Tag: demo

Almost time for an update…

thoffmanaudio

It’s been sometime since I’ve updated this website, and it’s time for a fresh coat of paint. For one thing I’d like something that’s a little less grey, blocky, and just “belgh” would be good. For another I know I can do much better with my audiobook demos.

On top of all of that is the fact that I need to create demos for other voice acting roles that I wish to do. The thought of making demos is weird to me. I’ve never really needed demos before and I’m not exactly sure how to go about making them. I was taught how to be a stage actor and we don’t exactly have demos for that – just monologues on hand. (Though I should really get some new monologues developed too.)

While the world is still being gripped by the need for social distancing, I should be taking this time to learn what I need for a demo. Like what is the material that’s expected, what are the kind of ranges you should consider, ect. There are a few places I can ask around, and I should look up voice actors websites to see if they have good demos I can listen to.

The challenge – as it ever is – is to get it all done. With so many other things to work on, I am fortunate enough to still have a day job during this pandemic, it can be a challenge to balance things. Especially with days bleeding together and everything feeling like they’re in suspended animation.

Regardless – I would love to come out of this pandemic with a freshly designed website, new audiobook demos, new demos for new types of acting, and my feet planted firmly in the ground.

Photo by Kevin Mueller on Unsplash

Step by Step…

thoffmanaudio

The great challenge for myself is, at it always is, to maintain my own progress. I always feel as though I’m taking 2 steps forward and 1.99 steps back. I’d really like to eliminate that .99 (I’d go for the whole 1.99, but baby steps), and this week has been a good step in the right direction. I’d certainly like to continue in this direction.

On top of finishing a recording of short story, I’ve been talking with a company on doing a voice over for a documentary. I’m not really convinced that this documentary job is going to happen, however it’s something I saw and reached out for rather than letting it float by. Another point that I’m proud of was my attempt to determine a fair price.

I have a poor habit of not valuing my own work and low balling what it’s worth. However – in this instance I went through a number of sources and compared prices to figure out what would be a fair quote. I was sorely tempted to cut down on the price, even after triple checking my numbers, but I reminded myself to value the work I do and the work that my fellow actors do.

It’s a small thing, but for me I felt it was important. Putting value on my work is always difficult for me, even more so when it’s a monetary value.

In the next week I’m looking at completing another 2 short stories and starting to redo my narration demos and to get demos for other types of voice acting. Getting a variation of demos for all the different types of work I wish to do will be helpful when looking into other opportunities (and making sure everything is properly separated and easy to find ).

Honestly I’m thinking it’s about time I begin pulling out my monologues and start looking at performing in local theatre shows again. I’m feeling the pull and hunger of performing, and I certainly would love to have something on hand if I ever meet some director or casting agent who asks, “hey do you have anything for me?”

Point of order: Here’s a picture of my family’s dog, Cooper. Yes, Cooper is as sweet as he looks.