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Hayden
Student
Cashmere, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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How do I become a voice actor for cartoon shows?
How can I become a voice actor for cartoon shows, and where do I go to start this career? I have been inspired by shows like Invincible and many other cartoon shows, and I find it very fun to do voiceovers. If you could list some ways to start this career and where to go, that would be wonderful. Thank you!
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Hayden !
I love your question because it is a realm of acting that I am currently aware of and would love to shed some light on the subject for you ! It is a marvelous form of acting and most rewarding to see the finished product up and running. The thing is, you don't become a voice actor, you are chosen to be one. One thing to realize is that the West Coast is very, very different from the East Coast when it comes to acting of any kind. Looks like you'd be interacting with the West Coast for this, which is kind of good.
Today - as opposed to ancient times when I was an actor on the West Coast - we have it pretty good because most of the voice over work is now being done either at a production studio or Remotely. That gives us flexibility. The one thing is that if you do it remotely, you need to have a professional quality studio with all the right equipment in your home. You will need to make a voice over demo that you can send to agencies that will submit you for work. There are numerous, countless videos (on You Tube) and articles online that will explain what your demo reel will need to contain. It's very easy to be instructed, gain the knowledge and all the technical information online. It is wonderful if you can take a paid in-person voice over training, however. That's always preferable. I was trained by the man who did the looping for "Hill Street Blues" and I did another workshop from a character actress who was wonderful. The in-person experience is awesome.
Training and experience in acting is crucial for this position. You will need a wide variety of voices and the ability to adapt your voice to each project to give what the director requests.
I hate to say that circumstances had it that I missed out on a really great voice over opportunity when I lived in Hollywood. Back in those ancient times, one would make the demo reel on a cassette tape, put it in an envelope, mail it at the post office and wait to hear back. At a time before I decided a couple of weeks later to move back to New York, I received a call from the Head of Casting at Hanna-Barbera. It was three days before I was to move back east and I had to tell her. I was crushed but got over it. Actors very much need to be resilient !
If you watch the voice over videos on You Tube, you will hear a lot of various advice and it's all good and useful. For your demo reel, you should display your ability to do cartoon voices that can be for animals, male and female children, a commercial voice and if you want to try for e-books read something for a bit longer time than the other voices so they can hear your consistency and inflexion ability. But you can get this information on line.
For remote or in studio work, register at Linked In, Indeed as well as Actors Access because that is where you'll discover the opportunities for work in voice acting. You can also explore Facebook and register at the Backstage website, too. I've left two links to casting agencies for you, but you should really explore this further so you can cover a lot of potential ground for work by knowing of additional agencies.
I hope this has helped and I wish you all the best !
LIST OF AGENCIES IN WASHINGTON https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=talentagencies&find_loc=Seattle,+WA
SEATTLE TALENT https://www.seattletalent.net/
I love your question because it is a realm of acting that I am currently aware of and would love to shed some light on the subject for you ! It is a marvelous form of acting and most rewarding to see the finished product up and running. The thing is, you don't become a voice actor, you are chosen to be one. One thing to realize is that the West Coast is very, very different from the East Coast when it comes to acting of any kind. Looks like you'd be interacting with the West Coast for this, which is kind of good.
Today - as opposed to ancient times when I was an actor on the West Coast - we have it pretty good because most of the voice over work is now being done either at a production studio or Remotely. That gives us flexibility. The one thing is that if you do it remotely, you need to have a professional quality studio with all the right equipment in your home. You will need to make a voice over demo that you can send to agencies that will submit you for work. There are numerous, countless videos (on You Tube) and articles online that will explain what your demo reel will need to contain. It's very easy to be instructed, gain the knowledge and all the technical information online. It is wonderful if you can take a paid in-person voice over training, however. That's always preferable. I was trained by the man who did the looping for "Hill Street Blues" and I did another workshop from a character actress who was wonderful. The in-person experience is awesome.
Training and experience in acting is crucial for this position. You will need a wide variety of voices and the ability to adapt your voice to each project to give what the director requests.
I hate to say that circumstances had it that I missed out on a really great voice over opportunity when I lived in Hollywood. Back in those ancient times, one would make the demo reel on a cassette tape, put it in an envelope, mail it at the post office and wait to hear back. At a time before I decided a couple of weeks later to move back to New York, I received a call from the Head of Casting at Hanna-Barbera. It was three days before I was to move back east and I had to tell her. I was crushed but got over it. Actors very much need to be resilient !
If you watch the voice over videos on You Tube, you will hear a lot of various advice and it's all good and useful. For your demo reel, you should display your ability to do cartoon voices that can be for animals, male and female children, a commercial voice and if you want to try for e-books read something for a bit longer time than the other voices so they can hear your consistency and inflexion ability. But you can get this information on line.
For remote or in studio work, register at Linked In, Indeed as well as Actors Access because that is where you'll discover the opportunities for work in voice acting. You can also explore Facebook and register at the Backstage website, too. I've left two links to casting agencies for you, but you should really explore this further so you can cover a lot of potential ground for work by knowing of additional agencies.
I hope this has helped and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice, Michelle.
Hayden
You are very welcome, Hayden !
Michelle M.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Subject: Embarking on a Voice Acting Career for Animated Shows
Dear Hayden,
Venturing into a voice acting career for animated shows can be a thrilling and fulfilling journey for those who have a deep-seated passion for breathing life into animated characters with their vocal talents. Here's a roadmap to guide you as you embark on this exciting career path:
1. Hone Your Craft:
Voice Acting Practice: Begin by experimenting with various voices, accents, and emotions to display your versatility as a voice actor. Consider recording your sessions and reviewing them to refine your performance.
Acting Classes: Think about signing up for acting workshops or classes to polish your skills and acquire voice acting-specific techniques.
Cartoon Study: Engage with a broad spectrum of animated shows to gain familiarity with diverse animation styles and voice acting performances.
2. Assemble a Demo Reel:
Crafting a Demo Reel: Compile a professional demo reel that exhibits your voice acting prowess. Ensure it includes a mix of character voices and emotions to highlight your adaptability.
Feedback Collection: Circulate your demo reel among industry veterans or voice acting mentors to gather constructive critiques for enhancement.
3. Curate Your Portfolio:
Seeking Auditions: Search for voice acting auditions for animated shows on the internet or via talent agencies. Platforms like Voices.com and Voice123 frequently advertise casting calls for voice actors.
Networking: Participate in industry gatherings, conventions, and workshops to connect with fellow voice actors, casting directors, and producers. These relationships can open doors to potential opportunities.
4. Pursue Representation:
Talent Agent: Contemplate acquiring representation from a talent agent with expertise in voice acting. Such an agent can assist you in securing auditions and negotiating contracts.
5. Extra Guidance:
Persistence: The voice acting industry is highly competitive, so maintaining persistence and continually refining your skills is crucial.
Continued Learning: Engage in workshops, classes, and seminars to keep evolving your craft and stay abreast of industry developments.
Online Presence: Leverage online platforms like social media, websites, and digital marketplaces to exhibit your work and draw in potential clients.
By adhering to these guidelines and remaining committed to your craft, you can strive towards carving a successful voice acting career in animated shows.
Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted for this Response:
Backstage: Backstage is a trusted platform for actors seeking audition opportunities, industry knowledge, and career guidance in the entertainment sector.
Voice Acting Mastery: Voice Acting Mastery offers invaluable resources, tips, and advice for budding voice actors aiming to make their mark in the industry.
Animation World Network (AWN): AWN provides news, articles, and resources about the animation industry, including details on voice acting opportunities in animated shows.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Dear Hayden,
Venturing into a voice acting career for animated shows can be a thrilling and fulfilling journey for those who have a deep-seated passion for breathing life into animated characters with their vocal talents. Here's a roadmap to guide you as you embark on this exciting career path:
1. Hone Your Craft:
Voice Acting Practice: Begin by experimenting with various voices, accents, and emotions to display your versatility as a voice actor. Consider recording your sessions and reviewing them to refine your performance.
Acting Classes: Think about signing up for acting workshops or classes to polish your skills and acquire voice acting-specific techniques.
Cartoon Study: Engage with a broad spectrum of animated shows to gain familiarity with diverse animation styles and voice acting performances.
2. Assemble a Demo Reel:
Crafting a Demo Reel: Compile a professional demo reel that exhibits your voice acting prowess. Ensure it includes a mix of character voices and emotions to highlight your adaptability.
Feedback Collection: Circulate your demo reel among industry veterans or voice acting mentors to gather constructive critiques for enhancement.
3. Curate Your Portfolio:
Seeking Auditions: Search for voice acting auditions for animated shows on the internet or via talent agencies. Platforms like Voices.com and Voice123 frequently advertise casting calls for voice actors.
Networking: Participate in industry gatherings, conventions, and workshops to connect with fellow voice actors, casting directors, and producers. These relationships can open doors to potential opportunities.
4. Pursue Representation:
Talent Agent: Contemplate acquiring representation from a talent agent with expertise in voice acting. Such an agent can assist you in securing auditions and negotiating contracts.
5. Extra Guidance:
Persistence: The voice acting industry is highly competitive, so maintaining persistence and continually refining your skills is crucial.
Continued Learning: Engage in workshops, classes, and seminars to keep evolving your craft and stay abreast of industry developments.
Online Presence: Leverage online platforms like social media, websites, and digital marketplaces to exhibit your work and draw in potential clients.
By adhering to these guidelines and remaining committed to your craft, you can strive towards carving a successful voice acting career in animated shows.
Top 3 Credible Sources Consulted for this Response:
Backstage: Backstage is a trusted platform for actors seeking audition opportunities, industry knowledge, and career guidance in the entertainment sector.
Voice Acting Mastery: Voice Acting Mastery offers invaluable resources, tips, and advice for budding voice actors aiming to make their mark in the industry.
Animation World Network (AWN): AWN provides news, articles, and resources about the animation industry, including details on voice acting opportunities in animated shows.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.