Commercial/Promo Demo

Mike Mirzai · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008, 04:20 (GMT) Post subject: Commercial/Promo Demo

Bring it on! I can take it!

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008, 12:33 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Mike, welcome.

As I listened to this, here's the first thought I had (seriously):
"Who talks like this???"

Oh yeah, djs and a couple of those guys that actually DO this kind of big, over-the-top work. And you'll be hard-pressed to unseat them, especially considering that this doesn't sound natural for you. It's not bad, it just sounds like you're having to work pretty hard to emulate them and it's only a modest emulation.

Also, I hear one style here, and one style only. If I happen to be a client looking for EXACTLY what you have here, I might consider you, and in about 5 years on this site I honestly don't remember too many leads coming thru asking for the big, booming, NFL/Wrestling type announcer. And honestly, Mike? I've heard others do it better. I was never for one minute convinced that this type of voice is what you truly do best.

Can you do other styles? Can you be real? (It wasn't there in the 60 minutes bit... that one was noticeably phony and forced to my ears). Can you be conversational? Can you relate to the listener? I truly don't know because I don't hear it here. You sound semi-big here, but that's about it. I never felt any connection or empathy to the audience. Have you taken any voice coaching lessons or acting lessons? You need to diversify.

Sorry to be blunt, but that's how I am and the others here will tell you I'll be honest with you. If this is the only voice you do, you'll probably not get too many jobs. If you can stretch your wings, branch out and put some real feeling in your voice... well then who knows?

I wish you all the best!!

Lance Blair · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008, 14:08 (GMT) Post subject:

You have a good voice. You're pushing too hard and all the phrases have the same tone to them. The real ESPN hard sell guys don't push that hard and switch gears a lot in terms of pitch, tone, and pacing.

The less you push the bigger you'll sound, ironically.

The more your try to engage the listener instead of trying to sound big the bigger you'll sound, again ironically.

Less music before you speak on the first.
Put most of the animal planet SFX back in their cages - I liked this one the best though.
Scrap the whole :60 thing and just do a documentary promo with decent dramatic music.

good luck

Mike Mirzai · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008, 14:27 (GMT) Post subject: Thanks Scott!

Thanks, Scott, for being the first to critique my demo. As I've been combing the forums I've seen the level of involvement that you have with all of us and quite honestly, I was hoping to hear from you.

As far as your "who talks like this?" question, it's really funny because I hear that very often (I work in a restaurant) from people saying "is that really how you talk?! (with a shocked, almost borderline offensive, look of surprise on their faces)"...to which I reply "yes, this really is my voice." The 60 Minutes spot did feel the least natural to me too. I'd love to be able to hone this rough ability into a marketable skill.

I DEFINITELY hear you on the branching out thing. I recently landed a series of 5 Comcast TV and radio ads where they were looking for a "Game Show Host" type of voice. I'm happy with it as a start, but I'd like to learn more and be able to do more.

I keep hearing people say "get training" and "take lessons". I would love to. Can you recommend a person/place in the Baltimore /DC area? How do I separate the legitimate operations from the chop-shops? There are SO MANY "experts" and "professional voice instruction" places in my area that it's tough to know what's for real and worth spending money on. Training's EXPENSIVE. Any advice on this?

Thanks again, and I look forward to more talks.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008, 22:40 (GMT) Post subject:

Just p.m.'d my reply to you. Great attitude, Mike! I mean it.