If you are looking for a career in voice acting? You are not alone. The question every beginner is asking is how to start voice acting. While there is no particular set pattern, it’s similar to acting as it’s a creative journey where you need to start hustling.
How to Start Voice Acting: Highlight Your Skills
Voice acting is a skill. A defined way of speaking to offer those listening an emotion. It’s not an everyday chatter and it’s needed everywhere. Commercials. Movies. Books. Even quiet spaces. They all need a voice to narrate the moment. And that voice could be you.
So Where do Voice Over Actors Start?
If you are wondering how to start voice acting, we’ve got some ideas for you. 15 ideas to be exact. As we watch our colleagues and friends move up the rank to share their voice with the masses. they have given time and effort to create a base where people can reach out and find them. However, before that, they were putting in the legwork and finding people to listen to them.
It’s not been an overnight ordeal. It’s taken months, if not years, but many are working on a regular basis and sharing their voice on many mediums. All of them though are happily making their money talking into a microphone.
What About the Pay?
Voice acting isn’t something that pays big overnight. However, it does pay when you get work. And the more work you get, the more money you make. Sounds like acting, right? Well, technically it is reflected on like acting when it comes to payment as this is no ordinary job. In fact, it’s extraordinary!
There are many people who want to be part of this entertainment business. Here are 15 ideas on how to start voice acting:
- Begin Networking: Building relationships and networking with industry professionals is key to finding voice-over work in Hollywood. You don’t want to stop there though. People need voices around the world. Attend industry events, join voice-over groups, and make connections through social media.
- Build a Demo Reel Immediately: A demo reel showcasing your range of vocal abilities and styles is essential. The first thing you are going to be asked is how you sound, it’s a requirement for getting voice-over work. Invest in high-quality recordings and seek feedback from industry professionals to refine your reel.
- Take Voice-over classes: Taking voice-over classes and workshops can help you refine your skills and build your network. Look for opportunities to work with experienced voice actors but watch out for the fakes. If the instructor hasn’t been on a commercial in the last 6 months, you shouldn’t take the course.
- Find Representation: Consider working with a talent agent who specializes in voice-over work. They can help you find work, negotiate contracts, and provide industry insights.
- Follow the Hunt With Online casting sites: Utilize online casting sites, to find voice-over work and connect with industry professionals. It’s the best way to find legit opportunities and get your foot in the door.
- Consider a Specialization: Is there a specific type of voice-over work, such as commercials, video games, or animation. Specializing in a particular area can help you stand out and increase your chances of getting work. It’s also make it easier to network.
- Social Media: Use social media platforms, all of them, to promote your work and connect with potential clients. Do fun skits, make your voice the highlight of the post. All of the social media including TikTok, Twitter and Instagram should be utilized for your work.
- Live events and conventions: Attend live events and conventions to network with industry professionals and showcase your skills. Don’t rush down to a convention like Comicon to expect anyone to listen. Find appropriate places to showcase your work.
- Personal website: Develop a professional website to showcase your demo reel, portfolio, and resume. People love to check you out without your knowledge. Show them your best and let it go
- Collaboration: Consider collaborating with other voice actors, writers, and producers to create original content and build your portfolio. You might be willing to work at a reduced rate (or no rate at all) if it will find the way to a mass amount of ears.
- Audition for student and indie projects: Audition for student and indie projects to gain experience and build your resume. It’s a great place to start, but remember you need to move on after getting a few projects under your belt.
- Voice-over libraries: Consider submitting your demo reel to voice-over libraries, and other libraries who do special projects.
- Pro bono work: Offer to do pro bono work for non-profit organizations, local businesses, and small-scale projects to build your portfolio and gain experience. This is especially valuable in the Los Angeles area where casting directors and decision makers live.
- Volunteer work: Consider volunteering your voice-over skills for local theater groups, schools, and community organizations.
- Stay updated: Stay up to date with industry news, developments, and trends by subscribing to industry publications and attending industry events. The more you know the better your chance to be hired.
In Conclusion
If you are wondering How to Start Voice Acting, the above tips will help you get started. The most important thing to remember is you are in control of your career. If you start the process, develop your skills and share your reels with the world, you will find people who are interested in your voice.
It might take you some time and commitment, but the results will offer you a great career where you can hear your voice nearly everywhere.
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