Scotty Matthews & Associates
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I e-mailed you but I haven't heard back. Why not?
A: While e-mail is the BEST way to communicate with me, my email address has been published on this website for years, and as a result I receive an inordinate amount of spam; literally hundreds of messages a day. I have a long set of keyword phrases filtering e-mail subject lines, and if you employ words or phrases which are common in spam subject lines, the e-mail will be automatically deleted. Short, ambiguous subject headers like "Hi" or "Please reply" will also be deleted unless I have already had contact with you, and coded your e-mail address to be sorted into your client folder. The general rule of thumb is, if I don't reply to your e-mail within 24 hours, then I never saw it. I generally respond to every email message. If you have tried to reach me and not heard back, then please use this exact subject line: "Voiceover Inquiry," followed by your name, and your message will be highlighted for my attention. I apologize for any inconvenience, but until there is a better solution to spam, such measures are necessary.
Q: Do you ever need additional voices, and if so, can I send you my demo?
A: I occasionaly l employ additional voice talent, but only rarely. In these cases, I often call-on people I have personally trained or worked with in the past. Usually, I only sub-contract talent who can record in the facilities I have available, because the quality of microphone, and the characteristics of microphone processing must match between voice parts. Okay, I'm a control freak. Quality control. Please do not send unsolicited demos via email. If you wish, you may email me a link to your webpage where I can hear your demo, and I will be glad to listen. I'd be happy to provide you a written, professional critique of your demo for $35 U.S. pre-paid via PayPal.
Q: Can you do such-and-such character voice?
A: With an example recording of the original voice, I can develop a very good impersonation of it in about 15 minutes. It's just one of my strange talents. I can impersonate many character voices.
Q: Do you contribute your services free of charge to nonprofit organizations or educational institutions?
A: Yes. My scripts have been used in university courses as reference guides for future writers. My voice is heard on television, on radio, on the internet, and on hold, every day. I have a standing offer to read a page of free voiceover work for accepted charitable organizations, student radio stations, and worthy causes. I haven't always got time to grant all requests, but I am happy to review all such requests.
Q: Do you do on-hold messages for phone systems?
A: I can provide fully produced on-hold recordings with music background, or menu voice-over for voice-mail systems. I only provide the recordings--the client is responsible for loading the audio into the individual phone system. The price depends upon the length of the finished recording.
Q: What equipment do you use?
A: Very good equipment. I record directly to digital audio with professional condenser microphones, tube pre-amps, and my own special blend of 11 secret microphone processors. (Not really--I only use very subtle processing and EQ to enhance presence, brightness, clarity, and the unique qualities of my own voice. My processing would not work for anyone else, because it's carefully crafted to the particular characteristics of my voice.)
Q: Can I get a CD Demo?
A: Sure, just download the mp3 demos from this website and burn them to CD. (I'm giving you copyright permission to do so...) If you want me to make you a CD demo and send it to you, I will be glad to do so, for a small service charge of 29.95. Okay, that sounds like a lot... but I'll record a custom voice-over demo from your script for the same price, which is frankly dirt cheap.
Q: Can we post a link to your site?
A: Yes, but link ONLY to the main page--do not post links to sub-pages, as they will be redirected.
Q: Will you post a link to my site on your page?
A: Certainly, provided the following requirements are met: You have to do repeat business with me over a period of time, or you have to pay me to post the link, and in such case, it will be noted that it is a paid link. (At this time, I have no paid links on my site.)
Q: Who did your website?
A: I did--every little last corner of it. I wrote the content, produced all the audio, created the backgrounds, the typos... the lot. I do not do web design for others--though I would be happy to recommend a few very good, inexpensive designers who have done great work for some of my other clients.
Q: Can you give me a discount since I'm such a nice person?
A: I can reduce fees, at my discretion, under certain circumstances. Agencies and international clients with in-depth projects or recurring needs enjoy quantity discounts, and the many clients who worked with me on a regular basis tell me that my rates are very reasonable, considering the splendid level of quality work and service they experience.
Q: Is it true that you're gay?
A: Yes. Everyone knows that gay people are much more talented and creative. Joking aside, I support equal rights for all people.