VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Don G.]

The last time I did a demo, I asked for opinions after I had sent them out. This time I'm playing it a little smarter. Below are links to two version of my new commercial demo. I seem to have lost the ability to be objective, so I'm appealing to the collective brain trust of the VO-BB because I know I'll get sincere, helpful input here. The first link is the demo as produced by an outside producer with elements I provided. The other one is a version I produced using some of the aforementioned elements as well as some other material I had on hand. It would be great if I could get some feedback as to which you feel is better, or if some hybrid of the two is preferred. And obviously, if you feel that neither is marketable and I should scrap it all and go back to square one, I will consider that (after I slit my wrists of course ).

Finally, I realize some of you have sworn off giving critiques on the forum. I can understand that, and I hope that if you are so inclined, you'll feel free to PM me with any comments. Hell, I even have a phone here if you'd rather talk than type.

Thanks in advance. Here you go...

Version 1

Version 5

[KaseyKruz]

I like Version 5 better...better flow and you sound like Martin Sheen in it.
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Does life start at 40?

[Bruce]

5 definitely has more energy and diversity, and I definitely wouldn't start off a demo with a cut about dying from cigarettes like Demo 1. Personally, I'd avoid downers in a demo like the plague. Clients with "difficult" messages hopefully can tell how well you'd read for them from your other work.

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. .

[Don G.]

Thanks so much for the comments here, and for those of you who chose to call. All of the input is very much appreciated. The consensus seems to be that #5 wins out over #1, so that is the foundation which I'll tweak a bit, based on some other comments.

Please feel free to keep 'em coming if the spirit moves you.

Don

[robert jadah]

Spiritually moved, Don, I too cast my vote for #5.
To these ears, however, it too suffers from a general sameability: each clip has the same delivery, same voice, same production. I really could not readily discern where one spot ended and the next began.
Please keep in mind that I'm internettedly toxic, but much as I tried, I couldn't help but bail at the :35 second mark, which is probably not a good sign.

Since the voice is distinctive and the delivery has high moments of drama and oomph, I am convinced you can do better.

(but - again - I am toxic......)

[donrandall]

When I listen to someone's demo, I try to ask myself "Is this a voice I would like to have associated with me, my product or my service? Would this voice attract and hold the attention of those I am trying to reach? Will this voice enhance the way the listener perceives me, my product or service - or - will this voice be a "tune out" that drives people away from me, my product or my service?


For what it's worth - If I were selling bubble gum or cutesy little dolls to young girls, I probably would not pick you. But, you probably don't wanna do that stuff anyway, right? GI Joe maybe - but BARBIE? No, I don't think so.

Now - If I were trying to sell real estate, healthcare, insurance, automobiles, peanuts - or advertising a grocery store or any real product or service for real grownup people, You would definitely be well suited for the job.

Any of us can find something to nit pick and we can pull out the usual bromides about wanting to hear the "real you" or the ever popular nugget about all the tracks sounding like they were recorded in the same studio or with the same mic -- But what it all comes down to is whether or not this is a voice that I believe would enhance my image or the sales of my product or service. I believe you have that ability and it shows.

[bobsouer]

Don,

I'll join the chorus in support of #5. I think you have a very nice, very marketable sound. There's not a stinker in that demo. At least not in my view.
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Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
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