DEMO PRODUCTION
WORLD-CLASS VOICEOVER DEMO PRODUCTION
A voiceover demo is one of the most important tools a voice actor has in their pocket. A demo can be used to reach out to potential new clients, agents, share with production companies, create a portfolio, and so much more. They’re the best parts of you and your voice, on display, in the highest quality, to help you book work and gain access to auditions.
With over 12 years of experience in the voiceover industry, both as an actor, a demo producer, a copywriter, an ad campaign manager, and more, I’ve seen what works and know what agents and clients are looking for in a demo to get you meetings and get you BOOKED!
COMMERCIAL VOICEOVER DEMOS
Commercial voiceover demos are the bread and butter of many voice actors. They are an essential tool to showcase your ability to work as a commercial actor. I take great pride in crafting commercial reels for my clients that demonstrate your unique edge in the market. Your attitude, personality and essence are what we focus on, to make sure we’re not creating just another “run-of-the-mill” demo reel. I want reels that capture YOU, with custom copy and production that supports the awesome things you bring to the table, that no one else can.
ANIMATION VOICEOVER DEMOS
Animation voiceover demos are many actors’ favorite demo to record. It’s why so many of us get into the business—to create and perform characters in film or TV animated movies or shows, video games, anime, etc. No animation demo should ever be a cookie-cutter or copy-and-paste. They should ALWAYS be unique to you, your vocal strengths, and the shows, games, or projects you want to go for. I tailor every demo to every actor from the ground up. Custom scripts and characters ensure your voice is showcased in only its finest form.
A DEMO PRODUCER WITH YOUR VOICE IN FOCUS
A voiceover demo should always prioritize YOUR unique edge. What do you bring to the table that no one else can? That’s why every single demo I produce is custom written, produced and made to suit your voice, personality and career aspirations.
Some demo producers will feed you cookie-cutter scripts that just “get the job done”. Some will give their clients the same characters over and over. Some even have YOU write your own copy. That’s completely a viable way of working, but personally, I believe you are coming to me for my expertise and years of experience as both a voice actor and professional voiceover demo producer so that I can help guide you. I am here to help you make the best demo possible.
If you’d like to work with me, reach out! I work with all levels of talent from beginners to working pros, and tailor the demo process to each talents needs and abilities. I also offer coaching for both specific auditions, or entry level courses and career guidance for new or established talent.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PROFESSIONAL VOICEOVER DEMO PRODUCER?
The ideal voiceover demo producer is going to have expert knowledge in your category, will be an audio expert, or have a team of audio experts, should be a strong writer, and a great communicator.
Many demo producers can create demos in different genres, but some do specialize. In that case, you want to make sure they specialize in your genre. Commercial, animation, promo, radio imaging, corporate narration, eLearning, audiobooks, trailers etc., are all specific categories of demos. Make sure you’re working with someone who knows what each specific one requires.
A demo producer will need to either themselves be an outstanding audio engineer, sound designer and mixer, or have a team they can turn to for those elements. Sure, you have a friend who could record your demo in their bedroom, but will that sound professional? Will that compete with someone who’s putting forth a reel featuring work on AAA video games, national TV commercials or massive promos? Probably not. You need someone who can make your voice sound incredible, with immersive, authentic sound design so each spot or character feels as though it could be real.
The writing is a key element of demos. A demo producer should be up to date on current trends, what agents are looking for, and of course, what your voice does best. With all that in mind, they should craft a custom-written demo that sets you apart and showcases your unique personality.
Finally, a great demo producer should be an excellent communicator. Demos are expensive. They’re time consuming. They can also be stressful. You need to work with a demo producer who is going to have the ability to guide you through every stage of the process confidently, so that you can feel amazing about the final product.
STUDIO
EXPERT VOICEOVER DEMO STUDIO SERVICES
A world-class, commercial grade studio in North Hollywood, CA is where all my recording takes place. Silverside Recording is purpose-built for voiceover, audio post production, and music. Source Connect equipped, and with a pristine recording environment, you will not find a better sounding home, or pro studio for your voiceover needs.
- BOOTH + CONTROL| Sound-proof, purpose-built studio, ADR/dubbing capable setup
- MICS| Flea 47, Manley Reference, AKG C414 XLII, RE20, Royer 121, KM184, Sennheiser 416, etc.
- PREAMPS| Neve 1073, Avalon AD2022, Chandler TG2, Maag PreQ4, SSL VHD, API 512C, etc.
- OUTBOARD| Maag EQ4, Burl B2 Bomber, UAD Apollo 16, Distressor, Tree Audio LC/1, etc.
- MONITORING| PMC TwoTwo8s, Dangerous D-Box
- BOOTH SETUP| High fidelity audio monitoring, and large screen TV monitor
- REMOTE RECORDING| Remote demo recording offered via Source Connect and Source Nexus. You need not have Source Connect to record.
WHAT IS A VOICEOVER DEMO?
A voiceover demo is an audio reel, typically between :60 – :90 seconds that showcases a voice actor’s ability and range within a specific voiceover genre. For example a commercial demo will showcase a voice actor’s ability to perform a variety of tones and deliveries depending on the product, service or brand.
An animation demo will showcase a voiceover artist’s ability to create, maintain and bring to life original and unique characters. These characters could cover any number of animated or interactive mediums like television, film, video games, podcasts, virtual reality and more.
WHAT IS THE DEMO PRODUCTION PROCESS?
The process of creating a voiceover demo starts with assessing a voice talent’s abilities, character’s and overall goals as an actor.
Once that is determined, for new actor’s they will go through a package of instruction to develop either characters or commercial reads.
Next, a custom set of reads and tailor-made script will be written by the demo producer. These pieces of copy will be adjusted as need throughout the prep and recording process.
Then, a the demo will be recorded. The actor will either come into my studio Silverside Recording, or if their home setup is vetted and approved, we will set up a remote recording session via Source Connect. The session typically takes 2-3 hours.
After your voice has been recorded, the demo will get produced. Spots and characters will be refined, sound design will be added, your voice will be edited down to the best takes and the demo will get mixed.
Finally, you will receive your demo for approval and any final feedback or notes from you, your team and/or agent.
WHY DO I NEED A PRO VOICEOVER DEMO?
A professionally produced voiceover demo is critically for being taken seriously as a voice actor, and getting opportunities to find work AKA auditions. Yes, you can probably record your voice at home, but without knowing the nuances to what a demo needs to showcase, what it should sound like, the length, what is fresh or what agents are looking for, you will be just taking a stab in the dark.
I always love to share this story from my own personal journey. My very first animation demo that I produced (well over 13 years ago now) was the perfect example of what NOT to do. I had no experience as a producer, didn’t know what agents or clients needed to hear, and had no real business making my own. But I did. And it was awful. I sent it to my mentor at the time, who just happened to be the voice of Tony The Tiger, and his first comment was: “I’m fairly confused by what this is”. Pretty much sums up what will happen if you make a demo on your own.
If you aren’t an expert, you will waste your time trying to make something that in the end, will not serve the purpose it’s intended. Just because you can hit record does not mean you know how to make a demo.
A professional demo will showcase you in the best light, encourage agents to take you on as a client, attract clients to want to work with you, and is essentially your calling card as a voice actor, showing what you can do in under :90 seconds. It’s a mini-portfolio, and your key to success as a voice actor.
CUSTOM SCRIPTS | CUSTOM DEMOS
Every demo I produce is custom. I write custom scripts, I use all new sound design and I tailor every demo to your personality, career goals and desires. You will not find cookie-cutter demos here.
With that does come a fair, but higher price. But when an single commercial job can land you potentially thousands of dollars in income, do you really want to go cheap on the key to that income?
EXPERIENCE MATTERS!
I have been producing commercial and animation demos for over a decade. I have also been a working voice actor professionally and full-time for even longer. I know what clients, agents and directors are looking for, and I can help you craft a demo that will get meetings, help you book work, and take your voiceover career to the next level.
DO YOU OFFER OTHER GENRES OF DEMOS?
I offer commercial and animation demos primarily. These are the big two demo categories, and while I do have the ability to produce promo demos, narration demos and more, I generally work as either a collaborator or studio/mixer only on those.
RECORD YOUR DEMO ANYWHERE!
A big concern for people is whether or not they need to be in Los Angeles to record their demo. I am so happy to say the answer is NO!
I have recorded talent from all over the world: New Zealand, London, Dublin, Japan and more. Technology is incredible and with Source Connect, a vetted local studio or even an appropriate home setup, I can pretty much record you from anywhere and produce a premium quality voiceover demo that will compete with the best.
This service requires studio vetting for either a local studio or home studio, but beyond that is not an additional cost.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Depending on how many pre-demo sessions we do, usually it’s about 3-4 weeks turnaround time after your recording session.
My studio is located in North Hollywood, CA.
Yes! I do remote record sessions all over the world via Source Connect.
Rates depend on the package selected and how many coaching sessions you wish to have. Expect to to spend between $1850 – $3500 depending on the package, and if you want to record at my studio in Los Angeles.
Sure do! I love working with talent in coaching sessions! Whether to prepare for a demo, brush up on reads, or fine-tune for an audition, I’m happy to work with talent for commercial and animation coaching. Half hour sessions at $125, hour sessions are $225.
Yes! This is one of the biggest offerings I provide that most demo producers do not. I will give you the individual spots or characters that go into your demo. Usually the actual commercial or animation demo is reduced significantly from the original script. With these, I include individual spots so that you can use it for your portfolio, and most importantly, to trigger and engage the algorithm on P2P sites like Voices and Voice123, so you can get better job opportunities.
I would love to, and this is my speciality. Helping new talent start out on their journey is where I excel. Offering insight into how to get jobs, when you’re ready for demos, where to find auditions, how to get agents etc.
Reps
COMMERCIAL VO
VOX INC
TOM LAWLESS
LOS ANGELES
tlawless@voxusa.net
ANIMATION VO
VOX INC
ABBIE WATERS
LOS ANGELES
awaters@voxusa.net
COMMERCIAL VO
WEHMANN TALENT
AMY OPPEGAARD
MINNEAPOLIS
amy@wehmann.com
ON-CAMERA
PKA
STEPHEN ACEVEDO
LOS ANGELES
stephen@peterkagency.com
