Your voiceover demo is your calling card. Rob Kaye explains six kinds of voiceover demos and how to showcase your voice to agents and clients.
The first step to climbing into the voiceover arena is getting a voiceover demo. Your reel is a demonstration of your voice and what you offer a prospective client. There are several different types of demos, and you simply want to showcase your own, individual talent!
When considering how to produce your demo, the main thing is don’t do it on the cheap!
People in the industry who listen to dozens of demos a week are going to eventually play yours, and you want it to sound like the rock star you are. If it sounds like you recorded it in your basement with a cheap mic and bad copy, it’s one more demo they can throw in the trash can. You want to stand out with a sharp production that grabs their ears from the very first sound!
There are so many pro voiceover places to choose from, and it’s worth the investment. Usually, production studios that offer demo services will supply the copy, coach you, give you an effective recording booth, and lay down the vocals and provide the background music. They really know how to produce a highly impressive and high quality, professional finished product. When I was a rookie in the VO world, or “fresh off the boat,” as my agent used to say, I went to Edge Studio in New York City. They made me sound like a seasoned actor, and because of the high quality of the demo, I landed at an established talent agency.
The Commercial Demo
This highlights commercials that you’ve recorded. You can read copy from commercials you like or use actual commercials you’ve done for clients. Under a minute is best, and pick four or five quick snippets of different styles. From announcer to character, make it quick, varied and light.
The Promo Demo
Like commercial, make it under a minute of different styles of promotions. Whether it’s the new lease at the car dealership or the Lifetime Movie of the Week, use promos that show your range.
The Trailer Demo
It used to be that only a handful of the same people recorded trailers, but now you’re hearing lots of different voices in the genre. From the new movie from an Academy Award Winner to the coming attraction of a new Wii game, trailers are hot and wide open to new talent.
The Announcer/Narration Demo
Back in the 20th Century, the announcer read was formal and really rigid. That’s so old school. Today’s announcer is a relaxed read, and it sounds like the everyday person you know. Maybe the buddy you’re watching the game with or the friend who wants you to know about the amazing sale at Macy’s. People want to hear real people talking about products and services.
The Audiobooks Demo
The audiobook ripple of the voiceover industry is expanding every day! With the ease of digital downloads and the iPod being a natural accessory to life, more and more people are listening to books rather than reading them! Most clients want a longer version of your audiobook narration skills, so a couple of minutes is great.
The Character/Animation Demo
Usually character voices that you can perform for commercials and promos are also great to send to animation houses. With movies, television, gaming and the internet creating some amazing productions, it’s a great time to get to know and hone your crazy cast of characters! So, these are just some examples of voiceover demos. The industry is quickly growing with the internet providing so many online opportunities, the gaming industry exploding into a new dimension, and interactive elements bursting onto the scene. Whatever genre you choose, make it sound professional and just rock it out. Once you’ve got your demo in hand, always keep it close by. You never know when you may meet someone who needs your voice!
Rob Kaye is a voiceover actor, personal coach and inspirational speaker. He’s recorded commercials and promos for HBO, Nintendo, Nick at Nite, The Travel Channel, and many other clients. Recently, Rob co-hosted a national show on Sirius Satellite Radio. He also just published his first spoken word coaching album, “You Are The Hero,” available now at www.robkaye.com.
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