movies 16 read was my money voice. That demo was made in a hurry in '05 when I had just be let go from a radio station and needed a new job...it was that demo and my on-air demo that got me the gig I have now in DFW. Will keep this and other input in mind as I start putting together my new demo. I also get what you're saying about character voices, I just looked at it as a commercial and didn't even think about doing a separate demo but as I'm on this forum more and more I'm seeing several demos is the way to go.

Thanks again,
ct

[chucktaylor]

So, I took Jon's advice and rearranged my demo for a better flow and removed for the most part the character stuff to a separate demo. See if this is any better. I'm so used to doing things for radio, that I've got to change my way of thinking for VO work, so any and all input is appreciated!

ct

[JoeActor]

Hey Chuck,

Nice. I like the flow of both demos much better...

(you do a mean Clinton!),
Joe

[chucktaylor]

Thanks Joe! I added him to my list of characters back when I was going to college in Arkansas and he was Gov. Was able to use him again in the 90's and now that Hillary is runnin' I was able to pull him back out for that spot. Love him or hate him, people recognize the voice.

Thanks Again!

ct

[Sameera]

Hey, I agree with Joe...It sounds much better the 2nd time...I'm not an expert though, so I can't give much advice other than I see an improvement haha