Washington Mutual
Voice Direction:
This is a simulated audition for a Washington Mutual radio spot. We are looking for a classic announcer style, yet without any hard sell. One take only, slate username at the end.
Script:
For Jen, truth was relative. Then she got Washington Mutual free checking. She liked the "No hidden fees" and they inspired her to be more truthful. Way to go Jen. We appreciate your bold honesty.
Congratulations to our winners, Kris Woodside, Rob Williams, and Katelyn Dawn. They stood out among the other entrants because they did not sound like everyone else. Let us explain…
When casting a voice actor, after a while, the reviewer hears patterns emerge, and many voice actors – even those who sound very professional – begin to sound pretty much the same. Audition winners stand out. How can you shine a spotlight on yourself without ignoring direction or going “too far”? Here are some ways …
1st place winner: Kris Woodside
Judge's Comments
She’s very creative. She sounds very spontaneous. And she offers something different from the other auditions. She made very nice use of using a negative emotion on the opening line and then moving to positive ones for the rest of the script. Ultimately, her voice creates a visual in our head. If we were directing her in a real-life session, we’d simply have her add more emphasis to “free” (rather than, or in addition to, “checking”). Recording quality is good.
2nd place winner: Rob Williams
Judge's Comments
Terrific voice — clear and well-enunciated without sounding patronizing. He’s charismatic and convincing without sounding sappy or hardsell-ish. Creative with great timing. Even his use of dramatic pauses works, without sounding affected. (Often, voice actors add uncalled-for dramatic pauses that don’t work). And he’s easy to listen to because he reads with no vocal strain. But he rushed the first two words (see our tips, above). He also rushed his username in the slate. (Hey, that’s your one opportunity to brand yourself …. take it uber-seriously!) And he should have added a more clarity to some key words, such as “free” and “no.” (Instead, he emphasized the successive words “checking” and “hidden fees”). Recording technical quality is good.
3rd place winner: Katelyn Dawn
Judge's Comments
She has a natural delivery with good variety. Needs more emphasis on the word “free.” Overall, could be more spontaneous but still a very good submission!
