VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Depthpersuasion · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:32 am Post subject: My Demo Critique

My Demo: Voice123.com/danielpierce or Youtube.com/depthersuasion doesn't seem to come off as slick as the rest. I'd really like to know how I sound for the Trailers (Spiderman III and 9) to external ears with at least a semi professional opinion.

All critique is very welcomed.

Daniel Pierce
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Richard D. Hall
http://RichardDHallVoiceActor.com

Gareth · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 4:58 am Post subject:

Hi Daniel

Perhaps you weren't able to locate it again but see this link http://www.vo-bb.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8114

That takes you to your earlier post where you received, not only advice on how to link to your demo, but some undeniably fully -professional feedback regarding your trailers.

Good luck

Philip Banks · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 5:54 am Post subject:

Hi Daniel,

Spiderman. I hear what you hear, it's not sharp or slick and the problem is easily solved. Stop "Voice Overing" at people. I hope that makes sense. If you focus your efforts on the sound of your voice you will forget that you are trying engage one person and compell, indeed sell, them on the idea that this movie is a MUST SEE. Sell the product, not your voice. Odd as it may seem, if you get that you WILL sell your voice.

Nice to see a 2nd post from you. You asked for feedback on your demos in your first post and most people will have noted that there was no acknowledgement or thanks from you for the time and effort they took to write comments. It doesn't matter that comments were made in fun, in ignorance, from an informed standpoint or whether you liked them or not, a polite "thanks for your time" really oils the wheels.

Good luck.

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:27 am Post subject:

Hey Daniel, did you update these since the last time you asked for a critique? It doesn't sound like it.

Your description of your voice is "deep, dark" but I'm not hearing it. It sounds like you're forcing your voice to be deeper than it is. I'd be curious to know what you sound like when you have a normal conversation. That's the voice you should be using, because that's the real you. And if that voice isn't right for movie trailers, then so be it. Right now, you're trying to find a niche and force your voice into it, and it doesn't work.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

Whit · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 11:04 am Post subject:

Daniel, the critique here is right on... you sound very affected to me, and definitely like you're trying to speak in a lower voice than is natural for you. That can be bad for your voice health in the long run. It also sounds like you're pushing and lack proper breath support.

I wonder, is speaking the way you are on your demos comfortable for you? If you're using your voice correctly, it should feel easy, tension free. Does it? Believe it or not, I've worked with people who think that if it hurts that means they're doing something right and "really working" their voice. Now we working on singing, but the point translates to speaking.

The best of your demos in my opinion, was the toy spot. The advice above, to find and use your normal conversational voice, is spot on.

DaveChristi · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 11:04 am Post subject:

Daniel, you have a voice, but so do most other people. I think you're struggling on how to use it. It's like me saying I have a trumpet. Good for me except I have no idea how to play it.

One of the BEST things you can do is learn how to act. Take some drama or improv courses. Learn to play your instrument.

This may be a painful slow process, but you'll have so much fun getting there. And like every member of this board (except Phillip Wink

), you'll have to continue learning.
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Dave "Christi" Felton
The Character Voice Actor