Cameron's latest

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 17:39 (GMT) Post subject: Cameron's latest

Hey all,

I've been tweaking my demo lately--this one is something like version 28 so far. I'd like to chop it down to size but wanted to get a concensus on which ones should go/stay, because quite honestly, I'm still feeling my way through all of this.

Many thanks to Deby Cedar who did the opening slate!

A 28th Cheers,
Cameron

Lucas Nugent · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 18:47 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Cameron,
Just a couple thoughts here. I would not do the fades between the different cuts. Mix them in together nice and snappy.

I would put the "catch the boys of summer" and the "no one thinks about thiss tuff" closer to the front. It just shows more of a range and variety in your voice. ie I would arrange it blood, boys, thinks. And then so on.

Also wow Deby on the slate, awesome job with that!

Good stuff Cameron!

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 20:48 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks for the note Lucas. I really don't know how these things should flow so your suggestion helps a lot.

And, yes, the lovely and talented Deby did a fine job

Many Cheers,
Cameron

Lucas Nugent · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 21:16 (GMT) Post subject:

Honestly man my biggest stress when I do a demo is the placement of elements.
I'm sure there are people here with much more experience that can tell you great formulas, etc. But my understanding/strategy and what I do with my demos is something like
1) Power read (the best you've got and can do all the time)
2) some range
3) short power read
4) something different (different range, off the wall, etc)
5) the rest of the stuff

As is my understanding; if you hook them to 4, chances are good they'll be listening to the end.
But I don't think there is any 'winning formula', rather every demo is specific to its own elements.

Hope that helps!

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008, 21:23 (GMT) Post subject:

Good stuff! Placement has always been a mystery to me. I need to hit the books!

A Well Placed Cheers,
Cameron

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008, 12:01 (GMT) Post subject:

I re-edited my demo with Lucas' suggestions--thank you.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,
Cameron

Colin Day · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 14:26 (GMT) Post subject:

Some general thoughts on demo order:

I almost always start with my money voice, my signature read, if you like; the one I get asked for more than any other. IMHO it ought to be pretty natural and clear - not over produced. In fact, some producers I know state a preference for hearing a simple dry-voice spot as your first cut. That's a rule just made to be broken, but it's served a lot of talent I know pretty well.

I follow that opening with perhaps the biggest contrast I can find. And then I try and fill the rest of the demo with contrasting pieces.

I'm tempted to say that these days it's not a life or death decision what you put in the middle, most casting seems to go on the first few seconds of your demo.

I end with the signature voice again, although I do sometimes wonder who listens that far!

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 14:32 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Colin. I don't recall if the subject of order has been covered all that much on the forum but it's very interesting to read about. I tried to show some short variety clips after the opening piece and then filled the rest. I'm still working on more fresh clips to include...who knows what version I'll have later this month!

A Signature Cheers!
-Cameron

Colin Day · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 14:49 (GMT) Post subject:

You're welcome Cameron. The subject of demo order has occupied my mind for far too long. We get so obsessed over the tiny details that sometimes we can lose sight of the bigger picture.

One other thing that might help:

Why not have someone else cut your reel together? It's hard to hand your babies over, but you may be amazed at the different perspective that another pair of ears can bring. We bring too much baggage with us when we cut our own reels.

Colin

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 14:55 (GMT) Post subject:

I hear ya Colin. I'd love for someone to recut my demo--I'm building up to that point....soon, I hope. It's tough to get out of that old fashioned "do it yourself" mode...but I'm getting there.

An Old Fashioned Cheers,
Cameron

David Bosco · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 12:26 (GMT) Post subject:

Cameron:

In your demo, you have effectively made one minute and five seconds seem more like two minutes..... but not in a bad way like 'when is this going to end?'

I've been working on a new demo and want to show as much variety as possible, but I'm afraid to edit down each clip to where it sounds like the copy doesn't make any sense. To me, your demo proves that's a needless worry. Well done.

If you please, have a listen to my new demo (still a work in progress) listed here in CMD. I'd like to know what you think could improve it.

Thanks!