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Oddio

Howdy all,
I'm curious what the current consensus is on including two-person dialogue spots for demo reels.
I have a client who wants to market himself nationally and has been told to include a sample in the reel. I know that's favored by some agents, yet I've also picked up on the vibe that the big guns only want to hear "just commercials." Oh and of course...to feature their core "money voice" at the top.
My question...does LA, Chicago and New York JUST want the commercials...or a mixture of everything?
Thank you for your feedback!
Scott Burns
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Lizden · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 5:01 pm Post subject:

My only suggestion is that if you DO add a dialog spot, make sure the other person is clearly of a different gender....to make it clear who's who.
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Chuck Davis · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 5:16 pm Post subject:

I can see the value of hearing the talent "play off of" a second character. Personally, I'd place the piece several cuts into the demo...and make it super quick cut/exchange. Oh..and what Liz said!
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Oddio · Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 9:57 am Post subject:

Thank you Liz and Chuck!
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mcm · Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 3:41 pm Post subject:

I remember Bob Bergen saying he put a dialogue bit in one of his demos so clients could hear how he works with another person, even though "They" say not to do it. It sounded great, too Smile

So it seems to work in L.A., for Bob Bergen.

Oddio · Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 11:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks MCM!!
Bob is awesome. I'm glad he bucked the trend of what "They" say. Just who Are "They" anyway? You nailed my conundrum on the head, I really appreciate it!
Scott
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Lee Gordon · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:41 am Post subject:

I do have a characters & impressions demo on which one of impressions I do is George Burns saying, "Say goodnight, Gracie," followed by the supremely talented Nancy Parker as Gracie giving the classic reply, "Goodnight, Gracie." But that's as far as I want to take it.

I once had a guy produce a commercial demo for me and he included a couple of dialog spots. The more I listened to it, the more I hated having another guy's voice (especially a guy who, conceivably, is competing against me for the same business) on my demo so I edited those spots out.
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:28 am Post subject:

If it's good, include it. It shows that you can play well with others.
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JBarrett · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 7:34 am Post subject:

I've had the same thing on my mind lately. I did a radio spot back in May that was a dialog with another guy, and while I initially thought it couldn't be used, there's one 10 second chunk that might work. There's a long line that I deliver, followed by five words from the other guy, followed by medium length line from me. The other guy's line is also delivered with a different pitch and energy level than my surrounding lines, which is another reason that it might work. I haven't tried cutting it in yet, but I'm curious to know if I should even make the effort.
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Kristin Lennox · Flight Attendant Joined: 30 Apr 2011 Posts: 858

I don't have anybody but me on my actual commercial demo, but I did put together a "dialogue demo" comprised ONLY of spots I've done with other people (all guys). I use it from time to time on the P2P sites when the audition calls for that kind of read.

Like others have said, it's good to show you can play well with others. Smile

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imaginator · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:35 am Post subject:

...i've heard the admonition against dialogue spots lately. good to hear mr. bergen is bucking the trend successfully, as i think it shows a unique side of the voice actor's ability to relate.

i would, however, maintain it's only wise to use an opposite-gender character partner (unless possibly the other person is only heard in short, short responses). early in my career i did show up for a job, only to find out the client wanted the "other guy" from my dialogue clip, which i had included because i was sure he sounded so much different from my own voice.
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Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 981

Hi Kids! I don't think I ever said "they" say not to put a partner read on your demo. I don't know any "they," be it agent or casting director, who doesn't want to hear you interact with another actor. I think it's an essential addition to any commercial demo. I do agree that it needs to be clear which voice is you, so having a partner of the opposite sex should accomplish this. And never do a dialogue read with yourself playing both parts!! This defeats the purpose of demonstrating your interactive talents.

As for a character demo, I believe you should never have a partner read there. Every voice should be you. Often you are cast directly from a character demo, and I cannot tell you the number of times an actor has shot them self in the foot (or mouth) by being cast from the demo, only to lose the job at the session when the buyer finds out that the voice that got them the gig was another actor.

B

Oddio · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:21 pm Post subject:

Thank you again everyone, and especially you Mr. B!
I like the idea of having at least one dialogue spot on the reel. I think my client has it figured out...he's using his daughter! She sounds adorable, you can understand her and his concept is great. (She asks if he's Santa...he needs to hit the gym) It'll alllll be worked out in post!
Your thoughts have all been well received. Massive e-hugs to you all!
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D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

Yeah, everyone repeats the old standard warning against including another same-gender voice on your demo, in fear that the client will suddenly say, "No, wait a minute! Not this guy- the OTHER guy! Get me him!"

OTOH I got some pretty good feedback from including a spot I did with another male, where I was the straight guy and he was the funny man- although this is in a foreign market, and he was domestic.

So obviously we are not competing for the same roles. I would imagine the same would be true for a spot with a well-known celebrity.

There are definitely exceptions to every rule.

imaginator · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 7:47 pm Post subject: