British Narration Demo - pull it apart please!

Colin Day

Hi Everyone

Would appreciate some feedback on this narration demo. I produced it for someone I'm rather close to, so my normal objectivity is out to lunch!

Thanks in advance

Col

Robert Jadah · Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006, 04:06 (GMT) Post subject: Colin for Emma

Colin:
At your request, here's my critique of Emma's demo:
All in all, a classy and just-short of raspy-enough tone in a well-produced (take a bow, Sir) piece. However - and keeping in mind that this is a North American take on a Brit take - I found it monotonous. That is, the whole demo is of the same voice. For example, towards the end, Emma does not sell the phrase "much more than the sum of its parts." It's kind of flat at a point wherein it should absolutely not be. Thought she was smooth and velvety and very much herself on the Office Angels bit.
In short, I think Emma has a distinct and sell-able voice. She - like most of us - needs more drama and empathy in her read.
I salute your devotion,
Robert Jadah

Chip Hinshaw · Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006, 04:36 (GMT) Post subject:

Colin -

I have to agree with Robert: While I absolutely LOVE Emma's voice, the clips sounded a lot alike. I'm also from the rebel side of the pond, and I'm really only accustomed to how it's usually done in the here in the States.

So, my personal preference would be to hear some variety (what she's able to do with that voice).

Hayley Richards · Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006, 18:18 (GMT) Post subject:

As a Brit, I must say that Emma has a great accent if indeed she isn't British, but American! I'd certainly use her!

Nikki Saco · Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006, 17:15 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello Colin,

Emma's voice is wonderful, very natural and the production on the clips is excellent. I didn't find the overall voice as monotonous as Robert found it. However, I would probably separate the first two clips since they seem the most similar, and perhaps move up the Vividas diesel spot, which has a powerful and attention grabbing music background. I'd end with the video on computers spot so that you can finish with the frustrated scream, which now gets lost in the segue, IMHO.

Nikki

Colin Day · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006, 16:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey - thanks for that Nicki - I'll give those changes a try!

Col