JMC Voiceover Source Connect
jmichael@jmcvoiceover.com
202-738-1151
  • Home
  • My Demos
    • Commercial
    • Crisis Commercials
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Recent Work
  • Demo Production
    • Demo Production
    • Demo Production Guide
    • Commercial
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Coaching
    • Coaching
    • Voiceover Coaching Guide
  • Photo Gallery
  • Success Club
  • Podcast
  • Events
    • Euro Vo Retreat
    • VO Atlanta
    • One Voice Conference USA
  • Public Speaker Training
    • Public Speaker Training
    • Public Speaking Coach
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact

Voiceover Demos

The Shifting Standards of Voiceover Demos

by J. Michael Collins

Recently I had the chance to be a part of two fantastic conference-driven discussions centering around voiceover demo production. The first was a live demo review at the Mid-Atlantic Voiceover Conference, MAVO, which I hosted with long-time CESD animation mega-agent Pat Brady. A week later, I joined world-class demo producers Chuck Duran and Cliff Zellman, casting directors Mary Lynn Wissner and Donna Grillo, and industry mavens Joan Baker and Marc Guss for a special That’s Voiceover edition of their popular weekly podcast The State of VO. These two sessions reinforced many of the trends and standards in voiceover demos I’ve been seeing and speaking about recently. Here were some of the big takeaways:

What’s NOT Changing:

The classic demo concept remains king and that is not changing anytime soon. Gatekeepers and many buyers want to hear a full compilation reel that shows range within what the market wants ad what you do well, that is thoughtfully scripted, directed, and produced, and that demonstrates what you will sound like over national level production.

The production balance remains important. Pat reacted poorly to demos that were both underproduced AND overproduced. There’s a fine line that allows the voice actor to shine while still demonstrating elite production.

Your natural voice is the priority. For several years now the orthodoxy has been to lead a demo with an authentic, natural, conversational read that sound like, well, YOU! This remains a best practice.

A bad first impression can still be a killer. Make sure you are ready before you do your demo. And make sure you understand what level you are ready to play at. A VO who is ready to book consistently on P2P sites deserves to get the best demos they can have, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are ready to submit to a top-5 agency. Make sure you have this conversation with your coaches and producer!

What IS Changing in the Standards of Voiceover Demos:

Length of spots. Mary Lynn mentioned a clear trend among buyers towards asking for longer spots in reels in order to hear talent tell and sustain a story. This has long been the standard for non-broadcast narration, but commercial buyers are now moving in the same direction. It was even suggested that in the future commercial demos may drop to as few as four spots to accommodate this trend. Having some quick-hitters is great, but if your commercial demo doesn’t have at least one or two pieces between 15 and 30 seconds you may be falling behind.

Length of demos. The myth that your commercial demo should be exactly one minute long is just that. A myth. There are a vocal minority who prefer this format, but they are a minority, and any good producer can whip up a 60-second version of your demo if requested by a particularly picky gatekeeper. Commercial demos, in part because of the trend towards longer spots, will be getting longer. Pat Brady said a minute twenty was her limit. The State of VO panel came in around a consensus of 90 seconds. Either way, you have more room to showcase your skills with these standards. Meanwhile, non-broadcast narration demos continue to hit around 90 seconds on average, while TV Narration/Documentary reels, Promo, and Video Game and Animation can start sneaking closer to two minutes before you get in trouble. In the era of VoiceZam and other easily-accessible players that can separate demo tracks, there’s no need to set aggressive boundaries on demo length anymore, (though anything over two minutes can definitely start to get a little excessive.)

The dawn of the single-spot as a demo. Mostly an online casting site trend linked to search, the concept of having numerous single spot demos featuring 20-30 second reads that stand alone to demonstrate various deliveries, (frequently accents, impressions, etc…,) is a growing trend. Most producers offer single-spot production for far less than a full demo, and this can also be a better format for highlighting actual booked work than having it on your primary reels.

Conclusions:

Voiceover demos are an evolving art. Rarely is change in this area dramatic or revolutionary…..but staying on top of trends is critical to remaining competitive. We’ll see what the new year and beyond will bring, but this is a taste of what’s to come.

Filed Under: Voiceover Demo Production, Voiceover Demos Tagged With: voice over demo producer, voice over demo production, voice over demos

How to Adapt Your Demo Game for Industry Trends in 2022

by J. Michael Collins

adapt your demo game

Can you believe we are already approaching the start of 2022? If it seems like the past ten months have been a bit of a blur to you, you’re not the only one! Now, it’s time to look with clear eyes towards the next year of our careers, and anticipate the shifts and changes that may be coming down the road. For example, how to adapt your demo game for 2022 trends.

Part of my job as a demo producer is to stay on top of trends in all of the genres JMC Demos produces for. It’s not an easy task, but with access to commercial and other broadcast copy months in advance of intended air dates through numerous agents/production companies/ad agencies, and a deep roster of non-broadcast narration clients sending scripts every day, I take pride in being able to create demos not just for what the market wants right this minute, but for what will be trending months down the line.

What changes can we expect in 2022?

BROADCAST GENRES

Commercial reels will still need to feature the somewhat offbeat and quirky humor that has dominated since the start of the pandemic. If there is a post-pandemic pivot back to sunny and silly, that isn’t showing up in copy yet. Moreover, the Delta variant delayed the expected dominance of powerful reopening reads, and has prolonged the life of somewhat more emotional pieces using warmth and proximity. With so much still in flux, commercial seems fairly status quo at the moment, with a continuing trend towards shorter, impactful pieces. Reads that showcase perseverance and earnest everyday grit are trending, and BIPOC voices will continue to be more prevalent, especially in commercial content that is targeting younger demographics.

Political Commercials are starting to heat up once again after seeing a brief decline in volume after the 2020 election. The initial post-inauguration calm and new-president honeymoon has given way to the vitriol that has become an all-too-unfortunate mainstay of American politics. Though bad news for society, it does mean that the off-season for political commercial VO was shorter than expected, and we are already getting close to election-year numbers once again. 2022 promises to be the most hotly contested mid-term election in recent memory, and both parties are poised to drop unprecedented cash into political ads, and thereby political VO as well. In 2022 you don’t necessarily have to choose a side as a VO, but your demos do. Whether you play for one team or both, current, hard-hitting reels that are geared towards relevant issues and races will win the day. And, sadly, buyers on both the left and the right continue to tell me one thing over and over….”We need to hear that they can go negative.” In 2022, moderate, gentle political demos won’t get you very far.

Documentary & TV Narration is one of the industry’s more static genres when it comes to your demo reels. Trends continue more conversational and believable, but there is still a fairly strong gap between the sounds buyers want for traditional documentaries and those they are looking for when it comes to reality TV and in-show content. Demos in this genre don’t need a massive overhaul, but if you are specifically targeting classic documentaries, or specifically targeting reality TV/more conversational & modern programs, the trend going forward is likely to involve more targeted demos for each.

Promo and TV Affiliate continues to go more conversational, more BIPOC, and younger, though there’s still plenty of work for traditional voices. While traditional network promo remains glamorous, more and more of this work involves streaming content and other new media. As always, the most important thing is that the content on your promo demo is current. Shows that have been off the air for more than a year, or topics that are dated, generally need updating.

Radio Imaging, like promo, is moving younger, more conversational, and more diverse. With numerous formats, however, it remains open to classic sounds as well, especially when paired with unexpectedly current content. A recent trend has been using counter-intuitive voices……older voices over humorous content based around pop culture, etc…. and humor overall remains hot. Radio Imaging can be a tough nut to crack, but once in the door the work can be very steady.

Animation & Gaming reels continue to require more acting chops and fewer funny voices. The trend across both genres is story-based, showing that you can sustain characters and completely inhabit them. Hackneyed stereotypes are out, and authenticity is the watchword. This will only continue in 2022. Video game work in particular is exploding, and with more and more agents of all types sending out castings every day, your reels need to be on point to get their attention.

Corporate Narration has moved away from the hard sell in most cases, and like many other genres is demanding that the voice actor demonstrate more connection with the copy. Corporate and industrials are unlikely to ever trend as young as other genres, but the late-20s/early 30s read is hot, and sincerity is key. One fun trend is the loosening-up of corporate culture to embrace more play in copy, and even an occasional bit of edgy humor. While one has to be careful and stay on-brand, dropping a read with some light shock value on your corporate demo is likely to get you more wins in 2022.

Explainers pioneered the conversational read in many ways during the early part of this century, and as such have been somewhat less subject to change than other genres. In 2022 you’ll see more explainers using live action, as the cliched whiteboard and stickman animation has started to fade. Cartoon and 3D/CGI animation will continue to be in heavy rotation, so explainers are unlikely to lose their frequently playful nature anytime soon.

E-Learning also continues to evolve into less-starchy places. While lots of E-Learning is still very classical in sound and structure, the trend is towards voices that are somewhat more whimsical or cheeky, while still maintaining professionalism. More and more companies are taking chances with edgy content, especially for new hire and onboarding content, and there is also a distinct trend towards shorter modules and more scenario-based, gamified, and role-playing content. More than ever, the E-Learning space will require acting chops in 2022, and your demo will need to reflect that.

Medical Narration has exploded since the start of the pandemic, possibly tripling in volume based on anecdotal evidence. Those who can handle even moderately complex terminology have the benefit of a tremendous supply/demand advantage in this genre. Medical Narration reels are a recent art, and generally include an empathetic read, a more corporate read with some promotional overtones, an educational read, a highly technical read, and a role-playing or gamified read.

Movie Trailer reels continue to demand the same range of classic power reads and newer brighter reads, however the really hot segment of trailer is Video Game Trailer, which has similarities to movie trailer but trends younger and more emotionally involved. Video Game Trailers were one of 2021’s hottest genres, and promise the same for 2022.

OTHER TRENDS worth being aware of include the move to require more individual samples on casting sites, and the continuing emphasis from agents on the need to be competitive in multiple genres.

For sites like Voice123, having short samples of your entire range of reads is becoming more and more important. Your traditional reels are still valuable on these platforms, especially when you are being reviewed by classic industry types from ad agencies and production companies who expect full demos. That said, many younger people who are casting today search online for very specific samples, “Fun and friendly,” “Morgan Freeman,” “Trailer voice,” etc…., and only listen to the samples related to those styles. Most demo producers will be happy to offer you single-spot rates to create fully-produced individual samples, at far less cost than a full demo.

On the other hand, more and more agents are saying during their public appearances that they want multi-tool players. These days, you need to have demos demonstrating proficiency in at least two major genres, preferably three or more, in order to get traction with top agencies. In 2022, a commercial demo by itself is not going to get the job done when seeking representation. Be ready, and don’t come light.

On behalf of myself, A.J. McKay, and the entire JMC Demos team, here’s wishing you a spectacular end to the year and start to the next as you pursue your VO goals!

 

Filed Under: Blog, Voiceover Demos

Primary Sidebar

Archives

Subscribe

"*" indicates required fields

Receive News & Updates
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

RECENT TWEETS

@jmcvoiceover

August 14th 2022 04:08:41

Tomorrow on Clubhouse!
#vo #voiceover #voiceovers #clubhouse #vobistro https://t.co/GQNjFl3iF3

@jmcvoiceover

August 14th 2022 04:08:24

https://t.co/1KA3uRE1Yd

Episode 32 is out and Joe Cipriano joins to discuss the untold stories of his days walking… https://t.co/FAKEy2w5Fm

@jmcvoiceover

August 13th 2022 11:08:24

Are you ready to be the weird little car?

2 spots left for Atlanta and 1 for New York!

DC and Sacramento are SOL… https://t.co/6MPnWZkgVi

@jmcvoiceover

August 11th 2022 03:08:57

RT @nethervoice: JMC’s EURO VO RETREATS: EXTRAVAGANT OR PRICELESS? https://t.co/KFFvsrAEjA

@jmcvoiceover

August 10th 2022 04:08:12

Aaaaand with the final spot taken by Galena White, we are sold out for Holland!
That's all for 2023, but stay tuned… https://t.co/W8dF0Zt1PD

@jmcvoiceover

August 8th 2022 05:08:55

RT @AndiaWinslow: Keynoting!

Wonderful day at @OneVoiceConf #OneVoiceConference in #Dallas. Thank you to the entire #OVC22 team for having…

@jmcvoiceover

August 8th 2022 04:08:14

EURO VO Retreat IX will take place May 21-27, 2023 primarily at the stunning Chateau St. Gerlach in Valkenburg, jus… https://t.co/SZ0qc9eCKK

@jmcvoiceover

August 7th 2022 09:08:24

EURO VO Retreat Holland Pre-sale begins tomorrow.
May 21-27, 2023.
Presenters revealed tomorrow.
Fewer than ten sp… https://t.co/rcr3dk3lpo

@jmcvoiceover

August 7th 2022 06:08:43

@ReallyFrankVO John Florian just posted the list on VO Xtra.

@jmcvoiceover

August 7th 2022 05:08:34

RT @samphilyawvo: At the OVC Awards ceremony! It's been a fantastic weekend full of golden nuggets. #OVC22 #voiceactor #voiceover #talent #…

@jmcvoiceover

August 7th 2022 04:08:02

Massive congratulations to all of the winners of the 2022 One Voice Awards. You are all true stars, and together we… https://t.co/oqd5hqiPCq

@jmcvoiceover

August 7th 2022 12:08:45

The One Voice Awards USA dinner is underway, with the awards to follow. Good luck to all the nominees!

#ovc22 https://t.co/wsqH35ffKG

@jmcvoiceover

August 7th 2022 12:08:06

@MegarboV @DavidGilbertVO Each August in Dallas!

@jmcvoiceover

August 6th 2022 10:08:16

With the legendary Lori Alan, and the great lineups for my Demo Panel and Online Casting Panel

#ovc22 https://t.co/TJtekfXrU5

@jmcvoiceover

August 6th 2022 11:08:10

RT @samphilyawvo: #lauraschreiber For the free stuffs 😆 Accountability session at #OVC22 @OneVoiceConf https://t.co/VX0O6woG7V

@jmcvoiceover

August 6th 2022 11:08:37

@AdamB_vo @ginascarpa @TreMosleyVO @VO_Kennelly @GabeKunda @Donovan_VO @DaveFennoy @FrankVerderosa @ImKeithDavid… https://t.co/dNQUen7p39

@jmcvoiceover

August 4th 2022 10:08:24

@GhostInTheMic Great job, my friend. It's been a pleasure watching you grow into your sound!

@jmcvoiceover

August 4th 2022 02:08:57

Saddle up, y’all. OVC USA is BACK!

#vo #voiceovers #voiceover #voiceoverartist #ovc22 https://t.co/7F0N4E4w7q

@jmcvoiceover

August 2nd 2022 04:08:25

Big thank you to the folks at Dallas Audio Post for quarterbacking a most excellent session reading opposite the br… https://t.co/KNJQx3sLYE

@jmcvoiceover

August 1st 2022 04:08:59

RT @OneVoiceConf: Make sure you pack everything you need for the One Voice Conference, Dallas this week, including the cat.

#ovc22 https:…

@jmcvoiceover

July 30th 2022 02:07:18

RT @Get_Micd: We're welcoming back the amazing J. Michael Collins as a returning judge for #UVOS take 3! @jmcvoiceover Are you prepared to…

@jmcvoiceover

July 28th 2022 09:07:12

RT @Voice123: What's the state of online casting markets? 🤔💭

Find answers from our CEO @VeldmanRolf, @CharminArmin, @jmcvoiceover, Jas Pat…

@jmcvoiceover

July 27th 2022 02:07:35

UPDATE:
DC is SOLD OUT
Sacramento has 1 spot left
NYC has 2 spots left
Atlanta, where you at? 3 spots left
See you… https://t.co/YB1ar0xduA

@jmcvoiceover

July 26th 2022 10:07:54

New 3-hour small-group workshops have been added for One Voice USA by popular demand. Check out these great opportu… https://t.co/z32uYQ6M5B

@jmcvoiceover

July 26th 2022 10:07:58

@samphilyawvo #frodonet

@jmcvoiceover

July 26th 2022 07:07:35

RT @Natasha_VOX: Have you listened to @jmcvoiceover's #podcast yet? Each week he has a "a casual freestyle chat" with prolific #VoiceActo…

@jmcvoiceover

July 26th 2022 07:07:32

@Natasha_VOX Thanks @Natasha_VOX

@jmcvoiceover

July 25th 2022 09:07:55

EURO VO Retreat 9, Holland 2023 is coming.
*An extra included night
*Every room is a full apartment
*Lots of sheep… https://t.co/D5DDqg70XL

@jmcvoiceover

July 21st 2022 09:07:04

RT @scrubbsdj: Here's to @jmcvoiceover - I owe my latest booking to being that "weird little car." :D Moreso than I even remembered being!

@jmcvoiceover

July 21st 2022 09:07:57

@scrubbsdj Congrats!!!

@jmcvoiceover

July 19th 2022 08:07:45

@UrbanLegendVO Might need your recommendation for a lunch spot!

@jmcvoiceover

July 19th 2022 08:07:27

For the first time since 2019, I'm hitting the road for a new workshop tour!

Let's get those conversational reads… https://t.co/cRE58RYz4w

@jmcvoiceover

July 19th 2022 11:07:17

RT @OneVoiceConf: When quality matters...it's time to bring back the demo production panel.

Chaired by @jmcvoiceover, the OVC USA 2022 dem…

@jmcvoiceover

July 16th 2022 10:07:17

EURO VO Retreat IX, Holland 2023 is coming....
May 22-27, 2023.
Presenters and pre-sale released August 8th.
#vo… https://t.co/dE6NS5Ayug

@jmcvoiceover

July 13th 2022 03:07:53

Why come to the One Voice Conference USA?
Because they're finally letting these British guys into the country and w… https://t.co/Y6LqcRzuk8

CONTACT
202-738-1151
jmichael@jmcvoiceover.com
  • Home
  • My Demos
  • Recent Work
  • Demo Production
  • Coaching
  • Photo Gallery
  • Success Club
  • Podcast
  • Events
  • Public Speaker Training
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact

Privacy Policy
©2022 J. Michael Collins // Voice Over Site by Voice Actor Websites