4 answers
Harry
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2
Questions
Asked
705 views
How I start my career as a voice over?
I want to start my career as a voice over but I don't were start, I receive so many suggestion I'm kinda confuse
ps: From Toronto, ONT
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Harry !
You have asked about one of the most satisfying careers ! I would be happy to shed some light on the steps you should take for getting work doing voice overs.
Sarah's advice is wonderful. You definitely need to go to college and get a degree in either film, television, theatre, communications or public speaking. I say this because people who do voice overs, also known as voice acting, are usually actors or people who use or have used their voice in other careers. It's a skill more than a career, however. Most actors do voiceovers as part of their career, not only voiceover work. However, I do want to mention a gentleman that I follow on You Tube. He's based in Chicago, however, but I am sure you can pick up tips and ideas from him to use in Canada. And besides, you can obtain voice over work remotely in any country. He is voice coach Bill De Wees and I have left his link to his You Tube Channel for you below. So you can begin with these free videos from an experienced, prolific coach that is making a living solely from doing voice overs.
Look at some voice over employment notices on Indeed and Linked In and through Direct Submit, Backstage and any other casting websites you can find by doing a search for Canadian casting agencies. Much voiceover work is being done remotely now for TV, Commercials, Films and UGC (User Generated Content). Surprisingly, there are a lot of these notices on Indeed and Linked in. For cartoons, I think one must be at a studio with the other actors, but there is also remote voice over work for video games. It is also possible to get a project recording an audio book.
If you want to get a head start now before college, take some voice over training in your country and learn how the system works there. I have left a link for you to Voice Spot but do a search online for "voice over training in ....." the province in which you live. During your paid and free training for this, you will become familiar with the equipment you will need, what your demo reel should contain and how to edit your projects.
I have left a link for you below for the Vox Talent Agency so that you can e-mail them with any questions you have at any step of the way. If you have any questions along the way, please return here for specific advice and we would be happy to help you out ! Best wishes in all you do !
BILL DE WEES - VOICE COACH [VIDEOS] https://www.youtube.com/@VoiceCoach-BillDeWees
DIRECT SUBMIT FOR VOICEOVER CASTING NOTICES https://www.nycastings.com/auditions-casting-calls/
VOICES REGISTRY (CANADIAN) https://www.voices.com/voice-actors/accent/canadian
VOICE SPOT FOR VOICE OVER TRAINING IN CANADA https://www.voicespot.ca/
VOX TALENT AGENCY - CANADA'S NON-UNION VOICE OVER AGENCY https://voxtalent.com/contact/
You have asked about one of the most satisfying careers ! I would be happy to shed some light on the steps you should take for getting work doing voice overs.
Sarah's advice is wonderful. You definitely need to go to college and get a degree in either film, television, theatre, communications or public speaking. I say this because people who do voice overs, also known as voice acting, are usually actors or people who use or have used their voice in other careers. It's a skill more than a career, however. Most actors do voiceovers as part of their career, not only voiceover work. However, I do want to mention a gentleman that I follow on You Tube. He's based in Chicago, however, but I am sure you can pick up tips and ideas from him to use in Canada. And besides, you can obtain voice over work remotely in any country. He is voice coach Bill De Wees and I have left his link to his You Tube Channel for you below. So you can begin with these free videos from an experienced, prolific coach that is making a living solely from doing voice overs.
Look at some voice over employment notices on Indeed and Linked In and through Direct Submit, Backstage and any other casting websites you can find by doing a search for Canadian casting agencies. Much voiceover work is being done remotely now for TV, Commercials, Films and UGC (User Generated Content). Surprisingly, there are a lot of these notices on Indeed and Linked in. For cartoons, I think one must be at a studio with the other actors, but there is also remote voice over work for video games. It is also possible to get a project recording an audio book.
If you want to get a head start now before college, take some voice over training in your country and learn how the system works there. I have left a link for you to Voice Spot but do a search online for "voice over training in ....." the province in which you live. During your paid and free training for this, you will become familiar with the equipment you will need, what your demo reel should contain and how to edit your projects.
I have left a link for you below for the Vox Talent Agency so that you can e-mail them with any questions you have at any step of the way. If you have any questions along the way, please return here for specific advice and we would be happy to help you out ! Best wishes in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for the help.
Harry
Thank you, this is really helpful plus the fact you specifically put canadian ressource is gold
Harry
You are very welcome, Harry !
Michelle M.
Sarah Schulde
1
Answer
Glassboro, New Jersey
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
I would first suggest a background in formal education in either sound production or radio tv and film. If that’s something you already have or aren’t able to acquire I suggest looking online for work that can get ur career started. Don’t turn down even freelance or probono jobs, as these can provide more than money. They can provide referrals and contacts for future employment.
Thank you for the advice.
Harry
Joe Carroll
Voiceover Artist
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Joe’s Answer
'Allo, 'Arry!
I don't actually have a good British accent, and I certainly don't sound like Robbie Coltrane did, but it's a fine voice greeting all the same ;-)
Having a good voice is a great start to a voiceover career but it is really just the beginning. Fortunately for you, you are just at the beginning! The modern voiceover performer is expected to record from home (remote directed or self directed), maintain all of their own equipment, and operate their voiceover activities like a business. You will need to learn your craft, continuously perfect that craft, and also learn to be a performer, (self) director, audio tech, businessman, (self) marketer, and a great all around communicator.
In getting started you will want to understand as much about that very broad range of skills as you can. Here is what I recommend:
1) Read about your future industry. There are many youtube videos out there with information but that will take a lot of searching and a lot of watching. Books can be read on your time, and there are many good ones available. I recommend "The Art of Voice Acting" by James Alburger through Amazon or at his site www.voiceacting.com. This book is what really started me on my journey.
2) Find a Voice Acting coach. There are many, many out there, and none of the good ones are cheap. Having someone you can train with in person is ideal, but working virtually is a fine option these days, too.
3) Start recording!! Grab your phone, get a simple mic, tape recorder if you have one. Start learning what your voice sounds like when recorded, and how you sound when you read someone else's words. Because that's the real trick: how can you sound like "you" when you read someone else's thoughts or ideas? Fun stuff, but tricky stuff. Go online and search for practice scripts, or pick up text from a book or sales brochure, or read your favorite author out loud. Simply start getting used to speaking out loud and hearing it played back.
Voiceover is still an oversaturated industry right now but if you have a passion for it you will rise above the wannabes! At your age you have a unique opportunity to spend that time exploring.
Best of luck to you!
I don't actually have a good British accent, and I certainly don't sound like Robbie Coltrane did, but it's a fine voice greeting all the same ;-)
Having a good voice is a great start to a voiceover career but it is really just the beginning. Fortunately for you, you are just at the beginning! The modern voiceover performer is expected to record from home (remote directed or self directed), maintain all of their own equipment, and operate their voiceover activities like a business. You will need to learn your craft, continuously perfect that craft, and also learn to be a performer, (self) director, audio tech, businessman, (self) marketer, and a great all around communicator.
In getting started you will want to understand as much about that very broad range of skills as you can. Here is what I recommend:
1) Read about your future industry. There are many youtube videos out there with information but that will take a lot of searching and a lot of watching. Books can be read on your time, and there are many good ones available. I recommend "The Art of Voice Acting" by James Alburger through Amazon or at his site www.voiceacting.com. This book is what really started me on my journey.
2) Find a Voice Acting coach. There are many, many out there, and none of the good ones are cheap. Having someone you can train with in person is ideal, but working virtually is a fine option these days, too.
3) Start recording!! Grab your phone, get a simple mic, tape recorder if you have one. Start learning what your voice sounds like when recorded, and how you sound when you read someone else's words. Because that's the real trick: how can you sound like "you" when you read someone else's thoughts or ideas? Fun stuff, but tricky stuff. Go online and search for practice scripts, or pick up text from a book or sales brochure, or read your favorite author out loud. Simply start getting used to speaking out loud and hearing it played back.
Voiceover is still an oversaturated industry right now but if you have a passion for it you will rise above the wannabes! At your age you have a unique opportunity to spend that time exploring.
Best of luck to you!
Wadood Jan
Journalist/Freelance writer, video editor/ social actvist
3
Answers
Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Updated
Wadood’s Answer
When I first started as a voice-over artist, I felt the same way. This is what helped me:
First, I spent some time listening to various forms of voice-overs, including ads, audiobooks, and cartoons. This helped me understand which styles and tones work best for different tasks.
Then I invested in some basic equipment. You don't have to go all out at first, but a good microphone and headphones can make a significant impact.
Then I took a few online classes and workshops. Learning from experienced pros taught me about the complexities of voice acting, such as how to control my pitch and tempo.
I also practiced extensively. Reading scripts aloud, recording myself, and then listening back helped me grow. I even joined a couple online communities and forums to share my work and receive comments.
When I felt ready, I made a demo reel, which was a brief compilation of my greatest work. This is what you will send to prospective clients or agencies to demonstrate your abilities.
Finally, I began reaching out to clients. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Voices.com are excellent resources for finding freelance voice-over jobs. It took some time to get my first job, but tenacity paid off.
I hope this helps! Remember, everyone's journey is unique, so take it one step at a time and keep honing your skills. Good luck!
First, I spent some time listening to various forms of voice-overs, including ads, audiobooks, and cartoons. This helped me understand which styles and tones work best for different tasks.
Then I invested in some basic equipment. You don't have to go all out at first, but a good microphone and headphones can make a significant impact.
Then I took a few online classes and workshops. Learning from experienced pros taught me about the complexities of voice acting, such as how to control my pitch and tempo.
I also practiced extensively. Reading scripts aloud, recording myself, and then listening back helped me grow. I even joined a couple online communities and forums to share my work and receive comments.
When I felt ready, I made a demo reel, which was a brief compilation of my greatest work. This is what you will send to prospective clients or agencies to demonstrate your abilities.
Finally, I began reaching out to clients. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Voices.com are excellent resources for finding freelance voice-over jobs. It took some time to get my first job, but tenacity paid off.
I hope this helps! Remember, everyone's journey is unique, so take it one step at a time and keep honing your skills. Good luck!
Thank you, Wadood!
Harry