Red Flag on Lead

[avitoots]

I received a lead from V123 that stated: How to win auditions, voiceovers, Getting voice-over agent,

Be sure to include your phone number and email in your audition.

On your demos, include just the script read. Do not slate, add a tagline or your name, etc at the beginning or at the end. Client wants just the script only.

Should a red flag go up that they specify that they want the script only? And is there a discrepancy when they say to include your phone number and e-mail in your audition if they only want the script? This is the first time I've seen this requirement and it makes me wonder if it is suggesting that the client is going to use the auditions without actually hiring someone to do the job.

Arlene

[bobbin beam]

Arlene,
I participated in those auditions, but they only called for 2-3 lines of copy, and it was for an evangelical program, right? I just did a partial of the script, and I always include my contact information with the note submitted with the audio.

[avitoots]

Bobbin -- Since it was a posting on V123, I have no idea who or what it was for. I do know that it was for voicemail prompts. I always put my phone number and e-mail address under my name and, when it's in response to a V123 lead I put a request in all caps to contact me directly and not through the V123 link because the e-mail link doesn't work and I won't receive their e-mails. I have had contact with the idiots at V123 about non-receipt of e-mails from them to no avail so I have had to resort to the request paragraph.

Arlene

[Julie Williams]

I dont' read the entire script when they say that. But I do read part of it. And who knows why they asked for contact info? I would assume everyone includes their contact info on their bids.

[avitoots]

Julie -- I've been following your and other's advice about doing only a portion of the copy and/or making minor modifications to the copy. My concern was that the "client wanted the script only" comment that threw up the red flag for me. I always put my contact information under my name at the end of the proposal. As a matter of fact, since I've been having serious problems with not receiving e-mails from V123 I have put in a paragraph stating that they should contact me directly and not use the link on V123 since it doesn't work.


Arlene

[Julie Williams]

That's a good idea, Arlene.
I always write in the comments section that they can contact me directly. That's the only way you get their email address in order to contact them in the future, or market to them. Plus, it's easier to communicate with them directly, rather than through a site.

It's good that a red flag comes up for you when you see postings like that. There ARE scammers out there. Prudence is recommended. I've got an article about one such instance coming up in the November V-ZINE... it happened to a seasoned pro! (Deb Munro!)

But if you only do half the script or change the name of the product in the script, you're giving enough of a performance for them to decide if they like you or not!

Just remember, they can edit out a slate if you put it on there... so the fact that he wants JUST the copy really isn't indicative that he wants to use your audition and not pay. Chances are, the casting person doesn't want to give the client access to bypass him and hire you directly. He's likely numbering the voices so the client can choose one...or something like that.

But as a rule, I don't read all the audition copy. Just a portion of it. And not necessarily the first part...but the best part...the part that can make me shine above competition. Remember, theydon't always listen to the entire audition. I've cast jobs from voice123 and voices.com and when there are hundreds of auditions to listen to... you can determine to eliminate a talent very quickly--within a sentence or two!

[connieterwilliger]

Be sure to include your phone number and email in your audition.

On your demos, include just the script read. Do not slate, add a tagline or your name, etc at the beginning or at the end. Client wants just the script only.

Should a red flag go up that they specify that they want the script only? And is there a discrepancy when they say to include your phone number and e-mail in your audition if they only want the script?

Based on your statement here - I would interpret their request as the following...

1. Include your direct contact information in the written part of your "audition" proposal.

2. Read just the script (part or all - whatever you feel comfortable doing) - don't include a spoken slate or anything other than the words.

There are lots of auditions lately that ask for no slate, or effects. I certainly didn't get a red flag from reading this.