Bob Answers: How does one get into voice-over?
Q: How do I get into voice-over?
A: Many people attend my workshops and seminars asking what's the secret to getting into voice-over. The simple answer is you need to be a brilliant actor and have a top notch demo. That's it! Then you just need opportunity!
Q: OK, how do I become a brilliant voice-over actor?
A: A brilliant actor is a brilliant actor, whether it's for voice-over, on camera, stage, etc. Before taking voice-over classes, make sure your acting chops are honed. You'll be wasting a lot of money spinning your wheels in a voice-over class without starting with a solid acting foundation. Also, study improv!! This will teach you to make solid choices and get out of your head. I think if you can only afford one workshop in your career, no matter where you want to end up, make it improv!
Q: Where do I find voice-over classes in Los Angeles?
A: The bible for voice-over in Los Angeles is The Voice-over Resource Guide, published by Dave and Dave Inc. It lists everything voice-over in Los Angeles: teachers, casting services, demo producers, talent agents, and even session fees for when you actually do get work. Dave and Dave is at 4352 Lankershim Boulevard, Toluca Lake, CA 91602, (818) 508-7578. They also do some of the BEST demo artwork in town!!
Q: How do I find the right class for me?
A: Ask around. Get recommendations from other actors. Also see if you can audit a class before signing up. Just because someone recommends a class doesn't mean it's right for you. Study with those who cast! It's a great way for them to get to know you and what you can do. And since they cast they know what the industry trends are in today's market.
Q: Will I get a demo from a class??
A: NO!! And stay away from any workshop that offers a demo at the end. A workshop is for education. Not everyone is ready for a demo when they finish a workshop. Those who listen to your demo will give you one shot, so make sure you are ready when you make that demo!
Q: How many classes do I take before making my first demo?
A: There is no set amount of classes one needs to take before making a demo. Think of your voice-over education like college. You don't take one or two classes in college and expect to get a degree and a good job. The same goes for your voice-over, and for that matter, your entire acting career. You need to study with a variety of people. Commercial voice-over classes are vital. If you want to get into VO, you MUST do commercials. So start there. Now, if you also do lots of character voices, and want to get into cartoons, you'll need to study animation as well.
Q: This sounds expensive!!
A: IT IS!! Sorry, but that's the truth. Class prices very from $100.00 to $600.00 and up. Demos average $1500.00. Then there's the packaging, mailings, etc. You might spend up to $7500.00 just to call yourself an out of work actor pursuing your first VO agent and job. Then there's the packaging, mailings, joining SAG and AFTRA, etc. And there are no guarantees!
Q: WOW!! Why would I spend all that money if there are no guarantees?
A: Because you love it. No one goes into show biz unless they love it. If you have the passion for this, then you just need to go for it!! NOTHING will stop you!
Q: How will I know I'm ready for my demo?
A: You just know. It's a confidence you have that you can read any piece of copy and give a competitive performance, adding that little something extra that nails it. You'll know when you are ready. If you have ANY doubt, then you aren't ready yet.
Q: Where do I find a demo producer?
A: Again, The Voice-over Resource Guide lists them all. I personally like Bill Holmes at Compost Productions for commercial demos. You can hear samples of his work at compostproductions.com
Q: How long should my demo be?
A: Each track on your demo should be no longer then a minute and a half. The listener knows from the first 4 seconds of your demo if you have what it takes. If you can't wow them in the first few seconds you won't wow them in 3 to 5 minutes. The demo should leave the listener asking for more. More could be an audition, a meeting with an agent, a job, etc.
Q: What do you mean "each track"?
A: Demos are now on CD. This allows the actor to have a variety of tracks to demonstrate what they do in the world of voice-over. You have your commercial track, animation, promo, narration, etc. As I stated before, you MUST have a commercial track. Commercials are the day to day work in VO. But the more you do, the more tracks you have. If you want to get an idea of working actor's demos, check out Voicebank.net. There you can hear dozens of the top voice artist's demos. You can also click on the demos section of my web site to hear my own voice-over demos.
Q: What makes a good commercial demo?
A: A good commercial demo moves fast, and leaves the listener asking for more. Your commercial demo is a montage of different commercial spots. But you don't put the entire spots down. Since commercials are either 30 or 60 seconds this would make for a very long demo. Just put a piece of each spot on your demo. Your demo producer will help you with the order and length of each spot. Try not to have a lot of intro and exit music between spots. It should be voice, attached to voice, attached to voice. Each byte shows off a different side of "you". If you plan to have an animation track on your CD, stay away from character voices on your commercial track. In a minute and a half, you want to show the listener the different styles of commercial reads you do well. After hearing your commercial demo, the listener should be able to "type" you. That means they should be able to know what "types" of commercials you'd be right for. If you sell cars are you a Jeep or Lincoln Towncar? Are you fast food or upscale restaurants? Are you acne medicine or Dove soap? Are you a mom, dad, son or daughter? Your personality needs to come through. Oh - and NEVER have your picture on your demo cover. You might have a baby face but a voice like James Earl Jones! Your picture on your CD gives someone a chance to type you the wrong way without ever hearing your voice.
Q: Do I get material for my demo from the demo producer?
A: I wouldn't!! You never know how many other actors have used the same material or copy. Gather your own. You can get copy from magazines, or from TV and radio . You know your style better then any producer. You'll probably use 10-15 pieces of copy for your commercial demo. But you may go through dozens before finding the perfect spots.
Q: What does the demo producer actually do?
A: The demo producer directs your read, then adds the proper music and sound effects and edits down the finished product.
Q: How often do I update my commercial demo?
A: This can vary. Since you've never worked in voice-over, your first demo will consist of spots done just for the demo. However, they need to sound like real spots. As you work you'll eventually remove the "demo" spots and replace them with real spots you've done. Eventually your demo will just consist of your real work. Once your demo consists of real work you'll notice a variety in sound quality from spot to spot. This is because they all came from different sources. You might get one spot from a CD, one from a tape, one from your VCR, etc. You should strive for that same variety in sound from your very first demo! This will give the listener the illusion that the spots might be from air and actually makes the actor sound more versatile. If your demo has the same consistent sound from beginning to end, it will have what I call that "demo" sound. Meaning it's over produced, and none of the spots sound real. One of the things I like about Bill Holmes' demos is he strives to make each spot sound real, and has that variety throughout the demo to make it competitive.
Q: What goes on an animation track?
A: Your animation track should sound like a montage of real animation clips cut together into a minute and a half demo. Stay away from telling a story!! Also, never repeat a voice. Once you've established a character move on to the next. Try to have each character DOING something, not just SAYING something, in each byte. Give them some kind of action to be doing. This will show off not just your vocal range, but also your acting range. In cartoons they are looking for actors first, and funny voice people second. Which means if you are a great actor who can only do a few voices, you have a better chance of booking a job over someone who does dozens of voices, but can't act. Your animation track should consist of characters with distinct personalities. Everyone can do a witch. What makes your witch different?? How are your kid voices different from the Rugrats?? Nancy Cartwright, who does Bart Simpson, had been doing kid voices for years before booking The Simpsons. What makes her Bart stand out is her acting. His personality is as memorable as his voice. That's because Nancy is a brilliant actress. She makes the words on the script come to life. Think of the script as a skeleton, and you, the actor have to give it a body. When all of this sounds easy, then and ONLY then are you ready for an animation track for your demo.
Q: OK, I have a demo! Now what?? Do I have to get an agent?? If so, how do you get one?
A: Getting a voice-over agent is difficult. But ya gotta have one!! In Los Angeles voice-over agents have recording studios in their offices, which is where most of your auditions will be recorded. Based on what a script is asking for, the agents will call the actors they feel are most appropriate for a part, audition them in their office studio, then send the audition to the appropriate people. Therefore, a voice-over agent is essential for the opportunity to audition. The best way to get an agent is to have someone like other actors or voice-over teachers/casting directors recommend you. You can also submit your demo by mail. The good agents listen to every submission. They never know when the next brilliant actor might come their way. If you are brilliant, but don't get a meeting, it's probably because they already have people your type. NEVER call an agent and ask if they've heard your demo. They just don't have the time during the day to talk to all the actors out there who've submitted demos. Agents can get 10-50 demos a week!! If they like yours and want to meet you they WILL call you in. But they don't call if they aren't interested. Sometimes it takes a few days for them to listen, sometimes a few weeks. It just depends how busy they are. If you can't stand it, and feel the urge to call, do it after hours. Leave a message on the agent's voicemail. That way you aren't bothering them during working hours. If you don't get an agent in your first submission, reevaluate your demo. Is it competitive?? Does your personality stand out? How's your packaging??? Were you ready for this demo????? If you decide to resubmit to the agents, wait about six months. You also might consider changing your packaging. The agent might see your CD and recognize that they passed on it before. Plus, you might want to freshen up the demo a bit so they don't hear exactly the same demo they passed on before.
Q: OK, I have an agent. Now what??
A: Enjoy the ride! You should be auditioning every week. If you aren't that active, you should be in a workshop at least once a week until you are actively working. You don't want your auditions to be your workout. If you've attended every class in Los Angeles, get into a workout group. This is a group of actors who get together once a week and just read a ton of copy! It keeps your machine well oiled!! Also, you will give your agent a handful of demos, but it isn't their job to send out mass mailings. They only submit a demo occasionally. It's YOUR job to get your demo out there. Ask your agent for their contact mailing list. Don't freak out when you see up to 5000 names!! From commercial producers, to animation houses, to promo companies, there are a lot of people out there to send your demo to. This can get very expensive and time consuming. If you have the time and money, send your demo to everyone!!!! But you can also divide the list and send out your demo in spurts. Maybe just the animation houses. Maybe all the ad agencies in Los Angeles, or Chicago, etc. Just keep in mind the more people who have your demo, the more chances you have to get work. And you only need one person who listens to your demo to change your life!! Just one listen could mean a national commercial, or an animated series.
Q: Any last bits of advice?
A: HAVE FUN!!!! Voice-over is a blast! If you have fun in the process, you'll raise your odds of booking. Some of the nicest people in show biz are in voice-over. From the agents, to the talent, to the casting directors. And keep in mind that the casting director is your friend!! They need you!! If they don't find the talent, the producer finds another casting director. So they really are on your side!! I hope this all helps.
Feel free to E-mail Bob if you have any further questions regarding voice-over, or would like other voice-over related topics to be covered on this page.
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