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How to Produce a
Competitive Voiceover Demo
copyright 2007, The Great Voice Company |
All Rights Reserved
If you are thinking of breaking into voiceovers, your
demo is an essential marketing tool. Not having one is like an actor
trying to get work without a head shot. You cannot work without it. Here
are some guidelines to help you make sure the money you invest in your
demo is well spent.
Just as models include tear sheets in their portfolios,
established voice talent make a short (about 1 minute) compilation of
current work. They duplicate this on CD or MP3 and send to producers,
casting directors, and clients who keep them on file for future
consideration. Your demo should also be available as a download from your
website. Often, talent are hired right from their demo. Sometimes, they
must audition for the job.
Here's how a beginner with no prior experience can make
a competitive demo:
No one wants to work with a beginner. To break into
voiceovers you must produce a demo that sounds like you have worked
before. The samples you include on your demos should sound as if they are
actual spots that could have been on the air.
CAUTION: I don’t
care how good your voice is. You won’t be able to make a competitive demo
before you get training. Don’t jump the gun. Oh sure, a great recording
engineer can edit out any mistakes and cover up a lot of flaws with fancy
production. But, will you be able to re-produce that sound in an actual
job? Will you know what to do when you have to direct yourself when
auditioning from home? Producing a competitive demo that will get you work
is a significant investment. Don’t do it before you are ready.
A competitive demo is not cheap. The average cost for a
professionally produced, professionally directed 90 second demo is about
$1,500. Although prices can range from about $600 to $3,000 or more. To be
competitive, your demo should be directed by an experienced coach and
produced in a professional recording studio which has the proper
background music and sound effects to put behind your voice. You will be
wasting your time (and annoying some potential clients) if you send a home
made demo. Even if you have great equipment, few beginners are able to
properly direct themselves. Wait until you have the money to do it right.
Studio time is expensive. Costs for studio time alone
can average $50-$100 an hour or more, depending on the facility and
location. You will also have to pay your director. It can take as long as
6 hours (or more) for a beginner to record a demo, including recording,
editing , music selection and mixing.
Bottom line: Find a coach who will help you build your
skills before you make the investment in your demo. The Great Voice
Company works with a select group of beginner, intermediate and advanced
voice talent each year. Our
voice-over teleclasses (by audition only)
allow you to study remotely from anywhere in the
world. You can also hone your performance and marketing skills in the
recording studio at one of our semi-annual 3 day
Voice-over Bootcamps.
If you are a trained or experienced voice talent
looking to update or record your demo, our experienced demo directors can
help. Please call The Great Voice Company at 201-541-8595 and speak with
Michelle Kincel or email michelle@greatvoice.com. |
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michelle@greatvoice.com
Phone:
800.333.8108 or
201.541.8595
Fax:
201.541.8608 |
The
Great Voice Company, Inc.
110 Charlotte
Place
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 |
©2006
The Great Voice
Company | | | | |
