making my demo

Nancy Hoagland · **Voice Talent** Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

hello from another newbie.

well, new and not so new. I actually have a good deal of experience that I hope will help me get started in something I've said for years I've wanted to do, voiceovers (see my profile). The one thing that has always hung me up in the past and it still is to some degree is making the dern demo! Now that so much has moved to computers and the internet don't feel quite so overwhelmed. In fact since I'm more computer savvy than average I actually feed more confident than before. But I still have a few questions.

I listened to the sample demos and all have music or sound effects background in them. How essential is this?

I'm interested in doing a WIDE variety of stuff and most of the demos seemed geared for commercials - no trainings, audiobooks, videogames, should I make separate demos for each type?

I see that I can post 10 demos. How do you determine what to post in each demo?

What's the optimum length of demo for different types?

ok, I think that's enough to get me started (I hope)

off to gather/write copy Smile

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007, 01:48 (GMT) Post subject:

Most of the demos are excerpts from actual work (I assume -- mine are), thus the music/sfx. Even if you don't have that, I think full production will make your demo(s) sound more professional, so I would recommend the extra effort and expense if you're going to take the plunge.

Some talents have a compilation demo of 2.5 minutes or so. Genre demos are essential but make them no longer than about a minute for greatest flexibility. You have only the first :08 tops to grab the ear.

Just as a general caution, make sure you're realistic about your abilities. It's a lot more than having a pleasant-sounding voice. Instruction and mentoring (in person if possible) from someone successful in the field is really important -- in fact, it's the crucial first step -- even before making a demo. Additionally, just like anything else, this is a business. You must market yourself intelligently. It can take a long time to meet success, since this is probably the most competitive arena in the acting business.

Good luck!

Nancy Hoagland · **Voice Talent** Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

thanks for the info and support Melba. I've also gotten good info just now from reading Peter O'Connoll's article.

since I don't have any examples (yet) of work with full production values what's a good way to go about getting that done? Did you do your own work or have a sound designer/tech do it when you were getting started? Since it's very short clips can I just use any music that I have in my personal collection or are there royalty/copyright issues to consider?

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007, 02:20 (GMT) Post subject:

I did my first demos myself in conjunction with an engineer and producer for whom I had already worked quite a bit. I was an audio/video producer at the time, so I knew how to structure and pace. If you don't, get a professional who produces demos. It's not the same as theatrical sound design.

Using music from royalty-free libraries is the only way to go, out of respect for artists and composers and their works. The studio where your demo is produced will have one.

Bob Bergen · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Jan 2005 Posts: 224