My first Character demo in English

Leif M. Synnevaag · **Voice Talent** Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 22

Hi,

I have been in my studio and have I have tried
to cut a demo showing some of my international English characters.
I would be thankful for your feedback on how to sell the package further... etc. Thanks.

Leif TheViking Rolling Eyes

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008, 16:33 (GMT) Post subject:

I don't usually like the "hey listen to my demo, hire me" kind of thing....but I am truly entertained. (It doesn't hurt that your voice makes me swoon, but I digress.)

The production moves. I'd say you could use this, to start with, as a promotional piece -- but I'd have something with these characters -- and more -- to submit to American agents/studios for seriously getting work. Listen to Rajiv whose last name I can't remember and J.S. Gilbert's character demos for guidance on good character demo structure.

Also, your music seems too loud -- maybe it's because I'm a middle-aged woman..."turn down that music!"

Leif M. Synnevaag · **Voice Talent** Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 22

Melba:
When you say "- but I'd have something with these characters -- and more -- to submit to..." what do you mean?

How long should a demo like this be, and what kind of add ons would you suggest Melba? I'm gonna work some more with this demo before I send anything to the agents.

Thanks for your time honey. Appreciate it.

Leif Confused

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008, 17:35 (GMT) Post subject:

I apologize for being unclear. And I do have a few more thoughts that might or might not be of use.

For a real demo reel, drop the sales pitch -- the demo should stand on its own. Instead of saying things such as -- hire me if you want this kind of voice -- just show what you do without the explanations of where you're from and what you are about to do -- for instance, "do you want a French accent?" Just do the French character voice. Also, less music in between voice clips. When you stop talking and the music is playing for too long, it could give the listener an opportunity to press the stop "button"; don't give the opportunity for that. The length is about right, I think -- should be 1 to 1.5 minutes, ideally, and loaded with your voice doing your character voice magic.

Work on expanding your repretoire, too, before you send out your final demo, but concentrate on creating characters more than just being able to do a variety of dialects -- believable or not.

Does this make more sense?

Leif M. Synnevaag · **Voice Talent** Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 22

for the clear views on that. Much appreciated.

Leif

Leif M. Synnevaag · **Voice Talent** Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 22

Hi Melba, and everybody else reading this:

I listen carefully to what you say Melba. I have been down in the basement trying to do the follow up - and have cut a new piece. Please tell me if there are annoying bits here, or other stuff that you would recommend adding or deleting. thanks all.

Feedback helps. Thanks.

Leif.

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

For a guy stabbing at a second language, Leif, that's a pretty good stew right there.

Trouble is, North American seekers aren't going to give you any credit for that; the thing has to stand on its own.
To start with, I find it about :30 too long, with too many short bits, all of which makes it sound like a guy in his basement just rattling off funny noises.

I'd suggest six of the stronger characters (the Scandinavian fisherman, the italiano, the "leggy" thing come to mind) and flesh them out a bit. Drop such weak bits as the Churchill and other short snippets and strive for putting some characters into your character demo.

Viking On!

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008, 22:58 (GMT) Post subject:

Yep, yep and yep. Mr. J is correct, I think. You've got some really good characters in there.

The characters I found most interesting were: the guy who says "come, come, come I will give you AN advice" (funny line, too); the guy who says "Thor put down that hammer"; and the guy who says "I would have to take you by force" (but maybe I just like hearing you say that... Laughing

Sorry!) Short snippets are okay, but allowing development is better. And never cut off in the middle of the sentence ... let at least a complete thought emerge.

Leif M. Synnevaag · **Voice Talent** Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 22

Thanks for the input.

Robert; The Force is strong with you, I can tell, even from here (over the Atlantic.) I listened to some of your demos with the sun in my face. Very tasty. Sun is shining here today, spring is in the air.

I shall cut down on the characters, fatten them up a bit, give them more life. I shall work on that thing. I think also you make a strong point on "credits from agents etc". Being clever ain't enough.
Has to stand - even if the wind is blowing....(?)

Melba: thanks for your guidance. The sentence you like is from "Who's afraid of Virginia Wolf, and it's Richard Burton telling Elisabeth Taylor, "......and then I had to take you by force, right here on the living room rug..." (Do not compare!) Smile

I think I shall go for 5-6 characters, give them more life, extend their personality, grow their hair, feed them Belgian cheese,
walk them in the park, let them fight etc.

It's also interesting to notice that Robert and Melba prefer different
characters. That must mean some thing...?

Thanks for your kind attitude.
Much appreciated.

I'll be bekk. (sweet arnie)

Leif

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008, 14:42 (GMT) Post subject:

I think Mr. J and are having totally different reactions to the sound of your lovely voice. At least, I hope we are. Shocked