Character Voices

Kevin R. Hoskins · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 21

Please give me your opinions and suggestions. All comments greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007, 08:12 (GMT) Post subject:

'Mornin', Kevin and happy '07!

Listening to your demo and here are my impressions:
- Do I think you can do character voices? Yes.
- Do I like your demo? No.

As sadly seems to be the case with too many character voice demos, it sounds like you sat down, opened the mike, and did it. There's no professionalism or production going on here. While you do pretty well at various voices, I quickly began to get turned off by what sounded very much like a homemade demo and the method (the mix) of delivering your product (the voices) took precedence and you lost credibility with me. If you simply want to know how your voices sound: they're fine. If you want to use this as a character voice demo: don't.

There's no energy happening here, no effects or music to make me think you've ever actually done this for a client.

I'm going to, again, attach my own character voice demo as an example. I ALWAYS put a caveat here saying I'm NOT a character voice expert. I'm really not. And I make very little of my income from doing character voices, although I do do them occasionally. But there's a forward momentum happening in my demo that (I hope) makes you want to KEEP listening, plus, since they were all parts of actual spots produced, it lets the client know I've done this quite a bit.

Couple of other things: Shorten the demo. Lose the weak ones (The "Ho Ho Ho" needs to be ditched). The one following the Ho Ho Ho started out sounding like Kermit, then drifted into what sounded like an east Indian accent. You need to work on that one.

Finally, be aware that - particularly on a site like this one - the call for character voices is slim. Just look at the leads coming into your inbox. Seems like so many people think that because they can do a few cute voices there's work to be had. There is, but it's FAR and away the minority of what clients want. In 20+ years of being a radio producer I can say I've only needed a character voice a few dozen times.

So take what is a good start, go back, put a LOT of sweat, practice and production into it, and see if you can't build something that will blow us away.

Peace.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007, 08:29 (GMT) Post subject:

I guess if I had actually REMEMBERED to attach my character voice demo it would've helped, eh? kopfnuss

Kevin R. Hoskins · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 21

You are right in that I just sat down in front of the mic and did these voices but, for a beginner without any actual client produced spots to reference, how else am I supposed to start? Also, what is the best way of learning how to properly produce a spot? Are there classes or something?

Victor Harris · Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007, 17:14 (GMT) Post subject:

Kevin,

Scott is right on all his points. I just wanted to add in that you have to almost create a story line and have your voices blend into the story line....or unless you have some bits already done, connect them up like any other demo.

Spend some time listening to some of the other peoples character demos. I have heard some good ones on voice123.com and on voices-com

Kevin R. Hoskins · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 21

Please keep those comments coming !

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

Kevin:
Personally, I've scrapped characters, mostly because of the dearth of opoortunity and also due to the fierce competition for the ones that do exist.
Now I only do them at home, and the reviews from the kids are uplifting. Maybe I should get back......NO; STOP IT!
Anyway, I suggest you check out Rajiv Hasan's efforts elsewhere here on Idol. There are other very good ones, but his demo stands out in my memory for both the talent and its smooth flow.
Go Get 'Em,
Robert Jadah

Simon Hill · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 288

Kevin!
Great voices. Looking to get that wicked edge??? Let me PRODUCE your demo. I'll take all your crazy voices and slap 'em together in the most eargasming way. All you have to do is send me a high quality WAV of a full session and then let me work my magic. Let me know.

Amy Snively · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 1028

Kevin R. Hoskins · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 21

Simon,

It looks like were just down the road from one another. I'm in Bellingham. Thanks for listening to my demo and for the offer to produce one for me. Email me some samples of your work to vanguard@pobox.com and let's talk.

Kevin R. Hoskins · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 21

Amy,

Thanks for your input. I know about VO classes. What I was referring to were classes pertaining to the technical side of production, mixing, etc. Do you know of any in the Seattle/Vancouver area or can you refer me to someone who does?

Simon Hill · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 288

check out Mike Dobson for classes. www.michaelricharddobson.com
he actually produced my first demo which is the last one I believe on my profile. Everything else on my profile is stuff I've made myself. I've got a bit of my new animation demo on there which is the first one. It's unfinished as of yet as I still am tweaking soundFX levels and vocals and you'll notice it. Hopefully that gives you some knowledge as to what I can put together for you.

Kevin R. Hoskins · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 21

Simon,

Thanks for the lead. I'll be in touch.