Santa Clarita Magazine readers continue to send in pertinent questions about the voice-acting business. This is the fourth part of my answer regarding voice-over demos:
Q: I’ve voiced a number of commercials and think I’m ready to make a demo, but do I really need to? Any suggestions as to how to go about it? — Roberta K., Santa Clarita
A: There are many things to consider and remember before plunging into the project that will be your audio calling card, help you find an agent, introduce you to casting directors and producers and help get you work — providing you have achieved proficiency in voice acting. Here are a few tips to insure a successful outcome:
• If you can afford it, get an experienced director to help you. It’s very difficult to be objective about something as subjective as the sound of your own voice or the believability of your own performance. They’ll also provide scripts that are cast specifically for your voice, and suggest music cues, SFX, and the final order of spots.
• Sequence. Sequencing is crucial. If segments are similar, break them up with ones that are different (e.g., voice alone, voice with music, voice with SFX, dialogue, etc.). They should include reads that are up-tempo/retail, sexy/romantic, serious, straight, character, anything humorous, etc.
• Start and end with your strongest material. Keep your edits crisp and hard, your fades short.
• Limit your demo to a minute, 90 seconds tops. Agents don’t like them any longer.
• Print your cell phone number somewhere on your demo so producers and casting directors can get in touch with you immediately. If you have an agent, make sure you print their name and number as well.
I hope this information helps. I’ll have more to add regarding your question next month. Good luck!
Marc Cashman creates and produces copy and music advertising for radio and television. Winner of over 150 advertising awards, he also instructs voice acting of all levels through his classes, The Cashman Cache of Voice-Acting Techniques in Los Angeles, California. He can be contacted at cashcomm@earthlink.net or his website, www.cashmancommercials.com .