Strange Symphonies Don’t worry, be happy

Recording The Demo Reel for The Voice Guild

I finally made some time to go to DJW Studio, and have my voice recorded by Veronica Ng. It was quite a pleasant experience actually, and Vernoica was very helpful in the whole process.

I had scanned The Voice Guild's database for english male voices, for some inspiration for my scripts but came to no luck. I did find some of my friends such as Chak Onn Lau and Fadhil bin Luqman.

When I entered the studio, I had told them that I was here to record a demo reel for The Voice Guild. I was made to fill out a registration form, that was no different than the one on their website.

Having filled it up, I proceeded to the recording room and began recording.

I had never heard my voice so crisp, clear, and loud before. I've always been on the giving end of my loud voice, but to receive it just as loud was daunting.

Well here in no particular order, were the scripts I prepared:

Hello, you have reached Aizat's voicemail.
No one can attend to your call right now, but don't worry, we know you are on the line.
All of our operators are not present at the moment, and we won't be present any time soon.
In fact your call does not matter to us, hehe, really we just enjoy wasting your time.
Press 1 to try again.
Thank you for calling, good bye.

Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, I would like to thank you for joining us today for the debut of Aizat Faiz's voice acting career.
He programs.
He dances
He films Ramly-hunting excursions.
he considers himself a connoisseur of professions.
May we have it for Aizat Faiz!

When I was little, I was constantly asked:
"what do you want to be when you grow up."
I thought: astronaut, president, super hero.
Along the way, I kind of forgot what I wanted to be.
Little did I expect to be hidden to your eyes, a voice to everyone, especially to you.

I had written something down, without thinking too much about it. In fact, it doesn't sound anything at all like whats in The Voice Guild database. Most of their samples are product sales, and announcements. Mine wasn't so normal. I can't really say if thats good or bad. Definitely differentiates me.

Overall I think I did an okay job. Nothing to rave about. You'll get to hear for yourself, once its online. Don't worry, I'll link you to it.

What I learned

Taking a demo reel, is no different than giving a presentation.

Its all about delivery. Speak clearly. Don't swallow your words. Drink water.

Bring two copies of your script. One for you. One for the studio. Put your name.

Use the full A4 page for the script. You'll probably need to write notes on it.

Leaving

Before leaving DJW Studio, I made my payment of MYR 100, and received a receipt, and five blank invoices I can use if I ever get called up to do a voice recording. I was also supplied with a Potential Voice Talent Number, so now I'm a statistic! Vernoica also mentioned I should practice some vocal exercises, and that not many voice actors do.

I was also told that the field of voice acting was hard to break into, and that people preferred working with familiar talent as they are more reknowned, and they have experience working with voice recordings. But, its all a start. You wouldn't know where you are going to go end if you don't start.

Update:
You can hear my sample recordings here!