Bring it on!

larry · 06-05-2009, 03:07 PM

Just completed a new commercial demo with a pro and I am interested in opinions of fellow pro vo folk.
Be nice!

BrentAllen · 06-05-2009, 03:11 PM

Dope man!

Emorgan_Voiceovers · 06-05-2009, 03:11 PM

Very nice. My only suggestion would be to move the "5 Pairs of sunglasses" spot to maybe the second spot in the demo. It would then show immediate flexibility in style and delivery. Nice work though. I like it.

Mike Sommer · 06-05-2009, 04:01 PM

Very nice sound. As a matter of fact what struck me the most about this demo, is each spot sounds like it's produce by the same person. I like to mix it up and use different studios and different engineers. But over all it sounds really good.

The one thing I always strive for is a wide range of emotions and reads that sharply contrast one spot from the other, this will demonstrate your versatility.

What I'm getting mostly from you are measured, calm middle voice reads (very nice by the way) but I would to see a few of those spots amped up a bit, with a different attitudes or energy - just to see what happens. I think what you'll end up with is a demo that can have a surprise around every corner, and everyone wanting more at the end. E's suggestion is a good one for in moving in that direction.

One final thing that I noticed was the swallowing sound effect at the end. If found myself thinking about that sound effect more than I did about anything else. It's not a bad thing, but it was distracting to me. And I find it strangely odd that your demo starts and ends with sound effects. (Just throwing that observation out there)

Over all good job

shenecke · 06-05-2009, 04:03 PM

Larry, who did you do your demo with. I live in the area and am looking to do a new demo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry

Just completed a new commercial demo with a pro and I am interested in opinions of fellow pro vo folk.
Be nice!

feverpa · 06-08-2009, 10:08 AM

What I hear is the same problem I had. My "money" voice is that 'middle of the road', concernced, serious sound. And I found that when I listened to my demo with an impartial ear - there was too much of that voice, over and over.

The sunglasses spot is the only REAL departure - show of "range". You clearly have it. While all these spots sound good, they mostly sound too similar to be strung together on a demo.

It literally sounds like you sat in front of one mic, and read the lines from this demo straight through, and the demo was produced - instead of the individual commercials being produced.

My advice would be to take the sunglasses spot, and the absolute best other 2 clips from this demo, and start there, and try to find some real variety to flesh out a new version. and as I listen to it again - I find myself thinking that your "read" on the Brita spot just isn't right for the spot. It's got that same "breathy mystery" to it, but what I want to hear is more of the guy in the sunglasses spot - the regular guy.

Try thinking of each style as a separate character (The mysterious announcer, the quirky regular guy, etc.....) and read EVERY spot you do in EVERY character you have. You'll discover some things.

Each spot sounds real, and good - but the demo isn't diverse enough.

BobbyH · 06-08-2009, 10:02 PM

Don't change a thing. You have found your signature sound. You showcased it and placed yourself into a few different parties where your inflection would naturally change.

May the good fortunes of VO be bestowed upon your door step.

Scott Pollak · 06-08-2009, 10:10 PM

I want to be Larry Wayne when I grow up.

Mike Sommer · 06-09-2009, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobbyH

Don't change a thing. You have found your signature sound. You showcased it and placed yourself into a few different parties where your inflection would naturally change.

I would agreed, if this were a perfect world and there were no other actors striving for the same jobs.
But a "Demo" is to Demonstrate your abilities and range as a Voice Actor.

If an actor can only display one emotion, or one voice then that actor has effectively Typecast him or herself in one role or one character.

Diversity of character and emotion will increase you value as an actor.

Just food for thought.

BobbyH · 06-09-2009, 01:58 AM

If you want to believe that, go right ahead. Free country. If you want to make it in the major leagues as a commercial, narration, promo or trailer actor; I would put that thought far behind you. You want to be typecast. You want to be the first actor every producer thinks of when producing a project that is in your niche. After you have secured your position in the industry, then you can spread your wings...a little. Remember, it is only your point of view that differs you from other actors.

If you want to create different voices and characters, try animation or video games.

06-05-2009, 03:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
BrentAllen voice123.com/brentallen Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Posts: 1	Dope man! __________________

06-05-2009, 03:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Emorgan_Voiceovers Emorgan_Voiceovers Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lafayette, Indiana Posts: 768	Very nice. My only suggestion would be to move the "5 Pairs of sunglasses" spot to maybe the second spot in the demo. It would then show immediate flexibility in style and delivery. Nice work though. I like it. __________________ Pay Me To Talk, Pay Me To Shut Up, Either Way.. http://www.morganvoice.com

06-05-2009, 04:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mike Sommer User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,158	Very nice sound. As a matter of fact what struck me the most about this demo, is each spot sounds like it's produce by the same person. I like to mix it up and use different studios and different engineers. But over all it sounds really good. The one thing I always strive for is a wide range of emotions and reads that sharply contrast one spot from the other, this will demonstrate your versatility. What I'm getting mostly from you are measured, calm middle voice reads (very nice by the way) but I would to see a few of those spots amped up a bit, with a different attitudes or energy - just to see what happens. I think what you'll end up with is a demo that can have a surprise around every corner, and everyone wanting more at the end. E's suggestion is a good one for in moving in that direction. One final thing that I noticed was the swallowing sound effect at the end. If found myself thinking about that sound effect more than I did about anything else. It's not a bad thing, but it was distracting to me. And I find it strangely odd that your demo starts and ends with sound effects. (Just throwing that observation out there) Over all good job Last edited by Mike Sommer; 06-05-2009 at 04:12 PM.

06-08-2009, 10:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
feverpa Kevin in Indianapolis Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 97	What I hear is the same problem I had. My "money" voice is that 'middle of the road', concernced, serious sound. And I found that when I listened to my demo with an impartial ear - there was too much of that voice, over and over. The sunglasses spot is the only REAL departure - show of "range". You clearly have it. While all these spots sound good, they mostly sound too similar to be strung together on a demo. It literally sounds like you sat in front of one mic, and read the lines from this demo straight through, and the demo was produced - instead of the individual commercials being produced. My advice would be to take the sunglasses spot, and the absolute best other 2 clips from this demo, and start there, and try to find some real variety to flesh out a new version. and as I listen to it again - I find myself thinking that your "read" on the Brita spot just isn't right for the spot. It's got that same "breathy mystery" to it, but what I want to hear is more of the guy in the sunglasses spot - the regular guy. Try thinking of each style as a separate character (The mysterious announcer, the quirky regular guy, etc.....) and read EVERY spot you do in EVERY character you have. You'll discover some things. Each spot sounds real, and good - but the demo isn't diverse enough. Last edited by feverpa; 06-08-2009 at 10:13 AM.

06-08-2009, 10:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
Scott Pollak Warm, Real, Natural Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,881	I want to be Larry Wayne when I grow up. __________________ Scott R. Pollak Warm, Real, Natural... The Voice of NPR Atlanta www.voicebyscott.com

06-08-2009, 10:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
BobbyH User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 133	Don't change a thing. You have found your signature sound. You showcased it and placed yourself into a few different parties where your inflection would naturally change. May the good fortunes of VO be bestowed upon your door step.

06-09-2009, 01:58 AM	#10 (permalink)
BobbyH User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 133	If you want to believe that, go right ahead. Free country. If you want to make it in the major leagues as a commercial, narration, promo or trailer actor; I would put that thought far behind you. You want to be typecast. You want to be the first actor every producer thinks of when producing a project that is in your niche. After you have secured your position in the industry, then you can spread your wings...a little. Remember, it is only your point of view that differs you from other actors. If you want to create different voices and characters, try animation or video games.

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