VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

louzucaro · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:32 pm Post subject:

My very humble opinions...

I don't think using "big names" is a problem...I know there are clearly two sides to this camp, but I think it's fine. If you're trying to get work, you wanna go with McDonald's, Budweiser, BMW, not Joe's Bailbonds, House of Weiners and Century Used Cars.

People in the biz KNOW that there are "fakes" on peoples' demos...it's a show of what you're capable of and they know that. Now, if somebody asks, of course I wouldn't recommend that anybody lie and say they voiced a commercial they didn't, but I've never been asked, either.

Second, I wasn't crazy about the IBM read, either, but only because I felt like you were pushing too much...it felt a bit stiff and kind of forced, whereas some of the other reads didn't.

Also, I kinda feel like this sounded more like a promo / commercial demo than a narration demo. Lots of narration demos I've listened to had little or no music, whereas these felt over-produced to me, given that it's a narration demo, but that's just me.

As others have said, you're definitely a talented guy, so make sure your demo works for you and not against you Smile

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Lou Zucaro
http://www.voicehero.com

"Well, yeah, there's my favorite leaf!"

Dave · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 6:19 pm Post subject:

Well Donovan,

Names or no-names, copy selection, order, music or no music... although worthy of attention aren't my concern at this point. Lou beat me to it... and I think others made similar comments... quite frankly... this didn't sound like a narration demo. This effort is in no way reflective of what you are capable of doing. I'm confident you can do it ... your commercial demo was top drawer... but this narration demo shouldn't escape your studio.

All the best,

Dave
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Donovan · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:08 pm Post subject:

Thank you all for your comments. This is why I posted it here first. This was simply a rough draft. I needed to know what direction to go in from here. Trust me, this demo, as it is now, will NOT leave my studio. But the culmination of your thoughts and advice will.

I will be working on this throughout the week and hope that I can post the newer version and still get as much insight and candor.

To Frank, and anyone else who declines from posting in this forum because they are worried about hurting the feelings of others: PLEASE RECONSIDER!

This industry, and frankly this board, needs more honest reviews and criticism. Sugar-coating your assessments will get us nowhere. If a demo needs work, let it be known! By all means, if you think anything I put out is terrible, say so! It's the only way to get better. Continue challenging yourself and others by bringing reality to the forefront. Nothing has to be done rudely ("Your demo sucks, stick to your day job!"), but constructive criticism helps everyone involved. And if a person can't take hearing where they need to improve...then sorry...you are in the wrong profession.

That being said, keep the critiques real and constant. We can ALL get better in some way or another. Like I said earlier, I hope to get more of the same when I post my improved demo later.

Thanks once again to all of you.
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Donovan

www.DonovanVO.com

Gregory Best · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:39 pm Post subject: Hmmm...a lot said here

D- did you have someone directing you? That may be an idea to get more out of your reads. Just athought. You have the talent. A good director (there are some here on the vo-bb) can bring the best out of you.
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Gregory Best

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Deirdre · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:12 pm Post subject:

I use a producer/ director for my demos.

It's worth the cost. I love myself far too much to hear some of the things that should leave MY studio.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 2:28 pm Post subject:

But don't panic as it gets easier. Trotting through life, humming light opera with a nimble gait and a spring in your step rather like a young girl on her way to school picking wild flowers you will be able to pick audio as your career blossoms.

Producer "I heard a piece on your narration demo for the International Ball Bearing Greasers Awards Ceremony in Aberlour, did you do that?"

You "Indeed Sir I did!"

Producer "May I enquire as to the genuineosity of the promotion for Moores Exploding Fudge Cake?"

You "Sir, you may. T'was I! Voiced for 9 guineas 8 shillings and threepence plus my tram fare back to my lodgings."

Producer "I doff my boater to you stout fellow and offer you several engagements without any further ado and people may call me Elizabeth Shue if I speak a lie!"

You "Rapture, joy and pleasure. I am in your debt Sir. By way of celebration I make my way now to the nearest Lyons Tea shop for a pot of Twinings Asam and two slices of Madiera cake."

(Of course anyone not from North Carolina won't understand a word)

asnively · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 2:34 pm Post subject:

I feel like Philip's been eavesdropping on me. I'm searching my studio for bugs.
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Donovan · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:12 am Post subject:

OK, so after some direction and more careful copy selection, I present my finished narration demo.

The link is the same as on the first page:

http://www.doncopro.com/demos/Donovan_Corneetz_Narr_Demo.mp3

Thanks for all of your comments. Hopefully, this won't cause any more drama. Inoccent

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Donovan

www.DonovanVO.com

Deirdre · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:47 pm Post subject:

No more drama!
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