You Want Voice Over Jobs? Here's the Path
Get Adequate Voice Over Training
 I listen to potential voice over talent every day who want to jump into this business with both feet. They figure "I can read and I can talk so I can do this." My advice? Get some training and learn how to do this properly. Voice over work isn't just reading words from a piece of paper. It's communicating ideas from a client to a listening audience. This requires skills at voice over script analysis--the ability to look into the copy to discover what the writer is trying to say and the skill and craft to then convey those ideas with your voice.
Learn the Craft of Communication
Most of what we do when we communicate is what I call "non-verbal"--it's not the words you say, it's how you say them. You need to be able to use inflection, the pitch of your voice, timing and phrasing, emotions and attitudes in your voice to convey both the logic and the emotion of the clients message. And often the client wants their copy performed in a way that is not your choice. So you need to be able to create the performance the client requires while making it sound natural and like your own thoughts and expression. You don't want to try to learn this on the fly. You could burn some important bridges in the process. Take some voice over classes or get some voice over coaching so you know what is expected of you. Then jump in and earn while you learn.
Get a Voice Over Demo
Every business has its own calling card. An artist or and architect has a portfolio. An actor has a headshot and a monologue. A singer or musician has an audition piece. The voice over talent has a voice-over demo reel. The basic demo is a commercial voice over demo. This is a fully produced example of around ten spots that demonstrate your range and abilities. I don't care how adept you are at recording, don't try to produce this yourself. Once again, work with a pro. They can help you chose appropriate copy, provide detailed direction to improve your performance, and edit the finished reel to achieve industry standards and style. You wouldn't take your own headshot, would you? Have a professional produce you demo.
OK, It'sTime to Market Yourself
So you have the chops and skills, you have the demo to back them up and you're ready to take your act on the road. Uh, where is the road?? The answer is, it's all around you! There are voice over jobs in narration, commercials, animation, video games, promos and trailers, audio books, toys, theme parks etc., etc. These jobs are available in major markets like Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Dallas and Chicago. But in today's new media market many voice over projects are produced in smaller markets as well. Contact the types of businesses that use voice talent. Some examples are advertising agencies, video production services and internet companies. If there is a large company with it's headquarters near your town, contact the corporate marketing department. Look for local, regional and corporate work.
The BigTime and the Bright Lights
I don't encourage you to move from Moose Jaw to the Big Apple but most of us live reasonably close to a major city. Here you may find local voice over agents that can also promote your skills for large local and regional projects. You should also create your own home voice over recording studio so you can participate in these markets without leaving the comfort of your home. Nowadays this can be done with broadcast quality for a few hundred dollars.
Take Your Career Online
Hey! This is the 21st century! You have a whole new way of participating in voice overs: online casting. At this point in time there are two internet sites that allow you to audition and obtain jobs throughout the country (and the world). These are voice123.com and voices.com. Besides being an excellent way to obtain small and medium size jobs, these sites give you daily new copy to practice your voice over audition skills and your recording skills. And every audition you submit can turn into a paying job--now that's earn while you learn!
Do I Need to Be in the Unions?
The top of the mountaintop in voice over work is union jobs. If you live in New York or Los Angeles then joining the acting unions should be in your game plan. These unions are Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Radio and Television Artists (AFTRA). Union jobs are often large regional and national commercials, animation roles and high end industrial work. Union work often pays residuals as your performance continues to be used. Ultimately your goal should be to work AFTRA and SAG jobs obtained for you by a franchised agent.
Take the Steps to Achieve Your Dreams
So you wanna be a voice over star? It can be done. Get solid voice over training. Get a professionally produce demo. Set up your home studio and achieve broadcast quality recordings. Market yourself directly in your market and seek the assistance of an agent to give you a wider reach in the voice over marketplace. And for the top jobs join the unions and play in the big leagues.
Good luck and go for it!
And keep talking!
William Williams
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