A Prospector’s Guide to Script Mining in the Voiceover Wild West...
By Eric Hunt
In today’s voiceover marketplace: a diverse landscape where cynical Lacrosse moms get as much work as Budweiser-swilling dulcet-tones, knowing where a voice fits into the exponentially increasing pool of opportunity has become even more important than the quality of the voice itself.
Aspiring voice actors who bravely attempt to blaze a trail into the untamed frontier alone, without the experienced guidance of an established pioneer, may find themselves saddled with an ill-fitting and sorely lacking arsenal when the day is done.
This all-too-common scenario emerges most frequently in the form of flat one-dimensional demos that serve an earnest new voice actor about as well as a book of matches serves a blacksmith.
Script selection is as important as every other element in the demo production process. Industry trends dictate that success will come to those who are able to showcase their versatility and range of marketability.
Without access to a vast script library and a critical outside perspective that can help extract a wide range of characters and personas, demos will inevitably miss the mark. Once-eager and enthusiastic voice actors are left feeling discouraged and confused as to why they seem to be mired at an outpost while others, perhaps less talented, boldly stake their claims in the Land of Voiceover Opportunity.
When the dust settles, the problem becomes obvious: It is tempting to choose scripts you “like,” instead of those that “like you” when first staring out.
In one way, this can lead to a greater emotional connection to the material and thus help build a demo replete with “relatable” spots. Upon closer examination, however, it becomes obvious that the voice actor has showcased only one or two styles where four, five, or even more may have been possible.
A much greater risk, and potentially much more disastrous outcome, when picking scripts you “like” for your demo is self-sabotage. Going outside your marketability on your demo can make you sound unprofessional and downright bad.
Imagine the train-wreck that would occur if BIlly Crudup (MasterCard - “Priceless”) were to include a “Budweiser: Real American Hero” spot on his demo because he thought it was cool. Similarly, imagine the catastrophe that would unfold if Nancy Cartwright (Bart Simpson) included a clip from Planet Earth (a Documentary narrated by SIgourney Weaver) on her demo because she was passionate about nature.
Like what you like but demonstrate who you are.
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