VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[HeatherMasters]

Hey all,
I just had my first Skype directed session, and this brought up a new question. When sending the file from the session, do you edit the many takes? When I normally send a file to a client, I may give a couple of different reads just because I like to give them options. In this Skype session, there was a phrase that I kept getting the wrong inflection on a word, so I did, oooh, about 10 takes of it When I sent the file, I just edited out all of my conversation to him, but kept all the takes, thinking, HE should be the one to make the call of what stays and what goes. Did I just send him a buttload of work to wade through? Should I have cut some of the ones I think were the weakest?
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Heather

www.heathermastersvo.com

[Yonie]

If it was directed there should have been a take where the client went "That's the one!"

[Bruce]

At the end of a directed session I'll say, "I'll clean this up and send you the best takes", and that gives them the chance to say, "OK", or "please send me everything". I still remove all the non-pertinent chit chat but I might leave in my comments such as, "here we go with the pig in a Bronx accent".


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. .

[Eddie Eagle]

I typically ask what they want before recording. Most times they say they will cut it up.

[HeatherMasters]

Thanks for the replies. They are so helpful. I'm by nature a bit of an overachiever, and am used to going into situations overprepared, so that I can feel confident. This broadening out in VO is such a humbling experience. There are so many new things to learn and get the hang of.

Like the fact that I don't need to have the camera on for a Skype session. I found that out when apparently I was expressive in my frustration at myself for not getting it. He very good-naturedly told me I should turn off my camera. I laughed and apologized for my expressive face...and then still forgot to turn off the camera. Yeesh. At least, 1. I now have a skype session under my belt and know a bit more of what to expect. and 2. I worked with a great director who was really nice about it all.

And thankfully I didn't find out it's for national TV until after it was over (though next time I'll make sure to know ahead of time!). One less new situation to worry about.

Thanks again guys! I may be slow on the uptake, but I'm a tenacious little bugger, and determined to get this!
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Heather

www.heathermastersvo.com

[Lee Gordon]

I'm in the same camp as Eddie. I tell them I'll cut out the long dead spaces in which we're conversing but not recording actual takes, and then ask them what they want or don't want.
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Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

[Bish]

Unless otherwise instructed, I cut the dead air, the chit-chat and the obvious flubs before I send. I also verbally label the takes (take 1, etc.) during the session so we have a common point of reference if there are any re-takes needed (e.g. "The client loved take 3 of section 2 but needs a tiny change to the product's pronunciation.") In some instances, I've been pleasantly surprised when a client has been taking his own notes and has told me... "just send us section 1, take 2, section 2, take 1" etc.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

[Kristin Lennox]

Like Bish, I keep a verbal account of the takes (and I write them down the side of my script, so I don't lose track of which take we're on...) Then I cut out the chit chat and send all the takes, back to back.

Other tips:

-- yes, turn off the camera. Not only does it save people from seeing me without make-up, but it also saves bandwidth, and could prevent drop-outs.

-- write the names of everyone in the session at the top of your script. Then when you're saying your good-byes, you can make it more personal: "Thanks, everybody -- and Greg, look for a file from me in about ten minutes!"

-- before you sign off make sure you know: where you're sending the files (email/dropbox/FTP), and what file format to use (wav/aif/mp3)

And this may be a no-brainer, but make sure you're taking notes on your script when you get direction -- use an old-fashioned pencil and paper, or iAnnotate on your iPad, or whatever works best for you. This will help prevent getting the wrong inflection on a word ten times.

Oh, and CONGRATS on your first directed session!!
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[HeatherMasters]

Thank you Kristin!!

Those tips were wonderful! I will add them to my list of things to remember.
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Heather

www.heathermastersvo.com