A few questions

Levi Johnston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 6

Greetings.

1. I have seen the acronyms for TBNT etc. I know it stands for "Thanks But No Thanks", but so far every audition I've sent out since I began in April(?) is still in my "Answered" box with no indication that it was received...and no emails. Am I supposed to get a rejection note? That would be awesome, 'cause at least I'd have some closure for each audition. But, so far, I have a box full of 50 answered leads and delete box nearing 200.

2. Should I add effects, sound, and/or music to a demo recording, or are dry reads preferable?

3. For those leads that have a blank for numbers or brand name, I typically say my name in its place. Similarly, I have 2 short files I add to the beginning and end of my demo; the first is my name, the last is something like "this demo brought to you by .... you may contact me at ..." Is that good?

4. I don't have a fourth question.

5. Have any of you seen the Voice Acting Alliance forum and/or Pendant Productions? Are those good to add as experience?

6. I'm still learning the act of advertising myself. Thus far, I have just been doing bartered or freebie voice-over work for local radio spots and stuff. I guess this isn't a question, so ignore the "6" at the beginning there.

7. Character reels: Should I do impressions or my own characters? Does it matter if one of the impressions is a little yellow, black-spotted Interweb cartoon character that only speaks in squeaks and mumblings?

*sigh* Thanks!

Joe J Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 1521

Let's see...

1) Freddie can help you to get the TBNT's
2) I prefer dry reads for auditions. A few others disagree...
3) I use "Our Company" for blanks, and do a simple name slate at the start. A few others disagree...
4) I don't have a forth answer.
5) VAA and Pendant are good for getting some experience with audio drama. There's also Dream Realm (dregold.net) and others. But you'll still need some classes and training - no substitute for those!
6) NO FREEBIES!!! (mostly)
7) Develop your own characters for your demo reel. Lots more on this topic, but I'm out of time for now Wink

Wheeee!,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com

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

Levi:
1. Ditto
2. Ditto
3. I make a fitting one up; like SizzlyBuns for a restaurant, or BaleTheBux for a money-making web site, or FoggyAcres for old folks' homes. It ain't too professional, but I gotta have some little fun reading that tepid copy, no? And I prefer the slate at the end, to remind them if they're still listening.
4. Well, you should. I absolutely and wholeheartedly believe so.
5. Dunno. You shouldn't have had a Question Five. I have really strong feelings on that.
6. DO NOT DO FREEBIES! (In fact, I charge my family for the recorded message on our phone.)
7. Ditto.

Voice On!

Colin Campbell · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007, 04:51 (GMT) Post subject:

Dina Monaco-Boland · **Voice Talent** Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 671

Levi:
I just love a guy with a good sense of humor-- You're gonna be loads of fun!

Joe & Robert:
You guys always make me laugh!-- Thanks!

Cira Larkin - Studio 53 · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 497

Debbie Deutsch · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 1338

Levi Johnston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 6

Thanks for all the help so far. After reading a bunch of past discussions, I am really pleased to be among such supportive and friendly (and frequently funny) company. I'm very excited to be a part of this!

I have now a followup question: You mentioned classes. I live in rural West Virginia (town of population: some cows, lots o' deer, millions of cars parked on cinder blocks, and teens of citizens.) Granted, I have access to the nearest big town (Charleston), but as far as I know, there are not really any VO classes that I know of, or at least have seen advertised.

Even in college, where I was president of our theatre society, we had a theatre minor, but only a few acting/production classes--not so much anything geared toward voice acting.

So, any suggestions of where I might find some kind of classes, or maybe even what kind of title such a class might have?

Thanks!

Levi

Nancy Moore · **Voice Talent** Joined: 31 May 2007 Posts: 13

I have a radio background but part of my experience includes a syndicated PRI classical music program. But I'm not getting any responses to my replies. I've done both custom and generic and I'm getting frustrated because I hear nada, zip, zero -- How can I make my demos the "right" demo? How do I catch someone's ear? Do I need to juice up my experience or resume with chatty stuff? Please give a hand (ear)! Rolling Eyes

Thanks!

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

Levi: aside from looking for amateur acting troupes, you may look into a host of network voice coaches. You'll see their names bandied about many threads here at Savvy.
But your easiest immediate first step might be to post some of your daily auds at the oddly-named Demo of the Day thread. Dozens of your fellow voicers hear 'em, analyze 'em, and critique 'em.
It's also wonderful training to hear various takes on the same texts.

And, Nancy, that lament is a very common one. I suggest you take a look at the General Discussion thread (there's a Boo-Hoo post there right now), and elsewhere among these countless pages. You are not alone; and really shouldn't worry at this early stage.
Pop some auditions at Demo of the Day. Get some feedback, at least.

Voice On!

Brian Goodwin · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 113

Hey, Robert.

Do you know of any good places to get some additional training in the GTA (whether it be acting or VO related)? Saw the Jay's jersey in your avatar and figured you must be from around here...

-Goods