Santa Clarita Magazine readers continue to send in pertinent questions about the voice-acting business. This is the third 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, 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 tips to insure a successful outcome:
• Select radio or television copy that shows some range, and pick copy for products and services that match your age, i.e., young people shouldn’t be doing products and services for much older people and vice versa. Don’t string together a bunch of tag lines — it doesn’t showcase your acting abilities. It’s much easier to sell something you believe in than something you don’t. And don’t use copy from magazines — that copy was written for print, not broadcast.
• Make sure you have duplicate scripts for the engineer and producer/director.
• Prepare. Pre-production is key. Have your spot excerpts/scripts rehearsed and timed out. Have an idea of what music you’d like behind specific pieces, and have a list of SFX you’d like to try. Make sure you get a good night’s rest, have something to eat (avoid dairy, carbonated drinks, spicy, greasy or salty foods, liquor and cigarettes) about two hours before the session, and bring plenty of water. It’ll be one of the most exhausting sessions you’ll ever experience!
I hope this information helps. I’ll have more to add regarding your question next month. Good luck!
For more information, Marc Cashman can be contacted at cashcomm@earthlink.net or through his website, www.cashmancommercials.com .