Where have I been? Oh, and are you interested in VO?
Wowza, it's been a while since I've written a blog! Thankfully, fall is a busy time for me, with the toy products/commercials being produced for the holidays.
I received an email from a person interested in voiceover today, and after I wrote my response, thought I'd post it here for all to see. This is my general response to anyone who asks me about how to get into voiceover. I was very blessed to have much encouragement along the way when I first started out. However, it occurs to me that even though I had that encouragement, this career is something I REALLY wanted to make happen, and I did everything I needed to do (and still do) to make it work! You have to be persistent!
So, without further ado, here is the question:
"I have always been curious about doing voice work. have done impressions for yrs. I have no idea what kind of background one needs for this career. I have heard your voice on many ads and decided to search you out for advice. Thank you in advance for your time."
My response:
Hi XXXXX,
Thank you for contacting me! I'm happy to give you advice from my point of view.
Most people in vo come from a radio or broadcast background. But that's not "required." It just so happens that most of the people do. I, however, am one of the few that doesn't have a radio or broadcast background. I came from good ol' corporate America. But, I had a passion for singing and using my voice, and that's what drew me to this career.
I recommend reading a book or two first. "Voice for Hire" by Randy Thomas and Peter Rofe is a good one. I helped copyedit this book, but honestly, all of that aside, it really is a good overview of the industry and what it takes to get into voiceover. Another good book is Joan Baker's "Secrets of Voice-Over Success." That's not a cover to cover read, but gives good vignettes from people who have really done well in voiceover. I also recommend going to Nancy Wolfson's website, www.braintracksaudio.com and buy the mp3, "Your Voiceover Business."
Once you've read those books and listened to the mp3, and you are still interested in making this a career you want to pursue and invest your time and money into, then you can move forward. What you learned in the books you read and the mp3 will be helpful and give you a plan. Take acting classes... mainly scene study and improv. Also, find a coach. Study with that coach, and eventually, they'll let you know when you're ready to make your first demo. There's much to do after that, but these are the basics.
This career is an investment of time and money. You'll constantly spend money, putting it back into your business be it replacing equipment, marketing, working with your coach, making new demos every couple of years, etc. I don't know if people realize that when they're looking to get into voiceover. The other downfall of this business is, it's very competitive. My job is to audition. They say most voice actors book one out of every 50 auditions. I do anywhere from 1 to 10 auditions a day. Sometimes more... it all just depends. Sometimes there are just a few of us auditioning, but much of the time, there could be 50 to 500 of us auditioning for the same spot. You're not going to get rich quick being a voice actor. Frankly, you may not "get rich" at all. But, if doing something you LOVE to do and is your passion is important to you, then this could be the career for you. And that could be "rich" to you.
I hope you find this helpful!! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to try and help!
Merry Christmas, and may 2010 bring much happiness your way!
Caryn
I received an email from a person interested in voiceover today, and after I wrote my response, thought I'd post it here for all to see. This is my general response to anyone who asks me about how to get into voiceover. I was very blessed to have much encouragement along the way when I first started out. However, it occurs to me that even though I had that encouragement, this career is something I REALLY wanted to make happen, and I did everything I needed to do (and still do) to make it work! You have to be persistent!
So, without further ado, here is the question:
"I have always been curious about doing voice work. have done impressions for yrs. I have no idea what kind of background one needs for this career. I have heard your voice on many ads and decided to search you out for advice. Thank you in advance for your time."
My response:
Hi XXXXX,
Thank you for contacting me! I'm happy to give you advice from my point of view.
Most people in vo come from a radio or broadcast background. But that's not "required." It just so happens that most of the people do. I, however, am one of the few that doesn't have a radio or broadcast background. I came from good ol' corporate America. But, I had a passion for singing and using my voice, and that's what drew me to this career.
I recommend reading a book or two first. "Voice for Hire" by Randy Thomas and Peter Rofe is a good one. I helped copyedit this book, but honestly, all of that aside, it really is a good overview of the industry and what it takes to get into voiceover. Another good book is Joan Baker's "Secrets of Voice-Over Success." That's not a cover to cover read, but gives good vignettes from people who have really done well in voiceover. I also recommend going to Nancy Wolfson's website, www.braintracksaudio.com and buy the mp3, "Your Voiceover Business."
Once you've read those books and listened to the mp3, and you are still interested in making this a career you want to pursue and invest your time and money into, then you can move forward. What you learned in the books you read and the mp3 will be helpful and give you a plan. Take acting classes... mainly scene study and improv. Also, find a coach. Study with that coach, and eventually, they'll let you know when you're ready to make your first demo. There's much to do after that, but these are the basics.
This career is an investment of time and money. You'll constantly spend money, putting it back into your business be it replacing equipment, marketing, working with your coach, making new demos every couple of years, etc. I don't know if people realize that when they're looking to get into voiceover. The other downfall of this business is, it's very competitive. My job is to audition. They say most voice actors book one out of every 50 auditions. I do anywhere from 1 to 10 auditions a day. Sometimes more... it all just depends. Sometimes there are just a few of us auditioning, but much of the time, there could be 50 to 500 of us auditioning for the same spot. You're not going to get rich quick being a voice actor. Frankly, you may not "get rich" at all. But, if doing something you LOVE to do and is your passion is important to you, then this could be the career for you. And that could be "rich" to you.
I hope you find this helpful!! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to try and help!
Merry Christmas, and may 2010 bring much happiness your way!
Caryn
Posted by Caryn Clark at 12/16/2009 10:13 AM 
Categories: entertainment,classes,vo industry,marketing
Tags: voiceover voice-over how to get into voiceover
Categories: entertainment,classes,vo industry,marketing
Tags: voiceover voice-over how to get into voiceover
Caryn,
Thank you so much for posting this information. I am just getting into this field, by accident and blessing, and I love it.
Being that I too am not from a broadcasting or radio background, the information you provided is very valuable. I have been fortunate to get 2 jobs in 4 auditions, but I really don't have any training. I want to be like you, one of the best of the best.
Your guidance is my first step to get there.
Thank you SO much. And Merry Christmas to you too!!!
Lisa
ps. Let me know if you get into coaching
Reply to this
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for visiting my blog, and for your very kind comments! And, most importantly, congratulations on your voiceover work!! That's a great batting average so far! You must be doing something right!!!
I'm glad you liked my advice. Please feel free to email me after you read the books I recommend, if you have any specific questions.
Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy 2010 t you and yours!!
Caryn
Reply to this
Will do!! Ordering the books today
Thank you Caryn!
Reply to this