[Tutorial] Voice Demo Reels

Rev and co. go over some of the basics behind what a demo reel is, why you'd need one, and how to make one.
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iwanttobeavoiceactor.com/
music by incompetech.com/

[@mr-bi3tf]

This was very helpful, except for one very important detail that was missing.. WHAT SCRIPTS OR LINES TO USE OR PUT TOGETHER FOR THE DEMO REEL.

[@aminnellis]

I just wrote a torture/interrogation scene that I wanna use, figured that that would be a great chance to exemplify some screams/brutality and intensity with my voice

[@realitygamedesign]

There are plenty of online resources that provide all kinds of scripts for voice actors to read from.

[@chiemelieumeh9013]

Check edge studios. They have tons of scripts for free

[@AtomizedSound]

I was told or have seen online from other pros that the scripts should come from the demo producer or coach. Never write them yourself or copy off a website because of legal reasons and that many others may have read the same thing too

[@Obliviox09]

your own dude

[@erinfischer4560]

I’ve been going about this thinking that the characters had to interact or flow in a script like it all has to be cohesive. It makes a lot more sense to come up with one liners or with a quick description. I’ve just graduated from theater school, and I had voice lessons but specifically voice acting wasn’t anything any of my professors had any clue how to get me into it or build my skills in it. I’m lucky that my uncle has worked heavily in the music industry so I have access to some good quality equipment, now I just need to think up some one liners. :) thanks for the helpful video!

[@FlamingGuitar14]

Great little tutorial guys and gals, but thing is, there are some points you kinda got wrong: Demo Reels are normally about 1:00 to 1:30. No more, no less. 1:15, sure. But I wouldn't advertise that you should have less than a minute, because, man that is WAY too short. Sometimes producers will only want you to slate your name and sometimes producers will ask you not to slate, so sometimes it's best to let your demo reel to do the talking for you. But don't put that it's a "Character Demo Reel" in the slate. People know it's a demo reel, that's just wasting valuable time. Music isn't always necessary, as agents, producers and directors sometimes want to hear your raw, unadulterated voice. Also as a precaution, ALWAYS ASK if you can use a voice that you have been officially cast in for your demo reel. Better to be safe than sorry, as there could be some sticklers who would send your ass to the slammer if you just went and used it without asking. So better to be safe than sorry. Other than that, everything seems to be pretty solid. Cheers!

[@thetomakau313]

I made mine about 40 seconds long and it luckily worked out just fine

[@coreyrich420]

the slammer???

[@KyrstOak]

@@coreyrich420 'The slammer' is another way of saying 'jail'.

[@coreyrich420]

@@KyrstOak i know that!!! lol he just made it seem overdramatic!!!!

[@KyrstOak]

@@coreyrich420 Then why'd you add extra question marks??? People tend to do that when they are confused.

[@djgulston]

6:58 I'm a sucker for villainous characters. I just love this voice.

[@YumegakaMurakumo]

I'm a girl and I got turned on when he did that voice ngl. honestly, I swoon at sexy villain voices. I wish I had a s hit ton of money, I'd hire this guy to voice some of my male characters. 😂😍💜

[@tweekedangel]

That was REELy informative! Hahahhahahahahaha*shot* Really, though. Thanks for that tutorial. I'm just getting into voice acting and I gotta say I'm a little nervous. Easy to understand tutorials like this are a blessing to someone as simple minded as me, heh heh.

[@cerulean22b69]

Lord Magikarp The first that was REELy PUNderful! :D

[@basesspace3012]

@@cerulean22b69 oh my god please tell me your sense of humour has improved in 3 years

[@kingloki3774]

Hmm. As much as I want to do something like this, hearing these great voice actors really makes me doubt I even have a chance >_>

[@quiennows]

+Mark Lerron just act

[@diego2112gaming]

Fake it 'til you make it?

[@hugessfan]

To think that you don't got what it takes to voice act is like saying your voice doesn't fit anywhere. You just need to tell people "Hey, my voice is perfect for this" the worse the could say is no. Your voice works for you. Make your voice work for others.

[@agiewily3199]

Nice Video clip! Excuse me for butting in, I am interested in your opinion. Have you ever tried - Proutklarton Clean Earning Plan (search on google)? It is a great one off product for making big money by setting up a voice over business minus the headache. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my m8 got excellent results with it.

[@jebatman756]

You can't win if you don't play. These guys are great at character work but you don't have to be, especially for other stuff like commercials, etc

[@lukem1972]

These tutorials are amazing

[@XC1v1lXD35troy3rX]

YES, FINALLY!!! WAS LOOKING FOR THE MUSIC SOURCES!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@lexrae4255]

thank you so much! I am looking into making my first professional demo reel and this helped me a lot!

[@Rhizu]

Ordered my first microphone and gonna be making my demo reel in a few days. I've been waiting to have a chance to work with a certain animator, and they just recently put out v/a auditions! I'm nervous, but looking forward to it. Thank you for the great tutorial!

[@EmeraldSpencer]

Why'd the Psychotic Female Villian sound about two pitches and three volume levels off of Fluttershy's voice?

[@mikime7923]

Thank you very much for this video, I had a friend tell me that she does a bit of voice acting and recommended I try it too so this video really helped me understand what I need to do for my demo reel. Thanks again, helps a bunch

[@DelilahUnknown]

Should we make up our own lines during reels? not impressionist I understand, but I'm not really good at making up my own lines and wonder if free domain writing would be okay to use.

[@FlamingGuitar14]

It's actually best you come up with your own lines, but make sure that it sounds believable and not contrived.

[@ninifire4282]

FlamingGuitar14 why is it best to use your own lines ?

[@tomfarbervoice5214]

@@ninifire4282 using lines from existing shows and movies could cause copyright issues (which on KZbin is very vague as to what copyright infringement is). Even if it's YOUR voice, the parent company that made the initial show could still claim it as theirs

[@AtomizedSound]

Most pros recommend a demo producer coming up with the scripts for you that showcases your best strengths in what you are going for. If you can’t hire one then maybe hire someone that’s a good writer if you can’t do it yourself

[@diego2112gaming]

Found this video looking for tips since I'm'a try and get a reel together over the weekend for a video game mod (fan made, no pay, not professional). Figured make it as good as possible. Excellent tips, particularly about over-post-producing things. Thanks kindly!

[@HighValue_Humans]

MAN THIS WAS SO HELPFUL THANKS SO MUCH

[@Truevoicepodcast]

I loved listening to this so much....I was giddy from start till finish ,anyway I am starting out in the VOT field and this was very helpful ,you guys have yourselves a new subbie. AWESOME VID,AMAZING TALENT!!!

It was so fun! AND functional! Thanks a lot you guys! Have a very nice time!

[@WhirlwindStudio]

this is a great video. i've been wanting to make a reel for a while

[@bronyalpha7074]

Wow show accurate combat! You guys are getting better.

[@emberqueens427]

this helps a lot! i am an aspiring voice actor as you can see with some of my channels content and i learned about demo reels from a friend who put me in a series she's doing, though i'm not a lead or side character i will be a small part of it in one of the scenes, a small child crying out, so i have what i want and absolutely need to do for a character reel written down now, thanks!

[@tinlizziestudios4344]

Thank you guys!

[@ClaireSamuelsVA]

6:58 Shit, that was incredible!!

[@DangerDonger]

really informative, thank you for sharing

[@dandundun]

Can you feel the sunshine? Does it brighten up your day? I died at that joke.

[@Indie-A-tom]

I have worked already 3 years as a voice actor, and just now I have decided to do a demo rell. ^^" Normaly here on my country I just go to the please, talk and they hire me. =x The problem is that I only get commercial roles and i'm trying to get more gigs. And I think this is just what I needed to start my demo, tanks!

[@Chimchie]

NEVER EVER SAY YOU NAME IN A DEMO! IT TAKES UP TO MUCH TIME! I learned this the hard way ;-;

[@cellochicita]

THANK YOU FOR THIS YOU GUYS ARE LIFESAVERS I LOVE YOU

[@cerulean22b69]

oh my! you are here too! looks like we both are interested in voice acting.

[@cellochicita]

Kryssie Mango I ammm :)

[@cerulean22b69]

i just listened to your demo reel. its really good! :D

[@cellochicita]

Kryssie Mango Thank you! This tutorial really helped me put it together

[@echoflowerproductions1445]

Oh hi Cello! Nice to see you here! :D

[@mariaarakat5351]

Well after watching this tutorial I have been doing some stuff to improve my audio, and everything else. Practice and played until I got it for now. I would like some review on my demo, but only if y’all are up to it. Anywho, thank you so much for the pointers regardless, more aspiring actors like myself can benefit from it.

[@ChimeraLotietheBunny]

this helps me a LOT!!!

[@DanishF]

This is so helpful. I subscribed. I look forward to more! How should I go about writing my own content for animation or video game demos?

[@AtomizedSound]

Little late to this video but seeing the top 3 most common demo reels you listed is different than the top 3 I hear about today. Usually it’s character animation/video games, commercial and then narrative. I haven’t heard of promo being in the top 3. I know coaches or demo producers will evaluate your strengths to see which reels are the best fit for you and what you want to do though.

[@cerulean22b69]

I want to get into voice acting but maybe I'll stick with some comic dubbing at first. but I love this video it's very informative. I'll definitely need to know these things once I start trying for some real paying jobs.

[@geminirenegade9290]

Looks like I need to do an overhaul on my voice reel. lol

[@jebatman756]

It should be 1 minute long, period. And always start with the best ones. You need to get their attention. You could have two versions if you really think 1 minute isn't enough, but you need a one-minute version definitely.

[@kylahnastasi4441]

Everyone always tells me I should voice cartoons so I decided to start here hahaha

[@mr.sleepyhead8401]

Thank you. I wish I had watched this video first before making my Demo Reel. Now I have to edit before I upload to youtube. Quick question, so I don't understand if your in a youtube project with someone like Team For Star or a collab vid you can't use those in your demo reels?

[@MomoGobboYT]

I know not to do impressions, but what should you read off for your demo? Should you make it up or quote from something?

[@jojodiamond8210]

This has helped a lot What video software do you use to create your video like the small characters you inserted here

[@bossgrub2716]

you sound alot like captain quark from ratchet and clank

[@purpson9158]

[5:15] nobody Me: *High pitch squeal*

[@nicholasstehl6375]

This was incredibly helpful and informing. I recently found an interest in voice acting, and am considering trying to get into the field. Are there any mics you would recommend around or below $300?

[@thefunnynamehere266]

Would foreign accents count as impressions, next to some pitch Changes, accents are what I’m most comfortable with

[@DullSpectrum]

Hello there! Thanks for the tips! I’ll be sure to keep these in mind when I make my own. Aside from that, I had a bit of a question. Y’see, I took choir in my Soph year of High School and the teach used to tell me that being a good musician would help my odds of landing gigs. Is this true or no? Thanks for any assistance you may provide! Keep doing what you do! -E113

[@AmiableAmigo]

What do you guys use for lines? Improvisation? Could we use scripts from other already created media without mimicking?

[@TatianaBalashova]

Fun and very helpful video, thank you guys! ❤ *** Re copyright of characters and lines - I did not get that part fully, do you have a video with tips on that? (What to keep in mind when choosing the characters and text/lines)

[@WritersBlah]

This was a really excellent tutorial on demo reels and more industry-specific methods of putting yourself out there, but seeing as you guys mainly already consist of highly talented people, are there any chances of ever getting a general tutorial on the acting itself? I feel like a lot of aspiring voice actors (especially on the Internet) tend to focus more on their ability to do a wide range of goofy/anime voices and not enough on how to actually emote properly and act. I myself, despite having a little bit of background knowledge from some drama classes in high school, do not feel confident enough to actually sound like a good actor. So, any places you can direct us for advice on the craft itself?

[@amandawoodhouse8994]

Hi I am a canadian Actress. my advice to you is find a good affordable acting coach,and train,train,train. A artist never stops training, network, join fb groups and go to networking meetings. start building your resume by doing student films, unpaid work ect... I tell ya in the end hard work pays off. I am also working on doing voice as well , since i went to school for radio broadcasting I do have knowledge to do my own at home, and I have the equipment. Good luck, hope thist helped.

[@MrPokedude13]

I suppose when you use some musics from incompetech, you have to purchase the license for your voice demo reels right?

[@luisamedina1]

Would you include the visuals (commercials) on your reel? Thanks!

[@thevoicebooth6457]

Here is a great voice line: "STOP! You violated the law!"

[@GabePlaysYT]

This is actually a pretty spot-on tutorial! ^u^. The extra thing I think I would mentioned is this: if you're actually trying to be professional, your demo reel needs to be directed and worked on together with one of your coaches. You mentioned an engineer and a recording studio, but for those who don't understand, it's done together with a coach. You don't just pay a studio for there time, show up, and record on your own :P. Unless it's just for fun, your reel should never EVER be done solo, because people will be able to tell right away. The demo is your way of showing agencies and directors "this is who I am, and this is what I can do". It needs to be at the highest quality possible, because it's what's basically going to find you work. You can have a resume, but it's really the demo that people care for. So it needs to be directed and worked on with a coach, which is something that pretty much any coach helps you with ^^.

[@theboxofdogs]

I’m about a minute in and just wondering what format you’d like my demo reel in? Lol.

[@stevieperry5095]

having trouble finding good scripts... where would you recommend getting the best scripts for your reel? thank you 💕

[@ZekeChanguris]

I have a professionally produced demo reel for commercial and narration do I need to have a separate for characters if my real dream it to do cartoons and anime?

[@Scorpion-zh6xf]

Dude holy shit I want the guy to voice act my oc now bro his voice was fucking epic at 6:58

[@AJ627]

I can't believe Harry Plummer made a cameo in the video

[@lloyddrac666]

Thanks making the demo reel was a little nerve reeking Thank you

[@macwright4804]

I'm going to be getting a demo reel recorded tomorrow at a sound studio here in Indianapolis. Are you still open to critiques? Because I would love to get all the help I can get.

[@_thebigsteve]

One quick question about the impressions thing. I currently voice for several youtube channels as Optimus Prime and am getting paid work for it. Is it okay to feature that impression in some capacity making it clear that it is an impression, or should i not emphasize that it is an impression if I were to use it? Alternatively, should I just feature that in a separate demo and not include it in my demo?

[@ZekeChanguris]

Would you suggest reading things in your wheelhouse but from the public domain? e.g. Edgar Rice Burroughs or Shakespeare

[@thepersonguy1770]

I've heard in a lot of instances that you should avoid doing a slate at the start as casting directors just want to hear the important shit

[@Jade-tf2rn]

So I'm literally just starting out.So should I just make up lines in different voices?

[@retroshade9307]

I've heard from many sources that you should make something original for you script on your demo. Because you are showing YOUR work not others. It is what i did and as long as it sounds like something you would hear from a professional piece of work, you should be golden. Hope this helped

[@amandawoodhouse9007]

I have a question I have my own studio base, can i make my own demo reel or do i need to pay thousands of dollars to make one in a studio. other question when doing each click is it 10-12 seconds long before going to the next clip.

[@PeteKoch]

I'm in the process of making my first demo and since I don't have a mic, booth etc I'm using a professional. I'm lucky as he's a friend and I get a discount but I almost done. I'm doing three demo's. :60 each with multiple 10-15 second clips. Gonna cost me $400-500. Hope that helps.

[@qweneyon]

Good job. While I believe you could have gotten to some of your pints faster, you still gave some great advice; unlike a lot of other people out there. BTW, no one can really tell the difference in sound between XLR and USB. The main difference is that XLR has a lot more options with it and a good USB mic costs a lot more.

[@Zedrinbot]

You got them backwards--usually XLR mics are more focused, and USB mics have multiple settings. USB's are also cheaper, not more expensive, especially since XLR mics require a separate audio interface (an additional $50-200. Thing is most people won't tell the difference after post processing, but XLRs do make the post processing part a bit easier for sound guys. The less EQ you need to do, the better. I notice a difference editing Spencer's and Rev's audio vs. other members in the team.

[@qweneyon]

Im stating that it costs more for a good USB mic. Which is true, cause USB mics have built in interfaces, so for a really good one...it costs a lot of money. And by more Options for XLR, im including the interface part. Cause there are tons and tons of XLR mics and interfaces and so much equipment to pair with it. While USB has a lot less you can do, other than plug it in and use the built in functions(Which there cant be many since they need to keep it somewhat small and light.) I somewhat agree with the less processing thing...but not EQ. Im willing to do the EQ necessary, so I dont need to spend tons of money on a mic that has been built with the EQ that is best for me. I have a Rode NT1A. Doesn't sound the best and I could do better, but I can make it sound a lot better with some EQ and compression.

[@Zedrinbot]

...it usually doesn't though? USB mics usually run between $40 to $120. XLR condenser mics usually run at $70 to $200, even going as high as $700 and up. Unless you're using one of those dynamic stage mics and not a condenser mic, which that'd explain where you're getting completely confused. You usually won't use those for voice acting.

[@qweneyon]

If you want a GOOD USB microphone. You have to pay way more than that.

[@qweneyon]

The Rode NTUSB is about $170, and thats a good one

[@QuikVidGuy]

So does the restriction on IP in character reels mean that I can't even read a line from a pre-existing play? Do I have to write my own character bits?

[@ninjahkittehh]

can you use scripts to read with your character voices? i don't know if that's allowed but i'm also not sure if I have to write my own lines. please answer, thank you.

[@SFS_Animation]

It'd be recommended to write your own lines, though you could pull inspiration from other scripts. If you're using an existing script you run the risk of just doing mimicry instead of original voice range and acting, and by a stretch may run into copyright issues, since it's someone else's writing. You generally want to think up your own 'characters' for your voice reel, though there's nothing really wrong with using a few voices that sound *similar* to existing characters.

[@ninjahkittehh]

thank you so much ! I'll keep the advice in mind.

[@childishbeat]

I'd do character reels if I had to make a voice demo reel to get employment in voice acting for characters for cartoons and anime made by other companies, including dubs to English.

[@me_yessik]

So one thing I'm struggling with is figuring out where to put my voiceover reel. Like what is the standard? Do we just have a website that we direct people to or do we send people a zip drive or is there some other preferred way?

[@Handforhire]

Is it alright to use auditions that you've already done in your reel?

[@Neocross]

would it be all right, if i make Thai dub from this video, right now many Thai people start to interested about voice acting but our information about this kind of work is very little, so this video will be a good information for kid who interest in voice acting.

[@Br0kenEnglishVA]

Ehhhhhyyyyy! Linda!

[@killertalent282]

what if you use a voice mod for some of your voices? is that ok? or is that bad?

[@placeholder_name321]

This HAS to be the same voice who played Kronk from the Emperors New Groove lmaooo

[@Snoweopard]

Celestia and Luna's mane and tails were turning white for some reason. Magical overload much?

[@gbarl0046]

How do I find what to say? Do I make it up?

[@Marble_Pie]

Nice, ㄷㅁㅁㄴ.

[@brb224]

where do you send your reel after makeing it?

[@parkerp1ayz]

I might be able to help. You could post your reel on KZbin or your website. I wouldn't think it's necessary to have a website but I'm new to this business as well. Good luck hope I was some help.

[@Digital-Bluez]

Clarification question: what do you mean by not to do impressions? As in like, foreign accents?

[@Rybellious]

Don't try to sound like someone else. Example: Don't try to sound like Tom Hanks in your reel.

[@Digital-Bluez]

Ohhhhhhh, well that makes more sense. :P Thank you, sir. :D

[@Rybellious]

You're welcome :)

[@xJamesxKingx]

Hmm curious why impressions wouldn't be welcome. I would think they could demonstrate range

[@thelivekennedyssdcaliforni7841]

so good looking that they had to be animated hahahaha

[@FGWPlasma]

How is a blue yeti microphone for this? At least to start.

[@FGWPlasma]

@Ariel Falk thanks a lot! This advice really helps!

[@MariaM-tx6pv]

Is that SNT?

[@takemetoyonk]

Why is it a good thing to have "your own website," and what does that entail? Thanks for reading and I'm alone!

[@takemetoyonk]

"keep making friends" oh no what howw everyone's so busy >///

[@SheepsInfinity927]

why should you avoid headset microphones all together?

[@SFS_Animation]

They lack any form of condenser or sound processing. As a result their audio quality is extremely compressed. You can hear the difference in quality in a lot of lets-play videos. The ones done by say young minecraft players with a headset mic are pretty obvious with poor volume control and rough quality, while videos done with a standing mic sound way clearer and cleaner.

[@SheepsInfinity927]

ok thanks for telling me

[@jacobgruber388]

I know you said you aren't taking voice acting demo submissions, but can you give feedback to help improve them?

[@MeredithSims]

+Jacob Gruber That we're all happy to help with ^^ If you link them here we can take a look...though I do ask for patience if it takes us a bit to get back ^^;

[@irinasylva]

I see Courtney, I click.

[@ChanceVo]

are there any good voice acting classes avlabile

[@michaelgrt5587]

I still have a question. When voice acting are you supposed to be able to change your voice much? I’m hearing your natural voice and then your wacky animated voice and I’m getting so frustrated I can’t do it. ;(

[@jebatman756]

But come on, what about impressions of famous cartoon characters? Like Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, etc?

[@Fatebycosplay]

So no impressions but could I add an accent to a character. Like if i think a pull off a good "english orphan Oliver twist ish boy" should j

[@jebatman756]

7:00 left in a tongue click, lol!

[@bronyalpha7074]

That was what we call self-deprivation, don't do that. I feel for you, I could pick myself apart constantly and I'm learning not to. You just have to believe in yourself, I know it's a corny way to put it, but it's true. when you believe in your own strengths people will acknowledge you and see you for the hard worker you are. Also I really enjoyed the video.

[@THEVATICANTS]

I record reels if anyone needs one, have home studio.

[@k-coolrgs9578]

I swear I just heard abridged Tristan Taylor

[@bronyalpha7074]

Demon Lord Xeraxos.

[@arthzin6949]

What?

[@TotallyGoodatGames]

"...The more...compression and normalization you use, the colder and more hollow your recordings will sound." I'm sorry, *what??* It's just the opposite! The more dynamic compression I use, the warmer and more full the sound becomes. This, of course, doesn't mean crank it to eleven, but to say that intense compression makes the sound weak is simply incorrect.

[@SFS_Animation]

If you have to overuse compressors and noise removal to try and make up or mask a low-quality recording it'll be pretty obvious. That's what was being said. Overusing a compressor would make something sound oversaturated rather than hollow, but overusing noise removal would have the much more noticeable effect of making everything sound muffled and hollow. The only one that's an exception to that statement really is normalize since that's a linear increase across the board, but you should only use minimal noise removal and compression for a demo reel.

[@TotallyGoodatGames]

SFS Animation Okay, gotcha!

[@jebatman756]

8:22 voice acting CARRER? LOL

[@nothingmuch29]

Agency I found requires me to have a 10minutes voice demo reel, help

[@nothingmuch29]

@Ariel Falk an extremely new company, I dont think I should name them here, but yea thats very long

[@andobreslin8735]

Why are impersonations not good to put on there? I can do the best Gandalf & Obi Wan Kenobi impressions of anyone I've heard apart from the actors themselves. I look at them as powerful weapons to impress. Star Wars/LOTR'S games developers would surely look to voice actors that can impersonate these characters?! So not putting them in my demo reel could be a missed opportunity in gaming job opportunities. Can I not just have impersonations as demo reel category like everything else??

[@kelmadfan]

No offense here, but why get an impressionist, when they have the real thing? For example, no one can replace Mel Blanc, the best voice characterization artist ever, IMHO (Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, etc). He didn't impersonate anyone.Originality is key. If you want to do impressions, that's all well and good, but the "big boys" aren't hiring someone who sounds just like someone else. I voice coach told me to take your impressions and adjust them slightly and then make it your own. Base your characterizations on others, but still give it--no pun--your own voice. I'm just starting out too, sort of. I hired a voice coach who will help me with making my demo. Not everyone can afford that.....KZbin videos, here, like this one is a great start for anyone! Best of luck! Peace.

[@selenienightshade4239]

third!