Demos! You’ve gotta have ‘em and they’ve gotta be awesome! So what does it take to get an awesome demo? First, understand what a demo is and what it isn’t. A demo is a critical tool, and without it, you’re not in business. It’s your calling card; it’s what gets you in the door! A demo is not just a bunch of spots thrown together and it’s definitely not something to skimp on or cut corners in producing. Your demo reflects your level of professionalism, your range, and the value you have to offer the client. It should provide just enough of a sampling to whet their appetite, draw them in, and leave them wanting for more, and should showcase your range and versatility.
All of this takes proper preparation and training. No amount of producing or background music will cover a talent’s inability to effectively deliver a variety of scripts. Get proper training and coaching before you cut your demo!
Every spot on your demo should be unique with the goal of highlighting your range and vocal abilities. Additionally, each spot should sound real, as if it were a paid gig. Pay attention to detail in your takes, the client most certainly will! The goal should be to make them want you!
Keep your demos clean and keep them up to date. Your demos need to be an accurate representation of you and your abilities. If your demos are outdated, the perception is that you are too! Be authentically you and be your best!
Invest in professionally produced demos! Work with a coach and director who is also a voice talent and producer, who understands the importance of a proper demo, someone who will be brutally honest with you, who is reputable, and knows how to produce awesome demos! You should be able to listen to samples of their previous demos. Is the music appropriate? Do the spots flow well? Does it sound clean or over-produced? Can you depict the versatility of the voice talent in the demo or is it just same voice, different background music? Be critical!
Demo production is definitely an investment and much of the expense is due to production costs. Licensed music can be very expensive. The time to properly edit and mix the audio tracks of the demo and add the music is also quite time consuming. Producers who are worth the price are also voice talents and coaches who have earned the ability to command a decent rate for their services, as the opportunity cost is that of paid gigs they could also be doing. This also accounts for the wide range of prices for demo production.
Look for the value not just the price! You get what you pay for and the most expensive is not always the best. This is an investment in your business that requires due diligence on your part. Your demo speaks for you. What is yours saying?
Great advice! Looking forward to getting mine!
What inspiring and encouraging words of advice! I have completed an demo but just don’t know if it speaks ME???!!!
Where are the listings (how do you get them?) for voice-over auditions?
I honestly have a great voice, a great demo, and a great work-ethic. After 25 years in the Army, I’m ready to do this 100% of the time now….
This line seems to contradict itself without explanation :)
“You get what you pay for and the most expensive is not always the best.”
As somebody who receives many demo CDs. I rarely ever get to hear a good one! Great advice and I hope people are listening.
Yes, good advice – have received mine and have several new concerns now.
I don’t think a VO coach needs to be a successful VO talent in order to be an effective coach. One of my coaches is a former agent and casting director. I am pretty sure she would know what agents and CDs are looking for in a demo. BTW, what does my demo say to you?
http://www.michaelbrianmontgomery.com/files/Michael_Brian_Montgomery-Commercial_Demo.mp3
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your comments. Most coaches I know in the industry are also voice talents and I believe that it is essential for a coach to have this kind of background. All of us need to be accountable for what we say and it’s tough to tell our students what works and what doesn’t, if we haven’t experienced it ourselves.
Hey Terry-
It took me several weeks before I finalized which voice acting coach I was going to have help me firm up my existing skills. For several sessions we worked on a wide variety of scripts, ranging from tags to 15 minute narrations. She was, and still is, a great supporter and provided the right amount of encouragement. She was also not afraid to tell me that a particular read was less than stellar. The demo we created was outstanding and spoke volumes of her guidance and extensive voice acting experience that she passed onto me.
Thanks for the article, Terry!
-JCD
I’m with you, Michael . . . you DON’T have to be a successful VO talent in order to be a successful VO coach or producer – not any more than one has to be a great film actor, to be a great film director. Or a great football player to be a great football coach. The idea isn’t to SHOW someone what to do.
What IS the idea, then? For a VO coach and producer, it’s to 1) listen to THEIR read and give direction to encourage several performance options, 2) be able to see their performance from a broader perspective, and 3) know how an audience is going to respond to a read. A VO talent may be better at teaching something technical like mic technique, but a coach/producer does NOT have to be a VO talent in order to help a talent break down a script, or learn to self-direct and be decisive, or find a fresh read on take 17, or do the above three.
If this were not true, Nancy Wolfson and Johnna Gottlieb wouldn’t be successfully coaching or producing. They’re not VO talent.
I would argue that I’d rather have my VO demo producer be an agent, casting director, and/or commercial producer/copywriter than a talent.
For what it’s worth, I think the rest of the advice in this article regarding demo production is spot on.
Hi Maya,
Thank you for your comments. This is one of those categories where you are going to get a variety of opinions. Yes, Nancy Wolfson and Johnna Gottlieb are not exactly full-time voice talents but there are plenty of coaches who are. Marc Cashman, myself, Erik Sheppard, Trish Basanyi, James Alburger, Penny Abshire, Pat Fraley and plenty more. While not all voice talents make good coaches, there are plenty of full time talents who are exceptional coaches and demo producers. The good news for new talent, is there are more resources these days than there were ten years ago. There are some very talented coaches to assist in helping you with your dream of becoming a voice-over artist. Thanks again for your comments. It makes for a great discussion! :)
Terry,
Terrific job on bringing this information to us. Very much appreciated. Would like some direction on finding a voiceover coach. Is there any advantage to having a local (Chicago) coach or can this be done remotely?
Hi Bill,
Thank you for your comments. I will get in touch with you. :-)
I were wondering if a hard copy of the demo is still needed to mail to agents and for promotion or is it OK to just send them via MP3?
Hi Claudia,
Some agencies still want something tangible they can hold in a library, so hard copies still exist. However, most will definitely accept an mp3 but it is always wise to contact them first.
Terry
I am investing in recording equipt…Can you suggest a mic? I did purchase a Samson CL 7 for about 130.00. Is this good enough to enter the business with?
Thank you for your advice,,I am planning on joining Voice Over Club..
JL
Hi Jimmy,
That’s not a bad starter mic. Some other good ones are the Blue Yeti and the AT2020. Both serviceable USB powered condenser mics.
First timer Terry so bear with me , I’m an Irish cab driver who , on several occasion have been told I’ve a unique voice ,The last one gave me a contact in a studio and he kindly gave me an audition for free.
Out of all his people I shared a similar voice with only two other VO artists ,
I’ve to go back and do a days work with him setting up a Demo CD at a cost of €165.00 ,Being a wee bit dubious I probed about the possibility of success ,He said he couldn’t guarantee anything as there were no certainties in anything but with the right CD in hand at least I’d have a stepping stone .
All I really need is a push from someone of your calibre and who’s opinion I respect , So ,Do I give it a shot ? and are there many Charlatans in the VO business ?
Yours,
Brian.
Hi Terry,
Really enjoying reading all your emails on the voiceover world. I live in the Toronto, Canada area and am wondering if you know of any places or people to contact here about getting into the voiceover business. I’ve been told I’ve got a real “radio voice” and I’m anxious to try something completely different from what I’m now doing.
Thanks,
Brian
Thanks for the nice comment, Brian! I will send you some information. :-)
Hi Mike ; Like most VO people I’m told I have a talent for speaking . I would like to know how I would go about taking the first step and find a professional who could tell me whether I do have a talent in this business that I should pursue.
Warmest regards
Al
Hi Allen! Do you want to read a script for me? I’ll be able to evaluate your voice.
Hey Terry, im a VO talent just starting out, would you please evaluate my voice too? Please mail me at [email protected] if you are willing to do so, and I’ll mail you a VO demo of mine.
Thanks,
Jesh
Hi Jesh,
Thanks for the comment. We do this for our members. Sign up to be a member and then email me at [email protected]. Here is the link to do the 3-day trial for $1. http://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now
Hi Terry, I’ve been following your articles for a few months now and would love to have an evaluation of my VO talent. I’m working on my Demo, but it’s not yet complete. I’m in Las Vegas and follow Dave (COURVO) as well. I’d be thrilled to read a script for you!!
Thanks so much!
Marge
I enjoyed reading all your comments. I’m new to VO and Terry Daniel has been coaching me. I feel much more confident in being coached by someone who has had experience on both sides of the mic. Still working towards my demo. I am sure Terry will send me out into the VO world with a great demo I highly recommend Terry for anyone looking for a coach.