CAN'T GET ANY REPLIES!

Martin Smith · Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006, 07:13 (GMT) Post subject: CAN'T GET ANY REPLIES!

I AM WRITING THIS OUT OF FRUSTRATION! I HAVE BEEN IN THE RADIO BIZ FOR OVER 15YRS...AND BEEN ON THIS SITE FOR OVER 7 MONTHS ANSWERED OVER 300 PUBLIC LEADS AND NO RESPONSE!!!
NO ONE JOB!!! COULD I GET SOME FEEDBACK OR A CRITIQUE OF MY DEMO!!!? WOULD BE APPRECIATED I CAN TAKE ANY CRITIC!!! NO PROBLEM!
SINCERELY
MARTIN SMITH
(CANADIAN)

Scott Nilsen · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 231

Martin, I certainly understand the frustration that you are feeling. Have answered several hundred leads, but landed only 1 actual job (several almosts, but what good are those?).

You have a great radio sound, good pipes...but all of the spots sound like that. Mix up with some other styles and tempos, and you'll be good.

Paxton Greene · **Voice Talent** Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 91

Hey Martin!

You've got a great voice! I agree with the above comment to mix it up. Also may want to try to add some background fx, or music to really make this demo pop. Best to you man!

Pax

Connie Terwilliger · **Voice Talent** Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 409

Martin,

Did someone tell you that hearing a dry track was the best way to evaluate a voice? You actually say that in the middle of the demo...

If someone is asking you to read a bit of their own script for a custom demo, then I'd agree with you - but if you are shot-gunning a demo to lots of people - or asking someone to cast you off your demo - you need to help them imagine the big picture of what it is your voice can do. They are not hearing their words, so they have to have confidence that you can deliver what they want.

This is the reason for the constant plea for variety on demos. Pacing, attitude, product/subject matter, POV, energy, mic proximity, type of script, music, sound effects. Make the demo sound real and well produced.

If the only thing you have as actual material is all the same tone and pace, then look for new stuff and create some fake spots to add interest to your demo.

I find that in general people hire me to do the same kind of read - so that it gets harder and harder to find variety in my actual produced material, so every few years, I will create some new material to fill in the blanks. I am Thrilled when someone throws an unsual spot my way - I can't help but think "Yea! Something new for the demo!"

One more comment - you still sound like a radio DJ - nice pipes, but missing the critical acting element of the delivery. This may be why you are not getting the jobs.

If there are no acting or VO workshops in your area, please get one of the good voice acting books out there and work you way through it/them doing all the exercises - aloud - recording everything you do.

Record yourself having a general casual conversation with someone and see what natural voice patterns you have. Getting a good baseline understanding of what you sound like when just speaking and when reading will help you as you listen for changes and improvement.

I use Elaine Clark's "There's Money Where Your Mouth Is" in my voice acting class at San Diego City College. The other book I recommend is James Alburger's "The Art of Voice Acting." The third edition just came out and it is even better than the second edition. (I am included in the book this time around, but have always had it on my recommended reading list.)

Connie Terwilliger
www.voiceover-talent.com

Martin Smith · Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006, 03:46 (GMT) Post subject: A THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!

IT'S NICE TO HEAR FROM NICE PEOPLE WHO COULD CARE! WHO CAN BELIEVE TALENTED COMPETITIVE PEOPLE WOULD CARE? BUT THEY DO! A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL WHO RESPONDED TO "CANT GET ANY REPLIES!" YOU ARE GREAT AND YOU MAKE A GUY FEEL HE IS NOT ALONE IN THIS CYBER FREE FOR ALL!
THANK YOU YOU ARE GREAT AND BEST WISHES!
MARTIN SMITH

Barry Seymour · **Voice Talent** Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 60

Martin:

You have great pipes, a wonderful-sounding voice. But if I may say, sometimes things sound a little 'forced.' It sounds like you're straining to add expressiveness and resonance. It also sounds like you're forcing a touch too much friendliness and authority into the performance.

I would recommend relaxing a bit and branching out; look for more character roles, or a more relaxed approach. My VO coach tells me that 'authoritarian' voices are of the past, that today's announcers must relate as an equal to their listeners.

I am no expert; I can only tell you what I think and what I'd like. Please take my suggestions/thoughts with a grain of salt. I mean no disrespect.

Regards...

Barry

Rodney Dean · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Posts: 6

You have a great resinance to your voice! If you're having difficulty getting jobs off of the auditions, maybe try to change up the type of reads you are doing on your demo to broaden your audience.
Rodney Dean,
I AM also Canadian!
www.rodneydean.com

Rich Nelson

I agree with some of the other feedback you've received and have a suggestion for you. If you can, adjust your compressor a bit so it doesn't sound like you are in a tunnel (I call it talking through a paper towel tube). I have to do this when I produce my demos. Also, de-ess the demos if you can, your s pronunciation is whistling a little. If you can't de-ess then try lowering the high-end of your EQ settings.
This will add some body behind you and give a nice warm presentation to the listener.

Good Luck!