VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Neil K. Hess · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 12:00 pm Post subject: Training your voice over "ear"

So I have reached the second stage: conscience incompetence. I know I need to train my ear to be able to distinguish good performances from bad. Any suggestions for resources to help me with this?
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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 4:47 pm Post subject:

Yes - listen to national spots. Listen to late night cable spots. If you can tell the difference in the acting skills, then you are on your way.

This is not to say that some local spots are not well written and well performed - and sometimes the jump between good and great is subtle and in the ear of the listener (and the producer), but there is a huge jump between not ready for prime time and ready for prime time.

Aspire for prime time.
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Kim Fuller · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 6:27 pm Post subject:

Hey Neil,

Don't get discouraged - it will kill your momentum. Have FUN learning what you need to learn - and discovering what that is. I've been reading everything on this site for a couple of years - writing to people off-board - listening to demos, researching and practicing editing skills.

I also have issues with sibilance - I'm doing everything I can think of to cure it - trying different mics, different mic positioning, trying to modify my speech to eliminate the hard "ess" as much as possible, researching the archives here for everything I can find on the subject. Have been in touch with a few people on this board regarding my next steps, i.e. - coaching and eventual demo production.

It takes the time it takes. Taking a good long time for me - might not so much for you. Enjoy the process. Have fun! Wink

Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 2:38 am Post subject:

Lesson 1.

Watch this at least a dozen times

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pd0SIRs9mc

Then watch this at least a dozen times

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KfdDnA6dzw

Write down everything that works, everything that doesn't work, everything you like, everything you don't like. Hear every second, listen, really listen. Why did the above turn out like that? How would you have approached them?

Once you start asking questions you will find yourself asking more questions.

The above exercise will take about 30 - 40 minutes.

Next take two pieces of your audio and do the same thing. See if you hear anything you've never heard before.

Try to do this once a week until it bocomes a habit.

Kim Fuller · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:34 pm Post subject:

Thank you, Philip!

Bailey · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:31 am Post subject:

Kim Fuller · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 3:45 pm Post subject:

I expect to be laid off from my full-time job sometime this year due to changes in technology. My New Year plan is to take at least 30 minutes a day for VO training - whether recording, editing or listening/evaluating/ear training. That is, at least 30 minutes on my working days, even if doing overtime. I can probably get in an hour or two on my non-working days.

Going to make Philip's files above part of the listening/evaluating/ear training plan. In a few months or so, hopefully I'll be ready for prime time.

Bruce · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:11 am Post subject:

I'd recommend listening more to voice artists you'd like to sound like, such as the women you'll find at Voicebank.net. That is, unless you'd like to sound just like Philip, which isn't a bad idea.

But then Philip might find it tougher to get work if we all sounded like him.

I think I need my second cup of coffee.

B
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I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Kim Fuller · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:50 am Post subject:

Sounding like Philip would be QUITE a stretch. Smile

Going for some coffee myself...

Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:18 pm Post subject:

The trick, if there is one, is to simply listen, interpret, understand and adapt. So to whom one listens is not as important as journey it starts.

Seek out quality in VO pieces and coffee.

DougVox · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 2:10 pm Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 3:55 pm Post subject:

I did a session for a Disney a couple of years ago and the sound person offered his opinion and some direction. The producer listened politely then with a smile she responded.

"Well we hired Philip for Philip so I think we'll just let him do things his way" or words to that effect.

TRYING should be banned or those who encourage it in our business should have their left earlobes flicked!

asnively · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 4:00 pm Post subject:

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
― Oscar Wilde

(Not as easy as it sounds, actually. Only because we tend to make it more complicated than it actually is. Find what's special about you and be that.)
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Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 4:10 pm Post subject:

I was quite looking forward to an early death in a Parisienne garrett.