Ready to find an agent, but is my demo ready?

Derek Shetterly

After 23 years in the business, I'm ready to find an agent and step-up to the next level of voice work. Hopefully find some bigger clients, etc. I would like an objective opinion on my demo. All input welcome, even the painfully honest kind! Thanks!

Robert Jadah · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007, 02:45 (GMT) Post subject: Demo-ready

Derek:
Nice work! Nothing wrong with that, although I listened three times and the last word of the demo was cut off each time. Could be a tech glitch on my end.
I would only caution that - contrary to what you hear and read - a great demo is no longer the magic portal to an enchanted world.
You can - and I hope you will - schlep that jewel around to a dozen agents and they very well might yawn and say, "I'm representing 39 of those voices right now. Got anything different?"
Home studios and the internet have created a tsunami of voice clips.
It's good to have. You will use it.
But get out there and market YOURSELF.
'Cause nobody else will ever care as much.
Nice demo, man. Go get 'em.
Voice On!

Scott Pollak · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007, 02:55 (GMT) Post subject:

Derek,

Overall a top-notch demo. Like Robert, the end just abruptly cut off for me, too, so be sure to check that. Loved the segue of the opening from the disclaimer guy to the next piece... very smooooooth. Also, you're extremely good at what you do but this demo is going to pigeonhole you a bit into the medium-to-high-energy announcer arena. That might be all you do, though, for all I know. And let me preface this comment by saying that I, personally, don't care, but the spot about the Gay Atlanta nightclub jumped out at me. For some clients that MIGHT be enough for them to deep-six you. I'm not saying it's right, but it's something you might want to think about. Your demo is strong enough that if you get rid of it the demo won't suffer. Gotta walk on eggshells all too often avoiding politics and sensitive issues when we're job-hunting, y'know.

Overall a good job though!