VO Pro Tip: Audit your Demos

Published about 9 hours ago • 1 min read

Audit your Demos

Hey Reader,

Your demo reel is your primary digital storefront. It’s often the first, and sometimes only, thing a prospective casting director, agent, or client listens to before deciding whether to hire you.

The problem is that our voice, skills, and industry standards evolve over time, but our demos tend to stay static.

A reel you produced two or three years ago might no longer reflect the work you're actually booking today. Even worse, it might be featuring outdated trends or audio production styles that sound tired to modern casting ears.

Setting a habit to audit your demos every 6-12 months keeps your main marketing tool fresh and aligned with where your career actually is.

Here are three things to look for during a quick audit:

Does it match what you’re booking? If your commercial demo starts with a high-energy, hyped-up announcer read, but 90% of your current bookings are conversational, warm, "guy-next-door" spots, lead with what sells. Put your most relevant, marketable reads in the first 10 to 15 seconds.
Is the audio quality current? Audio standards shift. If the background music tracks sound dated or the vocal processing feels harsh compared to current national spots, it might be time for a fresh mix or a complete update.
Are your best reads upfront? Most decision-makers listen to about five seconds before making a call. If your strongest read is tucked away at the 45-second mark, move it up or cut the weaker spots entirely.

An outdated demo can quietly cost you auditions. Taking fifteen minutes once or twice a year to listen critically ensures that what clients hear is the absolute best representation of your work right now.

-Michael

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Thanks so much!

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www.MichaelLangsnerVO.com

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