Crawling Before Walking

George Karnes · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007, 17:08 (GMT) Post subject: Crawling Before Walking

I had a really lame demo up and knew I needed to replace it. This is just two corporate pieces and the time is less than a minute. I really appreciate any critique on it. I plan to add commercial, narration and other things as I learn more.

Thanks Everyone

Simon Hill · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007, 21:33 (GMT) Post subject: Re: Crawling Before Walking

Scott Pollak · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007, 22:33 (GMT) Post subject:

George, George, George, George, George..... what ARE we gonna do wit' you, buddy?

You're such a lovable guy, but there's just no way around it. The demo sucks big time. I simply can't sugar coat it and I think you need to hear it straight.

The production is weak... bad music, popping p's (plosives) and no life to it at all.
Next: Your delivery. I want you to stop right now. Put away all copy, and look up some voice classes in your area. Your delivery is flat, stilted and has no life to it (there's that word again). George, I really am not trying to be mean here... I'd LOVE to see you get some work. But until you get some training and learn how to really feel and deliver a script, and THEN get a killer demo done (that's when you can call Simon, the relentless salesman who now has his hooks into this site...), you won't get any voice work of any consequence. You really do need some training on emoting, feeling the script, some diction issues, etc.

You're the kind of guy I'd like to have for my brother-in-law or next-door neighbor. But right now, based on your demo, you're not the guy I'd hire to do my narration.

Blessings, and please take this in the constructive manner in which it's offered.

Amy Snively · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007, 23:28 (GMT) Post subject:

Oh George! I love you, but it's just horrible! Are you open to the notion that it's a little soon to be trying to cut a demo? Could you sign up for a class? This time next year, with some solid training, you could really be kicking VO butt!

George Karnes · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007, 23:59 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott & Amy-
Thank you for posting. Can you tell me how you really feel and stop sugarcoating it?

Seriously, I understand I need help. I am working on trying to get it. But is it hurting me to have something up there for a demo?

Also, do I have a voice for voiceovers or is there even such a thing?

I love you guys too. I actually have a brother-in-law who likes eating phlegm just like you Scott Wink

Amy Snively · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007, 00:00 (GMT) Post subject:

George-- thanks for being a good sport. Yes, in this business, it is worse to have something bad than to have nothing at all. If you think about it, it only makes sense.

xo,
Amy

Victor Harris · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007, 01:11 (GMT) Post subject:

Nice talking with you on land line George. Good luck bro. Wink

George Karnes · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007, 01:16 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Vic-
Thanks for taking the time. I have a lot to work on.

George

Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007, 02:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey George,

You're a good-hearted guy to be so open to what is, admittedly, a very strong critique, and I do appreciate that.

I echo what Amy says about the demo. As is, it just won't get you any jobs, so I'm not really sure what the point is of having it up there. I think it will turn potential clients off and of course THAT'S not a good thing.

As far as whether you have what it takes to make it in this business.... I honestly can't say at this point. Your voice is pleasant and friendly; very much like a Tom Bodet kind of voice. You have this hugely down-home, atta-boy feel to your voice, but even should a client want that, you are untrained in delivering a script. Plus, there's just no power, or punch, or energy in your reads.

I can honestly tell you that to succeed in this business you absolutely, positively are going to have to get some serious training. No ifs, ands or buts. You're going to have to spend some money to attend multiple classes FROM A PRO to learn emphasis, voice exercises, interpretation, diction, losing your accent (yes, you have one), breathing, tonality, projection and so on.

Then, after all that you'll need to get with a talented producer (yes, yes, Simon, we KNOW you're out there.....) and pay some money to assemble a really professional demo that might give you a fighting chance in this truly dog-eat-dog profession.

My hopes are that you DON'T disappear from this site or profession. You're too nice of a guy and we need more like you hanging out here.

George Karnes · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007, 03:30 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott I am so glad you posted. I was just folding up my tent about to pack it in. Wink

I don't want to say I am too smart to think this would be easy, but... I am to smart to think this would be easy.

I am going to keep working and work on those things you all have mentioned.

Thanks again,

Tom Greenlee · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007, 03:47 (GMT) Post subject:

George....I'm new to this forum but I feel like I need to chime in too. I too think you have a very nice, pleasing sounding voice and with training and alot of practice I believe you'll be a force to be reckoned with. Training and practice alone even without a voice of your quality will get someone jobs. Your voice with training and practice will be killer. Go for it man....just take your time....alot of time....the longer you take the better for me....hahahaha