Steps to Start a Voice Over Acting Career

Voice over talent brings a book to life, a guide through a learning module, a fun voice in a commercial, a GPS device, there are so many times a day you hear a VO talent.  If you are thinking about starting your voice over career here are some steps to get you down the career path.

Understanding Your Voice

When deciding to be a voice-over talent you need to have an idea of your voice and the ranges, and what skills you naturally have.  Giving you a good starting point on what you can leverage and what skills you need to work on.  Here are some things to consider.

• Is your voice low pitched or high pitched?
• Can you make your voice sound older or younger? This speaks to your vocal range.
• What acting or musical skills do you have, dramatic voices, fun sing song, or types of narratives.
• Can you take direction? Can you mimic the delivery of another actor?
• Are you a good speaker?
• Can you read out loud flawlessly? Can you read something the first time – a dry read and do it well?
• Are you fluent in several languages?

What Voice Over Talent Category of Work?

There are several types of work categories for voice-over talent.  The three main categories are character, commercial, and narration.

• Character VO – This includes live-action, animation, automated dialogue recording (ADR), and video games. This category requires acting skills, vocal versatility and stamina.
• Commercial VO – This includes radio, television and online ads and promos, and marketing videos. Voice over talent needs to get a message across or compel the audience to buy a product. It requires adaptability as you may work with directors, reps, and clients on a project and receive lots of notes or direction during a live session.
• Narration VO – This type of work has three subcategories. Educational narration, corporate, and narrative. Educational includes e-learning and audio guide, corporate narration contains training modules, corporate videos, and narrative involves documentaries, audiobooks, and audio description. The scripts for these projects may be long and being a good reader is going to make a huge difference.

Training for the Type of Work

If you have an idea of the category that most speaks to your natural talents and interests, then it is time to find the best training and coaching for you.

There are a variety of opportunities that are available schools, online lessons, coaches.  Some schools offer opportunities to acquire professional automation, demo reels to take with you, and job opportunities for graduates.   Do your due diligence when choosing the best opportunity.  Training is the most important to take your career to the next level.  Just be very particular about the on-line coaches you choose to work with. Go with only the most popular instructors out there. Many are simply trying to make a quick buck! Also, remember training and honing your craft is a never-ending process.

Industry Associations and the VoiceOver Community

Taking an active role in learning the industry will further your job possibilities.  Look at both associations and online communities to make connections, learn more and have access to resources.  There are a ton of online opportunities if you don’t live in a major city.  The tips and information is endless when you have connections. Join some professional groups and learn from your colleagues.

COVID-19 and the Voice Over Actor

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way the world operates right now, and that is true in the voice over and acting industry as well.  While there are many changes to the way the industry is working, there are also many opportunities out there for a voice-over actor.

In-Home Recording Studio

While many have some type of studio set it up, it might be time to develop a more technically savvy set up so that you can offer more options.  If you don’t have a studio at home, it may be the time to start working on putting one together, even if it is just the basics.

For many that have or are creating a professional studio in-home that produces quality work, this may be the opening that you have been waiting to get into bigger markets.  It is the chance to get auditions and opportunities for more lucrative brands and campaigns.  With auditions being online or submitting virtually, the location is not a factor to hold you back. It's your opportunity to launch yourself... maybe even convince yourself... into the next level of professionalism in the VO business.
NOTE: Be sure your studio is getting hooked up with the necessary client connection tools such as ipDTL, Source Connect, Skype, Zoom and digital phone patch. 

Training

Some agencies are offering a virtual booth platform.  This allows voice over actors to connect with agents, audio directors, and engineers to get feedback on projects.  This may be the time if you are looking for feedback to connect with your agent and see if this is a possibility.  Or perhaps find a mastermind or voice over talent teacher to work with virtually. I just began working with a well-known coach specializing in TV narration. 

Companies like Backstage are creating a new on-camera series called The Slate.  It is featuring insights and direct feedback from casting directors, trainers, agents, actors, and creators.  These interactive group classes will focus on a variety of industry processes and knowledge.

Job Opportunities

Voice over talent are still needed in different types of jobs than you may normally take on.

While retail advertising may be slowing down for a while, there are some other jobs that are picking up.

· Company Phone Messages regarding COVID-19

· Revised messages about changing schedules for hotels, showrooms, and other large venues.

· Advertising messages and PSAs including the newest "We're all in this together”campaigns.

· Science and medical voice-over regarding protecting oneself, hygiene, training modules.

· Life science companies promoting treatments and research

· Companies putting together more training videos and online learning resources.

· PSA work towards mitigating the effects of the virus.

. And manufacturing companies trying to get ready for an upcoming explosion of new products.

Audiobooks

The audiobook market has been huge over the last few years and with that voice-over job opportunities are flourishing.  Voice actors are a perfect fit as narrators. Authors realize that having a trained voice is the best option for them. The book needs to be read by an engaging professional, whether it is a non-fiction or fiction book. Many authors feel "left out" if they don't have an audio book version of their latest book.

Many authors who already have a book(s) out there are finding now that they have the time to turn it into an audiobook.  And now is the perfect time to take on an audiobook project as they do tend to be a longer narration jobs.

The Future

While the future is unclear on exactly what will stay the same and what will go back to the way it was.  The home studio will serve you whether it is for auditioning virtually or having the option to work from home when you can.

During this time, it could be a great season to take on some new projects, train on skills to perfect your craft, or update your older demos. There will always be opportunities out there for voice over actors. Just don't lose faith!