How Do You Get Voiceover Work?

Voiceover Lessons for Beginners #4

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Text Synopsis:

Lesson focus: In this lesson, we’ll look at the principal ways voice actors get jobs, and then we’ll talk about when you should start actively pursuing voiceover work. We’ll conclude with our next assignment. This overview will give you a good basic understanding of these processes.

Voice actors get work in a number of different ways, but they all ultimately fall into one of two basic categories: AUDITIONS, and DIRECT HIRES.

AUDITIONS: In my experience, the vast majority of voiceover jobs start with an audition. An audition is a recording you make of some or all of a script; that recording would then be submitted to the client for review. So, auditions are VERY important.

Principal sources of auditions –

Talent agents & managers:

  • individuals or groups that represent performers and act on their behalf in procuring work, negotiating fees, making sure they get paid, and so on. They work on commission, typically 10 to 20 percent. They get auditions from ad agencies, production companies, casting directors, and other sources, then have appropriate members of their talent pool record the auditions, which are then forwarded to the client.

Casting directors and independent producers:

  • perform a similar job as agents in the auditioning process, and often work directly with talent; the difference is they generally don’t represent the actor formally like an agent or manager does, but they will occasionally negotiate fees and collect payment on behalf of the talent, if an agent is not involved.

Some clients who do their own casting maintain lists of preferred talent, and send these individuals auditions directly. The odds of booking these auditions are often much higher.

Casting websites, (for example Voice123.com and Voices.com) are subscription services that allow clients to post audition notices, which are distributed to selected talent. Talent then submits their recorded auditions to the client via the site. These services vary in the specifics of how they operate and what they cost to use. Try a free membership first to check out the service before upgrading to a paid membership.

Job sites like Fiver and Upwork tend to cater to lower budget jobs, but if you’re just starting out and need some experience and resume, they may be a good resource.

DIRECT HIRE jobs are jobs where the client hires you without asking you to audition first. Repeat business is an important source of direct hire jobs, but most repeat business starts with a job booked from an audition.

Demo reels or demo clips – short collections of sample reads that highlight your abilities –  can yield some direct hire business, as can referrals, personal contacts and networking.

When should you start actively looking for work? Generally, when your reads are competitive and you’re capable of producing edited, professional quality recordings at home.

In Lesson Five we’ll talk about how much voiceover jobs actually pay, and how much time they take up.

Assignment: start recording your practice sessions. Your phone or an inexpensive mp3 recorder is sufficient. Start getting used to hearing yourself recorded, so that you can judge your work objectively and make adjustments as necessary. This is known as “self-direction.

Text, voice performance, video edit and the JMVO logo copyright John Matthew, all rights reserved; unauthorized use is prohibited.
Other graphic elements, certain sound effects, music copyright Canva and/or their associated artists, and are used under license in this video.

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Is Voiceover Right For You?

Voiceover Lessons for Beginners #3

In this Lesson, we examine three core characteristics of successful voice actors.

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Text Synopsis:

Lesson focus: examine three core characteristics of successful voice actors share, so that you can better determine if voiceover work is a good match for you. Conclude with assignment.

1st Core Characteristic: Performance Instinct. An ability or tendency to bring to life the verbal expression of information, character or situation [my definition]. Examples: born actor, class clown, great storyteller, natural educator (loves explaining things), natural mimic.

2nd Core Characteristic: Motivation. Highly motivated or goal oriented; tend to persevere and see things through; strong desire for self-improvement and growth; dedicated to learning; hard workers; enjoy a challenge.

3rd Core Characteristic Entrepreneurship. Like starting, building, and running a business; comfortable trading the security of a regular job for the flexibility of being self-employed; enjoy creating & finishing projects for themselves.

You do not necessarily need a “great voice” to get work, many voice types are used in media. Your voice type will determine the types of work you’re most likely to be considered for – but your abilities as a performer will book you the job. And of course, talent is helpful too.

This is not a complete list, and keep in mind, everybody’s different – no two voice actors share the exact same set of characteristics. You don’t need to possess all of these qualities to be successful.

Assignment: take your daily practice reading to the next level by adding a simple direction to each read. Meaning, instead of just reciting the words off the page, add a mood or tone or attitude to give it some personality. Keep it very simple to start, then add nuance later. Take a look at my practice copy and directions to get started. Flexibility and being able to take direction quickly are very important in voice work, and this exercise will help develop those skills.

Watch Lesson 4 when available, and keep practicing!

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Who Does Voiceovers?

Voiceover Lessons for Beginners #2

In this Lesson, we talk about the many different people doing voiceover work.

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Text Synopsis:

Who are the voice actors? Voiceover is largely an acting job, so a lot of the work is done by on-camera and theatrical actors and voice acting specialists who only do voice work. Other performers such as standup comedians, singers, and public speakers do VO work because they have to be able to communicate with conviction and emotional content, which is a key component of acting. People in related fields like broadcasting, advertising and film & television are in close proximity to VO work, and so some will naturally fall into it. There are also voice talent that have jobs or businesses in unrelated fields.

Can you become a voice actor? Yes, if you possess the interest, some talent, and are willing to put in the time and effort. Not everyone will become a voiceover star, but many make a living or a decent side income working either full or part time.

Assignment: Start reading out loud, at least 10 to 20 minutes a day. Practice material can be anything – newspaper, magazine, a book; I’ve posted some practice copy here [link]. Or, go to YouTube, find a piece of media you like, and transcribe the VO part. This is a great way to get practice copy because you can compare the script to the finished product, and you’ll hear what the client wanted the actor to do with that script. No need to record at this point – and don’t worry about the acting right now if you’ve never done any – the focus now is getting comfortable reading out loud. If you already have some experience, feel free to skip ahead to later lessons.

Then watch Lesson 3and keep practicing!

Text, voice performance, video edit and the JMVO logo copyright John Matthew, all rights reserved; unauthorized use is prohibited.
Other graphic elements, certain sound effects, music copyright Canva and/or their associated artists, and are used under license in this video.