Let’s think ahead to the BIG MOMENT when you’ve got a brand new voice over demo and you’re ready to send it out by mail or email.
But before you do, take a breath and put some thought into what you’ll include with the submission to help make sure you’re demo gets listened to.
Here are my tips
NEVER SEND A NAKED VOICE OVER DEMO
A naked demo is a demo without a personalized note or cover letter. A mass mailing, whether electronic or otherwise, is a waste of time and money. It’s sure to get deleted or tossed in the trash.
PERSONALIZE EVERY SUBMISSION
To research the company, go to their website. Often you’ll find press releases and samples of their work. Then, “google” the person you are sending the demo to. Type their name into a search engine and see what comes up. Have they won any awards? Spoken at any industry events? What are some of the recent productions they have done? Congratulate them on their website or anything else to indicate that you took the time to find out about them and hopefully target their needs. For example: “I thought the commercials you did for the Anytown State Fair were really creative and hilariously funny and I would love to read for you next time you are casting”
DON’T SWEAT THE RESUME OR PHOTO
Unless you’re intending to do on camera or stage work, an acting resume and photo is not needed for a voice over submission.
MENTION YOUR CREDITS
If you’ve done voice over work before, let them know the names of some of your best customers. If not, just leave it out or mention any volunteer work you’ve done (but never let them know that you did it for free).
SUMMARIZE YOUR VOICE TYPE
For example: “My name is Pat Voice. I’m a voice talent here in Anytown. My voice type is wry, quirky 30 something.” If you don’t know your voice type, call us at 800-333-8108 and request a voice consultation with our talent advisor. He’ll be happy to help.
By the way (and this is important) NEVER say that you are a beginner. If your demo is good and you sound professional they will never suspect it. But if you do admit that you have never done this before they will throw your submission in the trash.
Remember, getting ahead in voice-over and in life is all about building relationships with clients and prospects. Be interested in them and they will be interested in you. With this attitude you will also really stand out from the crowd
For help with producing a voice over demo that will get you noticed and get you work, call us at 800-333-8108
Want to use this article on your website or your own ezine?
You may absolutely share this article with people you think may enjoy it. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety and include the following:
Susan Berkley is a top voice over artist
and founder of The Great Voice Company,
a company devoted to teaching great voices around the world how to become successful voice over actors.
The Great Voice Company is an international leader in voice over training and in providing top quality voice over recordings in all languages to discerning businesses and marketers. For additional information visit www.greatvoice.com
Copyright 2013, The Great Voice Company. All Rights Reserved. HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR VOICE OVER DEMO DOESN’T GET TRASHED.
