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question:  CDs...what to avoid?

answer:

Why, I wonder quite often, do voice-over artists market CD demos that satisfy their own needs, when instead they should satisfy the needs of their intended customer. Certainly, that will not help them obtain work.

This article discusses ways to increase the chance that casting professionals hold onto your CD demo.

As a production house, our clients expect us to maintain a library of available voices. Most often, our clients request a certain type voice, we play them demos that match, or they listen to our on-line library, and they chose a voice talent.

Therefore, like our colleagues, we have hundreds of CD demos stored in CD storage cases, which need to be easily found. We store CDs in standard CD storage cases with the spine (the side of the jewell case with the words) facing out (probably like you store CDs at home).

If we cannot find someone's CD, or if we cannot find their contact information, they will, of course, not be hired. Here are things you can do to increase your odds that casting professionals will call you:

a. Use a "standard CD." Don't try to be "different" and use a mini-CD or business card CD, because these types of media are not only so thin that they get lost in between other CDs, they do not play in many CD players, and consequently get thrown out.

b. Use jewell cases, as opposed to "paper-tyvec" cases or "clamshell" cases. Yes they cost a few more cents more to mail, but jewell cases are the only cases thick enough to fit correctly in CD storage cases.

c. Use a "tray card" (the "U" shaped paper insert that allows text on the spines and back of the CD case). Spend the extra money, because without tray cards, it's difficult for your CD to be found in a storage case.

d. Put your contact information on the CD and the tray card. Don't worry about being redundant or not aesthetically pleasing. Your demo is your resume - it's more important that your contact information can easily be found. More importantly, some casting professionals keep only your CD (they toss intro letters, resumes, etc). Therefore if your contact information is not on the CD, you cannot be contacted.

e. Most importantly, do not send shrink-wrapped CDs triple wrapped in double thick, indestructible stapled 2-ply envelopes sealed with scotch-tape. Yes, it's nice for you to know that your CD will arrive safely. But trust me, colleagues, as well as myself, finally give up and throw the package out.

Good luck!

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