Attempting to Strategically Shuffle Demo,Would Like Feedback

Kimberly S

Hi there.
So, this is my first post and I am exceptionally nervous about it. I've lurked around a bit in recent months to get a sense of what's what here. It's undoubtedly a valuable forum, but I have heretofore not had the courage to ask for feedback.
The truth/sad thing is, I had a pretty snazzy agent for about a minute a few months ago and when they closed their commercial department, I was back on the streets again, self-peddling. I've gotten good feedback, done a couple of gigs since relocating but am not working (or submitting for that matter, as I'm overcommitted and overwhelmed) nearly as much as I'd like.
I recently sent my newer demo to an old professor who advised me to move a certain spot further in (since it wasn't as illustrative of my natural tone) and so i've been shuffling the demo and now feel highly insecure about the overall mosaic/tone. I'd genuinely appreciate any advice you might offer.

Robert Jadah · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007, 17:05 (GMT) Post subject: Kimberley's S

Don't know what you're nervous about, Kimberley...because
A) that as pretty darn all right and
B) we're a bunch of sweet old cranks here at Savvy and
C) general demos aren't as crucial as they once were anyway.

I thought the sequence was dandy, though I might just lose the Leading Edge bit, since it didn't add anything and sort of flattened out the ending.

You have a nice, natural tone and you do get into the character. My negative observation would simply be that your sibilants are a mite drawn out and do jump out and bite a bit.
All in all, I found it commendable.
You should do fine.
Voice On!

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007, 17:05 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Kimberly - Welcome!

It's great that you have the chutspah to post, and are seeking honest feedback on your demo. There are some nice, experienced people here that are more than willing to help out for those willing to hear (and put in the work Wink

)

First, you have a pleasant voice, and some of the reads sound relaxed and natural. If that's your comfort zone, this may be a good niche for you.

I'm not quite sure about the order that I'd place them in (others have much more experience mixing than I do), however the one thing that did stand out was a number of plosive and sibilance (sp?) issues (Plenty of P, B, S, T sounds) This may be a pop-filter, or mike placement issue, but it is something to watch for when you're recording.

Hopefully, you'll find some time in your busy schedule to submit some custom auditions for projects. It's great practice (IMO), and you can also post them in the Demo of the Day section for additional feedback from the others...

I hope this was of some help - see you on the forums,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com

Kimberly S · Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007, 00:38 (GMT) Post subject: thanks

thank you for very much for responding. indeed, the sibilance is an issue. these were recordings done at pro studios so i don't know why the problem persists on some spots. on my end, should i be further away from the mic? i've always assumed it happens to everyone and good engineers (or multi-talented voiceover artists with home studios) are able to diffuse the problem. but perhaps it's something specific to my speech. i'll have to work on it.

i agree about leading edge. it's never been that far down (in the mix) before and it's out of place to me. good to have some validation there.

thanks for welcoming me to the forum. perhaps i can dip both feet in the water now. it's not that cold Wink