VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

GretScot · Guest

What's the general consensus on submitting your demo to one of the bigger talent agents in the national markets?
Is it worth a try to email them with an mp3 attached asking if you can send a hard copy? Or is it necessary to try to talk to a real person and get their blessing?

Thanks

Rognog · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 4:04 pm Post subject:

It depends on the agency. Find out what their submission policy is before you send them anything. Many agencies have websites that give you the info you need. Be very careful about calling them. I've had some NYC agents freak out on me before I knew better.

Happy Hunting!
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Deirdre · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 5:45 pm Post subject:

Never ever EVAR send an unsolicited MP3.
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GretScot · Guest

Deirdre,
Thanks for that emphatic NO !
I didn't realize sending an unsolicited mp3 would be such a no-no.
How would you make first contact?
Writing a letter, phone or email or do you have another suggestion?
By the way, do you know that there's a North Berwick ?
It's just east of where I used to live in Edinburgh, Scotland. There's a lovely hotel called the Nether Abbey. My sister is good friends with the owners who are Rod Stewart's aunt and uncle.

Deirdre · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 8:22 pm Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 3:40 am Post subject:

Hand deliver your CD with a bottle of Champagne in a nice gift bag. Deliver to reception, make no comment, do not follow up.

Now, MVO or FVO, here's the question. Are you worth the investment of, travel expenses, gift wrap and a bottle of Bollinger? If you're not prepared to do this I would honestly suggest doing nothing at all. In a competitive market it appears that many VO's are prepared to DO almost nothing to get ahead so you're in the majority.

robert jadah · Guest

Having grovelled at the feet of several agents and dozens of their pump-shod secretaries cum gate-keepers, I emphatically support the wisdom being imparted to you, Gret Scott.
You cannot go wrong with a brief, succinct, old-fashioned letter listing current clients and recent successes. As these seem to resonate with agents' misguided concerns for money, you are fairly likely to be scheduled for a few minutes' time in their exalted company.
That's when you bring in gift bags, killer demos and - if possible - frankincense, myrhh, gold, and a small, unobtrusive marching band.

If it seems like a lot of bother, remember that there are now 22,412 voicers out there, and half of them send unsolicited MP3 demos to every major agent in the civilized world. And Iowa.
It ain't exactly a seller's market. You gotta tap-dance, man.

(latest count: 22,447 voicers. No..check that: 22,612 now....)

Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 6:31 am Post subject:

Chrissy · Guest

I agree, NO UNSOLICITATED MP3 files or CD's. Your wasting your time, CD's and postage. I send an E-mail with a brief list of recent clients. I ask if they are currently accepting local talent? Can I send a CD or Mp3? I sent E-mails to about 50 production companies in the Boston area. Five responded, and send yes send me an MP3. I thanked them, and ended with a "please let me know if I can be of help with an upcoming project." that was about six months ago, and I did hear back for a couple of the producers who said they liked my MP3 and would keep me in mind. But these aren't agents because Boston doesn't have agents for the talent. The agents work for the client. My jobs have coe from recommendations by one producer to another.

Bon chance,

Chrissy

Bruce · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:38 pm Post subject:

My considered advice: get a website...they can be simple and cheap. Then send a LINK to you site or your demo. It's unobtrusive, doesn't fill up their email box and they can listen, or not, as they choose. If they click on your link (and you have a fairly speedy host for your site) they can be listening to your demo in a couple of seconds, IF they decide to exert that single calorie of energy. A website would also be essential for your business card, promotional mailers, etc.

Now if we can only figure out a way to email Veuve Clicquot....

B (as in bubbly)
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:50 pm Post subject:

I phrase my emails sneakily to production and marketing houses:

Hi there!

I'm a Seattle-area voice-over artist featuring service for corporate narration, animation, documentaries, commercials, on-hold messaging, and web media. While my reels are available online at http://JeffreyKafer.com, I'd love to send you a demo reel CD for consideration for future projects. Whom in your office should I address the mail to?

Thank you!

I can't guarantee the success of such a campaign, since the respondent rate has been very low. But those who have responded, have asked for a CD and some have said they'd keep the email on file.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:55 am Post subject:

Most agents in the major markets need a personal introduction from someone they respect - that could be a producer, a creative director or even someone on their roster - before they really spend much time with a demo.

That being said, someone still listens to the demos that arrive via their stated submission method - but you better stand out as something very different - with that special unique something that catches their ear.
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