Santa Clarita Magazine readers continue to send in pertinent questions about the voice-acting business. This is the seventh and last part of my answer regarding voice-over demos, and in this case, a few things not to do:
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, CA
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 more tips to insure a successful outcome:
• Don’t perform copy that’s way outside your range. For instance, don’t try to mimic a deep, intoning announcer if you don’t have the voice for it — you just won’t sound convincing — or be competitive.
• Don’t try to fake sounding older if you have a young sound. Conversely, if you have a mature sound, don’t try to sound like a kid — you just won’t sound believable — unless you’re going for an animated character.
• Don’t spend your life savings on your demo. If you can’t afford to do it right, wait until you’ve saved up enough money. A professionally produced demo costs around $1,500. That includes scripts that a producer provides you, studio time, music cues, sound effects, an engineer, even an additional actor to perform with you on a dialogue segment. Also, it’s not always necessary to print your CD in four-color. As long as it’s neat and professional, black and white is fine until you can spring for something more exotic.
• Don’t send out your CD in an ultra-thin case or envelope. They have no spines! Your CD is invisible to anyone who’s storing them. Make sure your name is as big as it can be, and stands out against the background.
Some last words. There’s an old expression I’m sure you’ve heard before: “Do it right, or don’t do it at all.” Remember, you usually only get one chance to make an impression in this business, so make sure your demo is the best it can be!
I hope this information helps. I’ll be answering more of your questions next month. Good luck!
Cashman Commercials © 2008 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 .