Please critique me! :-) Thanks!

Jeff · Last edited by Jeff on Fri May 11, 2007, 19:18 (GMT); edited 3 times in total

Hi guys, have figured it out, thanks Scott. I would appreicate any feedback and suggestions you may have on this. The Demo is from a Self Training CD I did.

Thanks!

Jeff

Edited: File deleted, I know it was terrible, found out afterwards that the mic and pc I used had many problems. Luckily it wasn't my fault and the company I did the voice over for knows about the issue. Anyway, will try again in the future when I buy my own mic and own equipment and can put a real 100% better clip up here for reviews. Thanks.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 15:28 (GMT) Post subject:

Jeff,

See below for adding attachments. When you either create a post, or reply to one, there is a big blue line immediately below your text box where you can browse for your attachment.

I'll go listen to your demo and rip it to shre............ uh,..... I mean.... um..... CRITIQUE it. Wink

But it's way easier for folks here if the demo is actually attached to the posting so they don't have to navigate over to your V123 page.

Cheers!

Victor Harris · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 15:31 (GMT) Post subject:

Dude, you sound like that teacher from "Ferris Beuller"...lol. You need alot of work. Your demo should be about 1 minute with at least 4-6 spots. It can be anything for educational demos. You also need EQ...it sounds to tingy. Are you using a computer headset for a mic?

Start listening to some other people's demos. You will catch the drift. Your second language skill will give you a nice niche skill set. Use it too in your demo once.

Secondly, get a VO book and read up on this craft. It's just not that easy.

Good luck.

Jeff · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 15:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Scott, yes I did see the attachment area, and am very computer and forum savvy, but the format of the link was very different than what I have seen before, that is why I questioned it.

I have added the Demo to the original post. Thanks.

Jeff

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 15:39 (GMT) Post subject:

Okay, Jeff... back to ground zero.

For starters, please go listen to a bunch of demos of some of the top-notch talents on this site. This is what you'll be up against. What I'm going to get into here may sound harsh, but it's what you're going to have to hear if you have any thoughts of getting into v/o.

First of all, your demo is not a demo. It's one short dry boring read of exceptionally boring material done on what sounds like a $5 mic. The read is flat, emotionless, and sounds like a high-school science teacher reciting the periodic table.

The elements of a successful demo:
- A wide variety (6-8 clips/samples), fitting within about 1:00 - 1:30, professionally produced (music, sfx, etc.), using professional eqpt., showcasing range, texture, power, empathy, emotion, skill, training and the ability to take a piece of copy and turn it into a living, breathing entity that draws the listener in.
Your 'demo' had none of the above.

The elements of a successful voiceover artist:
- Resonance, range, emotion, interpretative ability, professional training, energy, 'coloring' of words, and an innate ability to pull life out of a piece of paper.

Again, I didn't hear it.

Jeff, truly I'm not being mean here (I think others on this forum who know me will attest to that). I've been a pro in this business for about 35 years and your demo isn't even a starting point yet.

Get some basic training, work on some real scripts, get production help, and - quite honestly - with a few years work, you might be able to get your feet wet here. I just want you to be honest with yourself about where you are and what you're up against.

Blessings.

Jeff · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 15:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Victor, ha ha ha. That isn't good. I have several I can put together for the demo I will revise that soon. I was using a professional microphone on a PC, they cost around $100-200, it was not a $10 mic, though the one I was using could have problems. I am not sure why it sounds tingy... hmmm

My Chinese language is not that great, but if the copy is simply enough then you are right, I should use it to my advantage and add one to the demo. Thanks for the advice.

Can you recommend any VO books that would help me specifically?

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 15:50 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Scott,

Thank you for the honest feedback.

I am quite concerned, the mic I am using is not a cheap PC mic, it is a professional recording microphone. I am wondering if it has some problems then, that isn't good.

I do not think you are being harsh, I need to hear it in order to get better.

I have listened to some demos, but I will go listen to more. Unforunately for the project I was doing they did not require much emotion as it was for a training course.

Thanks again!

Jeff

Victor Harris · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 15:51 (GMT) Post subject:

A good start is "The Art of Voice Acting" by James R. Alburger.

If you are using a good mic, then you have some major issues with your software or lack of knowledge in using it. You need to read up on that too.

Also, if you are not fluent in those languages, don't use them.

Good luck.

Jeff · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 15:55 (GMT) Post subject:

I will check out the book, thank you!

The software I was required to use was Goldwave and the client is ok with the work I did for them, or they know it is average and don't care...