Hey creatives - I'm in the beginning of my journey with voice acting and in the process of putting together a reel. As a screenwriter, I'm blessed to have material to draw from that I can use for the reel and have separated each into categories. These are the ones that I feel I can do the best on.
Let me know your thoughts as to what else I should include...
Evil Character (gaming) - demon - low pitch/gravelly
Evil Character (gaming) - serpent leader (Phobos) - high pitched
Hero - Middle age /distressed
Narration - calming/English
Narration - calming / Spanish
Narration - commanding
Movie Trailer - Southern draw
Audiobook Narration - normal voice (baritone)
Explainer commercial
Podcast Intro
Latin Accent - male
I've read that having sample in lanuages other than English is also beneficial.
Let me know your thoughts below.
2 people like this
Nice selection, Leonardo Ramirez! What about an energetic sample too? Like a sports commercial or commercial for a theme park.
2 people like this
Oh, I like that Maurice Vaughan. I'll add that to the list. Thank you!!!
2 people like this
You're welcome, Leonardo Ramirez. I'm looking forward to hearing your reel!
2 people like this
Thanks Maurice Vaughan ! I'll find out on Friday whether or not we'll be in the studio. If not, I'll create a makeshift studio at home to record in.
3 people like this
I love this! Take this with a grain of salt - Have one Spanish narration VO with ALL of the emotions. Just under a minute is best and several short bits. Do the same for English and make it the same copy. You can actually do 2 versions of every one of them but narration is the best starting point. For your characters, use them all in one - Latin accent, other character classifications, southern drawl, etc. Movie trailor should also have all and be the best-produced thing you will ever touch in your life. You can make that one bilingual, just use all different copy for the short bits. DON'T just do one type of read. Each demo should have many sounds of you. When they hear it, they will know, but if you only give them one read then it is easier to ignore you. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
2 people like this
Mandy Nelson you are awesome!!! I LOVE your suggestions. I’ll start mapping this out how you’re suggesting. Thank you SO much!! Just to clarify, are you saying narration should be the first in the reel? Thanks again!
2 people like this
You're welcome, Leonardo Ramirez. A post about creating a makeshift studio at home would be great. Voice actors could share advice, insights, and the resources they use.
2 people like this
Great idea Maurice Vaughan!
2 people like this
Thanks, Leonardo Ramirez.
3 people like this
Maurice Vaughan you are right. I'll start working on a post regarding studios from basic to bigger! Actually, I have a really old one that was in VoiceOverXtra about 15 years ago that is still very relevant today. I'll work on adapting that for a post here first. @leonardo - you are going to have several reads in the end. You'll have 2 separate narration reels a character reel, etc. I know that sounds expensive if you don't know how to do it yourself but play, play, play because playing with audio is FUN. I've not engaged in this website much so I'm a little slow navigating but I'm very happy to help with all things VO. Just ask!
2 people like this
Ok, sounds great, Mandy Nelson! Looking forward to reading your post!
Here's a blog that'll help you navigate Stage 32: www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...
And if you ever have any questions about Stage 32, let me, Leonardo, or another Lounge Moderator know. We have badges on our pictures. Or you could email support@stage32.com.
2 people like this
OK that makes sense Mandy Nelson. Thank you!!
2 people like this
That sounds like an incredible range, Leonardo Ramirez! I’m far from a VO expert myself, but I love all of the advice being shared here. It seems like you’ve put a lot of thought into covering a wide variety of styles, which is great for showcasing versatility. One thing I’ve heard from VO professionals is that having a strong, engaging conversational read can be just as important as the more dramatic or stylized voices, something that sounds natural, like you’re just chatting with a friend.
Also, since you have audiobook narration included, maybe consider adding a character-driven narration sample (like a scene where you’re voicing multiple distinct characters) to show off how you differentiate voices in a longer format.
Looking forward to seeing how your reel comes together!
1 person likes this
Oh I love that Ashley Renee Smith. That would probably need to be a fourth reel but I'll definitely add this to the list and even if I can't do it now (depends on recording cost), I'll plan on it. Love it! Thank you!