> Having been a "client" for many years with my marketing hat
> on, I now find myself on the other side of the fence. And
> I am seeking advice and guidance.
>
> As well as holding senior marketing positions in the UK I
> somehow managed to find time to pursue my hobby of
> broadcasting and spent 10 years doing freelance stints with
> several major local commercial stations in the North of
> England. Having been made redundant over 18 months ago, I
> took the plunge when an opportunity came up and am now
> working full-time as a broadcaster within a major group.
>
> However, I also invested time and money (some of the
> redundancy) into doing a voice-over course with Steve
> Hudson.
>
> I have done some limited work and a lot of station promos
> etc but am now looking for guidance.
>
> Should I use an agent and, if so, can anyone out there
> recommend one...
>
> Hopefully, someone may be able to help....
>
> Tony Francis
>
>
Tony,
There are many routes to voice-over success, one of which is using a dedicated voice agent to get you work. There are other ways to obtain work within the voice arena but lets concentrate on the role of the voice agent.
The first thing you will need , is a professionally produced voice showreel. Because you are competing with working professionals that already have a great voice Showreel, yours must sound just as professional if you are to succeed. Agents listen to many Voice Showreels from "would be" voice artist's and make their decision to listen further within the first few seconds. To keep their attention, you must have the highest quality voice showreel possible, showing as many vocal deliveries in the shortest amount of time.
Once armed with this voice showreel, you have to start the process of contacting the voice agents. Now there are two schools of thought here - to phone first or to send and hope.
But what does a ”Voice Agent” actually do, and why should you need one?
THE BOTTOM LINE
A voice agent's job is to sift through all the “wanna-be' voice reels" that they get sent on a daily basis, choose the ones they think will make them money and and then present them as professional voices to casting directors, producers, ad agencies and companies who are looking for voice artist’s for their various productions.
A good voice agency will “audition” their voices. They won't just represent anyone who sends in a voiceover showreel. To be considered, you will have to send a professionally produced voice showreel, a covering letter, and a CV. Most will not work with inexperienced newcomers, so you will have to show that you have had experience or some form of voice training. If they like what they hear on your CD, they will call you in for an interview. But even if they choose you, there is no guarantee that you will get regular work as a voiceover artist.
If they agree to represent you they will generally put excerpts from your showreel on a their “house reel" - (a CD containing the voices of all the artists they represent). They then market this CD to producers and others who need voice artists'. Even if you are not on the “house reel," an agent may put you on their website to help promote you.
When a call for a particular type of voice comes in, they will submit their "house reel". Should one of their artists' get the job, the agent handles the details of the booking and negotiates the fee.They take 15% of your fee for their efforts. Generally the check comes to the agent who deposits it and pays you your fee less their commission.
Your submission package should include your voice-over showreel and a cover letter. Some agents will tell you they would also like to see a head shot and an acting CV, but if you don't have a head shot or CV, ignore what they say and just send your reel with a cover letter.
It can be frustrating to get an agent to invite you to send in your your showreel. Most will come back with the "famous three"!
1 - Our books are full.
2 - We have someone just like you.
3 - We have just finished our house CD.
You could just send in your CD univited, or you could phone first.
If you decide to phone, Remember, your audition is on the phone.
When you are invited to send in your showreel, follow up with weekly phone calls until you get feedback on your reel. If they like what they hear they will call you in for an interview. They basically want to meet you and make sure you are professional and will not let them down in a studio situation.
If they do want to take you on, ask them. how long they have been in business, how many people they have on their books, do you have to sign a contract , if so, how long - a year or six months? can you be with more than one agency or is it sole representation. You might also ask how they plan to market you and what types of jobs they will be likely to send you out on.
If you can't find an agent, don't despair! While agents are an important part of marketing they are not the only way to get work. Remember, an agent does not hire you directly. They are middlemen. You ultimately work for a production company or a client. So if you can't get an agent to represent you it is perfectly fine to go to the producers themselves.
As soon as you have your showreel, we will give you a list of production companies, casting directors and recording studios in your area. all of which book voice artists' direct. Then you can start sending out your reel and making phone calls to them, or think about building your own studio and marketing yourself globally via ISDN.
Please feel free to book a "Free" consultation with us - We will evaluate your current Voice Showreel and give you an honest evaluation of your voice.
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