Tips on pursuing Voice-overs & Show Business By Rick Adamson
ONE
It is NOT enough to simply have a marvelous voice; even if you do, you must study "voice acting" with voice-over coaches., or scan the internet for voice-over teachers. An acting teacher is better than no teacher at all, but studying with someone who specifically covers microphone technique, vocal range, voice booth "body language" and industry lingo would certainly be more beneficial for someone interested in voice-overs.
TWO
LISTEN to the direction and instruction of anyone you respect, whether it be a teacher, casting director, producer, or agent, and then do your best to respond in your next "take," or performance. This is immensely important. It is terribly frustrating for any director or casting person to offer direction to the talent (you),and then hear the talent give either the same "read" and/or one that does not incorporate their direction at all. You'll find that, when you're a bit nervous, listening is harder than you think. But focusing on the task is calming.
THREE
Your showreel should be no more than about a minute and a half long for commercials. Have it produced professionally with people who make voice showreels for voice-over actors. Each "cut" should not be more than a few sentences long.
If you're interested in pursuing corporate narration, audiobook narration, promos for TV and radio, cartoon work, documentary narration: be advised: these are specific reels, different from a commercial voice-over showreel.
FOUR
Make sure your CD is a clearly labeled. You might be able to produce these with a home computer setup, but remember, presentation is everything. It is not important to put your photo image on the label. Some performers do logos or caricatures.
FIVE
Distribute your voice showreel to virtually anyone who wants it.
SIX
If you want to pursue "buyers" of talent directly, and not wait for an agent to represent you, consider looking into directories of producers of audio, video, CD ROMS, etc.
SEVEN
Consider loading your demo(s) onto a website that can do audio, and/or,
Offer a phone number that is set up just to play your demo(s).
EIGHT
Keep studying, either with a real voice-over coach, or at least by practicing with a home system that sounds decent. Lift copy out of magazines, TV and radio to practice on. Even working, everyday pros keep studying and practicing.
If you're only interested in voice work, that's probably a much clearer goal than wanting to "be in show business in some capacity." You can devote a certain amount of your money, time and energy specifically to advancing your voice-over career.
Best of Luck! And remember, if it were as easy as talking, everybody would be doing it.
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