Old school guy getting back into it

Chris Hendricks · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

er... sort of. I'm just looking for a couple of clients. Maybe I can get em, maybe not. It would be fun to do a little stuff again (I guess it gets a bit into your blood), but I'm fine if I don't.
Anyway, this demo was just goofing with really cheap equipment (the Amusement Park spot was real, but was done on the cheapo stuff). Fire away!
C

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008, 12:12 (GMT) Post subject:

Chris, from one 'old school guy' to another (I started in broadcasting in 1975), your title almost says it all ("Old school guy").

I say 'almost' because I heard a lot of GREAT potential there.
I'm almost willing to bet you already know that the radio announcer voice is dead. It's not just dead in v/o (ESPECIALLY V/O!!!) but even in radio nowdays. Most clients want a voice that the listener can relate to, not feel like he's being lied to, which is really what an announcer's voice is, since it's not really a REAL voice.

BUT, in your CBS spoof (it WAS a spoof, right?) we heard a voice that clients would use, real, genuine. And it was there to a much lesser degree in the Canoble's (sp?) amusement resort spot.

The ballsy announcer voice that we hear in everything else is available for free to clients from almost any announcer at any radio or tv station in America. But listen to what's really airing now on radio and tv (with the exception of local car dealers, monster truck pulls and closeout liquidation furniture sales) and what you'll hear are RELATABLE voices. And I think you can have one.

Forget everything you ever did in radio. I had to, and it was hard. But once I did, the work started coming in. If you have no acting training or background - trust me on this one - it would behoove you to get some if you want to be successful in v/o. Without it you'll probably get an occasional job, but not enough to put gas in the tank. But with some training, acting background and practice at NOT being an announcer, I'd s'pect (Southern term there) you could do well.

All the best!

Chris Hendricks · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Scott,
Thanks for replying. I don't plan on using this for a demo, I just needed an idea of where to begin, as I haven't listened to demos in years. It's not a good example of my work, but most of the stuff I still have is on big spools wrapped with magnetic plastic Smile

Maybe I'll get them transferred someday. I'm thinking of doing a workshop, just to get a little excercise.

As for acting, that's what I focus on now. I just got my first supporting role in a feature! Many dues paid... many dues. Following a dream ain't easy, but giving up is far worse.

Chris

Chris Hendricks · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

By the way, that stuff I posted is around 5 years old. I've got a new mic on order, which is getting me kinda pumped. I'm looking forward to getting back in the saddle, as it were.
Chris