Bunch Family Post
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the lovely people at Bunch Family (a faboo blog for parents) to chat about being the voice of Muffy and the kind of stuff I’ll be teaching at next week Kids Cartoon Voice Class.
Click on the link below to view their complete post! Thanks a *Bunch*!
the animation voice demo
Hey there! Last month the Vox Daily Blog featured the article I wrote called The Animation Voice Demo- 6 Key Elements. For those who missed it, here it is today featured on the VPS bloggedy blog. I hope you enjoy the read :)
THE ANIMATION VOICE DEMO- 6 KEY ELEMENTS BY MELISSA ALTRO
Let me break it down for you folks, if you want an agent to represent you in voice, you NEED a voice demo to submit to them in order to be considered. That being said, you need a character demo to be cast in general regardless of where your job opportunities come from. Below I’ve put together a list of the key 6 elements in my opinion that makes a voice demo great!
6 KEY ELEMENTS:
- Length
- Collection of solid character voices
- Writing
- Music/Sound Effects
- Direction
- Editing/Sound Mixing
1. LENGTH
The ideal length of a voice demo should fall between a minimum of one minute long and at a maximum of two minutes. Like any kind of entertainment or impactful art, if it’s worthwhile, it will keep your listener’s attention. Also, the length will depend on the amount of character voices and length of the individual pieces. These are choices your director will make depending on your range and quality of delivery.
2. SOLID CHARACTER VOICES
You want your character voices to be strong and distinctive so you should only have between 8-12 characters. If you have a collection of voices that are truly unique and stand a part from the rest your number might be closer to 12. If you are still in the process of developing your range you should stick to a number that’s closer to 8 character voices. Overlap creates for a redundant demo. You want to impress and surprise, keeping your listener engaged so you want to avoid having a collection of character voices that sound too similar. Ideally you want a variety of stock characters and your own “one of a kinds.” This is an important mixture so that you can convey to your listener that you have the ability to play popular types of characters and that you have pulse on what’s current. While the “one of a kinds” will allow your listener to know that you are creative and thoughtful. This is a dynamic combination and if executed successfully will without a doubt impress any listener!
3. WRITING
The writing in your demo is very important. Humour is key. Everybody loves to laugh and it’s essential when we’re talking cartoons that humour is involved. Also, you don’t want to take yourself too seriously so it’s best to have material that’s light and clever and perhaps even include some moments that are a bit self-depreciating of self-referential.
4. SOUND EFFECTS
Sound effects can really bring a read alive. A good sound effect or music choice will bring energy to a read. It can even give it context and will further support the character’s intention or mood of the read, i.e. an evil sounding music piece will heighten the suspense and danger of a scheming villain character voice. That being said, it’s very important that the music or sound effects do not over power the read or distract from the character. You want to include music that’s in sync with the actor’s delivery and avoid adding anything that is too busy or chaotic sounding or by contrast too slow or dull sounding. It’s a fine balance!
5. DIRECTION
How important is good direction? Well, a good director knows how to bring out the best in you. This director will get your reads to be varied with changes in pacing, mood and energy levels. It’s also essential that you director is creative and imaginative. Wacky vision and exploring sometimes what seems “weird” is what will make your demo stand out from the rest.
6. EDITING AND MIXING
Finally, it’s time for editing and sound mixing. Once your demo material is all recorded and you leave the studio, the editing process begins. It’s crucial that the sound engineer works with the director to make the transitions snappy and the gaps between the lines as small as possible. The awkward breaths and mouth noises should edited out as well leaving your reads sounding clean and clear! Sound effects and music are thoughtfully added and ta da! A brand spankin’ new voice demo!
10.24.11*new* demo: Erica Wood
Hello there friends and voice lovas! I have a spicy demo for you this evening performed by the lovely Erica Wood. I am so feeling her deep and dark villainess in the first spot. She has quite the polished mischievous laugh! I think her youthful character pieces are totally adorable and she has a nice wide-eyed approach to her reads. It was a pleasure working with you Ms.Wood and I think it’s fair to say you now have one fine voice demo to your name!
Erica Wood Erica Wood Animation Voice Demo
Tokens4Change
I’d like to extend a big thank you to the people from Youth Without Shelter for asking me to be a part of their awesome fundraiser called Tokens4Change. I had a blast voice directing this piece! I’d also like to give a shout out to a student of mine Toyin Ajimati for lending his voice to this project and for doing such a kick ass job! Check it out and help spread the word! Also if you’d like to get involved, please visit their website at http://www.yws.on.ca/category/get-involved.
Tokens4Change Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxaNYFR5-tA&feature=player_embedded
she’s a guest blogger!
Check out the fancy lil’ article I wrote for VOX Daily!
It’s about the 6 key elements that can contribute to making an animation demo come alive and get you noticed. If you want more info or have any questions about making a voice demo of your own and how to get started, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Happy reading!
http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2011/10/animation_voice_demo_elements.html
*new* demo: carlos finch
Carlos Finch is up on the blog today and boy am I ever excited to share his demo with y’all! This man’s work is both thoughtful and creative. Carlos knows how to play high status really well but can also bring it down when he needs to. My fave characters include the British upper to lower class switch (betcha didn’t see that one coming) and the very menacing villain in his lair (hello sociopath). Congrats to you Carlos for all your hard work during our coaching sessions together. Seriously, it was an absolute pleasure. Happy listening everybody!
Carlos Finch Carlos Finch Animation Voice Demo
*new* demo: Abbas Hussain
Good evening voice friends and lovers! Tonight I have a scrumptious demo post about Abbas Hussain. It was this guy’s turn to get on the demo making train and boy did he ever! We worked together over the last couple of months on creating characters and building technique. I think you’ll be impressed with all his hard work! Some highlights include the dry british villain and the nerdy gamer off the top. Well done my friend!
Abbas Hussein Abbas Hussain Animation Voice Demo
06.3.11*new* demo: Jen Goodhue
Funny gal on the blog, watch yo’self! That’s right, THE Jen Goodhue of Comedy Inc was all about demo recording earlier this week. Her deep and full bodied voice has such smooth and velvety tones. Amazing. Her old lady crackly crank pot makes me giggle. I also enjoy her muttering villainess. Jen is a firecracker and she lights up a room and more specifically a recording booth. It was beyond delightful working with you Jen! Hugs!
Jen Goodhue Jen Goodhue Animation Voice Demo
04.25.11*new* demo: Ashlie White
Happy Monday/Easter/Spring!
Check out the latest demo making sensation by the name of Ashlie White. This lady worked it out in the booth, from an Irish midwife to a desperate teen, this gal’s got it covered. Way to go Miss Ashlie!
Ashlie White Animation Ashlie White Animation Demo
*new* demo: Jamaal Grant
Hello friends!
Here’s another sweet demo treat for ya’ll to feast on this evening! There’s no doubt that Jamaal Grant took care of biznas during his recent demo record. I really enjoy this man’s tone and vocal texture. Some of my fave pieces include his laid back surfer dude and his maniacal villain. GREAT work Jamaal!
Jamaal Grant Jamaal Grant Animation Voice Demo
