VAM 125 | Interview with Richard Tatum, Part 3
Welcome to episode 125 of the Voice Acting Mastery podcast with yours truly, Crispin Freeman!
As always, you can listen to the podcast using the player above, or download the mp3 using the link at the bottom of this blog post. The podcast is also available via the iTunes Store online. Just follow this link to view the podcast in iTunes:
http://www.voiceactingmastery.com/podcast
This is the third and final part of my interview with my good friend Richard Tatum! Richard is not only an accomplished voice actor, and voice over teacher, but also an amazing producer of voice over demos. You may know him as Rex Goodman in Fallout 4, the voice of Theodore Roosevelt in Civilization VI and Omar Harmozi from the animated series Static Shock. I first came across Richard’s work as a demo producer when one of my students played me her demos and I was blown away by how well they represented her abilities as an actress. Not only was her character demo very compelling, but her commercial demo was impressive as well. When I asked her who had produced them, she introduced me to Richard and he and I have been friends ever since.
In our previous interview segment, Richard and I discussed how he began producing demos for voice actors. He not only shared with us some great advice about what one should put on a demo but he also outlined the mindset one should have when using your demo to market yourself to agents and casting directors.
In this episode we discuss some of the most common misconceptions about demos. We talk about when the best time is to make a demo and how important it is to have professionally competitive acting skills before investing one’s valuable time and money into producing a demo. We wrap up our discussion with Richard’s final advice to aspiring voice actors. His words of wisdom are based not only on his years of acting but also his experience directing hundreds of performers on stage and in front of the microphone. I think you’ll find his insights incredibly helpful.
If you’d like to find out more about Richard’s classes and voice over demo services, please visit his website at:
AbsoluteVoiceOverLA.com
or contact him via e-mail at:
AbsoluteVOLA@gmail.com
Thanks for listening!
Download Voice Acting Mastery Episode #125 Here (MP3)
That’s one thing I’ve learned as an adult is that nothing is ever overnight. If you want to learn how to do something or start a good habit, it takes time. If you’re in a hurry, you’re going to fall flat on your face. I know because I’ve tried to jump start several goals and projects only for it to crash and burn.
No one way is ever THE way.
Thank you and Richard for your time and wisdom.
You’re exactly right! Wise words to live by. Thanks so much for enjoying the episode!
Hi Crispin. I love the podcast. I show it to anyone who I hear ask “Where can I find info on getting into VA?”.
However, I do have a question. Regarding your stance on self-made demos; do you find “place-holder” demos a complete waste? I understand the need for a professionally produced demo, and only when someone is ready(either they know or have been told by a very trusted source, usually the latter from what I’ve heard). However, it seems as though the tried and true method is to get lessons, do a demo, get an agent, then get work. Is it detrimental to attempt to work before getting lessons? To do some self-discovery via practicing lines and monologues with peers? To attempt a self-made demo to try to discover what parts could be worked on, work on said parts, and come up with a demo that at least represents you, right now? All, of course, preceding lessons with a professional like yourself.
Hopefully my question is clear. I appreciate any thoughts you have and look forward to your workshop on the 18th.
Regards,
Zachary Braddy