Hey all. In the process of moving to Nanaimo, BC and was wondering how one could get a start doing a bit of voiceover work here and there? Also, is anyone aware of where one could go to seek training on Vancouver Island? I've always heard that "You've got a voice for radio...", etc... and it's always been a bit of a dream nudging away at the back of my head.
Many people have a deep, mellifluous voice jabbering away in real life, but when it comes to actually reading a script their speech patterns might resemble Larry Bud Melman after a night of tequila and Quaaludes.
Gather some printed material--news clippings, advertising copy, a paragraph from a play. Read them into a microphone and listen back to it. Get trusted friends to listen. Does it sound professional?
There's more to voice-over work than the voice. It's really acting without the aid of the audience seeing your body movement. Can you take direction? Would you know what to do if the director or engineer asked you to be "more ironic and detached" or "more earnest"? Would you storm out after 24 takes because a perfectionist insisted you make "Daddy" sound less sexy?
You can take lessons to hone your skills, but I think you need a natural knack for it. Good luck.
Exactly!! Simply having a "great voice" is not enough. I'm not denying the fact that it's necessary. It certainly helps...but your voice, by itself, is only one facet of your ability to succeed as a voice performer.
Along with that voice, you're going to need many other skills and tools. Among the countless things required of you as a voice-over performer, you'll need sharp reading skills, the ability to communicate, the ability to take direction, acting ability, voice control/vocal versatility, a creative imagination, excellent auditioning skills, marketing savvy, business acumen, an excellent demo tape, solid representation, and many, many other things. Oh, and there's one more very important thing you need to know. The voice-over industry is among the most highly competitive of the entertainment fields. It is a well known fact that only high-fashion modeling is more difficult than voice-over in terms of level of competition. No kidding. Want to know more about this business There are several to choose from. I personally recommend the books by authors Alburger, Cronauer, Blu & Mullin, Clark, and Douthitt. Some of these books also come with audio tape/disc companions...be sure you get what you pay for. .
Acting, doing characters, reading out loud are all good tips. Get a nice mic and small amp that you can record at home and email your VO's. Cool Edit and the newer version, Adobe Audition are great programs to make your home a studio. Record some commercials off radio or TV and redo them with your voice so you can add them to your demo.
Then get a day job, cause only a few voice over talents can make a living at it.
Wow! Great feedback from all! I appreciate it greatly. I do actually have a day job so the attempt at voice work would be for fun and a bit of a extra income. As far as the "acting" part of voice over work, I'll concentrate on improving the character and expression in my voice. With try to entertain 3 kids of various ages, I think I'll get to stretch my vocals!
As far as taking direction, being able to accept the fact that someone might want 24 takes or more and having to hone my ability to "read minds" to attempt to perfect what someone else wants... I am married... I've already been working those survival skills for years now
Home
Calendar
Search
Register
Login
Logged
Male
