VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

JBarrett · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:02 pm Post subject: Which demo first?

I've read/heard comments here and there about the importance of recording a commercial demo first when taking the leap into voiceover. Once that is done, an artist can branch out from there into animation, audiobooks, imaging, etc. as they so choose, but that commercial reel had better be first. However, as with all "rules", isn't this one just as breakable as any other under the right circumstances? Is there really any harm in starting with another demo?

Here's why I ask. As mentioned in another thread, I was fortunate to receive my first voice acting opportunity playing a French ski instructor in a computer game a number of years ago. Shortly thereafter I got my first job as an animator at Big Idea Productions (the VeggieTales place), and had voice parts in several videos. I also messed around with imitating the main VeggieTales character voices, mostly those created by Phil Vischer, and last fall I was contacted by a former Big Idea co-worker who remembered my imitations and needed to find sound-alikes for several of Phil's voices for a live VeggieTales stage show. I auditioned and was hired to play two parts. Not long ago they invited me to audition for a new character in an upcoming video, but after several audition passes, production was put on hold before casting could be finalized. However, I was told that I was still in the running for the character, and would be notified when things picked up again,

While I have initially followed the "commercial first" advice and started getting some commercial voice coaching, and plan on continuing on that track until my commercial demo is ready, I keep wondering if there would be any problem with producing an animation demo first, especially considering I've already got a little experience in that arena. I don't quite have enough raw material with the jobs I've done so far, but I could easily record more with all the other voices floating around in my head. I believe I have the capability to get that kind of work, and would love to send some demos out to give it a shot. But is that really such a bad idea if I don't yet have a commercial demo?
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asnively · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:12 pm Post subject:

I vote: commercial demo first. Smile

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KaraEdwards · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:05 am Post subject:

1st- Listen to Amy. She's smart and already successful.

2nd- my first demo was an animation/character demo. Eventually I had a commercial demo, but 80% of my work at that time was character. It was only last year when I went full-time that I really realized the importance of a commercial demo. The importance being...my need to eat.

3rd- The training is a must- in all aspects. You're in Dallas- so there are a ton of good coaches. Train in every field you can.

In my most humble, and not yet completely successful, opinion- if you are getting requests to voice animation, then put something together. It doesn't have to be your final animation demo, just a sample that sounds professional to send these people. In the meantime, keep training and putting together one heck of a good commercial demo.
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Lizden · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:29 am Post subject:

What Kara & Amy said!

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bobsouer · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:09 pm Post subject:

Justin,

Listen to the ladies. (This is good advice for life, just just voiceover demos.)
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ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:48 pm Post subject:

I'n going to buck the trend. You live in a market that has more animation work than a lot of areas. You have direct contacts in that industry. If you have enough material - or can "easily" create enough to put together a competitive animation demo, then I would say why not get that done and do a small run to go out to specific targeted animation studios. If you are attending an animation conference, bring them with you.

Simulataneously with this effort, continue to work towards finding the right kind of commercial copy that would work with the sound you have started to develop with your characters. Not only does it take time to find your unique style, but there is a big difference between commercial copy and animation copy...you are selling...so you need to have completely different kinds of copy if you want to use some of your developed characters for a commercial demo.

Continue to work on finding your signature sound by taking acting classes and workshops from a variety of people. Yes, the commercial demo is important if you want to have more opportunties, but since you have some "ins" I wouldn't discourage you from putting together something in the short term.

Now, that being said - be sure that before you send it out, post it to the Critique Forum and get some feed back.
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BenWils · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:56 pm Post subject:

It really depends on what work you are going to really go after. Someone contemplating hiring you for animation work is not going to say...hey can you send us your commercial demo so we can review it also.

Most agencies are most interested in commercial, narration and promo (for the bigger agencies). Again the bigger agencies have the animation demos listed etc....so it just depends on what you want to ultimately do. Agencies will want to put you in a group as soon as they meet you....you are the "young, guy next door" type. So if you go in with or send just an animation demo, you may not get far. They want to make as much money from their roster members as possible, so if you can't do anything but one thing, I would say they are going to pass ......unless you are already making nice money doing that one thing on your own and can bring that to the table in one form or another.

So my answer....if you are going on your own (no agent) do what you do best and put all your effort into that. It will be what you are most passionate for and your work will reflect that fact. If you are planning to get an agent or more agents......a commercial demo is what they will want first, more than likely.
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JBarrett · Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 3:44 am Post subject:

Thanks all for the wonderful advice! Lots of great insight into avenues and options I hadn't quite considered. And yes, Connie, I'll definitely post a demo here for critique before it goes abroad.

Thanks again! Laugh

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Deirdre · Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:14 am Post subject:

You should have something solid to send to people or to post on your website. Since your real experience has been with character stuff, exploit that.
You don't need to force entry into the world of commercials, let your body of real work lead the way for you.

When you decide to work on getting representation, you'll need a commercial demo, certainly— and you're clearly working to get the chops you need to kick ass.
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