VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Rob Ellis]

...since my last demo. Had it done with Nancy Wolfson, who IMO did an excellent job.

Is it time to do a new one? Just wondering how often most of you update your demos, and how you know when it is time to do so.

[Deirdre]

I think it's totally subjective.
if a demo is consistently getting you work, why argue with success?
On the other hand, it's nice to give people who visit your site from time to time something new to listen to.

If something seems dated, then get rid of it.
If you've done something spectacularly awesome and want to add it, that calls for a re-mix.

I like jacking my interactive demo around.
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DBCooperVO.com
IMDB

[Bob Bergen]

What DB said!!!!

If you have anything that mentions a year, or a product that is no longer being made, lose em!

In the olden days of reel to reel, it was a bigger deal to update a demo. With today's digital technology, it's a breeze. Changing the order, or just creating a new opening spot once or twice a year is just good business. I know many of the tops in da biz update their demos every time they work.

[Tom Test]

Rob, I have about a dozen assorted specialty demos that I update constantly. I often make variations on my demos for specific clients or auditions. I tend to update my primary Commercial and Narration demos less frequently, but certainly a few times a year I'll make a tweak - since I can do it myself.

I used to produce demos in the 90s here in Chicago, had a nice sideline business and plenty of referrals from talent agents. I chose the scripts and directed in the studio, but the studio did the recording, music, sfx, etc. However, I am feeling the need to have someone else produce my own next Commercial demo this time around.

To answer your specific question: I don't think you need to start from scratch if your demo is doing well for you. Perhaps you can add clips from some high-profile gigs, or maybe a read that's new for you and simply do a minor revision. But I think you need to start from scratch only every 4-5 years, if you're having success. (Unless all of a sudden you've evolved in some unexpected way - and working with someone like Marice Tobais can do that for you).

Hope this helps!
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Best regards,
Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
www.tomtest.com

[Darren Altman]

I recently did an advert for a new game and the tag I read was "demo available now on X-Box Live and Playstation networks." Because these are 2 well known brands, this has to get on my reel ASAP!

I think it's always good advice to get all the best and well known brand names on there as it puts you in a context that people will understand and relate to. "If they've read for them, they must be good!"

I don't have a problem with updating my reel as often as possible. Also, with the amount of websites that we have our profiles on, as Bob said, it's easy to upload and takes seconds to ensure we have the latest and best stuff out there.
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[Philip Banks]

Always, always, always go for quality of read and never include major brands just for the sake of the name.

My first national commercial was for one of the major insurance companies and whilst I included the name on my list of credits I did not use the audio. Why? It was a pile o' shite. Last year one of my jobs was for a major UK furniture chain, fee was five figures. Ooooooooo got to go on the demo!!! No it hasn't as it was another pile o' shite.

In both cases the commercials delivered what both client and ad agency wanted but as my demo is supposed to be best foot forward they would not deliver for me.

[Bruce]

I hate to confess it and so I'll deny it if you repeat this, but I occasionally stick an audition clip or two into my demos. The majority of the work I do for pay isn't demo worthy in the slightest (by virtue of the material, not the reader!), and some audition copy is much more interesting.


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. .

[Philip Banks]

Zackly! Demo is designed to sell not to provide proof of sales.

[Rob Ellis]

[Tom Test]

Bruce, I do the same thing with my audition clips. I suppose someone might be offended if they discovered me using their script without their permission, but legally, since I'm not selling my demo, I think I'm on firm ground. In Chicago, it has always been accepted that audition copy may end up being used on demos.

Of course I will make an exception for copy that is about a new product or is marked "confidential." I have one agent in particular who asks us not to reveal any audition copy, so I won't use her auditions for my demos.

Also, I think writing your own script for a demo can be a great idea.
_________________
Best regards,
Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
www.tomtest.com

[Deirdre]

Writing your own demo material is a good idea only if you're as good a writer as you are a reader and I only know a couple of people who qualify for that.
Self-written stuff tends to be either crappy or self-indulgent, and we're already in love with ourselves— adding another element to be in love with is a recipe for getting your demo thrown in the trash.

I use audition material for a great deal of my demo stuff.
I know I've knocked myself out trying to get the job, and the audio is going to be clean. I can do whatever I want with it.
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IMDB

[Darren Altman]

[Philip Banks]

The Transformers movie was a "major brand" but were I one of the voice actors I'd pay to have my name removed from the credits.

Never get involved in the "I've done THIS brand game!"

At Vox last year a first timer commented to a group of VO's ...

"Well, I've done stuff for BA (British Airways!" Without missing a beat an FVO who I will not name (It was Laura) shrugged.

"Puh! Haven't we all luv!" REEEEEEEEEEEEEESPECT!

[Mandy Nelson]

Now I'm thinking of putting together a demo of the stuff I sent out that was great and the client mangled into crap. My crappy demo. Hmm, maybe I can even start a P2P site: Crappy Audio at Crappy Prices.
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006 member of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Mic. Bonded by sound.

Manfillappsoc: The Mandy and Philip mutual appreciation Society. Who's in your network?

Have you seen my mic closet? ~ me to my future husband

[Lee Gordon]

Too late. We already have a couple of those.
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Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice