VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

derlor · Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 20 Location: Los Angeles, CA

Thank you in advance for your thoughts on my Commercial Demo and CD jewel case design (front)...

COMMERCIAL DEMO:
http://www.lorenkling.com/audio/Loren_Kling_Commercial_VO_Demo.mp3

CD JEWEL CASE COVER:
http://www.lorenkling.com/vo_cover.jpg

- Loren

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 1:48 am Post subject:

The first thing that popped into my mind when I saw the jewel case was "Are you a cat?"

I understand you're trying to be clever with the asterisks, but you're requiring me to think too much to get the joke. More importantly, I look at this cover and have no idea what you do. I have nothing against unique, interesting covers, but generally pictures of your pet is not the way to convey a professional image.
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mcm · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:53 am Post subject:

Loren, you have a nice range and sound. The demo is too long by 50% though - typical length is a minute or just under a minute. 6-8 seconds per spot is a good target to aim for. Also, I would suggest moving the hospital spot to the second position on the demo, because no matter which of the other spots you put in the first posish, the hospital one will immediately give the listener a contrast (which is important).

I agree with Jeff on the cover design.

Bruce · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 8:15 am Post subject:

I'm sure you know what you're trying to convey with your CD cover but I'm guessing 99% of people you send it to won't. The object of cover art, business card art, website art, is to give an impression of what you sound like, who you are, and how you are to deal with. A 30 year-old cassette recorder and a cat with bling?

And I concur on the demo. Cut it down.

B
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 12:50 pm Post subject:

oh, and by the way, unless you actually did those spots for Napa auto parts, Old Country Buffet, etc, and have permission to use them, I strongly suggest you change the copy and remove the names. Since those companies own the copyright, I'd hate to see you get yourself in trouble.

Of course, I'm not a lawyer and this should not be taken as legal advice.
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Deirdre · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 1:55 pm Post subject:

Unless you've got hard evidence to the contrary, Jeff, anything goes on a demo.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:07 pm Post subject:

Certainly not the defintive authority, but it sure makes sense:

http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2008/11/3_things_you_may_not_know_about_audition_scripts.html

And

http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2007/05/using_brand_names_in_voice_over_demos.html
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Deirdre · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:23 pm Post subject:

Meh.

I can see that as necessary on a P2P site like Voices or Voice123, where every Jack and Jill would feel entitled to use scripts that came from talent seekers—
Think of it! all the wannabes doing the same Tyson Chicken copy.

Or whatever.

I'd be shocked SHOCKED I tell you if there has been any legal action about demo material.

Or should I say "Materiel" since I'm sure this is an incendiary topic.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:31 pm Post subject:

legalities aside, is it not a tad dishonest? As mentioned in the second blog post, many prospective client still feel a demo is a showcase of work you've done. And whether they are right or wrong to feel that way, is it worth losing potential clients over when it's so easy to simply change some things?
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Deirdre · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject:

How could you ever know if it's lost you a client?

Besides— there are a ton of "national" clients who have radio people reading ads for their stuff for the local markets.

As far as I can see there's no beef except for the P2P sites who don't want no-class VO wannabes voicing high-class (but cheap-minded) copy as though they'd been cast for it.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:40 pm Post subject:

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:46 pm Post subject:

Just be careful of re-writes.
Copywriters have a skill as specific as VOs.

The guys in that blog post said

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject:

Agreed. Just like crafting your own logo, building a webpage, cutting your own demo, or in this specific instance, designing your own jewel case, if you haven't got the skillz, hire someone who does.
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Bailey · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:59 pm Post subject:

An avatar is worth a thousand words...

... That's why I love this place.
Smile

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Deirdre · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:06 pm Post subject:

Dang.
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