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Dear John

Tips for voiceover demo tapes

Question:
I've decided that this is my year for getting into voice-over work - any tips on doing a good demo tape?

Answer:
Tip number one is that like many other showbusiness terms, the name 'demo tape' is more a nod to tradition than a reality these days and you are much more likely to be sending your demo as a CD, minidisc or MP3 file. Just as you need to be up to date on what technology to use, you also need to keep abreast of the market you are trying to sell into. You may have decided that this is the year to get into voice-over work but when did you actually make that decision? I'm all for forward planning but the first step I would recommend in putting those plans into action is to listen to what is being done in the voice-over field right now and identify the current needs that your talents can address. To help you do that here are pieces of advice from two experts who are very much in the thick of the current industry.

What the experts say:

Peter Stewart

Peter Stewart has been involved in radio for 20 years as manager and presenter at BBC and commercial stations, national and local. After winning awards for his news presentation, he now trains journalists to read out loud. He has also written Basic Radio Journalism (Focal) and has weekly columns in The Radio Magazine and on www.radiojam.co.uk and his new book Essential Radio Skills (A&C Black) has already been acknowledged by almost everyone in the business (including me) as the must-have for anyone interested in the audio field.

"A truth that is universal whether you are looking for presentation, voice-over or indeed singing work, is that it's the first few seconds that count. Most people who listen to your demo are going to be very busy so if they don't like what they hear in the first 15 seconds, it is likely to go in the bin.

"Sounds daunting I know but the best way to avoid the bin is simply to sound natural and communicate. To achieve the first goal, it's fine to be inspired by someone who has already made it in the business, be that Terry Wogan or Chris Moyles, but don't settle for being just a pale imitation of someone else. Aim to demonstrate your own X factor, your own unique persona.

"As for communication, have a clear idea of where you're sending the tape, so that the material on your demo is relevant. No DJ-style links if you are looking for advertising work and vice versa. Lastly, once you have made your demo, leave it a few days and then try to listen again objectively before you send it off, being prepared to re-record if necessary."

John Woolvett

John Woolvett turned to professional acting later in life after successful careers in both music and magic but has made up for lost time with featured roles in shows such as Shock Treatment and The Revelation Game and consultancy on shows such as Hustle, as well as a constant stream of voice-over work.

"The purpose of a voice showreel is to demonstrate that you are a competent professional - and that your voice has that certain something special to offer that sets you apart from others. So please do not even think about producing it yourself unless you have the right equipment, experience and knowledge to produce a professional job.

"Recording on to an ordinary cassette recorder in your bedroom is just not good enough. The voice-over side of the acting business is extremely competitive and potential clients will be able to tell in a fraction of a second if yours is not professionally produced.

"There are many studios that offer special showreel packages which include a library of scripts and advice on what is best for you and advertisements can be found in The Stage and Contacts.

"Research is the key, so before even thinking about booking a studio session I suggest you listen to as many examples as possible. If you have access to a computer, type "voice-overs" into Google and you will get an opportunity to listen to hundreds of others actors' work - believe me you will soon be able to pick out the good ones.

"Also listen to radio and television and, if possible, record advertisements that you genuinely think you could have done. Above all, think about your voice from a producer's point of view - not how you would like to sound but how you actually sound - because that is what they will be booking.

"Don't offer a huge range of different voices and accents, it is far better to do a few really well, especially your natural accent. Because I have a natural London accent my agent sells me as "warm, friendly London".

"Think about how you and your friends would describe your voice and try to capture that on your showreel."

John sums up

Since a new year is often the time for new directions, we'll be covering how to break into or spruce up your image for quite a few different areas of the industry over the next few columns. I would imagine the collective emphasis in this week's edition on doing your research first will be key to many of them, so do let me know via our editorial address or the Dear John section on our website if there's a particular area you are looking to dip a toe into and I will do my best to find suitably experienced people to give you that all important push.

* Peter Stewart writes Useful Stuff, a free monthly digest of media-related news stories, ideas and links which you can subscribe to via www.petestewart.co.uk

* Examples of John Woolvett's voice work can be heard at www.rhubarbvoices.co.uk, www.voiceovers.co.uk and www.johnwoolvett.com

* Feedback/queries are welcome to dearjohn@thestage.co.uk

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