By Guy Michaels
Guy Michaels is one of the leading authorities in worldwide voiceover demo production but is he your voicereel producer?
I get it. These days you’ve a choice of hundreds of voice over demo producers worldwide, and I may not be the right producer for you.
Why?
Firstly, all of the voicereel services I offer are entirely remote. This means that we connect online with you recording locally rather than coming to a studio to record. I work with voiceover artists all over the world and this includes London, Manchester, New York and LA of course.
Secondly, I limit to working with just 2 voiceover artists each week so I don’t offer a rush job.
Thirdly I produce Gaming, Commercial and Corporate reels only. If you are looking for another type of voice reel then you’ll need to search for other voice over demo producers that cater for your needs.
So I’ve compiled a few options to check out in major cities.
I won’t be offended! After all it is ultimately important that you find the right voiceover demo producer for you!
Voice over demo producers in the UK and US
New York City Voicereels: NYC voiceover demos
LA Voicereels: Los Angeles voiceover demos
London Voicereels: London voiceover demos
Manchester Voicereels: Manchester voiceover demos
What to Look For When Choosing Voice Demo Producers
- Extensive Industry Experience: Seek producers with a proven track record, ideally with over two decades in the voiceover industry, who have consistently produced high-quality demos and understand what casting directors need.
- Active Working Voice Actor Status: A producer who is also a current, successful voice actor themselves can offer invaluable, up-to-date insights into the industry and performance nuances.
- Master Audio Engineering and Production Skills: Look for someone with a deep understanding of sound engineering, mixing, and mastering to ensure your demo achieves broadcast standards with pristine audio quality.
- Personalised and Bespoke Service: The best producers don’t offer a “one-size-fits-all” approach. They should provide a truly custom service, working with you from initial consultation to final delivery to showcase your unique voice and skillset.
- Thorough Consultation Process: A good producer will begin with a detailed consultation to understand your goals, discuss your casting type, and plan how to best highlight your strengths.
- Expert Script Preparation: Look for a producer who collaborates with you to develop and refine scripts that are tailored to your voice, acting abilities, and the specific genres you want to target (e.g., commercial, corporate, gaming).
- Dedicated Rehearsal Session: A pre-recording rehearsal session (often via Zoom) is crucial to ensure you are comfortable, confident, and prepared for the actual recording.
- Live, Professional Direction: During the recording, the producer should provide clear, live direction to guide your performance and help you deliver your best takes.
- Remote Recording Capability with Quality Checks: In today’s industry, many successful demos are recorded remotely. Ensure the producer can work effectively this way and will conduct a sound check of your home studio to confirm quality.
- Painstaking Attention to Detail in Post-Production: The producer should be meticulous with editing, mixing, and mastering, ensuring smooth transitions, balanced audio levels, and an overall polished sound.
- Comprehensive Music and Sound Effects Library: Access to a vast, high-quality library of premium music and sound effects allows for truly custom and impactful demo creation. The focus should remain on your voice, with these elements enhancing, not overwhelming, your performance.
- Efficient Delivery of Final Files: You should receive your completed demos in industry-standard formats (e.g., WAV and optimised MP3s) within a reasonable timeframe.
- Value-Added Services (e.g., Hosting, Promotion): Some producers offer additional benefits like lifetime hosting on platforms like SoundCloud Pro, audiograms, or promotion within their industry connections.
- Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Be wary of “conveyor-belt” services. A producer who limits their client load can dedicate more time and attention to each project, ensuring a higher quality, bespoke result.
- Strong Testimonials and Industry Recognition: Look for positive feedback from previous clients and a history of clients signing with reputable agents after using their services.
- Specialisation (if applicable): If you’re looking for a specific type of demo (e.g., gaming, character), ensure the producer has a strong background and expertise in that niche.

