How to Get a Job Doing Voice-Overs
Everyone tells you that you have a great voice. Here’s how you can parlay that gift into a career.
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Attention, aspiring actors and actresses! Break into show business with the tips in these Howcast video.
You Will Need
- Voice-over training
- A demo tape
- Persistence
- A green apple
Steps
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Step 1
Take a class
Take a voice-over class; there’s a lot more to the field than having a pleasant voice. A good workshop will teach you the technical aspects of the business, like studio terminology and how to use the microphone correctly.
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Find a teacher who is in the business, like a talent agent or someone who works for a major ad agency.
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Step 2
Practice
Practice reading out loud, and tape your practice sessions so you can see where you need improvement.
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Step 3
Get gigs
Seek out gigs doing voice-over work for indie or student films, where you probably won’t get paid but will get valuable experience and material for your demo.
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Avoid dairy, alcohol, and caffeine before an audition or gig—and eat some green apples slices, which can cut through mucus in the mouth and throat.
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Step 4
Embrace your voice
Embrace your voice. If you have an accent, search for work that requires it.
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Step 5
Breathe deeply
Practice proper breathing. Don’t breathe from your chest—breathe deeply from your diaphragm.
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Step 6
Read
When you’re not working, read, read, read. You’ll improve your vocabulary, which will make you seem more professional—producers don’t enjoy wasting time teaching artists proper pronunciation.
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Step 7
Make a demo
Make a short demo tape. Consider using software that enhances your voice by blocking out background noise.
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Step 8
Post your demo
Make a profile and post your demo on online voice markets like voices.com. Also, check out schools—some will let you post your demo online for a fee.
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Step 9
Find an agent
Do a mass mailing of your demo tape to agents who represent voice-over artists.
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Step 10
Follow up
Follow up if you don’t receive a response in a few weeks. Persistence often pays off.
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Julia Roberts is said to have enjoyed a 7 figure payday for taping a voice-over for an AOL commercial in 2006.
