VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

audiblyandrea · Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 9:20 am Post subject: General Ramblings from a Newbie

Since I introduced myself here a couple of months ago I've been lurking, reading, enjoying.... Ninja

I am much closer now than I was to actually auditioning or seeking out voice over opportunities. Just a couple of doubts/issues linger. I don't have a demo. I have read over and over again that trying to produce your own demo is a horrible idea. I can see that. lol. I need some decent studio monitors, though my headphones have suited me well for the time being. I have a "booth" set up in the corner of my bedroom, and on the other side of the living room wall where my computer is. I'm fairly proud of the booth, constructed from three old wooden doors (from a carpenter friend), some great heavy blankets, and some acoustic foam. I've been recording from my booth and I'm getting there.... Still a liiiiiiitle bit of hum to figure out, but sounds pretty good, really. I've been reading/recording A LOT. I feel close to turning a dream into reality. It's an exciting feeling! I've even done some preliminary networking with a couple of local production company dudes and some old friends involved in the Chicago theater scene who have some "leads" for me.

But, I don't have a demo. I'm leaning towards auditioning for peer to peer gigs, local jobs, and at the very least doing my best to acquire working experience so that I have material for a future demo.... Thoughts on this dilemma? I know being an aspiring but broke voice over artist ain't nothin' new. Smile

And, I'd like to add, that I just adore reading the forum here. So many hilarious, smart, witty, kind people.... AND tons of valuable knowledge. In fact, in the months I've been researching this industry and acquainting myself with the community, I've only been continuously impressed and anxious to become a part of it.

agettig · Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 10:09 am Post subject:

Start an envelope, mason jar, whatever to get a demo done. You can't really market a product that doesn't exist. Your demo shows what you are capable of and really is your calling card. Once you have that in hand, you can work on a brand and build your website. Then you can point people to your product...you! Smile

Keep woodshedding copy, get into a copy workout online, join (or start!) a local VO meetup group...look for any opportunities to improve what you do so when you are able to record that demo, it rocks!

Regarding the little bit of hum, record a :30 to :60 sample and submit it to Dan Lenard or George Whittam. They'll give it a listen when they can and point you in the right direction to resolve it.

P2P has it's place for some, but it's a very small part of a successful business plan for VO in my opinion. Check out Bill DeWees' book on Amazon. http://sl.gettig.net/billsbook

That's my $.02. Good luck!

Bruce · Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 10:10 am Post subject:

Demos are pretty much our calling card or portfolio, and of course a place to put it such as a website and other talent sites. It's tough to sell yourself without samples of what you do.

If'n you're broke, creating your own demo (or finding a really good friend to do so) would be the path. Hopefully you're practicing editing your work in your recording software. Lots of practice there will help you for years to come.

A typical demo is an average of six selections that take about a minute to play. Even if you don't think your work is ready, go ahead and start creating demos just for the practice. Find your best 10 second (on average) clips. Assemble them in this order and that. Compare yourself to other demos you find online. Get inspired, not defeated. As a beginner you've got nowhere to go but up.

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

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

audiblyandrea · Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:08 am Post subject:

Thanks for the feedback, guys! I'm a fan of DeWees' info for sure. And I have been practicing my editing. Smile

I'd like to be proficient before I advertise myself as being so. haha. Luckily I was in radio for a few years some time ago so I've had somewhat of a foundation to build upon. The software we used though was..... well, it was 10-15 years ago. Same concepts though!

I'll be seeking out someone to critique some samples soon enough. Laugh

Also would like to get myself to a workshop in the Chicago area before too long!

"Get inspired, not defeated." LOVE that! <3