Plans for Marketing Online - Opinions please!

[Jon Morss]

I wonder if that would be appropriate, because that's actual work I've done with real characters from real shows.

What do you think?

As far as I am concerned, anything that you have voiced is fair game in a demo as long as it is good. If it is something that was actually used in a show then it is completely legit. It maybe a bit costly to keep editing your demo though. However, with your experience there is no reason not to add the roles to your demo. Its all part of your marketing. Don't be shy about what you have voiced even if it was "Soldier A".

I also highly suggest you get that resume completed to help market yourself.

As far as the Commercial thing is concerned, I am in the same boat. Just don't let it get you down and keep at it. The more you audition the more practice you get and the better you will become. You'll get there eventually. You have a young sounding voice with nice texture and you should play up to that. Just listen to what is playing on the Radio and TV to get an idea of what kind of reads book gigs and where your voice fits in. And, try to get your name and work in front of anyone that is in the position to hire VO talent; keep marketing yourself. But, before doing so, follow Bob's suggestion and work on the Commercial demo. Also, give Eric a call just to get an idea what your options are.

Good luck.

[MaryM]

Hi Jon,

Well, how do I go about working on the commercial demo?
This is what confuses me.

My first demo was done by a teacher at her home studio (yes, I know that was unwise)

Then after people heard it and advised me to get it redone I spent lots of money on a professional studio with a producer who helped via phone patch from San Francisco.

I've had the demos for a little more than a year now. No one said they were perfect but then no one suggested I have them redone... again. How do I find another producer who can help me do the things Bob suggested?

Dallas, by word of mouth, doesn't have too many good voice demo producers, if they did I would have used one.

So, in order to fix all this what am I to do?

Mary

[chucktaylor]

Mary,
Try Lambert Studios in Keller Lambert Studios - A Digital Recording Studio
I haven't used them,(I produce my own stuff) but they seem to be reasonably priced and they know about vo, in fact they have vo workshops.

CT

[MaryM]

Hi Chuck,

I know of Lambert Studios but I have no need of their workshops because it's mainly beginner stuff.

Even if I redo my commercial demo what if Bob still doesn't approve of it, or what if another professional disapproves?

I can't afford to make demo after demo.

And yes I know you have to spend some to make some but that's what I've been doing for three years straight.

So if no one approves of any kind of demo I make how can I do this right?

Mary

[chucktaylor]

There's a great vo book I'm reading now called Step Up To The Mic, by Rodney Saulsberry. It deals with having a positive attitude and empowerment. Obviously you're getting some work from FUNimation...If the rest is meant to be, it will come, but you'll make yourself sick worrying about what other people think...just my 2 cents.

ct

[Jon Morss]

Chuck -- Step up to the Mic is a Great book by a great VO Artist and I recommend it to all.

Mary -- Again, I feel your pain. This may be a bit off topic to some, but to me a demo is part of your Marketing strategy. One thing to note, and Bob mentioned in his response and I am sure he will respond again, everyone will have a different opinion on the work you do. To quote Rodney Saulsberry, "Beauty is in the Ear of the Beholder". Now I am no pro in the VO business and I may not be in any position to comment on other VO folks demos, but I can provide you with info that has been passed on to me. The best thing to do is talk with the folks that are in the position to hire VO talent in the field of VO that you are looking to get into or talk to a great VO instructor such as Bob. Since you are already working with FUNimation, and if you plan to stay in that realm, then seek someone there that can help you. I'm sure Vic Mignogna or Chris Sabat would be more than happy to work with you in that respect.

As far as the Commercial demo is concerned, Bette Zoller is another tremendously talented VO artist and instructor who is your area and on this forum. I'm sure she would be thrilled to work with you.
http://voicesvoices.com/

I hope this helps.

[bobbin beam]

If anyone has ?? about Voiceover Planet, pm or em me.

[Bob Bergen]

Hey kiddo!

First off, your passion and desire shines through!!! Good for you!

That said, 3 years is nothing! I posted here before that I studied for 4 years before making my first demo/getting my first agent, then had the day job for 5 years before I was able to make a living at VO.

However, I didn't care if it took me 30 years! I had (and have) a "nothing will stop me" state of mind when it comes to VO. It's the only way to have success.

But let's discuss what success is. If you put a dollar sign on success, you'll never be successful. Trust me!!!! You'll set a dollar amount. Then you'll meet your goal. And you'll realize that goal wasn't the "end all" you thought it would be.

By virtue of working at FUNimation you are a success. By virtue of having this forum to consult you are a success. By virtue of the fact that you have the chutzpah to pursue something that has no guarantees or concrete criteria, you are a success.

You need to (sorry for the redundancy...I should get a residual every time I repeat myself here) enjoy the journey. Most everyone makes several demos before making the winning demo. Lots of people take money from actors who aren't ready for a demo and make sub par demos. Many have no talent or right to make demos. I have heard some lousy demos from supposedly well respected people. I've heard some demo producers themselves have REALLY bad demos!! Embarrassingly bad!

You will know when you are ready for that commercial demo. You will know when you are at that competitive place where you are, for lack of a better word, brilliant. Got the slightest doubt?? You ain't ready. Do NOT let any teacher be the deciding factor as to whether you are ready or not. They tell you you are ready and you have doubts, then you aren't ready!!

Don't have the money right now for more workshops or demos? Save up! Take out a loan. Work 4 day jobs. ALL the things we ALL had to do to get to where we are. It's called paying your dues. If you go through life believing every opportunity reflects success, you'd be amazed how happy and successful you'll feel.

OH-and I LOVE Rodney's books!! I love Rodney! A brilliant talent and someone I'm proud to call my friend. I also love Elaine Clark's book, Susan Blu's, Joan Baker's. etc.

But one on one, or workshop training is the best. And you need to be in a workshop until you are making a living at VO.

Hang in there!! You're on the right track!!!!!!!!!!!!!

;-)

[Julie Williams]

Hi Mary,

Bob B's critique was so thorough! Awesome!

It's not always a mistake to have a vo coach record you in a home studio. It depends on the studio. The studio I used in Hawaii last week, Lava Tracks, was an amazing studio. I produced a couple of demos when I was there for talent who I am very excited about...she's new, but she's really good and very directable.

You can also do telecoaching. You dont' have to just train with DFW people.
Both marc cashman and I (separately) began telecoaching in 2008. Nancy Wolfson has been telecoaching for a while. I've found it a very good way to get valuable input inexpensively, by coaches who don't live near you.

Good Luck!
Julie
PS Who's your DFW agent?

[MaryM]

HI Julie,

Currently I'm signed with Actors Etc in Houston. It's very difficult to get an agent in Dallas but I'm trying my best.

I'm also signed with Lori Lins in Milwaukee and Moore Creative Talent in Minneapolis

Thank you for your thoughts and I received your CD.
Mary