Old enough to know better, but I love it. Demo critique pls

Scott Davenport

Hi Folks:

I'd appreciate your thoughts on the attached demo. I've been reading comments on other demos and they all seem very helpful.

So, please let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Scott

Scott Pollak · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007, 21:02 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Scott,

I've made it a rule to never critique any demo unless it's submitted by someone with the same name as mine. Or unless it's submitted by a male voice talent between the ages of 6 and 92. Or a female talent who speaks at least one language. Or unless it's the day after a major holiday and I'm really bored.

So since your submission fits into at least one of these categories...

Good sound to your voice, smooth, easy, friendly and natural. It may sound a bit too much the same from spot to spot though. As good overall as you do sound, I was wanting to hear some variety. All of the stuff on here sounds good, but after a while it all starts sounding the same. The FIRST variation I really heard in energy and pacing was the Kraft Macaroni and cheese piece.

The demo is a good length and kept my interest. I liked the way you wrapped it up. I wonder why, though, lately it seems like EVERYONE is opening up their demos with a car spot? Just curious.

You have good stuff here, well produced. The only real suggestion I can offer is to see if you can't inject a bit more variety into it. At this point I'm not sure if you can do more than one type of delivery (I'll bet you can). But you can certainly compete and contend.

Scott Davenport · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007, 23:24 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Scott:

I appreciate your comments. I don't know why cars seem to be first in line recently. And I understand what you mean as to the "sameness" of the demo. It's something I'm working on for my next demo which should be happening in a few months.
I'm taking a refresher course. I've overcome the "radio disease" as my instructor calls it and a few more phoners and I'll be to the next demo.

Anyway, thanks for taking a moment to reply. I worked for WPLO years ago (before the 100K station in Marietta changed to country), I can only imagine how the market has changed.

Have a great new year. And thanks again!

Scott

Lucas Nugent · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007, 10:16 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Scott, liked the demo, but I agree with... the other... Scott... and think more varation is needed.

However I think you sound almost identical to a guy named John Leader. Very successful VO talent, does movie trailers and such. He was in that 5 guys in a limo bit with Don LaFontaine.

Anyways keep it up! Cheers.

Scott Davenport · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007, 21:42 (GMT) Post subject:

Wow. Thanks for your comments! Now I have to go find that video again with the five guys.

I'm feeling really encouraged. Now all I have to do is make enough contacts and do enough auditions to make some cash. All in good time, I suppose.

Thanks again. Hope you have a prosperous New Year.
Scott

PS I'll be doing a new demo in a couple of months. I agree with you and the "other" Scott about the variety thing. I'll get that corrected with the new demo.

Robert Jadah · Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007, 01:48 (GMT) Post subject:

Oh, great...another good stylish voice dives into the pool. And you ain't just treading water there, partner.
I enjoyed it, Scott, although your voice in the opening Audi bit sounded so different that I really wouldn't have led off with it.
You have only nano-seconds to grab the client's attention, and it may be safer to open with something a little more standard than an obvious stab at posh.
Your Gatorade and Family Vacation, for example, sounded fairly similar back-to-back, and one of those might better have led off the demo.
To mine ears, there may also have been one or two too many snippets. The Unum could probably have been cut without any appreciable overall loss.
The production was solid, and the kiddie pieces really warmed up the whole demo.
Super ending.

I look forward to hearing more of you, and that's always a good sign.

Voice On!

Scott Davenport · Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007, 02:03 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Robert:

Yep. I agree with what you're saying. Oddly enough, the Audi spot was about the last thing I did during the session. I'm sure I gave away too much creative control to the guy doing it for me. I really needed something to get going, but changing the order and shortening Unum shouldn't be too difficult.

Thanks for your response!

Scott