VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD! Forum Index VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!
Where A.I. is a four-letter word.
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

When should we provide slated demos and when should we not?

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD! Forum Index -> Chat
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Mike Harrison
M&M


Joined: 03 Nov 2007
Posts: 2029
Location: Equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia, along the NJ Shore

PostPosted: Tue Mar 20, 2018 7:31 pm    Post subject: When should we provide slated demos and when should we not? Reply with quote

At the suggestion three years ago of someone (I don't recall who), I asked one of our lovelier colleagues to record my name for the purpose of adding a slate to my demos. I've received several positive comments but, when recently told by a production house that they do not accept slated demos, it made me wonder whether I've potentially shot myself in the foot by providing them to others who also don't accept slated demos but who declined to say so.

So, under what circumstances is it felt slated demos are good... and when should they not be provided?

Thanks.
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Bob Bergen
CM


Joined: 22 Apr 2008
Posts: 937

PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2018 12:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It was en vogue in 1982 when I got into the business. As the MTV and e-generations got bigger and bigger, attention spans got smaller and smaller. Demos back them were 3-5 minutes, and each one took time to load the reel to reel.

With each new generation of demo platform, the load time and the demo length got shorter and shorter. Time is money, and most listeners give a demo 6 seconds to impress. If that time is taken up with your slate, that's valuable demo real estate wasted on the obvious. It's clear to the listener the name of the actor without having to hear it on the demo.

A slate is only needed if requested. For me it's not been requested for over 30 years.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Philip Banks
Je Ne Sais Quoi


Joined: 20 Jun 2005
Posts: 11046
Location: Portgordon, Scotland

PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2018 1:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have heard demos/auditions with the following content.

"Hi everybody! This is T Knuckles Williams Jnr III, Aries, voice actor. Thank y'all f'listening and look forward to working with y'all. As y'all know m'dog BeeBox is a crack ho' and m'wife beats up on me so I need money f'band aids and medication. Have a good day y'hear"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Tre M.
Backstage Pass


Joined: 01 Nov 2017
Posts: 489
Location: Vegas, the desert part.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2018 3:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The only time I slate is when directed by my agents...some want a head slate (at the front) some want a tail slate( the end of the audition, not the demo) some dont want one at all.

When I send my reels out to houses, I don't slate, just give em the demo. I usually will introduce myself in the email, which I guess would serve well in lieu of the slate.
_________________
Tre@trespeaksforyou.com
Www.trespeaksforyou.com
Skype: TKM32246

Source Connect: http://source-connect.com/tremovo


Last edited by Tre M. on Mon Mar 26, 2018 8:58 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Bish
3.5 kHz


Joined: 22 Nov 2009
Posts: 3738
Location: Lost in the cultural wasteland of Long Island

PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2018 5:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Auditions: Simple slate up front... "Peter Bishop - two takes" - unless specifically instructed to do otherwise by the agent or whoever is requesting the audition.

Demos: No slate. Straight into the meat and try to grab their attention straight away.

As far as a third-party (opposite gender) voice slating a demo... I think the only time this is valid (if at all) is when an agent or production house wants to brand the demos on their site with an in-house style.

There are so many opinions about this. It's the nature of the internet. 99 people may give the same opinion, and the 100th says something different... and somehow, this minority opinion starts to carry as much weight as the other 99. There are some stupid ideas out there (Philip's example is a prime case... I've heard the mini-bio at the front of an audition/demo as well). Basically, do what feels right or what you've been told to do while being mindful of who is listening and how much time they may or may not have to listen.
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Mike Harrison
M&M


Joined: 03 Nov 2007
Posts: 2029
Location: Equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia, along the NJ Shore

PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2018 7:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you, all.

The slates have been removed. Grateful appreciation to my lovely colleague who'd recorded it. Wink
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Lee Gordon
A Zillion


Joined: 25 Jul 2008
Posts: 6843
Location: West Hartford, CT

PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2018 8:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I do what Bish does, except if there is no information other than my name, such as "two takes" or "all three characters," I slate at the end. Of course, if the client provides instructions regarding slating, that's what you do.
_________________
Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD! Forum Index -> Chat All times are GMT - 7 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group