Newbie here...Saying Hi, and asking for gentle critiques...

Thomas Watts · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 4

Hi,

Tom here, I'm new to this, but have been wanting to get into this business for probably 35yrs...Well, since I was a kid anyway...lol
I've read many of your posts over the last couple months, and have finally got my demos put together and posted here (all by myself I must ad, so please, don't hurt yourselves when you fall on the floor laughing...had to put in that disclaimer, no telling who didn't read the lid on the McDonald's coffee cup...lol). http://thomaswatts2.voice123.com

I know their are alot of great talents on here, and I would appreciate some constructive criticism. I have my own little studio at home, and have a website http://www.highwattagevoices.com that I have built and maintained myself. Let me know what you think...!!!

Tom

Cameron Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 479

Welcome to the board. I don't have much time but I'll say that you have a young, southern voice that would probably work for Midwest ads appealing to teenagers (maybe local colleges)--but more for testimonials. (you almost sound like Dale Earnhardt Jr.--jeez, you almost look like him too!) There may be a spot here and there looking for that kind of a voice but not many at all from what I've seen this past year. The southern drawl gets in the way sometimes and blurs some of your words--I've been there before myself living in NC for a long time.

Your demos are way too long and production is too low. Some are recognizable from previous V123 leads. Try listening to local radio stations and pick up scripts from that (sub out names, etc. to make it original) and/or magazine ads.

Impersonations are tough....the key is to sound like the character...and NOT to sound like someone else doing the character...I'm afraid trying to pull off an old geezer or gruff cowboy just isn't working. You sound too young for that.

Keep reading and listening to the forum and look into training--I'm currently using a voice coach and am heading into some acting lessons next week. So work on some basics first, regroup and try again.

Cheers,
Cameron

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 14:50 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey, Thomas, welcome!

I applaud your go-get-ive-ness and your positive attitude. I briefly listened to bits and pieces of your demos and am going to do you a favor by being very honest with you.

First of all, if you haven't read the 'sticky' at the top of this forum titled 'Random Thoughts for Newcomers', please do so, as much of that applies here.

http://voiceoversavvy.com/ftopic4098.html

You sound like your voice is pleasant enough, but as the sticky says, so are - quite literally - MILLIONS of other voices in this world.

Without professional training, a LOT of practice, and - ultimately down the road (NOT YET!!!) - having a PROFESSIONAL DEMO created, then you won't be able to compete here.

Not to exaggerate, but truly there are millions of people who can do cute voices or sort-of impersonations or who can read a script decently. You must realize that you're competing with thousands of seasoned professionals, most of who have YEARS of experience AND tons of training, for a tiny smattering of jobs. At this point I don't see you landing any of them.

Okay, so now that I've slapped you with the cold, harsh, hand of reality, let me tell you the GOOD NEWS: EVERYONE starts at the beginning. 35+ years ago I sent out about 100 cassette tapes to radio stations everywhere until ONE single station that desperately needed an overnight jock took a chance on me. You're at that starting block, too. But what you must do now is to realistically see what you need to do to make a buck or two in this business. And while we're at it, you'd better go into this knowing that realistically that's about all you'll make in it. That's simply the truth about what most people make in this business. I'd be willing to BET that less than 1% of the members of Voice123.com make enough doing this for it to be their fulltime vocation.

So what do you do? Read the forums here and be thinking about training: voice coaching, acting classes, voice acting classes.

GO HERE AND READ THIS WONDERFUL PAGE BY RENOWNED VOICE ACTOR BOB BERGEN:

http://www.bobbergen.com/faq.htm

Plan on investing a LOT of time and then a LOT of money into doing this right. Otherwise don't do it.

I wish you all the best. Again, I applaud your spirit of adventure here. If you can maintain a high sense of determination, then you may make it in this business. I'd love to see you try. Best wishes!

Thomas Watts · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 4

Thanks Scott & Cameron...

I know my stuff needs alot of work...
I have visited Bob's site, and actually scoured it thoroughly.
The Man is Awesome...As are alot of the talent on here.
I know that there are tons of competition out here, that blow my stuff away. I have been reading the blogs here and on other sites, and groups, and know that the competition is fierce, but I have finally decided I wanted to give this a REAL go, I do have a day job, so it's not like I'm depending on this for my source of living, but a little extra here and there would be nice. I appreciate both of you guys' honesty, I know my stuff needs work, but without honest criticism from people already in the business, I wouldn't know where to begin to correct things. I don't know what Dale Earnhardt Jr. actually sounds like, now Dale Sr., I could tell him...lol...As for my southern drawl, I don't really know how I got it, I lived most of my life in Los Angeles California, and I was a real stickler for enunciating words, being an English major. I'm glad I sound young, everyone tells me I look young for my age...

Just wanted to Thank you guys, and let you know, I didn't just jump into this blindly, and I plan to keep on plugging away. An I appreciate any more guidance I can get from experts here...

Thanks Again,
Tom