home         •         contact

	Voice-Over DEMOS pdf
Tunarelli offers a voice-over package* that includes:
a free tour and info session; all the copy you need; a 2-1/2 hour coached studio session; Neumann U86i microphone;		Pro Tools; On-line access to takes throught the process; A data DVD with all the takes, music and sfx used                       *or hourly: $40
We make it accessible After the session, we will make available your finished tracks for you to review anytime on the internet—parked on our server, not crammed into an e-mail. We put all the costs up front We do not piecemeal you to death with audition costs, consulting costs, bogus studio sessions, "drop charges," out-of-state trips and inflated recording costs. We can help you create an affordable, meaty recording well seasoned with real music and sound effects at a fraction of the cost of most studios, consultants and "industry centers." And our pay-as-you-play payment plan is palatable. Want a free tour of the studio, feedback and/or an audition behind the mic? (spam-free, secure cgi contact form) Testimonials: "I got the cd in the mail today...looks really cool—I like it. Everything sounds really good." —Patricia Hurley actress "I got invited to join the Producers Handy Dandy website! Woohoo! I could not have done it with out the two of you! Thanks for all your help." —Leigh Brooks Actor/V-O "Thank you so much. Great feedback from friends." —Carolyn Bell V-O Artist more testimonials and audio client samples

Tips for making a good voiceover demo:

• Make each category (Commercial, Narration, etc.) about about a minute (plus an audio books* category if applicable).  This is our standard but ultimately we leave it up to the client.
• Your first piece should be your most natural voice. They want to know up front what you sound like;
• Aim for five to ten pieces (we will help you find the best tracks);
• Stay away from accents and impersonations unless you are really good at them (and if you are, have a separate medley for characters—see Voicing/Audio ;
• Try to practice, in addition to your normal cadence, reading quickly without sounding like you are (think BBC!);
• Watch for “popping” letters, mainly p's and t's (practice breath control) and deflect/turn your face from sensitive microphones for the popping "p"s;
• Good copy is essential — and practice, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!—esp. if you are given copy days beforehand!;
• For your general demo, humor is good, but do not offend;
• Smile while you’re reading the copy - it really does add warmth to the sound;
• Keep in mind variations in tempo, rhythm, energy level and enthusiasm level, as well as pitch and volume.

*If you are interested in pursuing audio book narration work, choose three to four approximately 3-min. contrasting selections (fiction, non-fiction, technical, etc.).  We offer audio book coaching and recording on a by-the-hour-only basis. back

Voice-Over Styles It behooves you to record as many of these styles of speaking and content that you can execute effectively. Below are some of the categories voice-over professionals are expected to include in their repertory:
	• Real / Conversational • Warm / Sincere • Authoritative • Energetic • Hard Sell / Retail • Sophisticated / Sexy • Hip / Attitude • Folksy • Textured / Gravelly • Straight / Factual • Senior • Youth / Teen • Generation Next • Character • Political* • Narration • Documentary

*If you are part of the Washington/ Baltimore market, we recommend that you record at least one political demo for your reel and maybe even a political section with several contrasting styles. Caveat: We suggest choosing a political party and sticking with it! 

back

One of our competitors offers a "candid assessment" for $159.00. We offer assessments, tour, and a behind-the-mic audition for free.  If we feel you are not ready to record, you may study with Laura or find some training/workshops that will increase your skills.

So you got your first
voice-over gig:

Now what?

• Be early.  You’ll be more relaxed in the recording session if you were there with 15-20 minutes to spare and have time to visit the rest room before you get behind the mic.
• If they send the copy in advance, rehearse it, look up any unfamiliar words, and think about different ways to approach the material.  Low key, enthusiastic, serious, ironic/funny, etc.
• Look up and know how to pronounce any words you might be unfamiliar with!  Very important.
• Stay focused and businesslike.  For them, time is money and while they might want to set a relaxed and easy-going tone, don’t give in to the temptation to digress and tell amusing anecdotes, or joke around.  If THEY want to joke, go ahead and laugh, but let them take the lead.  Don’t YOU “spend” any of their studio time telling your own tales.  Studio time is very expensive.
• In that same vein, really LISTEN when they give you direction, so you are able to deliver what they are asking for in one or two takes.  (I am apt to be trying so hard to act attentive and capable, that miss what they’re actually asking me to do!  Relax and simply LISTEN, and you’ll be able to execute what is asked of you more quickly.
• Breathe quietly – as in, no big audible gulping intakes of air between sentences.  This makes it easier for the technicians to edit in post production.  Open your throat and take in air silently.  Easier on your vocal cords, too!
• If they are asking for a warm sound, smile.  We’ll hear the smile in your voice.  Really.

—Laura Giannarelli
Tunarelli V-O Coach
Reader, Library of Congress
Talking Book Service

back

 

 

 

2011 Clay Teunis | Content usage   

top