VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Don G. · King's Row Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Posts: 1071 Location: MA

Regarding the "Perfect. Let's have another just like that" comments, several folks here have explained why that can be a valid request. Granted, the choice of the word "perfect" may be questionable. But as someone who has also worn the hat of talent, producer, engineer, and director (not usually at the same time), I too have uttered a similar phrase on occasion.

Nuance is something with which we're all familiar. And that "safety" take may have just a little something extra that we didn't notice the first time. In addition, for some talent, the fact that they know they nailed it and it's "in the can" lets them drop their guard a bit and relax. Sometimes that's enough to have a second (or third or whatever) take bring out a little something that may have been missing, and which all parties were unaware would make the difference it did.

Let's face it. "Perfect" can also mean "good enough", depending on the director. There's been more than one occasion when the client said "That's great. We're done." and I suggested we do another couple just in case (s)he hears something later in the edit that may work better in context with whatever they're doing. I've also had instances (as I'm sure many of you have) when the client knew exactly what they wanted, but after one of those extra takes, declared. "I'm glad you tried that. That works better than what I had in mind."

That's why they're hiring us. To bring something to the party. I think a wise director hopes for that.

Besides, at the rates being paid, we can afford to give a client another minute of our time. Smile

TC · Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:40 pm Post subject:

Once, during a play rehearsal, our director was determined to get us to get one particular scene down before we left for the night. We'd do the scene, and then she'd say, "OK -- one more time." Then we'd do it again, and she'd say, "OK -- one more time." After she'd done this about six or seven times in a row, I stopped her and told her that unless she really meant one more time, she should start saying something like "Again, please" or I was going to go nuts. She got the point.

Sorry. Not exactly on topic. So put me in voicetalking jail.

Bruce · Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:15 am Post subject:

Actually two of my favorite director calls are (and these are usually in multi-actor spots):

"O.K., last take" when they mean take all of the good things you've done in the last few takes and put them together in one perfect take, and

"We've done it my way...now what have you guys got?" and they let us take it in new and inspired directions. Those are often the takes they use, which is some of the frosting on the cake of our business.

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

bobsouer · Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:57 am Post subject:

Hart · Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 9:07 am Post subject:

info on what you think is good VO direction?

South South West.
_________________
Hart Voice Overs Blog
Brian Hart Productions

Philip Banks · Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 9:24 am Post subject:

bobsouer · Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 9:29 am Post subject:

dhouston67 · Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 9:33 am Post subject:

From last year's Cingular Star Wars ringtones commercial:

"I love it! Now, make me hate it."

"That's an...interesting choice."
_________________
Great Voice. Great Choice. For Voice Talking and stuff.
http://davidhoustonvoice.com
Do That Voice! - The DHV Blog

Rognog · Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 9:50 am Post subject:

I HATE IT WHEN MY SCRIPT IS WRITTEN ENTIRELY IN CAPITAL LETTERS AND THE DIRECTOR WANTS A SOFT, INTIMATE FEEL TO THE READING!!! I FEEL LIKE I HAVE TO SOUND LIKE THAT BLOOPERS SOAP GUY!!! WHAT?!!! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!
_________________
Tom Dheere - The "H" is Silent, but I'm Not!
www.tomdheere.com