To slate or not to slate?

Lynne Alston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 743

Can you tell me the purpose of a slate, some VO use them and some don't?

Also when using a recording studio other than your own, do you use the same slate?

Thanks

Lynne

John M. Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 139

Hi Lynn,

I think slating is a good idea for a couple of reasons. First, it's just a way of introducing yourself saying hey, here is who you are listening to. It also gives you a degree of personality other than your read. Secondly, if a client is listening to several demos, which we hope he or she is......the focus is on what they are listening for. I would venture to guess that if a client hears something they like in the first few auditions...they will probably go back and listen again, hence hearing your name repeated. Hearing your name several times in the course of several auditions will make an impact.....and should make it easier for them to cross reference audio and proposals.

Lynne Alston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 743

Thanks John,
Name recognition is a fact I didn't think about, I just noticed how much more professional auditions sound with a slate.

George Karnes · **Voice Talent** Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: 905

Lynne-
Another way of doing that I have heard is stating your name at the beginning of the read:

"Lynne Alston for Waterford Crystal"

Lynne Alston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 743

Great idea George, even I can manage that one! I was a little concerned at having to come up with something more technical as in the likes of Scott, Amy and you.

Thanks.

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007, 18:15 (GMT) Post subject: slate away

In Addition to slating your audition file, I would suggest naming your files (unless instructed otherwise) something like Happy_Maids_JSGilbert.mp3

The front part being the client name or product name, etc. and the back part being your name, not my name.

It's also a good idea to do a little begging at the very end of the audition. mentioning a sick grandmother or tiny mouths to feed might sway the auditioner. If I actually know who the client is, I will go their home and threaten to jump out the window if I don't get the gig. I learned this from James Alburger. It was how he got his start apparently, although for some odd reason was ommited from his book.

(ummm, just kidding about the begging and jumping out the window bit here.)

Lynne Alston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 743

Thanks, J.S, I have been wondering what should be stated on the file, this is really helpful.

[quote="J.S. Gilbert"]
The front part being the client name or product name, etc. and the back part being your name, not my name.

Some light wit, I like it!

Anthony Reece · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 53

John Bigl · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Aug 2005 Posts: 905

thanks lynne for bringing up the slate topic...

and thanks all for the terrific suggestions...

Be Well

Lynne Alston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 743

Anthony,

Reading your post has made it clearer as to the relevance of a slate. After this post I started using my own voice, stating my name and the company name of the copy. Now I am actually using one that another voicer produced for my use. if you have a few minutes to spare, would you take a listen, is this slate setting me up for further listening or deletion? I personally love it, but as a director on a time limit is it too much?

Thanks Lynne

Allen Scofield · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 181

I prefer a simple slate. Just my name followed by the audition. I did my own.