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This is a page of information about the voice over business
written by
Jennifer Vaughn

 

Voice Over How-To

Learn to be a voice over talent!

Also learn to build your own studio for under $5000. If you have a computer with a CD burner, you can build it for $2500. Everything you need is right here on this page.
Learning Voiceover Skills
Before getting into the business of voiceovers you have to determine what you are good at. Is it commercials, narrations, imaging or characterizations? These are the four main categories of voiceovers. Each of these categories, branch off into almost an infinite amount of sub categories. For example, television spots, documentaries, animation and on hold messaging just to name a few.
Find the one category you are good at and work at it first. On a daily basis, listen to that particular category of voiceovers whether it's on television, radio or some other form of media. Also read books on the subject and work with a coach. This takes time, so be patient. For individuals already in the media (radio and television personnel) wanting to make that transition into the wonderful world of voiceovers, you've got a jump on the others, but your work is definitely not done. Read on through and I'm sure you've missed some steps. Below are links to recommended reading:

Making Money in Voice-Overs : Winning...How to Read Copy: Professionals Guide Building Your Own Studio

Once you've educated yourself on your particular category, it's time to set aside a location and collect the gear necessary for your studio. Your studio can be in a closet, or a small spare bedroom. The smaller the better. I've even heard of people putting sheds in the middle of their living room and yes it works! At the very least, you will need a mic, a preamp (if your mic doesn't have it's own power), a computer, a simple audio editing program, an exceptional quality sound card, a CD burner, and an mp3 conversion program. Now remember this is just a start. Below are some books on acoustical design as well as software and websites where you'll get great service on gear and more advanced software.

Getting Your Business Organized No business is "a business" unless you organize some of the traditional elements needed to make a business run efficiently and professionally. These elements include contracts, order forms, software for book keeping, getting your fictitious name under a proprietorship or creating a corporation. Business cards are also a must. Below you'll find very important information in regard to starting your business.

Making Your Demo Rock

Your demo is "the" most important piece of your business. It not only is a sample of your work, it's your calling card. Do not take your demo for granted. If you can't produce an excellent demo yourself, make sure you hire someone to give you the best. And make sure that someone has done voiceover demos before. First test the waters, record some pieces of copy and send them to a coach or someone heavily entrenched in the industry. If they don't have a rate for this, offer them $25, so they take you seriously when you send them stuff. Below is a professional production company who's had much experience in putting together voice-over demos.

How To Market Yourself

Now this is the REAL trick! This is what separates the regular talented individuals from the professionals. And unfortunately, this does not come free. Remember there are no quick fixes to anything, and it takes time to build a reputation and name for yourself.
Closing The Deal Or Hiring Someone
This is your final hurrah! If you are not a very good business person or you only want to concentrate on your talents rather than the business aspect, you will need an agent or a manager. Most of the big talent agencies will not take your phone call until you are well established. That means you are already grossing $50-$100,000 worth of talent fees a year from your voiceover work. Some smaller professional talent agencies and production companies look for sheer talent and how available you are. And it's important to note that the unprofessional agencies and companies are even less demanding but they don't pay very well and they will take advantage of you if you let them. JVVI highly recommends Marketing Mania Inc for marketing and non-traditional representation. The link is below.

Finally, try not to approach people in the industry to get free advice on how to get in the voice over business, it really does annoy them. Remember they are extremely busy tending to their clients and business. First, try to educate yourself using books and content published on the web. Second, practice, practice, practice and practice again! Third, get your demo produced by a professional production company. Only then, are you ready to approach a professional and ask them if they wouldn't mind listening to a demo for a critique or for inclusion on their talent roster.

 

 

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