VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Donald Seago · Joined: 16 Oct 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Indiana

Are VO scripts Copy Righted and/or Is it unethical to use them in a demo?
This includes ones that are running now and those you may have heard in the past.
Just wondering what everyones thoughts are?

heyguido · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 1:35 pm Post subject:

Copyrighted? Maybe... if it's a large agency behind it.

Ethical? That's not really the question. The real question is whether or not you'll embarass yourself. If your performance is not up to that of the original, I'd recommend against it.

Our own Bob Souer has American Express on his demo, but he NAILS it.

If you can't, don't do it. You'll only end up showing how far you miss the mark.

Instead, there are plenty of copy resources on the EdgeStudios site, the P2Ps, and many more. Start there. You'll be glad you did.
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

cyclometh · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 5:06 pm Post subject:

I hired a copywriter to give me some ad copy that you'll never hear on the radio, but is still referring to major brands. That way I have unique copy and no conflict with anyone else's work.
_________________
Corey "Vox Man" Snow
http://voxman.net

Bish · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 7:28 pm Post subject:

I always try to write my own unless it's a job I've actually done and the client has given the OK for the audio to be used on my demos. There are plenty of free resources (Edge has been mentioned)... but remember that many VOs are using these scripts... and you never want a listener to recognize something and be distracted from the read itself. For audiobooks and technical narration, there a whole load of good stuff in the public domain (either expired copyright or published under a Creative Commons License). For the short stuff, if you've got no writing chops, paraphrasing is your friend... take a good spot, and change the company (fictitious), the product and a few adjectives here and there and you're good to go. "The perfect Lasagne comes from the kitchen of Chef Boyardee!" becomes, "The best oranges come from the orchards of Florida farmers!"

It's not so much a question of what is right or wrong... but rather one of why bother as it's so easy to be free and clear of any possible hassles or detrimental effects with a spot of DIY (or, as Corey says... get someone else to do it). Personally, I am a little reluctant to use a real company name if it's not a real gig. The implication is that you did the gig, and if you imply it, it should be true. It's a grey area.
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 3:26 am Post subject:

Signed a document this morning pacifically prohibitating my using the material upon which I am upon for demonising porposes. My first demo contained complete and utter nonsense and it got me work. At the time every demo sent included my logo "I know where you live ...I know where your children go to school" ... It was a megamazing launch stradudgee.

Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

I gave up producing my own demos some years ago and rely 100% on compiling previous work. It's a big challenge to beg, torture and otherwise persuade creatives/agencies to send you copies, but authentic work is the best way to go for so many reasons.

Of course, I realise Marice makes the argument that previous work only shows where you have been, not where you're going. Can't argue with that, but I'd rather have realism.
_________________
Colin Day - UK Voiceover
www.thurstonday.co.uk

Bish · Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 4:28 am Post subject:

heyguido · Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 7:06 am Post subject:

I'm both a realist and a dreamer. They say Pisces are like that. Wink

I prefer to show my best work. But I'm not beyond showing that I can reach for the stars.

When I do, I prefer to look first for good copy, preferably print, that hasn't been used on-air, or nationally. After all, if the copy sucks, it can't be saved by a good read. Using copy that hasn't been used on-air or nationally ensures I won't be compared, but can give an original performance that shines.

Looks good, smells good, the fish strikes, arcing gracefully over the water... Wink

_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

imaginator · Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 7:16 am Post subject:

...whether i write it or not (and i'm an experienced copywriter), i advise people to leave off brand names unless it is something they really did that's too good not to point out. otherwise, just re-write the set-up in the same style and bail out before the brand name or re-word the end of a line so the brand name is not needed to finish the example.

you have something in the vein of what you're imitating, showing you can create the same vibe, and you don't have to worry about a competing product shunning you because they think you already work for their competitor.

that's just my two cents, adjusted for inflation.
_________________
rowell gormon
www.voices2go.com
"Mr. Warm & Friendly Voice...with Character!"
Rowell Gormon's Clogged Blog - http://voices2go.com/blog

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 7:22 am Post subject:

Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 8:15 am Post subject:

One key phrase in this discussion (from the thread's subject line) is "that you may hear on the air." I don't think it's a big deal to use a known brand name in your demo, assuming you are not out of your element, or you've actually done work for that brand. But if you use copy from something that your target audience is likely to hear on the air and immediately conclude that it ain't you, that could leave the impression that you are trying to fake it. Of course, if you're good enough to have actually done the recognizable spot (even if the real gig went to somebody else), it probably won't kill you to use it.
_________________
Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 8:59 am Post subject:

Bish · Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 9:20 am Post subject:

Oh No! Philip summoned a constable Gasp

We'll all have to behave or I predict a clip round the ear in the very near future!

So, to keep it vaguely on-topic, I'm reminded of something Rowell said at FaffCamp... when doing characters, no-one wants to hear your Scooby-Doo or Porky Pig... they've both been done far better than you can do them. Same with an existing broadcast ad... why would you set yourself up to be compared like that? (and, as Lee points out... "Here's something I didn't do.")
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

heyguido · Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 9:38 am Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 10:09 am Post subject:

Easy for you to say ..sh*te is all I got!