VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

richvoice · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2014 9:03 pm Post subject: Demo production questions

I was just listening to last weeks EWABS podcast today, where George and Dan held their first annual demo demo derby. Some great info, thanks guys!

I have a commercial demo that was made many years ago. I know I need to update it; I think it was pretty good at the time, but it's old, and I don't think it's up to snuff at this point (not to mention the fact that I now understand more about the importance of showing range, and it doesn't show mine well enough).

I know enough to know that I shouldn't produce my own commercial demo. I don't know when the timing (read: finances) will be right to put a new one together, but hopefully it will be relatively soon. In anticipation of that time, I have a couple of questions:

1. I live in the Tucson area. Can anyone recommend a great demo producer here, or at least in Phoenix?

2. If personal recommendations for a demo producer in this area are lacking, what's the next best option? Working with someone in L.A. (or somewhere else) via Skype for a few sessions, and then making a trip there to record the demo over a day or three? Working with someone via Skype and then booking local ISDN studio time? Selling my mic and getting a paper route? One of the guests on the show mentioned recording demo spots over several days, which I think is a great idea, but I'm not sure it's feasible if the producer isn't local, so... I'm just looking for options -- and recommendations for that long-distance producer, if nobody knows someone here in the desert southwest.

While I know producing my own commercial demo would be a mistake, I've been contemplating putting together an audiobook demo on my own, and I was glad to hear the guys on EWABS mention that this is generally doable. They spoke a little bit about mastering it, and how a little compression goes a long way, which I knew (the first thing that comes to mind when I think "too much compression" is Michael Douglas's intro to the NBC Nightly News). But I could use a little guidance on what, exactly, "a little compression" might refer to. Can someone suggest a starting point for compression settings? It's been a long time since I've used either my old DBX-166 or any software for compression, and I know it will come back to me fairly quickly, but I thought before I tried either I'd see if I could get a good jumping off point. Hopefully, I'll be able to hear it if I push it too far and it becomes noticeable.

Thanks,
Rich

sdaeley17 · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:21 pm Post subject:

If it helps, I went to a local studio (in WA) and skyped my VO coach in (in MN), who directed my reads while the engineer recorded, and then sent the files off for my coach to edit. Just one long distance possibility.

Speaking of Cliff, have you checked out his Done By Six Productions? He and several other vo directors give you the tools and guidance to produce your own demos long distance! Could be worth checking out.

http://www.dallasvo.com/#!done-by-six-home/cx12

Best of luck in updating your demo!

Sean
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Philip Banks · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 4:06 am Post subject:

If you know nothing or believe you know enough not to ..(complete sentence) and then ask people who muddle through to guide you then you will simply end up knowing more nothing than when you started.

All you need to know is know. Find the person who professionally is where you would like to be or has helped others to get to where you would like to be. Do not guess, do not allow yourself to be taken in by spin or PR. Know, prove to yourself beyond reasonable doubt that they are THE person.

Once you've turned off all the noise you'll hear the voice you need to hear.

ballenberg · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 1:27 pm Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 2:57 pm Post subject:

Very true. Performance only, Let someone else play the Audio Gatekeeper.

richvoice · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 4:07 pm Post subject:

Mushmelon · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 5:32 pm Post subject:

I would suggest you take a listen to some of the samples that Chuck Duran produced at www.demosthatrock.com He is in LA but you can record remotely with direction via Skype. He is great to work with albeit a bit pricey. But...you get what you pay for!
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Philip Banks · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 11:51 pm Post subject:

Marc Graue Fin in the mix http://www.fixinthemix.com/ a demo he produced for a friend got her signed with William Morris Endeavour in LA.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 9:11 am Post subject:

I've worked with both Marc and Chuck. They both make awesome demos. The difference I found was that Marc will (at least he did for me) just give you copy, direct you and then produce your demo, where Chuck will work with you to determine your goals for the demo, work with you to figure out what styles and spots are best for your voice and then direct you and produce your demo. Both will make changes if you want changes after delivering the final product. Chuck will then work with you to promote your new demo to agents a bit.

Chuck was more expensive, but I felt I got a more specifically tailored product and with Marc I got an awesome demo...but it seemed a bit more generic. He didn't spend time with me figuring out where I wanted to go with the demo, he just made some choices (though not bad choices...I was new to VO in general and didn't really know what I needed yet).

BOTH demos however booked me work and agents....so I would definitely recommend both. I just appreciated Chuck's approach a little better than Marc's. But, like I said, both of those guys produce GREAT demos.

Both of them recorded with me via Skype in my studio.

Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on the acting ability and vocal talent of the individual performing on the demo. No guarantee is made in terms of marketability of produced demos for a particular purpose. YMMV.

richvoice · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 11:34 am Post subject:

Thanks for reminding me of Marc Graue, Philip. I met him six years ago or so, and I liked him.

And thanks for comparing and contrasting Marc and Chuck, Jason. I'll definitely check them both out!

Cheers,
Rich

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Nancy Wolfson. Not the cheapest by any means, but what I have paid her for demo production has paid for itself many times over.

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:37 pm Post subject:

Nancy is not who you need to do an audiobook demo, but for commercial/promo? Sure.
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richvoice · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 2:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks Rob. Nancy gave a presentation back at Voice 2008 (the only one I went to), and I was impressed with her, but for some reason I can never remember her name!

As I recall, she's in L.A., as are Chuck and Marc. I wouldn't have a problem going to L.A. to record, or working in a local studio with an ISDN setup. I don't think I'd attempt to self-record, working with the producer via Skype; not so much because I don't want to have to handle the engineering duties as well as the performance duties (although that's an excellent point!), but because my gear isn't as nice and my booth isn't as isolated as what I'd (presumably) find at any decent local studio.

George, I'm thinking about doing an audiobook demo myself, I'm just looking for demo producers for a new commercial demo.

Cheers,
Rich

Chuck Davis · Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 4:10 am Post subject:

When it comes to promo demo's and Nancy, she'll send you to Chuck Duran.

She did my commercial and narration reels, but feels Chuck has a better handle on promo direction and production.

I'm about due for a new commercial reel here. I'm planning to go with Chuck for this one too.
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 2:21 pm Post subject:

If possible, find out who's coming to Faffcon Sept 18-21It's in Tucson this year. Perhaps you can book time with her/him for pre-production coaching face-to-face ... which could lead to other considerations for demo production.

Still, all the above names are killer.
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