How
to Produce a Competitive Voiceover Demo
copyright 2006, 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. 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 you make should sound like they are actual
spots that could have been on the air.
Start saving some money.
A competitive demo must be produced in a professional recording
studio which has the proper background music and sound effects
to put behind your voice. Studio time is expensive. Costs average
$50-$100 an hour or more, depending on the facility and location.
It can take as long as 6 hours (or more) for a beginner to produce
a demo, including recording, editing , music selection and mixing.
Don't make your demo before you are ready. Find a coach who will
help you build your skills before you make the investment in the
studio. If there is no voiceover coach in your area, ask about
our teleclass and Bootcamps.
Shop around. Studio
rates are competitive. Often you can negotiate a lower rate by
offering to record during off hours. Some studios even offer special
package deals for voice talent. This is a good thing. Studio costs
can easily escalate out of control!
Strive for variety on your
demo. Show them the full range of what you are capable.
Check out the studio before
you invest. Go there during the day. Is it soundproof?
Are the people pleasant? Will you feel comfortable there? Ask
for references from other talent. Have the studio play you samples
of other talent demo tapes they've made.
Don't duplicate more than
a few at a time. Many people will prefer to receive an
MP3 (digital file) rather than a CD. After you've sent out your
first 50 demos and gotten feedback, you'll know whether or not
you'll have to go back into the studio for some fine-tuning! Good
luck, and let us know how you do!
Take the next step now