In no particular order, this is what it takes:
* Acting or improvisation;
* Voice training (singing, voice over workshops, public speaking);
* Digital sound engineering (mic technique; sound editing, mixing and mastering);
* Marketing and sales training;
* Basic business management;
* Accounting;
* General computer skills;
* Communication skills;
* Research skills for some types of voice work, especially audio book narration;
* Grammar, writing, copy writing (basic grammar skills are important though a lot of copy breaks basic rules because people don’t generally speak using correct grammar; but you need to know the difference; although you may never write copy, having a sense of good copy helps with timing, punching key words and general delivery of the message).Mastering your natural voice is important. Natural sells more than anything. These are just some basics.
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How much time does it take to become a professional voiceover artist?
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But how do I do both? Do they hold auditions and bookings on evenings or weekends?
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What is the most important skill that a voice-over artist should have?
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Are there additional fees or hidden charges for private voice coaching sessions?
First and foremost, voiceover is a business and a tough business at that. Voice Over is the art of using the voice to sell, inform or entertain on radio and TV commercials, non-broadcast narrations for corporate audio or phone lines, animation or cartoons and new media/technology.Often called the "Theater of the Mind", Voiceover is acting with your voice, really "working" the words and phrases. When you hear commercials on the radio or on TV... listen to the narrator of a cartoon story or film documentary... learn routine information while "on hold"... play CD games... or use high-tech toys... you are listening to Voiceover. It's just about everywhere, from "in yo face" to "in the background". And the folks that read and record the written scripts are called Voiceover Artists.
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Relax, be yourself. There is no one voice. Agencies may be looking for a woman who can do a child's voice or a man with a deep voice like James Earl Jones. Often they don't know exactly what they want until they hear it. People who have a wide range of styles do well. It all comes down to being consistent and creative. Agents are always looking for new voices that have a certain attitude or style that gets the listener's attention.
My guess is that 99% of the population has a good enough voice to do commercials. If you're counting on that "edge" to get you there easily, don't quit your day job! With that knowledge in mind, you'll need some training, a good (professionally produced) demo, and possibly an agent or two (or more).
Before you start, ask yourself a few questions: Is voice-overs something you really want to do? Or are you just looking for easy money in response to encouragement by people who know nothing about the business? If it's something you really want to do -great-read on. If not, thank them for the compliment and go on with your life..
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I’ve been told I have a good voice. Should I record a demo?
‘The simple answer is “no” because if you have not been trained in a technique, advertising agencies would not pay $200 / $500 an hour just because you have a good voice. That would be like asking someone to play the violin because they have 10 fingers.’
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Can I do this if I have a "day job"?
Definitely! It may take a few years before your voiceover career is established. In the meantime, you'll need to invest some of the money you make at your day job in things like classes, demo tape production and duplication, and marketing expenses to get your voiceover career off the ground. So, keep the 'day job" for now.
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But how do I do both? Do they hold auditions and bookings on evenings or weekends?
Unfortunately not. Can happen, but.. not likely. Most voiceover sessions happen during normal business hours. But, a lot of voice over auditions we receive at VOworks Studios, are via emailed. We email you the script and you will need to email back an mp3 format to us. So, it is important that you have the equipment to record yourself for voice over auditions.
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What materials do I need to get into voiceovers?
If you're serious about voiceovers as a business and not a hobby, I'd recommend you set up an office as you would with any other business. You'll need a separate checking account, computer, decent printer, 24-hour fax machine, cellular phone. You also need several copies of your demo, business cards, etc. If this seems like a lot of money to invest --- it's really not ---for a business! You should also budget for at least one --preferably two-- hands on workshops per year. Find out who is good in your area. If there is no one to learn from in your area, travel. It will help round you out as a talent. Professional development is essential.
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Do I need to take acting classes to do voiceover?
No. However, beginning acting classes help build skills that you can use in so many situations: presenting a speech, mingling at a party, entertaining your kids, or any time you are communicating ideas and emotions with your body and voice. Many community colleges offer acting classes. There are also workshops and other learning opportunities in small community theaters. If nothing else, acting classes can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin and that’s something that will definitely come through in your voice, as will the opposite.
VOworks Studios uses many beginning acting techniques in it training and coaching sessions. As the expense of beginning a Voice Over career can easily stress a person's budget, I wouldn't recommend a separate class, but rather expect that the VO coach/trainer provides beginning acting concepts in their courses.
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How do I become a voiceover talent?
First and foremost, you have to realize that nearly everyone who does this for a living is self-employed, because voiceover is a business, not just a job. But it can be a great way to earn a living, especially if you need to work from your own location. It’s also a great way to get to know people everywhere even if it’s just via emails and social networks. But it’s also hard work and requires performance skills, technical skills and definitely business skills.
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Having a good natural speaking voice is a great place to start. However, if that were all it took to make it in voiceovers, then more people would be voice over artists -- and certainly professional voice over artists wouldn't be able to earn an living off their skilled voice technique!
A great voice plus quality voiceover technique training and a professionally recorded and mastered demo will put you on the right track to succeed in the industry. And remember: all kinds of voices are needed for voiceovers!
The first thing to do is have your voice evaluated by a professional Voice Over Instructor. VOworks Studios offeres FREE Voice Evaluations to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and will give you an honest assessment of whether you have the raw materials needed for a Voice Over career.
Click Here for instructions for our free voice evaluation. In addition to evaluating each person’s natural potential to succeed in the voiceover industry, we pride ourselves on our versatile and creative voiceover talents here at VOworks, who are able to listen to a student’s “audition,” talk to them about their professional goals, and suggest an appropriate training path to get them there.
It takes much more than a great sounding voice to be successful in voiceovers. While clear speech is essential, you also need to be able to take a script (that someone else wrote) and make it believable and sincere. It has a lot to do with timing, as well as voice quality. With proper training this skill can be learned. It's a combination of having a great voice, but most of all, the desire to be persistent with it. You will also need to invest in your voice business, you will need training and a professionally recorded demo.
Why
do some people succeed and others fail?
“That’s easy: first of all, some people think a good voice is enough and
don’t bother to learn a technique; and many more people do not have the
ambition or patience. You
need to know if you have enough ambition (not everyone does). Then you need
to learn a technique so that you are confident and professional when you
walk into a studio.
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How much time does it take to become a professional voiceover artist?
A: Good question! This largely depends on you. Professional voiceover artists who have been in the industry for years will tell you that they never stop learning and practicing. When you are getting started, it's important to get the technique training and groundwork so that you can continue to improve on your own. A comprehensive program that provides plenty of guidance, a professionally recorded and mastered demo, and follow-up marketing and technique support will ensure that you start landing the gigs ... as long as YOU put in the effort! It can take you as little as 2-3 months or as much as a couple of years, depending on how disciplined you are with your practicing and developing your marketing plan.
If you are self-motivated and you are passionate about entering the field the right way, then you
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What is the most important skill that a voice-over artist should have?
A: Like we mentioned above, people today love "real" sounding voices. The most important skill you can have is to read a script and sound totally natural and real. Creating and developing new character voices takes more time and special training. Turning what you've got inside you into a successful niche that attracts clients is something that a skilled demo producer/coach can help you to achieve.
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Are there additional fees or hidden charges for private voice coaching
sessions?
No. There are no registration fees, material fees or sales tax for voice
lessons. You only pay for the coaching or training sessions. Everything
else, scripts, CDs, other materials and advice are included without charge.
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How do
I sign up and pay for a voice over coaching session?
Call 703.776.9272 or sign-up on our website (http://www.voworks.com).
Most times I will actually answer the phone. If I'm in the studio recording,
the answering machine will pick up. Leave a message and I'll get back you
shortly. To reserve a coaching spot, payment or deposit is required at the
time of service. We accept cash, check and PayPal. For complete details
contact me by phone; 703.776.9272 or by email;
ron@voworks.com
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Who in the heck are you?
My name is Ron Harris. I'm the general
manager and resident voice artist, writer, teacherand engineer at VOworks
Studios. You've heard my voice on dozens of radio and television
commercials, public service announcements and documentaries. My web site is
at
http://www.voworks.com.
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Why are you so cheap?
Because I want you to be successful and
sometimes, starting out in the voice over business is cost prohibitive.
Having been an aspiring artist with tightly bugeted resources, I appreciate
the need to keep costs manageable when starting up. Also, I don't have the
overhead that many trainers have because I do everything: I write the copy,
coach, train, and record you and produce your finished demo. Working out of
VOworks Studios, which is a state of the art digital audio studio that
occupies the first level of my home, I am able to produce high quality
services at a reasonable price point.
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Do I need a home
recording studio?
Yes - Eventually. You need to be able to practice a lot on mic to get good
enough to compete, and then you'll need to be able to record and send
auditions to your agent. VOworks is one of the top voiceover studios in
Washington D.C., and I do 90% of my auditions from here. Home recording is
NOT that difficult. When we meet, I'll help you decide what you need to buy
to start recording at home.
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More questions?
I'm always available by phone, 703.776.9272 between 10am and 11pm eastern
time, 7 days a week. When I'm in the studio (which is often) the answering
machine will pick up. Please leave your name and number and I'll call you
back. You can always reach me by email;
ron@voworks.com and
via the VOworks Studios website at
http://www.voworks.com.
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Where do I go from here?
VOworks Studios of course! Be sure to prepare yourself for this new business
you are entering. You need to create an impressive demo tape that properly
showcases your talent to those who are in the position to hire you.
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