VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

LaurenVoiceRealm · Joined: 29 Apr 2012 Posts: 22 Location: New York, NY

I feel the need to bring this up, in the hope that it could help some voice talent who aren't aware they are doing get more gigs!

On our site we observe all jobs and private auditions that are sent.

It's incredible to see how many voice talent do not engage in conversation with potential clients.

Not even a simple "Thanks for the opportunity, let me know if there's anything else you need."

What's your protocol for submitting auditions. Do you simply upload the file, or do you make conversation.

I truly believe that some talent miss out on jobs because they don't 'massage the client' so to speak....

Just some feedback from what I see that could help other voice talent.

Lauren Maree
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Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 2:47 pm Post subject:

When I do submit an audition, not that often, I add a note wishing the client the best of luck in their search for the right voice.

Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

Same as Philip. I also add direct contact information, but that's about it.

Short 'n Sweet should be a motto in my book.

Bruce · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 7:35 am Post subject:

I try and act in a professional manner and keep chit chat to almost zero in the audition process. I'll answer any questions they might pose and often reinforce their special requirements (Yes, I can provide an AIFF file), but that's it. It's my voice that should be selling me not my glibness. Now once they engage me in conversation by email or phone I'm happy to warm up but only to the level the client seems to prefer.

I've posted many jobs on the major P2P's and, being different than most producers, I listen to every audition (at least a few seconds) and I read most of the comments the auditioners provide. It is amazing how many:

tell their life stories,
gush about themselves,
gush about me even though they don't know who I am,
give me a list of rate and use demands,
plead with me to hire them,
make excuses for why the read isn't so good,
use a form response that is emotionless.

I almost always ignore those people because they're showing something troubling about the their thinking that I'm sure will reflect in their performance and business dealings.

When someone says simply, "Thank you for listening, and here's my direct contact information", I know they're a pro.

B
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LaurenVoiceRealm · Joined: 29 Apr 2012 Posts: 22 Location: New York, NY

Bruce,

I agree. Looking desperate and pleading for the job is the worst thing you could do.

That pretty much tells them they can get you down in price (If a rate hasn't been set)

Lauren
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Here to be a part of the community and get involved in some great conversations with people passionate about the voice over industry.

Bish · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 7:54 am Post subject:

I always try to personalize the response, so rather than... Hi, here's my audition for your project. it's always... Hi (insert name here), here's my audition for your (insert name of project here). I will then always confirm any specific requirements that they have mentioned in the text... As requested, I can supply the files in 48kHZ, 24-bit, AIFF format and have Skype for on-line direction.

I only vary from this format when there is a clear indication in the request that it would be welcomed or warranted. There are sometimes clear indicators that they are pushing their own style or humour to look for someone simpatico. This is a rare judgement call and I always err on the side of the straight, but personalized, response.

Cheers
peter
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todd ellis · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 8:04 am Post subject:

thanks for the opportunity - if i'm close, but not exact - let me know and i can tweak it for you.

more demos
contact info
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Rick Riley · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 8:44 am Post subject:

I have an agency that I work with that let me hear the auditions that came through Voices.com for a project they were doing. I listened to all 113 of them. The majority of them slating with name, job number and other information that was needless. Doesn't the voice caster know what job he's listening to? After a while you just wanted to claw your ears off. After slating, one guy even cleared his throat! JUST GET ON WITH THE READ... PLEASE!!!

I don't personalize and I don't slate. I didn't do it before my experience and the experience just reaffirmed, WHY I don't personalize and I don't slate. I just thank them for the opportunity, contact info and website.
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Bish · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 9:04 am Post subject:

I agree with Rick... I never slate unless it has been requested that I do. The only exception is where there is a lack of direction and I felt that I needed to give two reads (or multiples have been requested). I'll indicate this in the text, but also give it a quick "take 1". This is a rare exception, but sometimes I feel it warranted.

Also, as Todd says, if the job is attractive, I'll put myself on the slab for a second shot... this has often paid off.
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Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
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Chuck Davis · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 9:25 am Post subject:

I try to keep it short and sweet.

*Thanks for opening the audition
*Some credits similar to the project being cast that I done.
*I can provide files in the requested format
*My contact info, both email and mobile phone.

That's pretty much it. I do slate...but just my name, quickly at the top.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Ed Gambill · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:14 am Post subject:

Rick Riley · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:23 am Post subject:

Ed Gambill · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:55 am Post subject:

Good to hear that. It seemed on first read like a "You aught to hear this deal" and I hope you agree that only those who have an intrest should be privy to hearing those files.

Meta data is wonderful, a simple audio slate should only occupy a few seconds and there is no interruption of work flow. Seem to me that engineers still do audio slated. But as is know by all “What will be … Will be”
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todd ellis · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:56 am Post subject: