How to submit Auditions?

Edwin Oldfield · **Voice Talent** Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 64

Hi I am Edwin. I have just signed up to the premium service and was wondering how one should submit an audition. With music or sometype of prioduction or just dry?

The smartcast things seems to warn against doing anything unless it is good?

Any help would be much appreciated.

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

Welcome, my friend! Definitely without music or sound effects. Let them hear your voice with the music they have selected for their project. I wouldn't send it completely dry though, light compression and make sure that your amplitude is appropriate. Minimize big, gaspy breaths. Make sure you don't have any clicks. Edit out bloopers. Et voila!

Kim White · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007, 21:16 (GMT) Post subject: Compression...

Amy,
For the technically challenged, can you give me some idea what you would consider "light compression?" I have audacity.
Thank you!

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

Hi Kim--

I'm sorry, I don't know Audacity at all. But you know what I would do if I were you? I bet the info you seek is already here somewhere. I'd do a search. If nothing helpful turns up, I'd start a new very-clearly titled thread asking for audition processing tips for Audacity.

Smile

Amy

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

I work in a bewildered way with ProTools, Kim, and so far have only understood that "light compression" means trying to voice within the small illuminated arc delivered by a 40-watt bulb.

(I'm also rushing to try to be the last respondent in each thread. Please forgive me . SmartCast doesn't leave me much else to do.)

Voice On!

Erik Sheppard · **Voice Talent** Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 1317

Vance Elderkin · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 184

Kim, I'd try the compressor (under Effects) with the default settings for now. I wouldn't check the box that says "normalize to 0 dB after compressing", though...your levels will be a bit too hot.

You might also want to use Normalize, checking the box that will take it to -3 dB.

I wouldn't EQ your voice at all...at least for now. I'm not a big fan of using EQ as a routine matter. However, many others will disagree with me on that point.

Oh, and as soon as you can, get Harlan Hogan's book on recording for VO. It will fill you in on the technical end.

James Beery · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 55

.. over 100 auditions. No work yet.. not giving up.. I'll keep working at it. I believe it will take practice and a lot of self-promotion. Of course some new equipment too.. working with a 30 dollar usb Logitech mic. Well, if and when I get work, I'll invest in the equipment.

Love to know some success stories and how you did it.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007, 01:31 (GMT) Post subject: Re: How to submit Auditions?

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

James Beery · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 55

Amy, Thank you for taking the time to visit the site. Actually means a lot to me. Yes, I believe you're right. I hate to depend on luck.. I have'nt done much that (depending on luck) over the years.. yet, when it starts to pay.. I'll buy the equipment. Maybe it will be just some small jobs.. the profit will go to equipment.

Now, I have visited your site.. several days ago. You're great.. period. I've got to ask: Do you produce all that yourself? Well, I've got to find some background music. WSRW in Southern OH.. had some great CD's. They were timed and such. ..Literally hundreds of bumpers to choose from.

Again, thanks for writing.. I'll make it one way or another.. I've always had a passion for this type of work.. I saw were you, at least, worked in Ohio. (Great area for NO accent.

Jim

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007, 05:23 (GMT) Post subject:

I second what Amy sez, James. I'd even take those demos OFF your page until you can get something close to professional up there. The ones you have out there now will actually work AGAINST you.

scott feighner · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 25 Feb 2006 Posts: 227

James Beery · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 55

I recently married for the first time at age 50 to my high school sweetheart. Good luck with your own quest. And, as I stated at the beginning of this short note; Never give up. Ever.

Thanks Scott, Yep, that's what I'll do. I've never failed at anything I work at.. and I won't this.
High School Sweetheart! Wonderful! Marriage is great. Sara & I are so happily married too.
I went to your site.. Great set of pipes. Where did you buy your background music?

scott feighner · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 25 Feb 2006 Posts: 227