Audition Suggestions

Deby Cedars · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1482

Well that totally makes sense. I've never casted VO....but I did do some casting work in theater and film.

I remember in high school drama tournaments doing monologues where the actors would introduce the monologue then bow only the head and then after a few seconds "come up" in character. Now my transformation from theater to film happened to be when I graduated from high school. Even though I did more theater I never did have to audition with a monologue again until I was at in camera Acting IN Action classes in Burbank. They were showcase classes....the jaded part of me would pretty much think....oh great I'm paying to audition...but they were very insightful.

Anyway some Film Directors HATE theater people....not all....but quite a few. I remember film "people" making fun of this.......so I wasn't sure what kind of directors the 4 directors ( and later 4 agents) would be......so I compromised.....I started the monologue sitting on the floor tearing little bits of the rim of a starfoam cup off slowly and the first line I read like I was talking to my self.....looking down at the cup....ofcourse I was supposed to have my two best friends in the room so I looked up at the imaginary friend on the second or 3rd line.

This has absolutely little to do with VO......but the whole conversation reminded me of how I would try to walk a line and not choose sides and please everyone......ofcourse my starfoam cup won't help me now, but I did get an agent from that and She said she really liked the "bit of business I did with the cup on and off in the scene where I talk about thing going bad with my ex.

Ed Gambill · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jun 2007 Posts: 585

I'm an audio engineer that has done audio for radio, TV and film production. To not have a slate on the head of any audio track seem to be unprofessional whether it union, guild or no union. There is always the potential to loose those embedded identifiers.

If for some reason the file is repackaged it would be important to have the slate before each audition.

I can't imagine a slate causing me any consternation, for me it would be helpful.

Having said that slates are important, it’s just as important that any slate need to be like Jack Webb would say on Drag Net. Just the facts Mama, just the facts. Name, Title, Agent (if represented)

Here is a point to consider. Allen I have fairly keen hearing and usually identify voices. This is a trait I suspect most VO talent enjoys. On the very first few seconds of your demo on V123, I think you sound like Robert Jadah. Based on you idea of no slates, If I hear your demo I would hire Roberts instead of you, because that is who I would believe it to be.

Maybe the VO industry needs to set the standard by which talent identifies it self to clients. By having an audible portion at the head of a file, the talent is sure to have proper identification and representation on all demos.

Quiet honestly If I were asked to not slate a demo, I would not do the demo

Bill Campbell · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 106

Wow! Four pages on whether to slate or not slate your name?

In this internet age your e-mail address or phone number might be a more valuable piece of info.

If the seeker gets to the end of your (:60 max) demo...they must like what they hear! Slate your name and phone number at the end.

Also, put your name and phone number in the title of your MP3 file.

Bill
Talent/Seeker
www.asapaudio.com

Allen Brown · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007, 17:14 (GMT) Post subject:

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007, 17:49 (GMT) Post subject: hit the nail on the head

Allison Scussel · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 928