Written by Terry Berland @berlandcasting for Backstage Industry Expert Advice.
Photo Source: Photo Contributor Friends Stock / Shutterstock.com
I am a casting director who has cast both on-camera and voiceover commercials from the very beginning, even when it was uncommon. My experience stems from my formative years as the head of casting for the third-largest Madison Avenue ad agency in the world. At the agency, we would first cast the on-camera talent and then the voiceover portion of a commercial.
When I opened my own business in Los Angeles in 1992, other casting directors would often ask what I specialized in. My answer was, “on-camera and voiceover commercials.” Their typical response was, “Both?” to which I would reply, “Not, both?” It was at that time I found out freelance independent casting directors typically specialized in one or the other.
Back then, voiceover work was a closely guarded industry with opportunities reserved for a select group of established professionals and breakdowns accessible only to a small circle of agents.
However, the landscape has dramatically changed. The internet and the decentralization of traditional voiceover casting services have opened up the VO field, creating an abundance of opportunities. Today, more talent are aware of these possibilities, and more agents are representing voiceover talent. Additionally, the genres of voiceover opportunities have greatly expanded.
I encourage actors to expand their careers to include voiceover. It is a great way to diversify. I do not know one person who does not love being in front of a mic as a voiceover artist.
How does one get started and build a successful career in voiceover?
Develop Your Voiceover Skills
Training: Take voiceover workshops. There are specific techniques to learn, including script analysis and how to convey emotions through your voice. Other important aspects include timing, rhythm, mic technique, understanding direction, branding, how to self-direct and how to take direction from someone else.
Understand the Voiceover Industry
Auditioning: Know how to self-tape and deliver your auditions. Learn who the casting directors are, what VO breakdown services you can join, and the industry lingo.
Set Up a Home Studio
Basic Equipment: Invest in a good microphone, audio interface, and soundproofing for a quiet recording environment.
The beauty of voiceover work is you can do it from anywhere. You do not have to go into a studio. For instance, if a client is based in New York, and you are based in Iowa, that will not stop you from auditioning or being booked for the job. However, the client will not pay for an additional studio in the city that you are working out of for the final recording. You will have to have a home studio.
Software: Learn to use audio recording and editing software like Audacity, Adobe Audition, GarageBand and Source Connect.
Your microphone and entire studio setup can be very affordable; You can purchase a very good mic for as little as $100. Your space has to be soundproof; some talent use their clothes closet to record.
Create a Voiceover Demo
Recording: Your demo is your calling card. Hire a professional demo producer who will ensure your demo has the right rhythm and flow with appropriate scripts and music. Only record your demo when you feel confident and have mastered your skills. Your demo should not be overproduced; it should accurately showcase your abilities without being over edited showcasing something you really cannot do.
Build an Online Presence
Website: Create a simple website that features your demo reel, resume, contact information and reflects your branding.
Networking: Network with other voiceover talent, meet as many agents and casting directors as you can, have a social media presence and attend panel discussions whether they be online or in person. Follow casting directors and working VO talent on social media and join social media contests. Attend conventions if you can.
I can attest from my own experience that it takes several times of meeting talent, in any of the aforementioned ways, to feel familiar with someone. Once I know someone, when their name comes up that moment of recognition means a lot. Additionally, if a talent’s name hasn’t come up, I consider them for an audition invitation.
Learn About the Voiceover Industry
Types of Work: There are many different types of work in addition to the obvious TV commercials, radio, promos, animation, looping and audiobooks, such as military and defense, legal and real estate narration and medical explainers, just to name a few of too many to name here. Do a Google search to find lists of opportunities.
Seek Representation
When you are in a confident place with all of the above-mentioned suggestions, seek agent representation. Be patient, this could take a long time. Keep going on your own until you find that agent.
Continue Learning
Ongoing Training: The VO industry is competitive, so keep improving your skills through advanced workshops and feedback from industry professionals.
Starting a voiceover career requires dedication and continuous improvement. With persistence, you can build a successful career.
If you want to sharpen up on your voice-over technique, follow this link to Terry Berland’s Voice-Over workshops.
