LEADS AND READS - WEEK OF 2/11 TO 2/17

David Bosco · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 281

Ladies and Gentlemen of L&R:

I must apologize. Yesterday I mentioned that I received a '2' rating on the costal/beach erosion narration. Since that time, it's apparent that many of you have the same malady. So to Lee, Erik, Dave De, Deby, Colin and Scott, from the bottom of my dragged-down-voicey little heart, I am truly sorry for infecting the thread. I might still be contagious, so I'll be using hand sanitizer and wearing surgical gloves as I type for the next several days.

All of you might want to check your computer's virus protection as it might not be up to snuff, with the exception of Dan; he seems to be immune. Marilyn, I hope you haven't caught it, but just to be on the safe side, you might not want to audition for at least 48 hours.

Safe canoodling, everybody... krank

Lee Gordon · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 1549

Your "2" on the Coastal project didn't infect me. I missed that lead. It was the "Medical Simulator" one that might have been contagious.
BTW, I am about to leave the house to go to a client's studio to record a VO for a repeat client who had requested me. I just got the script. It's another medical read.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008, 17:52 (GMT) Post subject:

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Not for nothing -- but for folks who tell everyone not to worry about ratings, you sure talk a lot about them.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008, 18:02 (GMT) Post subject:

You have a valid point, Diane. I guess the reason I'm talking about them this week is because it's a prominent point of discussion on this thread, and I happen to be fueling the fire.

So... point taken.

I'll hush up now. Embarassed

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Not just directed at you, Scott, but I wish everyone would just relax about them. If we're serious they mean nothing, then I think not stressing over and celebrating them here would really help. Very Happy

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

Well, I agree that they are meaningless but it is still hard to not be a little pissed about a 2, and it is kind of easy to feel like you're doing something right when getting a 5.

Somebody please tell me I'm good.

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Hey, Erik -- You're good. Whenever you want to hear that, I will repost.

Leads and Reads was once a place where we told each other the strengths and weaknesses of our auditions, for constructive feedback and used that to improve -- now it seems it has become a place where people brag about their fives, bemoan their ones and twos -- that some unknown seeker gave them -- who may know absolutely nothing about a quality read.

Maybe we should have a different thread for those people who feel they'd like to showcase their fives and ask the world why oh why did I get this one!

David Bosco · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 281

Diane,

You are right on the money. I hereby vow to never again mention ratings. Period. Only helpful critique.

Connie Terwilliger · **Voice Talent** Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 409

I see your point Diane. The ratings are a mess of inconsistencies and so misleading as to be somewhat useless to us.

That being said, it is intersting to read the stated direction, hear the posted lead and see if you can figure out "why" a particlular rating was given (if ratings were given at all). Sometimes it's obvious that the seeker was using the rating system for their own purposes of sorting. And other times, it is clear that the demo simply didn't hit the mark.

Learning to identify when something is ready to submit is critical to success as a voice talent.

That is the true beauty of this new technology - the ability to listen and analyze...to help train your own ears to know when something IS ready for prime time - when it isn't close - and when it just needs a little nudge.

So if you want to complain about a rating, post the audition along with the directions (if any) and then listen to others who posted to the same lead. Read and sort through the comments. You SHOULD start to learn to think like a producer.

Now, of course, the only time we hear what the producer REALLY wanted is when someone posts that they got the gig. But a pro will read the script and any provided directions and come up with something that would work.

And, if perchance, that "acceptable" read is given a 2, then the producer was obviously using the system for his/her own sorting purposes.

What I find is that many times the newer aspiring talent hasn't quite developed that critical self-evaluation skill and ends up submitting an audition that just isn't "right" (within the broad subjective land of "right"). Listening to other people's takes on the same copy is a fabulous way to start being able to understand when one of your reads is ready for prime time.

That is one thing that SmartCast has done. It really does force you to start treating this lead generator as the serious contender it is aspiring to be. I am auditioning far less than I did before and only if the budget is right AND I am certain that my read has something to bring to the table.

Now, if I am given a 3 and the average is 3.5, my reaction is a shrug that says "Oh well, they heard someone they liked better." (Of course, my insecurity sits just below the surface and is poking me in the ribs urging me to say rude things to the person who deigned to give me a three on an IVR read.)

Sid Whatley · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008, 19:07 (GMT) Post subject:

"AMEN" to that Diane

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008, 19:14 (GMT) Post subject:

I give Diane's thought a 5... at least until I hear a thought I like better from someone else... in which case I may change her 5 to a 3.

Diane Havens · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1281

Connie --

I know what you're saying, but doesn't the rating already prejudice the listener some? If someone posts a five, who among us will criticize it -- even if we hear something that could be improved upon -- and would the poster care to hear the critique? And if posted with a one, then our sympathies for the person might make us reluctant to tell them the truth -- or worse, make us try and find fault with a read we otherwise might have liked?

All posts here should include what the seeker asked for with the stated direction, in any case. If there is any direction. Then the feedback given would be more valid.

I would rather see someone post an audition for us to hear with no stated rating and see what we all think of it. Wouldn't that be a better learning experience for the beginner? Then wouldn't it be up to the talent who posted it to put the rating he or she got, and the peer critiquing in perspective, and learn from it?

(Funny, Dave)

Deby Cedars · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1482

I agree with Connie.....the only thing is nobody seems to post the same things I post anymore. Unless it's a jingle........I have no one to compare my reads with. I just don't get the same leads as everyone else. Sometimes Caryn gets the same lead but, she doesn't post.....

I'm like the only girl on the play ground with a jump rope watching the boys play flag football together. Wondering if anyone is going to play with me......(or atleast post the same read)

Here's my first today......They asked for a "warm and fuzzy" teen voice. Watch out Scott. (I haven't shaved my legs today so I'm very warm and fuzzy)....Oh wait I think they meant vocally (lol) roll smilie

Lee Gordon · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 1549