Please critique my VO demo, any feedback helps.

[Frank Falzon]

Hi All,

Back in November 2006 I posted my first VO demo.
It was made with a $30.00 mic. It popped and hummed like crazy.

In January I purchased the Heil PR-40 Microphone, the Heil Sound PL2T Studio Mic Boom, the Heil Sound HEIL-SM2 Shock Mount, and the M-Audio FastTrack audio interface. The setup looks great and the sound is sooo much better.

This forum is great for a novice like me and I'm learning quite a bit.
Could I get some feedback on my latest demo?
I'm not sure how to upload this file, so here is the link:

http://frankfalzon.voice123.com/

What should I do next?
Should I send this out to agents or directly to radio stations?


Thanks all,
Frank

 

[uppendowndadial]

Frank, the playstation 2 piece was the best. Maybe you should lead with that. As for the rest of it, I'd say take some coaching in copy interpretation. It was just okay, but nothing that popped out of the speakers.

 

[liljohnny]

I think you've got a great, naturally delivered sound that most agencies listen for. The audio quality of the demo is good. You may want to rearrange it a bit? You've got a few different "New Yawkuh" character clips on your demo...you only need to keep one to highlight that specific character ability. Just look for ways to edit while keeping a consistent flow. Maybe start with a more dramatic clip, then follow with a "regular guy" read, followed by a character read, etc.

I'm not sure what you mean about targeting radio with your demo? Most stations don't freelance out for local v/o or production. I'd focus on canvassing talent agencies and regional ad agencies/prod houses.

Best of luck

 

[Nelz]

Hey Frank,

Great voice. It's unique! There were a couple of really good segments that seemed to work well. A friend of mine whose voice is heard on some national shows, commercials, and promos, gave me some really great advice. He said you need to find that signature voice and delivery that's all yours. Everyone has a specific range in voice and delivery that they're comfortable in. Character voices are great if you can do them well and are able to stay in character throughout the script. For example, my Irish accent (I'm Native American) is great for about three or four words, then I fall apart. Uppenanddown is right...vocal coaching is an excellent idea. Once you've got a demo that is killer, seek the help of an agent. You'll get a lot more gigs that way.

The best advice I ever received was this: DON'T GIVE UP!

The VO business is a tough arena to throw your hat into. You may audition for tons of VO jobs and only land a very few. Don't take it personal. It's not you they don't like, it's just not the voice or delivery they had envisioned for the script or product. Once you've established yourself, the gigs will happen more frequently.

DON'T GIVE UP!

Liljohnny is right...forget radio. Think agencies. But make sure your demo is killer!

DON'T GIVE UP!

 

[menotti1]

Good job with that M-audio fast track.you make that little rascal shine...Very nice warm voice.If you get a chance, take an acting course at a local college.as you know alot of actors do VO work and it's that natural style like yours that can land some good gigs.Good luck.But most of all have fun.It's all about having and keeping a good attitude.Nothing against Heil mics, but when you can afford something like maybe a TLM 103 i think you would notice the difference.i use a Shure KSM 32 condenser that sounds good for me and you can get them on Ebay for around 400.00 (used).BUt it's always best to demo any mic of you can before making a decision.