LEADS AND READS - WEEK OF 3/03 TO 3/09

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

(I guess the seekers won't any time soon be clamoring for V123 to bring me back, what with the Patricks and Travises and Kents and Daves et al.)
Sigh.

Great, great read Patrick: distinguished a la Orson Wells, and rich and smooth as a fine wine should be.
Salut!
(And I only use two exclamation points per year.)

Now if I could just infringe on your time for a while. I have a PANIC situation here.
I've been called for a studio audition tomorrow; one of those dreary, run-of-the-mill castings that are potentially career-making and life-changing, for goodness sake.
No sweat there; we do them every decade or so.

But the prod people know of my interactive game roles of late, and asked for a shortish (2:00) compilation of bad guys. Since my filing system is only slightly less complicated than the US political process (super delegates?), I could only quickly patch together some small snippets and original auditions.
I added some small f/x and some musical notes.

Question: does this work? Or am I better served by begging for some time to get my bit together?

(I know this shouldn't go here, but I need pro feedback ASAP.)

Thanks all.

Scrambling On!

Erik Sheppard · **Voice Talent** Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 1317

I am sure that will suffice RJ. They will probably just be listening to see if any of your stock voices will work for them anyway but I think you did a fine job putting it together on short notice.

I wouldn't stress about it.

Plus, it is probably a better idea to get them what they are asking for ASAP before they start listening to too many other people.

Patrick Willis · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 22

I loved the drip-drip-dripping sound! Damn... it concentrated my listening by ten.

I can't fault your voice, but at the risk of being shot down here, I'd say the client would have way more admiration for you if you told them that you would not dare put together a rushed version of a demo. However many people they listen to does not really matter, your range and style is powerful and commanding, and, it's always proper to make a grand but late entrance hehe.

I'm not exactly sure what it is, or whether I looked for something after reading your final question, but I reckon the music/effects a a tad strong. For production purposes they are good, but for a demo... your voice should be the dominant feature.

As I said about the dripping... your voice became everything, augmented by the drip effect, and my focus on the voice was exponential. When the scary music returned, I tended to split my focus.

On the other hand, it's strong enough as it is to showcase your talent, it could just be stronger, given a few tweaks.

Deby Cedars · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1482

Robert....I loved a lot of the voices on that. I thought the Rasputin character was the weakest link. His voice was not big enough to overcome the music. I'm NOT saying you should take the character out...just redo when you have the time.

I auditioned for a beach commercial called Shaggy Marlin. They asked for a middle age voice. I can't remember whether I posted it or not in last weeks L&R.

I got a really nice personal letter from the seeker saying that someone else had already gotten the part but, that he was really glad he found me because he was always looking for unique voices and wants to work with me in the future. That they often did history or travel channel type stuff but, that he never liked "Announcer" reads. He actually told me to bug him so that he would not forget me......Best "you didn't get the job" email I've ever gotten!!!

Colin Campbell · Demo Processed-03-06-08.mp3

Robert.... sweetend "a bit." (Well.. actually to the LIMIT.)

Travis . · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Feb 2004 Posts: 55

Hi Robert.

In my limited experience with auditions, I've found that it's impossible to figure out what a potential client or casting director is looking for. Since I work in Southern California, I frequently get to hear the end result of the casting process. Most of the time my reaction is "What were they thinking????!!!"

If the call is for "real-not announcer", when I hear the spot on the air, it's straight announnce!... The call is for a "youthful" voice... the final spot is obviously someone in their sixties... etc. etc.

To me, the question you should ask yourself is "Is this an honest audition? -- Is this what I would like give of myself for this particular role?" If it is, then you've given it your best possible shot. If it isn't, then it would probably be wise to make it so. But maybe not.

Erik Sheppard · **Voice Talent** Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 1317

Nice job "sweetening" Colin.

Man, I know what programs you use but I would love to know what you do to, um, do what you do.

Reverb, compression, dynamic processing, hard limiting.....

Am I close?

Deby Cedars · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1482

YOU CAN "SWEETEN" ME ANY TIME COLIN!
That Rasputin was so much better. Wink

Jodi.....the client has opened my audition but, I did not get a rating....nor did I get a rating on the Shaggy script or even the Wrangler Jean spot I just booked a gig on.

Jodi Krangle · **Voice Talent** Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 65

Kent LaTurno · **Voice Talent** Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 212

Robert, I loved it. Wonderful work all around.

I think the first voice set could be shortened for the demo, as I get the gist of it after his first set of evil laughs... but that's nitpicking.

Well done. Great to hear your stuff! Oh, and happy birthday!

Evil voice guy on!

Deby Cedars · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1482

Here's the Shaggy Marlin script. They asked for a middle aged voice and I completely ignored the direction for such.

Jodi Krangle · **Voice Talent** Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 65

Ahh... I see what you mean by "Shaggy" now. Smile

It's hard to know what the client will final settle on. I've always heard that if they like your voice, they'll find a way to use it. Wink

LOVED the "Southern Belle" first take, Deby. Now that's enthusiasm! Very Happy

All the best,

--Jodi

Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008, 21:51 (GMT) Post subject:

Just finished (I think!) a job for a repeat V123 client that I wanted to share with you all. A church in WA state that has used me for a while now. They do these mammoth, fully-produced productions at Christmas and Easter. This is about the 6th variation of this particular piece as 'the powers that be' kept changing their minds about the tempo and music, but they're overall awfully good folks to work with. Enjoy.

Jodi Krangle · **Voice Talent** Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 65

Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008, 22:16 (GMT) Post subject:

Yes, Jodi, they asked me to 'lighten up' for the second half to separate the opening message from the directions, times, etc. Not to mention the music change. Thanks for the kind comments!