Information on getting started in the Voice Over, Voice actor industry.
I talked yesterday about being intentional in our work and work week. It’s one thing to say “I’m being intentional about expectations”, but quite another to do something about it!
This episode is pretty much motivation to put your head down and keep working on your craft. Get coaching. Practice, audition. repeat!! .
Well you’ve done the hard work! Now we stare at the phone and wait for it to ring. We’re moments away from that big corporate contract for a national ad!!!
Or not.
Now its about finding the work. Now we do more hard work. We work to find customers. Find talent agencies, media production houses, etc. We call and ask if they’re accepting demos (more next week on demos). Make a list of those that are. Send kind emails with the demo they might suggest or links to your files you’ve stored somewhere like Dropbox or a Google Drive.
But you’re still waiting on that phone to ring. Another choice is digital delivery platforms like Fiverr, UpWork, ACX, and many, many others. Some like Fiverr and UpWork are free to join, but take a percentage. On ACX you work it out with the rights holder. Many others you pay to join. There’s a TON of information on all these out there. Do some research and see if they work for you!
Long long ago in a faraway land, I spent 10 years in the restaurant industry. Over that time with transfers, vacation coverage and promotions, ended up working in 13 different locations with the same company.
Sorta like banking, but not.
One day (day off) a friend and I were having the “where do you want to go to lunch” conversation. I believe this is universal around the globe:
“Where you wanna go?
“I dunno. Where do you wanna go?”
–Repeat ad infinitum.
I always wanted to start a restaurant named, “I Dunno” I figured I had to capture SOME market share!
The point is that it is theoretically possible for everyone to decide NOT to visit my restaurant, your card shop, her boutique, his auto repair, etc. The point of all this is: What are doing to ensure THAT doesn’t happen? ..
After all the equipment and recording space challenges, this is likely a question I get asked most. “Do I really need a coach?”
Even if you’re an experienced actor, presenter, speaker, trainer… probably! There are so many nuances to this art- like any art- that knowing more is to be better armed to compete. Interview several coaches. Many will offer an initial session if only to chat about their process.
The highest tier coaches may not. Their work already speaks to results. But make sure the coach you hire has a ‘vibe’ that matches you. And remember the wrong coach can hurt you more than help.
Can I help get you started? Would you like a copy of my free resource guide? Drop me a line!
Since 2000, I’ve worked in the marketing arena and worked with some very good intellectual property (IP) attorneys. What you’ll watch is NOT legal advice (there you’ve been warned), but information garnered from many hours of consulting with them.
Here’s a bottom line for ya: IF you don’t have express, written consent to use an image, photograph, music, sound or written word file. Don’t. There. That was simple, right? Yeah, but what about…
What can I record for you?
Yeah your ego might take a ding, but otherwise, you’re likely to survive. However, it’s harder when you get great advise that takes you down the wrong path. So it was with the electrical and sound system on my motorcycle. The right advise, but wrong solution. Finally took reflecting on two sets of advise and seeing the solution between them. Fun times.
What can I record for you?
I wasn’t overjoyed with my branding, but it was really “okay”. But that’s changed!
I’m very excited to share the release of new branding for all things, “GrantsVoice”. I started working with a very good social media guy that has designed all my social media posts “look and feel”. I liked it so much that all my stuff has been changed. Would love your comments!
What can I record for you?
Simply put, a Digital Audio Workstation coverts the signal from your mic/interface into visible, editable sound.
The two I suggest using are:
Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/ -pretty much free to use. Great to start with, easy to understand, a LOT of youtube stuff out there to help you
Reaper: https://www.reaper.fm/download.php -60 day free evaluation period and pretty inexpensive to purchase. –Booth Junkie: Watch/use his series on setting up Reaper for VO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfZ6UxFujx4&list=PLzEW-dm_vsRvfiH9RVKAJA6Vd2CccnVmn
Kenny Gioia’s “Reaper Mania” is the next to watch. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq297H7Ca98HlB5mVFHGSsQ
I dunno! ;-)
Computer: Mac vs. PC; Use what you have until you know more. There is enough “tech” to learn in this business without adding a new computer interface AND re-learning how to use ALL the programs you use on that new operating system.
Mic, Interface, headphones: Call someplace like Sweetwater, Guitar Center or maybe a local guy downtown that supplies bands with equipment. Heck, buy local! Except- if that local guy ONLY does bands, he likely knows nothing about managing sound in a small studio or VO. You’ve been warned.
When you call the company, explain your hopeful budget, let them hear your voice while you talk, and be in the space you hope to record in. They’ll make recommendations based on all that.
I’m not an attorney, or a tax accountant! This is NOT legal or tax advise, only suggestions on what to ask those professionals when you talk to them! –
This one is worth listening to no matter what kind of business you’re starting! I talk about being a Sole Proprietor, and forming an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp and how that formation might effect you, your liability and to a small amount I mention how it might change your taxes. Solid information for starting any business!
Resources: https://americassbdc.org/
