VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

JCDunn · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:07 am Post subject: What do I tell them?

Hi-

I received a link to a project I recently helped create. I was hired to provide the voice for what is visually a pretty amazing piece of video. The video went live last Wednesday and the producer has asked, "what do you think?"

http://www.beachcrestestate.com/film

I've watched the video on several different devices, from iPhone to my workstation, and I'm having a difficult time hearing my voice. It was mixed to be subdued and thought-bubble like but towards the end, the music over powers and I can't hear what I've said.

Do I say to the producer, "I love the video and the voice matches well with the message but the voiceover seems to get occasionally lost in the mix."

Or, do I say "I love it! Thanks for the link."

What do you think?.
JCD
_________________
J. Christopher
Your words deserve a clear voice.

cyclometh · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:09 am Post subject:

The truth. You want them to have the best experience possible using your product- the recording you made for them. Diplomatically, of course- but if they're professional they'll respond positively.
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Corey "Vox Man" Snow
http://voxman.net

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:38 am Post subject:

Tell 'em what they want to hear: That it looks and sounds great.

And honestly, it does. That's a beautifully done video and the understated audio works. I had no problem hearing you.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2279 Location: Atlanta

The mix was fine up until 1:03, then it was mud. I couldn't hear you at first on the "oh my god - what a view" (is that what you said?)

But hey, if you ever use it for a reel, just use the first half, that's the better part anyway.

I wouldn't say a word to them, even if was all awful.

good work!
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Skype: globalvoiceover
and now, http://lanceblairvo.com the blog is there now too!

DougVox · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:57 am Post subject:

My knee-jerk reaction was the same as Corey's: the truth.

Then I watched the video.

Now I agree with Jeff. And Corey.

The truth is always best. And in this case, the truth is that it looks and sounds great. (And while the "Oh my god...what a view" is a bit quiet, I think it works.)

Nice work!
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Doug Turkel (tur-KELL)
Voiceover UNnouncer®
UNnouncer.com

Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:57 am Post subject:

I could go either way at the end, but it totally works to let images be the focus. I say, it's great. The sunset line did take me a second to understand listening in an ipad speaker though.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:59 am Post subject:

It IS a beautifully done video. Gorgeous images and videography and I loved the music. And your voice was a fabulous fit. I, too, however, did have a little trouble catching all the verbiage towards the end.

Maybe tell them how much you love it, what a beautiful piece it is and how happy you are to have your voice on it and, oh-by-the-way, "it DID seem that the last few statements may have gotten lost in the mix, but what do YOU think, Mister Producer?"

I dunno. That's probably how I'd approach it.
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Scott R. Pollak
Clients include Pandora, NPR Atlanta, Wells Fargo, Cisco, Humana, Publix, UPS, AT&T, HP, Xerox and more.

www.voicebyscott.com

Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 12:48 pm Post subject:

That approach does leave you the out of "You're right, but I guess that's why you're the producer!"

Bruce · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 3:14 pm Post subject:

I would have mixed it a bit differently, but they had their reasons and they may be valid. The wanted the "mystery" enhanced and by burying some of your phrases it adds to that.

I can't tell you how many finished videos of my work I've seen, mostly over the past few years, where they mix the voice much lower than I'd like... so much so that I just didn't want to post them for others to see (and maybe not hear).

And when I get one of those I compliment them on the videography and such and keep quiet. If they ask for your honest opinion, fine, but otherwise deposit the check and smile.

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. .

JCDunn · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 4:38 pm Post subject:

All of your comments helped me figure out how to respond. I appreciate the input and perhaps there was a tiny bit of ego that I was dealing with. The $$$$ deposited nicely and they're happy with what they produced. Who am I to judge?

Thanks for the remarks about the video, too!
_________________
J. Christopher
Your words deserve a clear voice.

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 2:55 am Post subject:

It was mixed by a video editor other than that it was just fine.

heyguido · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:21 am Post subject:

Couldn't have said it better, Philip. Wink

And nice job, JC.
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Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

graemespicer · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:20 am Post subject:

I totally agree with Philip. Good answer Smile

It sounds great, and I think you made the right decision. Smile, cash the check, and move on!
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Graeme Spicer
Voice Actor

Member of the World-Voices Executive Board

tel • (416) 716-2246
email • graeme@graemespicer.com
graemespicer.com

Ed Fisher · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 9:31 am Post subject:

I recently sent an audio production to a friend of mine with the message "What do you think?"

I wasn't looking for criticism. I was expecting a resounding "Great Job." (since...after all... I ALREADY knew it was great)

I expect this is what your client needs. A resounding pat on the back!

As an aside, I've always been amazed at how "deep" some producers will bury the voice beneath music. But, then, I'm one of those guys who, when listening to the radio...turns DOWN the music...and turns UP the commercials. (he he)