VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Christian M · Joined: 30 Dec 2011 Posts: 10 Location: New York

Here are my first two demos that I had produced.
Any kind of feedback is much appreciated.

http://soundcloud.com/cmocombe/christian-mocombe-commercial#

http://soundcloud.com/cmocombe/christian-mocombe-narration#

Bruce · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 5:39 pm Post subject:

Hi Christian, Box.com seems to want me to sign up to get in.

Maybe SoundCloud will work better?

B
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Christian M · Joined: 30 Dec 2011 Posts: 10 Location: New York

Whoops!

There we go, I've edited the original post.

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 11:44 am Post subject:

Critique coming soon. Waiting for a clear space in the day to concentrate.
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samowry · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 5:02 pm Post subject:

Hmm. I still can't get access to the files.

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 5:39 pm Post subject:

Yipe— me neither!
Let me know if you need me to host the audio, Christian.
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Christian M · Joined: 30 Dec 2011 Posts: 10 Location: New York

Well that's frustrating. Sorry folks... I do have them posted here:

http://www.myvodemo.com/such/index.cfm?world=8239

And on my Youtube page as well

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-6NNBawwYkBGZZ9peTu4iQ/videos

Bruce · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 7:46 am Post subject:

I've heard them now. A question first if I may? Did Such A Voice produce those demos?

Thanks,

B
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Christian M · Joined: 30 Dec 2011 Posts: 10 Location: New York

Yes, they did

Deirdre · Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 1:20 pm Post subject:

Christian—
I listened to the commercials demo.
I can tell you have enthusiasm for being a VO— you sound sincere. You have a nice clear voice. This is a good start.

I am sorry to say this demo is not well-made—it is too long, the cuts are all too long, the first 2 parts sound nearly identical with tone and music, and all of the elements sound like they were recorded on the same mic, possibly the same day.

And unfortunately, you sound like someone obviously speaking English as a 2nd language. Your emphasis is random, and isn't connected to the meaning and flow of the text.

You need more practice, on your own and with a coach. Your accent is not a problem, but you do need to get a solid feel for American English fluency.

I sincerely hope you didn't spend a lot of money on this demo.
It isn't something you can realistically use to find work.

compassionately yours,
Deebs
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Jen Gosnell · Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 11:58 pm Post subject:

Hi Christian,

I listened to both your demos. DB is right that you have a good foundation to build on, such as a clear voice which is pleasant to listen to and obvious enthusiasm.
I agree with her that your delivery needs quite a bit of work yet.

I hear you placing emphasis in too many places, and usually via the same method, rather than carefully choosing a smaller number of words to bring out and varying the way in which you do so. Learning to do this is key, and a good VO coach will teach you script analysis and the means to communicate the results of your analysis effectively.

Finding your unique, mostly biologically given "signature" style or what some would call your brand is important. It gives you a home base to work from. That doesn't mean you'll always sound the same, but that you'll know yourself well enough to decide when and how far to depart from your most basic, core sound. This is also something that working with a good coach will help you home in on.

I would suggest you go to the websites of some of the folks here and listen to what they're doing for commercial and narration. Or look to the websites of well-known and respected coaches or big talent agencies to hear what their students or talent roster sound like. If you listen to your own demo and listen to the others, I think you will begin to hear some of the aspects that Deebs and I have mentioned and begin to learn how you might shape your delivery differently in the future.

A really good start would be to go to braintracksaudio.com and listen to the demos there. Nancy is a well-respected coach and the one with whom I am most familiar. There are others, as you'll see when you start diving into it.

I'm sure what I wrote must feel like a downer, and I'm sorry to be a bearer of such news - but I say it all because if you are up for the challenge, I think you have the potential to make a very marketable demo in the future. Good luck finding the right way for you, and ask questions in this forum if you can't find the answers in the archives about how to sort it all out.

Kind regards,
Jen
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Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 2:11 am Post subject:

M'colleagues set me up for a dreadful experience and I'm happy to write that your demo was fine. All the tiny problems can be solved with a good director and you being able to hear what you're doing that is a little over-egged.

Christian M · Joined: 30 Dec 2011 Posts: 10 Location: New York

@Deebs

It's amazing what one can I hear and pick up from just a 1 minute demo.
I did happen to record it all in one day and on one mic. I can tell you that an hour into recording I was exhausted and hoped that I could keep myself enthused for the remaining copies.

Although, I am a native English speaker (American), I had just spent the last 3 years teaching ESL in Japan. I spent a lot of time speaking Japanese and slow,simple English to elementary school children. I actually started doing VO training while I was over there. (over Skype)

But I am now back in the US of A and I'm getting back into the swing of American English so hopefully it'll ALL come back to me very soon.

I don't think I spent a lot of money on the demo. Well, for me, it was a lot of money, Lol. But I got 16 hours (32 sessions) of VO training, the 2 demos, and recording equipment for half the "normal" price.

@Jen

I think script analysis seems to still be my biggest weakness. I can usually find meaning in the copy and point out the key words. But I think it's my timing, punctuation, and breathing. Maybe that's why I have problems having it sound natural.

Regarding, one's "signature" style... I read a lot about creating situations and creating a character while analyzing a script. Is it more important to be yourself in "that" specific situation or to be a completely original character within the copy?

Thanks for the website. Lots of great sounding demos there. I also like checking out voicebank.net. Sometimes I'll listen to demo after demo for an hour just to get a good ear.

I took all this criticism all very well, surprisingly. Before reading, I flinched as if I were ready to get punched. But in reality, it was very encouraging. So, are my current demos marketable at all? Even to the low-paying 10sec videos and sites of the internet? If not, then that's the downer. I was hoping that I'd make some kind of an investment for the money I spent.

@Philip
Thank you, Philip. I'm gonna make sure to listen more carefully to these demos with a coach/director and see what needs a fixin.

With all of this said, I need to figure out what my next steps are. I do want to study improv and acting on a consistent basis. I want to continue practicing, and when the money is there, get some coaching. Maybe in 5+ years work towards a new demo (?) Other than Nancy Wolfson, any other recommendations for coaching? I'm 20 miles from NYC, by the way. So, in-person coaching could also work for me.

Thanks all, much appreciated
Christian

Deirdre · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 12:58 am Post subject:

An improv group is a splendid idea and is great for sharpening all kinds of skills.
Finding a coach near you for in-person lessons will be a fine thing.

Your abilities plus your desire will get you miles farther than people with just " a great voice". You have the plinth. Sculpt away.
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Jen Gosnell · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 12:12 am Post subject: