[NEohioPAL] How to Become a Voiceover Pro

[Colors Audio]

I've noticed recently a couple of queries on this list from folks  
seeking a career in voiceovers.  As someone who has been doing them  
for 20 years (and producing audio for a lot longer than that), maybe  
I can offer some tips.

First: background.  Most people in this business started out doing  
something else.  The successful ones usually come from Acting, from  
Broadcasting, or  once in awhile from Singing.  A basic skill-set for  
a voiceover artist should include some acting ability, some  
experience in front of a microphone, and a level of comfort perfoming  
in front of people.  Does it go without saying that you need to read  
and speak well?

Second: training.  There are a lot of good resources out there on the  
art of voiceover, or "voice acting."  Susan Blu had some books and  
tapes (yes, this has been a few years ago) on the craft.

http://www.amazon.com/Word-Mouth-Commercial-Voice-over-Excellence/dp/ 
1879505878/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196699060&sr=8-2

Some friends of mine are enjoying Harlan Hogan's book "V/O" right now.

http://www.amazon.com/VO-Tales-Techniques-Voice-Over-Actor/dp/ 
1581152493/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196699135&sr=1-2

Dick Orkin is a good resource for radio people... there is plenty of  
good info out there.  I ran across this site by accident just this  
morning:  http://bobsouer.com/blog/

Search it out.  Take a class.  Invest in yourself.

Third: a voice demo.  An audio demo is to the voice actor what a  
"portfolio" is to a model.  You can't get work without one.  My  
company, Colors Audio, helps folks create demos, but there are other  
reputable studios around as well.  However, this is not a "do-it- 
yourself" project.  You need a real studio with real experience in  
making a polished demo that will stand up to the others competing  
with it.

Fourth: marketing.  It's been said that if you're really good and  
really push hard, you can become a full-time voiceover artist in  
about 5 years.  That sounds about right to me.  Most people don't  
push that hard and just do it "part time."  Of course, the more jobs  
you do, the better you get - if you pay attention.  It's a craft.  It  
takes skill, which takes time and effort.  It's not going to be a  
quick way for you to make money; in fact, you will invest a lot  
before you start making anything back.  But it is "nice work if you  
can get it."

Then there are the issues of hiring an agent (or not), joining the  
union (or not), and other things that the books and various v/o  
resources can help you figure out.

I hope that's been helpful.

Yours,
Dan Popp
Colors Audio
www.colorsaudio.com