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Nikki · Contributor II Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 50

So, I have found a studio that seems to charge a reasonable rate for their demos. Surprisingly so. It's located in Dallas, which is a few hours from here, but would be worth an overnight trip to visit friends, hang out, and only have a couple of hours where I'm off recording. They even have a payment plan with certain packages. (Please note: I'm not ready to do this yet, but I like planning ahead and knowing what I'm doing. Options.)

I don't know their reputation truly, I only saw one instance of them being mentioned on this board as a recommendation in the Dallas area, but no yay or nay per se. (For the record, they're Lambert Studios).

But then as I was looking, it got me wondering...especially for the P2P sites...it seems auditions are common? The norm? If I'm just starting out, and especially if I'm having to accept lower non-Union paying jobs, do I need to do worry about a demo if I'm submitting auditions?

Also, since those jobs are lower pay, is it reasonable for me to request copies of the finished, produced work with the thought that maybe I can go into a studio later and pay a professional to splice it or even do it myself as I get acclimated to the process?

What are you thoughts overall? I know I will need a Demo to get representation, be professional, ect. But looking at my options to start.

Nikki

SteVO · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 2:06 pm Post subject:

Here is advice from a "non" expert. You can always say your demo is in the process of being "updated". As far as the auditions, if you are confident enough to audition for something, why not go for it? Wink

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Nikki · Contributor II Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 50

That's sort of what I was thinking.

Once I've had some more practice in private, why wait to have the money to work on my 'demo' if I can jump in the waters and begin to audition? I don't mean to do 'sub-par' work, but I also don't want to be one of those languishing on the sidelines when I could be getting experience in the 'trenches'.

Nikki

Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 2:50 pm Post subject:

Most of us on here pretend to be experts in voice over success or successful voice over experts. We're not, we just sort of blunder around buggering things up.

Your idea about just doing something is great. If it doesn't work it doesn't matter in the least. Have fun.

Mike Sommer · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 6:00 pm Post subject: Re: Do I Need A Demo...now?

Mikenj3 · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 8:11 pm Post subject:

Hey, Nikki...

First off...good luck and have fun. Go for it!!!

As for your demo... my opinion is that you should have one at the ready. I get how expensive it is, but I feel you should be ready to send it out at a moment's notice. My view? It's well worth the expense.

Good luck again!!!

Mike Forbes
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Mikenj3@comcast.net

Bailey · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 8:11 pm Post subject:

Do you have any recordings that you could post in the Critique section?
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Bruce · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 6:44 am Post subject:

Being a voiceoverist without a demo is kind of like being a salesperson without a brochure or a sample to show or hand out. It's a little difficult.

That being said, P2P sites are a different business model. I'm sure some percentage of jobs are obtained by clients listening to prepared demos, but the vast majority of jobs these days are awarded based solely on custom demos (dammit). I will tell you that as a producer I always listen to the prepared demo of anyone whose custom demo has impressed me just to gather a fuller understanding of their abilities.

So yes, a demo is very useful in this business and you should get one when you're ready, but I imagine you can also dip your toe into the P2P waters without one.

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Nikki · Contributor II Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 50

Thanks for all the feedback everyone!

Philip - Thanks! Glad to know my thought process isn't completely off.

Mike - I definitely agree. On my time table I'm probably two months off from feeling comfortable enough to do a Demo. This may seem a little fast still to you pros, but I figure if I wait until I'm utterly comfortable, it will never happen. And a Demo isn't forever and should be refined as I go.

Bailey - I do not have any recordings as of yet...nothing worth listening to anyway. I've got a terrible mic I've been practicing on so when I have my new one (About two weeks) then I can do true a analysis and recordings for critiques.

Bruce - That's perfect and what I needed to know. When you put it in that light, it makes sense as a demo. Do you think it would still be a hinderance for me not having a demo for 'further listening' or could I simply provide other examples and reads and say, as SteVO mentions, that it is in the works?

Again, thanks everyone!

Nikki

mcm · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:00 am Post subject:

Nikki, if a potential client wants something from you and you have to tell them "it's in the works", they will most likely move on.

Mike Sommer · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 10:16 am Post subject:

Bailey · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 10:43 am Post subject:

JBarrett · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:17 am Post subject:

Nikki · Contributor II Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 50

Mike, all very well and duly noted.

I didn't mean to give the impression I have any intention of putting out a half-baked product. But remember that business plan you mentioned? That's exactly what I'm formulating. I didn't want to go out and buy that fancy oven for the kitchen and all those pricey ingredients until I had a game plan in place.

And definitely, if I gave anyone the impression I wasn't willing to invest in a Demo? Not the case. If I have a pet peeve, it's wasting money. But I have no problem spending money where I feel it is best invested and also timely. Since I work with a lot of small businesses, I've seen them waste money on office spaces they aren't using, computers that have more features than they will ever need or utilize during the life of the machine, and sell themselves the dream without doing it to a scale appropriate to their current situation. I'm an odd sales rep in that I believe in solutions to problems and the rest will fall into place.

Because it's come up, I'll share my plan as follows:

Basics/Equipment: I'm currently writing my Business Plan in official form (and reading a great book on doing so as I go along). I just finished the section on market and forecast, and it's amusing to me how well it plays into much of what I've read here. I have many business classes behind me as that's been my profession, but still, starting your own business and knowing how to plan accordingly is what I'm working on now. I won't list all the marketing books I have and am currently reading (at least not in this post) but there are a lot.

I will be investing in a USB Mic (I know, I hear the groans, but seriously! It's gotten good reviews and I'd like to try it out).

I have the software I am using currently (Audacity) and an offer of software from a friend who likes the fancy stuff because she records for her band.

I have investigated two studios who do Demo production. One I have already gotten a complete breakdown of what they do, how they do, and heard finished samples. The other I will put in a call to probably later this week. One came highly recommended, the other has also been recommended but not with as many 'high level' people. So, balancing value to price at the moment as I don't believe more expensive is auto-better.

Current Prep/Training: Recording my voice into my laptop reading books and going through scripts as seen on V123 and Edge Studio. Starting volunteer work for the RFBD to practice my cold reading and give back something to the community (went to orientation on Monday, fabulous people.) Reading books on emphasis, sentence structure, word choice and meaning. Also will be taking advantage of advance training at work. Definitely waiting for the new Voice Over Acting book to come out soon. Favorite so far? Joan Baker's Secrets of Voice Over Success. Not a 'how to' book the insights from industry pros and what they experienced was eye opening, cautionary, and educational. And yes, even encouraging as they love what they do. Plus, the audio CD included is amazing to listen to with demo, after demo, after demo....

The reason for my question has more to do with 'next steps' as I figure this thing out. Once I have my mic, once I feel I am getting more confident, and as I am saving up the money and time for my demo, is it acceptable to audition without one...or do I need one right NOW?

Bailey - That's pretty much what I'm thinking. I don't want to waste the money I invest (loss due to it not working out, one thing. Loss due to me being sloppy is not acceptable) and I will definitely be getting feedback.

Justin - That's perfect. Unique Selling Position. And something I'd forgotten to consider in all of this. Also fits in with how I want to apply the 'Blue Oceans' marketing strategy. I don't want to compete against the countless masses on their terms. I want to be unique and have my own space on my terms based on my style, talent, abilities...that recipe everyone is speaking of.

..and now you people are making me hungry. But I don't want any more carbs. Going out tonight for dinner!

Whit · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 2:17 pm Post subject:

I agree with Philip, just DOING something is great.

My opinion on the demo question... yes. You should have your demo ready to go.

From the other side of things I'd be casting and poo pooing in a very important way about how auditions were stupid and people should cast on demos. I'd send out the auditions, and sooooo many times after the list was narrowed down the next question would be "can you send on their demos?"

While doing the very important poo pooing, I would always say that auditions are great and all, but a good demo lends credibility. Being the person doing the casting I would be the one held responsible if the talent didn't live up to the clients expectations. With auditions, well, maybe they just had a really good day and lucked out with an awesome read... then on the actual job they can't recreate it. Blah blah blah... again, a demo lends credibility in my eyes, and made me more comfortable recommending someone to a client.

Also-you only get one chance to make a first impression. Starting out of course you want to meet people, and build up your client base. You want to be ready when you interact with potential clients, like mcm said, so they don't just move on to someone who can give them what they are asking for.