The world of voice-over is one of the most important parts of the entertainment and corporate industries, yet sadly, one of the most unappreciated, unrecognized and misunderstood. The reason for this is quite simple, out of sight out of mind. You are rarely seen, only heard. I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say...
"You know, I never thought of those voices you heard on television and radio as real people. They just seemed to always be there somehow"
Very few people realize there is a whole industry dedicated to the art of voice over.
If you're looking to get yourself into this challenging and (depending on how bad you want it) rewarding side of the business, and you have no or little experience, you must take it one step at a time . You must ask yourself the following questions...
1) How well do I know my own voice?
2) What kind of acting experience do I have? If any.
3) Am I looking to pursue this as a career? Or as a hobby?
4) Am I willing to put forth the dedication, time, patience and practice it will take to achieve my goal?
5) Am I willing to check my ego at the door, and embrace an exciting and challenging industry?
The bottom line is this, voice over is a talent. Not everyone can or as the talent to be a professional voice artist. But keep this in mind, It's not so much about the kind of voice you have, but more what you can do with that voice. How good of an "actor" are you? It truly is about "acting".
This is not to discourage you from pursuing the craft, it's just to let you know the reality of what you're facing. The competition is fierce, but remember, it's never personal. Not unless you do something to make casting directors and agents hate you!
The most important thing you can do for yourself right off the bat is get to know your own voice. I cannot stress how important this is. You'd be surprised how many of us have never heard the sound of our own voice played back to us. And if we have, very few of us like what we hear. Is this because we have an awful, horrible sounding voice that could keep even the skunks of the neighborhood away? Not likely. More often than not It's because you're not used to hearing the sound of your own voice from an objective point of view. The objective point of view could be anything from a home movie, cassette tape recorder, computer or a professional recording studio.
If you have never heard your own voice from an objective point of view, this is what you need to do first. It is vital. Get yourself into a position where you are able to do this. Today, you will most likely be recording into your own computer. However, if a cassette tape recorder is your only means of recording, that'll do! Try recording yourself reading magazine articles, Newspaper articles, back of DVD cases, sections from a book, or ramble on about who you are and how your day is going. Once you're done, play it back to yourself. What do you hear? You hear the real you. This is what you sound like to others and the rest of the world, so get used to it!
The more you do this, the more you'll learn your vocal range, your pitch and your inflections. Try reading in different voices, funny voices, accents, step out of your comfort zone. It will feel weird at first, but that's a good sign. Remember, this is voice acting. The key word being "acting." Once you get comfortable with the sound of your voice, it's range, and what you can do with it, you're one step further to the demo process. That's just "a" step further. Don't even think about jumping into the demo process after a week of practicing.."wink"
Take work-shops and acting classes
Work-shops and classes are a fantastic way to learn more about the industry, especially for those who are starting out. Although I have enjoyed many work-shops over the years, the more experienced you become, the less likely you'll learn form these work-shops. They are however, a great networking tool. But keep this in mind, no matter who you are, how good you are, and how long you've been doing this, no one knows it all. And there is always room to learn.
For experienced voice talent, networking is a great way to learn from others. Networking is always a great way to learn period. More often than not, the best way to learn is to simply share and exchange knowledge with other voice talent. I have learned a great deal from networking and sharing my experience with others. For beginners, taking work-shops to better improve yourself is a great first step.
There are "some" great work-shops and classes out there taught by some outstanding individuals. If you have any questions on the work-shops you find, e-mail them and ask them all the questions you can think of. If you ever find someone hesitant to answer "ANY" of your questions, especially regarding money and payment, that should be a red flag, and I would move on from them. Remember, professionals handle themselves in "PROFESSIONAL" ways. Not answering your questions, dodging you or being vague with answers, is a clear sign of either an amateur, or someone out to make a quick buck.
Also, do your research on the voice over coach or teacher you are considering. What kind of experience do they have? Are they themselves a voice talent? Have they ever done a voice over? In other words, you want someone with the experience and credentials to be able to properly teach you the craft and guide you in the right direction.
Most of what you will learn however, will be on your own time, practicing getting to know your voice, and applying the proper techniques from what you have learned.
The Demo
Ah yes, the demo! Your professionally produced voice-over demo is your most important piece of the puzzle. It is the voice actors equivalent of an on camera actors head shot. This is what you will send to Agents, Agencies, Casting Directors, Marketing companies and Studios. Your demo represents you!
There are many different kinds of demos, all geared towards the different kinds of voice-over categories. However, the most important demo you will need and the one that you "must" have, is your professionally produced commercial demo. Notice I keep saying.. "Professionally produced" This is unbelievably important. Having your demo professionally produced is the voice-over equivalent of an on camera actor getting their photo taken by a top notch photographer, with great lighting, and a great studio with a wealth of experience to back them up. Your demo must be produced by someone who knows how to, and can produce professionally produced demos, it's as simple as that. I do not recommend producing it yourself, unless you are an experienced voice talent in addition to being a studio engineer who has experience in producing demos. knowing how to direct yourself also plays a huge factor.
Your demo should be anywhere between 60-90 seconds long. That's it. No more. Unless otherwise asked for. You'll find that some of my demos on my websites tend to be a tad longer. The demos on my websites are for current clients, for you to listen to, and for potential new clients. However, If I were submitting to a new agent, agency, or casting director, I would submit a 90 second demo, in which I have many on file. If they don't like you in the first 10 seconds, they're not going to like you in 10 minutes. Your window of opportunity is small.
If you are someone who is interested in other areas besides the commercial category like Cartoons and Animation, Movie Trailers, Promos, or Narration, those demos must be 60-90 seconds as well, and professionally produced, mixed and mastered. Just remember, no matter what demo you decide to get produced to help start marketing your vocal talents; you must have a commercial demo. This is where the bulk of the work is. This is the demo all agents and agencies want to hear and will ask for.
If you're looking to have a professionally produced demo done, please do not hesitate to contact me, and perhaps we can work something out. I would be more than willing to do that for you, right from my home studio. I have extensive experience directing and coaching talent, as well as producing professional demos.
The script
More often than not, unless you're doing an audition from home, you rarely get to see what you'll be reading before hand. This means, you have to be pretty darn good at "cold reading" So practice picking up a book, Newspaper or magazine and get reading out loud.
Read, re-read and read again!
When you have the script in front of you, look for things you don't understand, are confused about and unsure of. Ask the client how to correctly say those things, whether it be their name, product or a particular word.
If you're at home and don't have access to the client, go to www.merriam-webster.com type in the word you don't understand or can't pronounce, and our friend Merriam will say it back to you in a mid western American accent.
If you don't find anything that throws you off, great!
Pay attention to the read direction given on the script, but keep in mind a lot of a script direction isn't always that descriptive. The reason for this, is nine times out of ten, the client doesn't know that they want until they hear it! They only have an "idea" of what they want.
Make sure you hone in on the important elements of a script, like the product name and clients name. Keep in mind, the script is not usually a "well written" piece of literature. It's your job to bring it to life. But be "YOU" don't read it as someone else, unless the direction given requires you to.
More often than not, voice talent just starting out in the business will put on a "over the top radio announcer" type of voice when reading a script. Just relax and be yourself. Again, unless of course the "over the top radio announcer" is what they want. However, you'll find a lot of clients will hire you, based on "your voice"
Your commercial demo, which is the one demo all voice talent must and will have, will feature "your" voice. The real you. You being sexy, you being funny, you being silly, you being angry, but it's all "YOU"
Leave the crazy characters to the animation demo.
Studio do's and don't's
Here are some of my studio do's and don'ts when attending an in-studio audition or session. I cannot stress how important these are.
. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled audition or session. This is not just because it looks good on
you or your agent. It also allows you the time to look at a script you more than likely have never seen.
. Only drink water when in the studio. No Coffee, pop (soda for our American friends *wink*) or any carbonated
drinks. You don't need to be burping into the mic, eeek.. Not a good first impression!
. Don't wear loads of perfume or cologne, there is no need. And trust me, you'll suffocate yourself in the booth if
you do.
. Don't chew gum, plain and simple.
. Positive attitude always, positive energy is contagious.
. Smile:)
. Get lots of sleep, lack of sleep will hurt you big time!
. Morning session or audition? Eat! Afternoon one? Eat! Evening one? EAT!!.. The last thing you want is to hear
your stomach rumbling with the thought of "My god, I am starving!" racing through your brain distracting you.
. Go to the bathroom prior to your audition or session. Especially an audition!
. And last, but certainly not least, if there is a word you don't understand in the script, can't pronounce, or are
having trouble reading, ask! You'll look more professional if you do, than if you try to coast over it when
recording.
These are just some tips to get you started. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
All the best,
Dave McRae.
