There is so much competition in every industry, and the same applies to those seeking a career in the voiceover industry. If you want to become a voice-over artist, it is worth keeping in mind that you’ll probably face a lot of challenges. However, if you develop your voiceover skills, apply some creative thinking, and learn how to market yourself, then you shouldn’t have such a hard time finding work.
If you want to get into the voice acting industry, you must learn:
• About your voice (it’s your instrument – just like how violinists can tell about the character of each violin only by how it sounds)
• The basic techniques of voice
• How to record your voice to an expert and professional standard
• How to read scripts
• How to produce a professional showreel
• Where and how to promote your showreel
• How to audition
1. Learn Your Voice
Have you ever been told that you have a beautiful voice or can imitate accents or can make funny voices? While a lot of people can do these things, most of them don’t become voiceover artists. Please keep in mind that voice acting is not that simple considering that you have to express everything through your voice. It is unlike acting where you have other actors, your body or props signalling what you’re saying.
2. Learn Basic Voice Techniques
Once you understand your voice, the next thing you need to do is to learn some voice control techniques. This involves everything from breathing techniques and voice warm-up to pitch and intonation to volume. If you want to learn basic voice techniques, the best way would be to take on a professional voice training course either in a studio workshop or online.
3. Learn How to Read Scripts
One way to improve your voice acting skills is by finding some real scripts for practice purposes. If you visit our resource centre, you’ll find a ton of great scripts that you can download and practice with. Another option would be to write down a script from a piece of narration or a TV commercial. Since you know how it should sound like, the next thing you need to do is test how well you can voice out the script. Please keep in mind that timing is everything when reading scripts. So, make sure you record yourself while doing so and play the audio back. Also, consider finding a frank friend who will give you honest feedback and learn to be critical.
4. Learn How to Record Your Voice Professionally
Setting up a professional-grade home studio is something a lot of people can afford to do. If you have the money, consider setting up a studio so you have a workshop where you can record your voiceovers and produce your own quality showreel. Having a home studio is necessary for anyone seeking to establish a career within the global voiceover industry. A studio will allow you to accept paying jobs from different producers from all over the world. When it comes to voiceover studios, there is no need to go overboard. A basic studio can ideally be a purpose-built room that has been acoustically-fitted, soundproofed, and has all the necessary equipment built right into the booth.
5. Learn to Produce a Professional-Grade Showreel
The first thing voice directors consider when they listen to showreels is the quality and skill of the content. For most professionals, a few seconds of listening are enough to decide if you’re the right person for the job. Considering that your showreel is one of the main ways to showcase your skills when searching for work, you must work on it. Most casting directors do not care about looks; what they are interested in is your voice, and if it fits their project, then you are good to go. Always put your best material right at the start of the showreel and make sure that they fit the type of work you are looking to get.
6. Learn Where and How to Promote Your Work
If you are new to the voiceover industry, you need to be determined if you are to get work. However, having a well-crafted, well-thought-out plan will improve your chances considerably. If you’ve followed all of the steps mentioned above, then that means that you’ve already experimented with your voice, equipment, and have created/produced a high-quality showreel.
How Does One Get into the Voice Acting Industry?
You put a lot of effort and work for it. You learn and practice and put in the work – that’s if you want to stand a chance of establishing a career in the profession. Use all the resources that you can lay your hands on, be more outgoing and take that opportunity to learn from others. Also, do not forget to develop your skills and talent. A good community you can join is “Voiceover Community” on Facebook. The voice acting industry is people-oriented, so always be patient, courteous and kind to others – it’ll soon pay off.
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