VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Philip Banks · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 4:45 am Post subject: The SOH demo

I'm a bit of a bore when it comes to suggesting that people produce a first line VO demo which should effectively get them the work they are able to do standing on their heads.

At the end of any session when the director apologises for making you work so hard you should be able to shrug and say .. "you didn't, I just read out loud".

Here's my "Standing on my head" demo http://soundcloud.com/philip-banks/pbsohdemo2012

Lapianoman · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:47 am Post subject:

I've seen Nancy Wolfson have people lay flat on their backs for some reads...perhaps the headstand is a new technique? Wink

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John LaPiana
Voice User

Bruce · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 8:30 am Post subject:

Well, you could take the second cut and move it to the front, take the third cut and move it to the back, shorten the first cut and put a little reverb on the word "Bupa", and.....

Just kidding. You could just read the ingredients off of a Cadbury packet and get plenty of work from that.

Voice on.

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. .

Philip Banks · Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 5:14 am Post subject:

So what is the SOH demo? Well, I'll tell you all seems you asked so politely.
The standing on your head demo shows the people in the market your "read with ease" skill base. If you like it's your "how to make a million without breakin' a sweat" calling card.

In order to survive, most VOs are not making thousands let alone millions they really are trying to survive on a daily basis, one must think smart NOT work hard. The talent stretching gigs will come and go as the years go by and through them will come growth so there's really no need to look.

What we should seek is people who will buy, not waste our time asking for pointless auditions and people with whom we can climb the professional ladder together. If you've been around long enough you will have experienced the producer who takes your voice with them from the $100 jobs to the $1,000 jobs.

Whilst attending the Iranian Double Pause masterclass or the Post-Mortem Branding - You CAN take your career with you seminar, may give the illusion of taking you to the next level, first you need to be working regularly and paying the bills on time.

I can't do much about about the voice I've been given nor can I be everything to everyone but I am able to present my character and effortless performance in an easy to buy format and then let the buyer...buy.

Demo Producer - Ok for this I'm gonna make you work real hard!

You - No you're not so sorry about that. By the way it's REALLY..Adverb! Clueless gobsh*te.

The rewards for a good SOH demo will soon be in evidence for you if you get it right. A cheque will arrive and you won't remember the job. Last week I did a trailer for a major movie release (out 31st August) and the only reason I remembered doing it was because I've just tidied my desk! Mmmmmokay, that's probably just an old man thing.

Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2012 6:44 am Post subject:

In 35 seconds MAXIMUM there needs to be an accurate, evocative and prune flavoured presentation of your 4 core skills.

A Mood
B Retention and projection
C Engagement
D Interpretation
E Focus

Let's spend a few minutes looking at and reflecting upon those 4 core skills. To be fair a few minutes is about three at least, you didn't spend any time at all you simply continued reading this far. Let's try again shall we and this time spend a FEW MINUTES reflecting on your 4 core skills.

In preparing for your SOH demo there will come a time when you need to dig deep and allow all negative emotions to flow away from you. Take a few long, deep breaths remembering to take them one at a time and to exhale between them. When you've done that, close your eyes ....

Ah, yes, sorry. I too realised you can't read with your eyes closed. I tell you what, read of all this first and THEN do the things to do bits!

Breaths, eyes closed and then take yourself (in your mind DO NOT try to drive with eyes closed) to a warm sandy beach. You're sitting listening to the waves, you feel the warmth of the sun warming you. 100 yards offshore you've just seen your worst enemy get hit by a speedboat, drown and then be eaten by a shark so you're feeling happy and relaxed. Welcome to Zone of Comfort Beach from where all the best performances come.