Should I be in this business?

Lamar Whatley · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 2

I would like some honest feedback on my demo. I am not sure how to put it in my post but my name is Lamar Whatley and my demo is no this site. It is the one entitled sleepmon. Feel free to put it on here or email me at Delreeko@yahoo.com

Steve Adamson · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 3

Here is a link to your profile:

http://lamarwhatley.voice123.com/

Every VA has to start somewhere, just keep plugin away, and practice some character voices.

Take care.

Chip Hinshaw · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 65

Should you be in this business? Why not? Everybody else is! Wink

If you're really interested in it, and can assure yourself that it's not just a passing fancy, then absolutely go for it. Try to find some coaching in your area or online. A little bit of that can go a long way (in the good sense). You can also find coaching online. In fact, Voice123 has several members who mine the talent pool for students. I'm sure any one of them would be happy to take your money -- I mean, take you on as a student. Very Happy

Best of luck!

Big Llou Johnson · Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2006, 13:50 (GMT) Post subject:

Yea... What they said!... You've got a ways to go but keep pluggin at it... Listen to what others are doing in their demos..(the good ones at least).. I think with a little direction you could produce a fine demo... so have a pro do one for you. Also you've got this heavy southern dialect thing happening which could limit your marketability.. Practice on a voice with a more "midwestern" or middle of the road quality. The ability to turn it off and on when needed is a plus. Keep at it and Break A Legg!

Lamar Whatley · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 2

Thanks for the feedback. I will rework. Big Lou talked about my heavy southern accent and needing to talk more midwestern that is bad for me since I am not from the south I am from Ohio.

I have lived all over the world (military retiree) and most people think I have a southern accent. I will work harder to overcome that.

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

Lamar:
Listened to your demo a couple of times and think you have yourself a little niche there... a tone and accent not generally available. Would humbly suggest, though, that you sound as if you're reading. Maybe get a little more familiar with the copy - even memorize bits - so that you can deliver it with a little more OOMPH and personal feeling/interpretation.
Hang In,
Robert

Lani Minella · Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006, 03:18 (GMT) Post subject: Tom Bodett

Sounds like your mic needs improving a bit and maybe you can focus on becoming the next Tom Bodett (Motel 6). Otherwise, as I tell all talents, make your demos sound national, and fake them. Agents don't know who really did most commercials, unless they are Motel 6 and you don't do a good enough impersonation of him. The southern accent is not usually asked for and when it is, many people want it specific for their region.
Best of luck,
Lani Minella

Julie Williams · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Jan 2005 Posts: 168

Hi Lamar,

If you want to do VO, then you are in the right place. But you do need a professional demo. If I were seeking a talent (which I often do) and went to your site, I'd dismiss it as beginner because each demo is a different spot. YOu really need to put together at least one professional demo.

Lani's advice was great... but don't feel like you're "faking it." A demo isn' t a resume... it's not telling what you've done. It's telling what you CAN do. So find some copy (audition copy from this site is a great place to start!) and put together a demo of national products, etc. It's not a lie. Until you have national clients under your belt, you have no choice but to get copy and voice them yourself.

Honestly, I've done tens of thousands of jobs...and some of the stuff on the demo is studio produced--simply cos the coca cola spot I did was mastered on reel to reel (waaay back then) and other spots may not have what I need to represent my abilities on a specific demo!

I think , if you're serious about this biz, you should get a vocal coach to help you eliminate your accent. YOu can get some limited work iwth it... but it truly is limiting.

Good Luck, Lamar! If you want to do this... YOU CAN! Everyone starts somewhere. Liberace sat down at a piano for the first time once! And you're farther along than that.

God Bless!
Julie Williams
www.voice-overs.com