Voice Demo critique

Howard Yates · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008, 16:53 (GMT) Post subject: Voice Demo critique

Hello! I hope everyone's having a good New Year! To start things off for myself, here's a recent demo I put together of some work I've done lately. Let me know what you think, all suggestions, comments, and pointers are welcome!

Thanks!
Howard V. Yates

Bob Bergen · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008, 21:55 (GMT) Post subject: Re: Voice Demo critique

Robert Jadah · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008, 01:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Welcome to the carnival's House of Mirrors, Howard. Nice to hear from you.

The first thing you must do in 2008 is to can that demo. Not only is the lead-off Fort Knox stilted and unenthused, it is far too seasonal to be part of your auditory business card.
You then move into a rather pleasant Heating and Cooling spot that runs way too long, and then abruptly switch to an imaging bit which probably doesn't belong on a This is Me exhibit.
The Breath bit is nice (with a very suitable bed), but the Turned to the Heat is a very weak attempt at narrative. I - at any rate - got no storytelling warmth out of it.

That doesn't leave much, Howard.
You exhibit enough nice tone on a couple of spots to lead me to believe that you either have or will have many better snippets to work with. I suggest you avoid the common pratfall of rushing to DemoDom.
Work it slow. Gather up your best over time.
Find your voice.
Then lay down the dynamite demo that will proudly showcase your stuff.
This one's neither here nor there, and will hurt you in the long run.

Voice On!

Deby Cedars · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008, 05:23 (GMT) Post subject:

Another thing that is missing here as well as on even well done professionally produced demos like Colin's new work......is to have at least the appearance of each spot being done at a different studio... Like maybe one spot far from the mic and one must closer. Different compression levels I suppose. I'm just guessing because I'm not an engineer. I really don't know how the professionals demo studios do this. It's not the same thing as good production....it's good and different for each spot production. My commercial and narrative demos were done the same day at the same studio...when I was very new to VO, but you can hear the production on it different for each spot.

Perhaps this different studio on each spot stuff isn't as important for V123... Since people expect our stuff to be produced at our home studio.... but it sure makes the spots sound even more real.....and therefore make YOU sound more experienced. I had practiced the Covergirl spot and was disappointed when David Goldberg out of no where told me to "loose all that drama and record it really fast" I still think the way I had rehearsed it would sell the product better...but he was right in making me do something in a pace that was much quicker than my normal voice.

I think your even less able to create your own commercial demo than I'm capable of creating my own character demo. ( the one I have on there is really just an audition and it sounds like it). This does not mean your not talented.....(hell I don't even know how to string my jingles together yet) It just means you need some professional real guidance. Unfortunately this costs $$$, but it's an important investment! Rolling Eyes

Bob Bergen · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008, 14:01 (GMT) Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008, 18:38 (GMT) Post subject:

You've got to compete with the best and for LA that means getting one of the top voice coaches on board ,in my case Brodie Castle, one of the top creative directors, Sam Wyndblaas and a top Sound designer, Raoul T Cornelio who mixed the 5.1 dolby surround sound for all of Julia Robert's Brazilian arthouse movies.

I think they really nailed it for me .....

Howard Yates · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 01:54 (GMT) Post subject: Demo Critique

Hey everyone!

Thanks for listening! As Bob mentioned above, this is a "combo" demo that I put together featuring my latest jobs. I know what it is not, especially now, but that's why I posted it on here, so that I could get feedback. This voice-acting adventure has been a ton of fun with a lot of hardwork and to get to this point is great because I get to hear an honest opinion from you. I appreciate your comments and guidance on this demo and will continue working.

Thanks again, and I'll be back soon with something new (and hopefully far more pleasing to your ears) in the very near future!

Howard V. Yates

Connie Terwilliger · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 02:42 (GMT) Post subject:

I was actually afraid to click on that "demo" Philip...

Robert Jadah · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 04:54 (GMT) Post subject:

I shouldn't be telling you this, Philip, but I've worked with both Brodie Castle and Sam Wyndblaas, and they have this 'thing' about UK voice talents.
In fact, I once heard Brodie (or BroCa, as we insiders call him) declare that "the only good voice over Scotland is the north wind."
I think they sabotaged your demo.
The first bit, for example, is too flat as a lead-off. I'd suggest alternating it with Number Five, then moving two to four, and three to five, five back to two, one overlapping three, and then compressing everything to -25 db, with a stronger attack processing.
Don't forget that a slate might or might not be important, and I'd suggest a sultry female voice either at the beginning, end, or not at all.
The demo might also be improved with subtle bag-pipe music between the clips.
You might also want to work on eradicating the vestiges of a UK accent. I can't imagine anybody with a delivery like yours making more than $200 a year at V123.
Voice coaching and books are readily available. I suggest you get serious about your craft, and avoid such Scot Scotchers as the production people you currently use.

They obviously don't like you, and are only too happy to take $800 from another wannabe.

Good luck,

Port Gord On!

Philip Banks · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 09:14 (GMT) Post subject:

You know nothing! I've been doing this 17 years and it's only a matter of time before I'm picked up by some high rolling on-hold service or Parish magazine.

While I have struggled to launch my career, such was my the size of MY talent that 3 wives and 5 girlfriends have left me to make room for it.

Brodie, Sam and Raoul were so impressed with me as I worked with them they have insisted I come back every month to make more demo's - $800 per month invested in my success.

My voice is like it's from a planet! Brodie's actual words were ....

"Philip, you sound like you're talking from Uranus".

Everyone listen to my demo again. I must suffer for my art and so must you.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 13:43 (GMT) Post subject:

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!
Y'know, if ya GOTTA hijack a thread......

Laughing

Diane Havens · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 14:00 (GMT) Post subject:

Robert and Philip --
That is definitely one of the FUNNIEST exchanges I have ever read on this board! Thanks -- a good laugh first thing in the morning!
I suppose we should get back to the thread now -- what was it? Oh, yes, hang in there, Howard, and enjoy the often bumpy ride.

Sid Whatley · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 18:00 (GMT) Post subject:

Ok..........I took it off.