My demo to be picked apart please

Scott Larson

Attached is my demo, feel free to be as brutal as you need to be
I've been in radio for 19 years, and most of the last 9 as imaging/production director of a large mkt AC and Classic Rock stations.

Lance Blair · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008, 15:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Don't start with the first piece, it's too radio-ish-y (is that a word?) when compared to the others. Save that for a separate radio demo.

The editing is really abrupt in at least three of the spots - they're cut right in the middle of phrases. You just can't do that -either make them shorter or longer but the clips have to show you conveying an idea. You can't crop the ideas. Another thing is that you

see what I mean?

You're really good at the PSA - awareness social issues pieces. The living on the streets and the heartbeat pieces were the best. I liked your acting/charactery pieces too.

Surprisingly, I liked you least as an announcer. The stuff that sounds like the real you (or relaxed and having fun you) is really really good. For a first stab at a demo that's a huge step.

Scott Larson · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008, 18:45 (GMT) Post subject:

thanks for the comments
scott

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008, 18:51 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Scott!

It's all perfect! Couldn't be better!!!!
Of course I say that because you have a terrific name.

Now for the serious critique.
I agree with Lance on at least two points: Do NOT cut the pieces in the middle! How jarring and abrupt. I also agree that I like you the least as an announcer.

I think you could do extremely well in v/o. You have numerous very, very good bits here. My personal favorites are: The Merry Christmas skit, Wondering if you'll have a place to sleep, apartment with sheep.

I'd suggest you have at least two entirely separate demos; one for your announcer-ish stuff, which is all quite good for that type of delivery, and another showing your more 'real' side, which unfortunately for me will put you in direct competition with me.

There is increasingly less call for an 'announcer' but it's still out there. Most clients can get that type of delivery for free via the local radio stations they place their buy with. But your 'announcer' stuff is good. It's a bit more crisp, more energetic, than most. While it DOES sound like a somewhat typical radio guy announcer, it's well done and very professional. But you will find a lot fewer leads for that type of delivery on these types of sites.

You're a pro, you have good stuff, a nice sound, good production. Fix those things that Lance and I have mentioned and you'll be a major contender.

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008, 20:21 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott-

In my opinion (and that's all it is) I think your voice work is really good... there are some bits in this demo that show a great variety and range. I'd agree with Pollack that you're a contender.

The downside (and this is coming from a guy who's been a prod director for many years, albeit small market) is the way this demo is cut together. To be honest, I'm surprised that a major market prod director did the edits on this... I had to go back and re-listen a couple of times to certain parts because I was sure I must have heard it wrong. "Did that guy really just cut to the next segment in the middle of a word?"

Someone on one of these threads recently said that a voice actor's demo is like a first kiss... it has to be memorable. To borrow that analogy, I'd say your breath is nice, but you keep bumping teeth! (And before J.S. or someone else takes off running with this, I have no interest in actually kissing you... I'm straight and happily married... it's just an analogy).

I'd suggest taking some more time to perfect the demo so that the harsh cuts don't take away from what you're trying to highlight; your excellent voice work.

Again... just my opinion.

-Dave DeAndrea

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008, 21:17 (GMT) Post subject:

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008, 00:22 (GMT) Post subject:

Sorry, Scott! Since my last name is a little vowel heavy (as once famously pointed out by Jadah), I make it a habit of inserting random consonants into names to make up the difference.

-Dave DeAndrea

Scott Larson · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008, 01:39 (GMT) Post subject: Thanks for the critiques

I'll rework the demo, It was done after pulling 8 hours of recording clients who want to voice their own commercials and I was hearing voices other than the 10 already in my head. I'll do a rework and see if I can tweak it to the satisfaction of my peers. Again, thanks for the brutality. Happy New Year

Scott

Bill Campbell · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008, 15:33 (GMT) Post subject:

Leave out the skit, wasn't sure which voice was yours.

Lighten up on the compression. Sounds too radio, which is fine
ON the radio, but not on a VOICE demo. The over compression
takes some of the nuance and character out of your delivery.

The above said...you're a pro with a good voice, you just need to showcase it better in the demo. Put a variety of six spots, about
10 seconds of each, on the demo. Kick it off with your "money" voice - the one that is uniquely you.

Good hunting!

Blair Trosper · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008, 22:36 (GMT) Post subject:

The demo is satisfactory from a talent standpoint. But the actual sound of the demo sounds hollow and punchless. Looks like you hard limited it.

I'd love to hear a little more dynamic range in it.