This webpage serves as a guide to help my voice over talent and veteran voice artists self-create voice over demos scripts. (NOTE: Anthony does offer script creation at a nominal fee for those whom wish to have this additional service)
The self-creation of new voice over demo scripts is very easy, and offers you the ability to take greater ownership of the script, or copy to use when recording your voice content used on your new voice over demo.
This vested ownership, also assures you can deliver a better performance knowing the copy, or script from start to finish. Taking a vested interest in your own script and your overall demo will save time and money on your demo budget.
Remember, it is not as much about WHAT you read, as it is HOW you read it that matters the most!
NOTE: EACH GENRE SCRIPT SHOULD HAVE 10 TO 12 OF SOME OF THESE SAMPLE BULLETS, EACH 2 TO 3 LINES LONG OR ABOUT 12 – 15 SECONDS LONG.
See the FAQ’S below for answers to common questions asked by my demo production clients.
WATCH A RECENT WEBINAR ON CREATING DEMOS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY AS A TALENT!
Common Script FAQ'S at VO101
Frequently asked questions about demo and scripts.
Usually each demo should feature 10 – 12 clips, or to be recorded samples. Thus you should create as many bullets for each demo you create.
Usually it is best to use a 12pt font size when creating your script, or each bullet.
That is the million dollar question. I recommend 3 versions of each genre demo. ALL packages produced here at VO101 include a long version about 3 – 4 minutes, a short version 2 – 3 minutes and a sizzle version about 60 – 75 seconds.
Yes and no. Use of national name-drops does lend credibility to your demo. However most are known to be UNION gigs, so unless you are union, might not be a good idea.
Also if a national brand is considering you for work, they or their adv house might think you already have worked for them thus pass on your voice.
Consider name-drops only if you are aware of the pros and cons of doing so.
Each demo must share a wide range of emotions, attitudes, use of vocal registers, textures, tones, dynamics, and different paces, and/or tempos.
This demonstrates to the prospect your ability to read using a variety of sound and moods. Your demo must sound diverse!
In the long run yes! It is ok to have a great combo demo, but you will eventually want to have the main 5 genre demos.
Those being, commercials, narrations, characters, audio-books and telephone, or imaging/promos
Unless requested dry demos are not a normal part of marketing, when competing in the market.
There is nothing wrong with having a dry version of your demo, but this should only be shared if asked by the prospect.
The web is full of free voice over demo scripts, and content. You can also write 3 to 4 custom lines yourself for each bullet per genre, or seek out free resources like the ones listed below.
Keep in mind, you only need to use 3 to 4 lines of copy NOT an entire script to have a great demo created at VO101.
Links to good free scripts include:
https://www.voices.com/blog/voice-over-sample-scripts/
https://www.voiceactorwebsites.com/free-voice-over-scripts/
https://www.soundsoda.com/copy-of-beauty-voice-over-scripts
Free Script ZIP – Click Here to Download
Demo Script Genre Categories
Examples of common categories use within each demo genre.| BROADCAST GENRE | NARRATION GENRE | AUDIOBOOK GENRE | IMAGING GENRE | CHARACTER GENRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Fast Food Sports Political Recreation Travel Banking Medical Clothing Online Shopping Automotive Toys Games Retirement Apps Cellphones PSA etc... | Documentary Explainer How To Financial Medical Research Training Educational Promotional etc... | Business Mystery Fiction Non-Fiction Historical Romance Biographical Literary Thriller Political Entertainment Horror Music Religion Travel Food Sports etc... | Radio TV Network Cable Cartoons Sports Infomercials Shopping etc... | Games Pilots Toys Cartoons Webisodes Animation Film Religious Festival Novelties etc... |
Example of a Demo Script Bullets!
Sample of short bullet excerpts for demo scripts.| BROADCAST GENRE | BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY (sales / urgent / call tom action) At Burlington Coat Factory, spring dresses are now on sale, at 30 to 50% off our already discounted prices. And for you guys, awesome looking double-breasted suits are priced incredibly low from only $79.99. In fact just about everything is on sale right now at BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY. Hurry in sale ends this Sunday. |
| NARRATION GENRE | OSHA: (edu / professional) Federal agencies must have a safety and health program that meet the same standards as private employers. Although OSHA does not fine federal agencies, it does monitor federal agencies and responds to workers' complaints. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is covered by OSHA. |
| AUDIOBOOK GENRE | LAKE SUPERIOR (auto-biographic / nostalgic / casual) I first laid eyes on Lake Superior and the big country around it more than a decade ago. I drowned myself in its pleasures: fishing for trout, hunting for mushrooms, picking berries in its pine-scented air. On my frequent returns to the lake country, I have been heartened to find that it remains as I first knew it, uncommonly clear, still heavily forested, and bathed in exquisite stillness. |
| IMAGING GENRE | SMOOTH JAZZ: (easy / slower / pleasant / cool) On Smooth Hits 102.5, you'll always hear a mix of yesterday's classics, and the best hits of today. All your favorites artists on one station like Elton John.....Billy Joel....The Eagles...and Gloria Estephan. The music you want 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.....Keep it here on 102.5 Smooth Hits. |
| CHARACTER GENRE | CARTOON: (tender / sweet). How you talked ME into this adventure, I'll never understand. But I'm here for you and will help you get home. Plus, I'm kind of getting to like you a little more everyday. Just a little. Don't let that go to your head. (slight giggle) |
| EXAMPLE OF A FULL FINISHED SCRIPT | Click Here To Open Example Script |
