After just watching a different VO guy say "Never do your own demos, they're amateur and will ruin you FoRevER!" I feel much better about moving forward to produce my own - We need something when first starting, right!? When we're making the money and getting the roles, then is the time to call Chuck Duran (His demos are stunning) Subscribed! Keep up the great, positive content!
It is definitely something that is hotly contested! I'm from a video production background and making your own demo is just what you do. You of course need to put in the time to research what is selling and what is the popular sound and style, but then just put your own spin on things. People say too many absolutes in this industry, your first demo reel 9 times out of 10 won't be your last. It's okay to update them and change them as you improve. Now, I wouldn't advise sending them out to a big talent agency unless they're solid, but that's a given! My first Demo Reel was self-produced and it's gotten me into the door with many talent agencies and casting directors! It just depends on how in-depth you go with your production. Best of luck! I'd love to hear it when it's done!
Honestly, I am just starting my VO Actor career at home today. The differences I noticed were how you spoke about 10 seconds or less for the two professional demos, the transitions that flow and the professional demo background sounds felt like a movie. You did great for self-produced, which is how I will start out.
Thank you for this advice! I'll definitely have to be doing a dry DIY demo without effects, but this was very helpful in making a demo for characters. I'm especially interesting in the script writing segment since my other passion is writing :)
This is really helpful to see! I'm new to VO and have been a bit nervous to create a demo reel for myself, super grateful that you're showing us the important steps to take, thank you! ❤
Honestly thank you for this, I have been performing/acting for over 12 years now and went to university for performance, where I did a module in radio/voice over work. They never taught me how to make a reel like this or where to start. I tried to make one recently and the entire thing was over 9 minutes long (A very big mistake) Luckily I have also been able to work on a local radio station twice now for voice over work which means I have something to now help with my reel. Thank you for this, I truly am grateful.
Ahhhhh thank you brotha fo this dang DEMO site. I heard ol boy turning into a monster, i got so excited i literally rewinded your vid 8-9 times. Then went to the SITE i had to look . Imagine my happiness to not only still see that demo and rewind it 20 times . But also that Chuck eent to UCLA and had an 818 number. Im in Venice Beach . When im ready that is DEFINITELY my destination for my pro reel. I have a journey to go, ive went to conmercial acting class yet never voice . Im ready to put my year in so i can learn, learn and learn some more. And dam sho understand am happy to go to classes and one on ones the rest of my life. I tried behind the camera. The Shield was my last audition. Voice, i dig that. And am gonna get there, just needed someone that made vids that are thurough like yours and couple others i watch. Starting with audibooks in, dont mind payin my dues as im not goin nowhere. No reel, no demo, no classes. I have been reading out loud for a year. And will be attending classes SOON! Im enjoyin your vids. Dont stop. I dig hearin the nitty gritty. Now, as far as writing. What should i write, and should i watch some how to write vids(trust i already have, tryin to see what i can see). I sometimes feel like a blind man, in a dark room, lookin for a black cat that aint there. And need some slight guidance. On general stuff.
I really enjoyed your video and demo, Javaughn. Glad I found your channel. I'd love to try VO animation. Just need to learn how to loosen up, let my hair down, and totally let myself go first!
Glad it was helpful! Animation is still the area that I'm trying my best to push into! From the work that I've done it's an absolutely amazing field, I've never had an issue with being loud and making an ass of myself, now I occasionally get paid to do it in front of a mic lol
My current vo demo is for commercial and narration. I wanted to make my own game character reel. So my question is - What are the proper ways to get background music?
What about adding sounds to demos if you're starting out? Is it ok without sounds in the background? I know it's more inviting and exciting, but what if you don't have the programs to add that?
Depends on the studio. Some studios patch in with source connect, some just lead you through best practices while you record and you just send over the files. The benefit of going to the studio is that you get to use their recording room and equipment, but it’s not always mandatory
When it comes to a Voiceover demo reel, it’s not necessarily important to add sound effects. It’s important to add whatever transforms it from being simply a sample into a full-fledged commercial that you would hear. When I listen to a voice over demo, the critical thing that I’m listening for is, does this sound like I picked it out of a TV show or a commercial or off of the radio and I am listening to it now. If that means sound effects great if not, then I wouldn’t use them
I wrote all the scripts for my Demo Reel! I only did this however because I have a background in Audio Engineering and am an amateur writer. I'd suggest hiring a writer and/or audio engineer to make sure that you get the best quality if you aren't skilled in those fields.
Where can I use the DIY demo reels? Creating samples to put together into demos soon, but I've heard loads of people say don't use them at all, others saying do it, but give no idea about who accepts DIY vs pro demos
Great video mate. Q: After you do you're recording when you're playing it back do you use the monitors or the headphones to listen to the playback? I'm an actor and singer. I have my own video and audio studio in my home.
Hey there, thank you for the compliment I'm glad that you like the video! When it comes to monitoring playback, I'll utilize headphones. I had a large pair of studio monitors for the past couple of years, but moving into a trailer space means everything haha. When it comes to voiceover, there isn't really a large frequency range to have to worry about since you're only monitoring for your voice so a good pair of cans is really all that I find myself needing. I purchased a cheap pair of small monitors, however, and what I do is after I render out the audio I will listen to playback on the cheaper pair of monitors to make sure that the listening experience is good not only on high-quality headphones but also on a cheaper pair of Walmart monitors, this way I can make sure that the frequencies don't cause any type of weird responses, hope this helps!
@@Javaughnhenry_ Thanks mate. It does help. A friend of mine and I got into a discussion about whether it was better to listen to a playback recording with the monitors/ speakers or through the headphones. I believe listening to the playback through the headphones is much better cuz you can hear if there are any extraneous sounds clearly where I don't think you could hear those quieter but noticable sounds if listening through the monitors.
@@kerwinalexander6836at the end of the day they’re just different tools to accomplish a similar goal. a good pair of monitors is wonderful. With 8in monitors you can critically monitor bass response and the air in the high end as well, I agree from that standpoint…but when it comes to voiceover the trade off is size and potential overkill. A monitor setup won’t hurt of course, but for voice over you’re only recording a single sound source and one that isn’t nearly as complex as other sources, so a good pair of headphones will do the job just fine.
My suggestion is to not find them. If you share samples with most agents, CD's, for auditions, etc. they'll know if they're canned internet scripts, because they'll have heard them hundreds of times. I wrote my pieces personally, if you're not so inclined I always recommend finding a writer and seeing if you can have them write spec scripts for you to record. Hope this helps!
![Chicken P - People's Favorite (Remix) [Feat. 42 Dugg] (Official Video)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/a6Bn8FEtxmY/mqdefault.jpg)
After just watching a different VO guy say "Never do your own demos, they're amateur and will ruin you FoRevER!" I feel much better about moving forward to produce my own - We need something when first starting, right!? When we're making the money and getting the roles, then is the time to call Chuck Duran (His demos are stunning) Subscribed! Keep up the great, positive content!
It is definitely something that is hotly contested! I'm from a video production background and making your own demo is just what you do. You of course need to put in the time to research what is selling and what is the popular sound and style, but then just put your own spin on things.
People say too many absolutes in this industry, your first demo reel 9 times out of 10 won't be your last. It's okay to update them and change them as you improve. Now, I wouldn't advise sending them out to a big talent agency unless they're solid, but that's a given!
My first Demo Reel was self-produced and it's gotten me into the door with many talent agencies and casting directors! It just depends on how in-depth you go with your production. Best of luck! I'd love to hear it when it's done!
I think I know the person you're talking about and I think that guy is stuck in 1995
@@milkmeapollo9048 Yup. Watch his video too
Honestly, I am just starting my VO Actor career at home today. The differences I noticed were how you spoke about 10 seconds or less for the two professional demos, the transitions that flow and the professional demo background sounds felt like a movie. You did great for self-produced, which is how I will start out.
It looks like we all want to try voice acting, why don’t we all network?
Thank you for this advice! I'll definitely have to be doing a dry DIY demo without effects, but this was very helpful in making a demo for characters. I'm especially interesting in the script writing segment since my other passion is writing :)
I’m glad that it was helpful! I’m working on the demo writing video now so stay tuned 😁
Genuinely so much more helpful then the last guy I watched, this definitely improved my understanding so much! Thank you for posting
fr! this video was so thorough!
This is really helpful to see! I'm new to VO and have been a bit nervous to create a demo reel for myself, super grateful that you're showing us the important steps to take, thank you! ❤
Honestly both are pretty good I especially love the world of Warcraft warlords of dranor reference it’s sick
This was so helpful, thank you!!
Honestly thank you for this, I have been performing/acting for over 12 years now and went to university for performance, where I did a module in radio/voice over work. They never taught me how to make a reel like this or where to start. I tried to make one recently and the entire thing was over 9 minutes long (A very big mistake) Luckily I have also been able to work on a local radio station twice now for voice over work which means I have something to now help with my reel.
Thank you for this, I truly am grateful.
I thought your 2022 demo reel was awesome! 😃
Thank you! I appreciate that.
Ahhhhh thank you brotha fo this dang DEMO site. I heard ol boy turning into a monster, i got so excited i literally rewinded your vid 8-9 times. Then went to the SITE i had to look . Imagine my happiness to not only still see that demo and rewind it 20 times . But also that Chuck eent to UCLA and had an 818 number. Im in Venice Beach . When im ready that is DEFINITELY my destination for my pro reel. I have a journey to go, ive went to conmercial acting class yet never voice . Im ready to put my year in so i can learn, learn and learn some more. And dam sho understand am happy to go to classes and one on ones the rest of my life. I tried behind the camera. The Shield was my last audition. Voice, i dig that. And am gonna get there, just needed someone that made vids that are thurough like yours and couple others i watch. Starting with audibooks in, dont mind payin my dues as im not goin nowhere. No reel, no demo, no classes. I have been reading out loud for a year. And will be attending classes SOON! Im enjoyin your vids. Dont stop. I dig hearin the nitty gritty.
Now, as far as writing. What should i write, and should i watch some how to write vids(trust i already have, tryin to see what i can see). I sometimes feel like a blind man, in a dark room, lookin for a black cat that aint there. And need some slight guidance. On general stuff.
Youre demo was tight . Fits your style and voice. You got it .
Bravo! thankyou!
Merry Christmas Javaughn and a Prosperous New Year, from Cambodia!
I really enjoyed your video and demo, Javaughn. Glad I found your channel. I'd love to try VO animation. Just need to learn how to loosen up, let my hair down, and totally let myself go first!
Glad it was helpful! Animation is still the area that I'm trying my best to push into! From the work that I've done it's an absolutely amazing field, I've never had an issue with being loud and making an ass of myself, now I occasionally get paid to do it in front of a mic lol
I'll be working on mines tomorrow, thank you for the info my guy! 🖤
My current vo demo is for commercial and narration. I wanted to make my own game character reel. So my question is - What are the proper ways to get background music?
Is part 2 coming out? This was really really helpful!
I think that music would have helped your transitions. Chuck Duran seemed to have musical similarities in some of the transitions.
I’ve heard Chuck’s work many times, always wanted to work with him. His demos always stand out to me.
What about adding sounds to demos if you're starting out? Is it ok without sounds in the background? I know it's more inviting and exciting, but what if you don't have the programs to add that?
so helpful, thank you!
Alright, now to produce my own demo reel with nothing but a phone and some basic software because I have no money.
Does one have to go to the studio to use the demo production services?
Depends on the studio. Some studios patch in with source connect, some just lead you through best practices while you record and you just send over the files. The benefit of going to the studio is that you get to use their recording room and equipment, but it’s not always mandatory
Yooo just found this video and I’m interested in creating my own demo reel! Where can I find those cool sound effects or music for my reel
where do you get the music and sound effects from
That’s what I want to know too!!
@@kadenceledesma801 also want to know
Amazing quality :)
Glad you think so!
What about the music in the background? Sound effects?
How important is it to add sound effects to the mix?
When it comes to a Voiceover demo reel, it’s not necessarily important to add sound effects. It’s important to add whatever transforms it from being simply a sample into a full-fledged commercial that you would hear.
When I listen to a voice over demo, the critical thing that I’m listening for is, does this sound like I picked it out of a TV show or a commercial or off of the radio and I am listening to it now. If that means sound effects great if not, then I wouldn’t use them
So making your demo are you just reading random scripts or is this previous jobs you done b4?
I wrote all the scripts for my Demo Reel! I only did this however because I have a background in Audio Engineering and am an amateur writer. I'd suggest hiring a writer and/or audio engineer to make sure that you get the best quality if you aren't skilled in those fields.
do you have any tips for writing scripts for demos?@@Javaughnhenry_
What would you say are popular tropes nowadays?
okay.. but how do you MAKE it? programs, sound editing?
hELlooooo
Where can I use the DIY demo reels? Creating samples to put together into demos soon, but I've heard loads of people say don't use them at all, others saying do it, but give no idea about who accepts DIY vs pro demos
I think DIY demos are good as long as you’re not sending them out to agents.
@twosense7723 Thanks bro.👊
Great video mate. Q: After you do you're recording when you're playing it back do you use the monitors or the headphones to listen to the playback? I'm an actor and singer. I have my own video and audio studio in my home.
Hey there, thank you for the compliment I'm glad that you like the video! When it comes to monitoring playback, I'll utilize headphones. I had a large pair of studio monitors for the past couple of years, but moving into a trailer space means everything haha. When it comes to voiceover, there isn't really a large frequency range to have to worry about since you're only monitoring for your voice so a good pair of cans is really all that I find myself needing. I purchased a cheap pair of small monitors, however, and what I do is after I render out the audio I will listen to playback on the cheaper pair of monitors to make sure that the listening experience is good not only on high-quality headphones but also on a cheaper pair of Walmart monitors, this way I can make sure that the frequencies don't cause any type of weird responses, hope this helps!
@@Javaughnhenry_ Thanks mate. It does help. A friend of mine and I got into a discussion about whether it was better to listen to a playback recording with the monitors/ speakers or through the headphones. I believe listening to the playback through the headphones is much better cuz you can hear if there are any extraneous sounds clearly where I don't think you could hear those quieter but noticable sounds if listening through the monitors.
@@kerwinalexander6836at the end of the day they’re just different tools to accomplish a similar goal. a good pair of monitors is wonderful. With 8in monitors you can critically monitor bass response and the air in the high end as well, I agree from that standpoint…but when it comes to voiceover the trade off is size and potential overkill. A monitor setup won’t hurt of course, but for voice over you’re only recording a single sound source and one that isn’t nearly as complex as other sources, so a good pair of headphones will do the job just fine.
part 2?
Am I allowed to use video game characters that aren't voice acted?
10 seconds per voice?? I have to chop my script down exponentially 😂
Where do you find these pieces of scripts?? I’m confused about that. Like where can find them.
My suggestion is to not find them. If you share samples with most agents, CD's, for auditions, etc. they'll know if they're canned internet scripts, because they'll have heard them hundreds of times. I wrote my pieces personally, if you're not so inclined I always recommend finding a writer and seeing if you can have them write spec scripts for you to record. Hope this helps!
@@Javaughnhenry_ Thank you so much!! This helped!!
Does anyone wanna help me get my VO career started
can u be my online cast director, I can send u some of my little job sir