VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Mike Paul]

Any tips on promo reads for network TV?

Recently, I landed an ongoing promo gig for a show on Nickelodeon and Paramount+, and wanted to make sure I was delivering good options. Turns out I'm giving them what they want, and the producer offered this:

"...no need to overthink. I always like the C to be a little more wild and loose just to have something in my back pocket if we get a note."

Helpful! Now I'm wondering if I can tap into the collective of vo-bb: What's a tip you can share about how you do the business of promo?

Anything from how you approach any given script to what informs your decisions on A/B/Cs of each line, ... or how you structure your files and folders on your computer to keep track of all the work, your preferred mic (my daily driver is a U87 but I also have a 416 on standby... should I hook it up instead?), etc.

Anything goes!
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Mike Paul
speakingofmike.com

[Bob Bergen]

Well, there are a lot of factors here. First of all, if a network is hiring a new voice for a new show, follow the specs......then do a few reads with other flavors. You are either what they want or not. My tip is do not go into the audition trying to give them what you think they want. That's my advice for any vo audition. How many times do we read for something, then hear it on the air and it is NOTHING like what the specs said. Something changed. Either the actor took a risk or the buyer changed their mind. Unless you are psychic, no way for you to know. So, don't worry about it. Own the audition. Use whatever mic floats their boat.....or your boat. I use a 416 for everything. No one has ever complained. I have a Neumann but not hooked up. When I get hired as a new promo voice, and I'm currently working with a newer network, I take control of the first session. I prefer doing ABC for each line....not ABC for the whole spot. No one has ever said no to this. I'm always available to their direction as these are always directed sessions. And, I always do me. I never try to do any other promo voice. I'm the only me auditioning. I only know how to be authentically me. You just do you.