Working as a voice actor can be exciting, challenging, and rewarding. However, it’s also competitive and requires a suite of soft skills.
To start, you’ll need a demo reel to showcase your range and talents. You’ll also need to learn how to interpret scripts and prepare for an audition.
Scriptwriting
The more you can understand and interpret a script, the better your voice acting will be. This is important for a number of reasons, including the ability to get into character and convey emotion. It also helps you keep pace and pause correctly when reading, as well as control your voice in different types of situations.
A good script should be written clearly and include the following components:
It should also be timecoded for synchronization with video in post-production, as well as have specific notes in parentheses for technical direction on how to perform a line. This is especially important for commercials, infographics, and other visual projects that require a precise read. It’s also a good idea to practice with a professional voice actor or studio owner. This will give you a feel for the industry and help you understand the demands of the work. It will also help you build a network of people in the industry and get referrals to jobs when they become available.
Auditioning
After trying out voice acting as an unpaid hobby for a while, many beginners will decide they want to turn this into a full-time career. This is where things become a bit more difficult, as a professional has to understand the competitive nature of the business and a whole host of other issues such as how to commercialize their talents.
In order to find work, actors must be able to perform, write and record for clients. It’s also crucial that the actor can interpret scripts and get into character, whilst remaining believable in each scene.
Luckily, there are plenty of training courses and workshops that offer advice on how to improve your skills as a voice actor. These sessions tend to involve experienced voice actors giving their expert opinion on a range of topics from how to record at home, to getting the best out of your vocal range. Attending these events is a great way to network with other voice actors, learn from their experiences and get valuable peer feedback.
Recording
Many voice actors start out in the field because they have a passion for acting and want to use their talent to make money. Others are in career transition, feeling like they need to do something more meaningful or satisfying than a 9-5 job. Regardless of the reason, starting a career as a voice actor is time-consuming and requires commitment and patience.
If you have a background in acting or have a lot of experience with public speaking, this could be the right career for you. You will also need a good actor headshot, as most clients want to see what you look like before they hire you.
A voice actor is essentially an entrepreneur and needs to treat their business as such. This can include investing in high-quality home recording equipment, learning audio production and prospecting for jobs. You will also need to market your skills and build up a portfolio. Creating a profile on marketplaces like Voices is an excellent way to connect with potential clients and find high quality work.
Editing
Whether you’re working as a full-time voice actor or looking for some extra income on the side, you’ll need to understand how to edit audio files before sending them out. Having these skills will help you save time and increase the quality of your work.
Many professional voice actors say that networking with fellow VO artists plays an important role in the fulfillment they get from their careers. Attending VO workshops (virtual or in person) is a great way to meet people in the industry and build your network.Voice actor training