Who do I get to make my demo?
You should take your time getting a producer and producing your professional voice talent demo. First of all, as mentioned already, get your voice critiqued by a professional in the business and find out if you've got the chops to make a run at the voice over biz. Your producer will help you choose some scripts that enhance your range and style and decide what kind of sound effects and music beds you should have on each commercial.
You can usually find someone in radio who will produce your demo. Radio people not only have the experience in producing audio commercials, they also have all the sound effects, music beds and scripts at their disposal. More often than not, they use the equipment at the radio station they work for so they don't have any overhead, which means you only pay for their time, not for the studio. Again, buyer beware.
There are people in radio who will rip you off too. I know a guy who paid $2500 for his (average) demo - the producer was charging $250 an hour. I don't care how good a producer is, if he/she is charging that kind of money - then they better be doing a "Los Angeles" job on your demo! I would negotiate a "package" deal. Tell the producer you want 3, 1- minute demos Commercials, Narration and Character.....see what he/she says. For something good, expect to pay between $1000 - $1200.
I produce professional VO demos - but not for everyone. You must first get a critique, pass that test....and then maybe I'll consider producing a demo for you - if.....and only "if" I feel you've got the chops to recoup your costs in a short period of time. If you're interested in my services (this means you have experience), fire me off an e-mail.
