The Demo Reel and YOU

The Demo Reel and YOU
Written by Ayu
Monday, 22 June 2009 03:05 - Last Updated Monday, 22 June 2009 03:09
Your demo reel is your business card. It's your resume. It's your chance to prove what you're
capable of. A demo reel is typically an audio clip a minute or two in length that features a
selection of voices and emotions that you are capable of. Demo reels are sent out potential
agents and anyone looking for a voice. Your demo represents all that you can do. It should
showcase all of your best voices and emotions. It's your chance to get someone to sit down and
actually listen to what you can do. Done right, you'll attract a lot of attention. Done
wrong...you're not likely to get a second chance. For an experienced voiceover artist, the demo
reel is a collection of previous work they've done. For the new actor trying to break it, the demo
reel is a collection of lines and reads meant to sound like previous work. There are different
types of demo reels for different sorts of casting, and it's not a good idea to mix types.
Commercial - The commercial reel showcases voices you would use for commercials. It's as
simple as that. There are different "types" of commercial voices like hard and soft sells, sensual
types, friendly types, and so on (we will go in depth on this in another article). If you are looking
for material to read for a commercial demo, look through magazines and clip out lines from the
ads. When it comes to the commercial reel, how well you sell the product is the most important
part. While it's best to avoid using the exact same voice for each read, similar voices are fine as
long as you are selling your product.
Character - The character reel is all the voices you'd do for "characters," in things like cartoons,
video games, audio dramas, computer games, etc. Basically, things that sound less like real
people and more like characters. You want your character reel to show as much vocal range as
possible in terms of pitch, delivery, and accents.
Do not rush into creating a demo reel. This is the first thing that agents and producers here from
you; you want it to be the best. Spend time scripting out things that show off your best side.
Listen to professional demo reels and figure out which ones sound really good to you. Why did
you like them? What did they do right? What about the ones you didn't like? What did they do
wrong? Make sure your demo doesn't drag in any places. You don't want the listener to ever
get bored of your voice. Avoid putting similar voices or reads together. Utilize our forums and
get feedback on your demo. When you're ready record your demo in a professional studio and
have it mixed by a professional engineer. These people are paid to make you sound good. They
will make you sound good. Don't be afraid to shop around for a studio. Get recommendations
from friends. Find out who's good and who isn't. You're trying to sell yourself. Don't sell yourself
short.
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The Demo Reel and YOU
Written by Ayu
Monday, 22 June 2009 03:05 - Last Updated Monday, 22 June 2009 03:09
"The demo reel is the one thing you absolutely should not skimp on. You can cut a lot of
corners, but not with this. I recommend spending as much time and money as it takes. "
--Chris Patton
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When do you need a demo reel?
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