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Voice-overs

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this, but I am wanting to get started in doing voiceover work (hopefully starting in commercials, even some liners and things if it works out that way). I have loved radio for a long time, and have always wanted to get into it in some way or fashion. I feel that this may be a way for me to get my "foot in the door," so to speak. I would like some advice from the professionals that are on here; what is the best way to begin doing this?
 
I'm not a professional voice-over talent but I will offer a couple of observations I have since following this forum for a long time, and like you, sometimes wondering if there is room for me in the pool.

First, some cold water in your face.....

Do you have any idea how many seasoned radio veterans are now doing day-jobs that are not in radio who also long to do what you and I are talking about. Whatever you end up choosing to do, be prepared for a LOT of competition.

Now that we have that our of the way, a few thoughts that are not quite so intimidating.

Talent is what you have that you can offer to sell. One of the things that has made it possible for some of the successful V-O folks is "connections". A few years ago I would have said a Rolo-dex full of phone number of program directors and ad agency people. Today I guess it is a iPhone or Blackberry full of such numbers. A person with lesser talent but connections may establish a better book of business than someone with superior talent but no connections or very limited connections.

As people offer you suggestions on how to develop your voice business you may need to focus on the suggestions that offer a way around the lack of connections.

I would be engaging in the legendary "Peter Principle" to try and offer any additional advice at this point. If I haven't been there, how can I tell you how to get there.

Good luck to you.
 
As GRC mentioned, there is a LOT of competition in the VO field. That doesn't mean though that you can't have fun and make a few bucks.

You don't mention where you live, but if there are any good voice over teachers in your area, take a class. This is where you will start to make connections. Casting directors will often call VO coaches to see if they have any up and coming talent. You will also need a home studio where you can record auditions and jobs when you get them. Expect to invest at least $1,000 for a nice setup (mic, processor, recording software and soundproofing) Being able to turn around an audtion within minutes is vital as you will be competing with a lot of other people.

Not being in radio will actually work to your advantage as the "Radio Announcer" delivery is quite passe. There are some excellent books you should order today if you are serious. "The Art of Voice Acting" by James Alburger has lots of great nuts and bolts info and includes a CD ROM. Harlan Hogan's "Tales And Techniques Of A Voice Over Actor" is also very useful. He also goes into detail about setting up your home studio.

This is a good forum for your question as a lot of really good voice over people frequent this space. They have been very helpful to me with regard to gear and soundproofing questions. Search through the older posts and you'll learn a lot.

Good luck to you!
 
Please clarify, rjaudiovideo if voiceover is your goal, or if you hope to use it as a "foot in the door" to working in radio.

The paths are different. The fields of "voiceover" and "radio"- believe it or not - really require different skills. They're almost mutually exclusive. I couldn't agree more with the statement by robnokshous06 above saying that in voiceover, the "Radio Announcer" delivery is passe.

There are countless resources online for voicoever. Have a look at www.voiceoverxtra.com for example.

If radio is your goal, then start applying at radio stations to be a board op, talk producer, call screener, or street team member. With perseverance, ability and luck, these jobs can lead to on-air positions. Voiceover is not really a route to working in radio.

Questions? Ask away - many people here are willing to provide guidance.

Nick Summers
 
If you think of voiceovers as a way to "get your foot in the door" of Radio - you've got it backwards!  Most of the people getting into voiceovers these days are ex-radio guys who have
been replaced by voicetracking and can no longer find a job in the radio business.

GRC,Rob and Nick have offered some good advice.  There are numerous VO websites, discussion boards, e-newsletters, etc that can help you grow.  Google is your friend.  

Some sites that you might want to sample are voices.com, voice123.com, edgestudio.com, voiceoveruniverse.com and voiceoverxtra.com   Just check the number of folks on the first two sites above and you'll get a fair idea of just how many are interested in voiceovers and what the competition is like.  The majority of those on those sites are not full-time pros in VO, and likely never will be.

Until you're well known, proven professional, you'll spend far more time marketing your talent and services than you'll actually spend in the studio doing voice work.  Your primary job as a voiceover person is marketing...making phonecalls, writing letters, sending postcards, e-mailing demos, etc.

If you're really interested - don't give up, but keep your day job because it's likely to be a long time, maybe years, before you make enough money to live on in the voiceover field.

Good luck!
 
Chuck, that's awesome. Thanks for the link.
I remember doing that using two 2-tracks and a cart deck - not nearly as
well as that guy, though.
 
Getting into VoiceOver is a lot like deciding one morning that you would like to be a pro athlete or a doctor. From the window looking in it can appear to be fun, lucrative and sometimes a little glamourous. Not entirely false, but it takes time, a rather thick skin, and more time. First off..be sure you know how to read. Not like you are reading this but how to read to SELL. And that doesn't mean sounding like a professional "announcer" or over selling, but a convincing, compelling delivery with passion and credibility. There are a truckload of people who have been told they have a "great voice" or "sound like a radio announcer"... But sadly they can not read to sell a product. I have heard several of the posters on this board who self-anylize themselves as not having a great voice..but who sound absolutely great reading a commercial script. And I mean really great, and they get work because of that ability to translate the words on paper into believable messages that SELL.

Another angle is an ability to be flexible and easy to work with. That means being able to take direction and large doses of criticism with class and the ability to change up how you read. We might think that the "last take" was gold..but if the client wants it read 50 times..we do it.

The advice of a voice acting course is good. This can give you some insight as to whether you really have the chops to do this (voice coaches can be brutally honest) or if your efforts should be pointed in another direction.

As has been stated..certainly as you start out..95% of your day will be spent seeking out clients..convincing them that your sound is what they want..that your fee is fair, and on par with others out here (but not rock bottom cheap to the bone) and that you should be considered for the next project. On a side note it is un-cool, and mean spirited to try and either under-price or otherwise diss their current voice choices...although there is a lot of competition, and many voice people out here..it is, as you will find out..a small community that frowns on anyone trying to steal someone's bread and butter.

Success is achieved with an honest demo of the type of style you can deliver on any given day. An honest example of the type of work you can provide consistently. Humility and a solid grasp of actual self-worth is essential. And if a project seems out of your range..decline it, and you will gain respect. Don't turn down any auditions. Sign up for voice123 or one of the others and take auditions as practice, and send them in every day. This is an interesting way to make a living, and the balancing act of getting the work..and doing the work is a daily roller coaster ride.
 
As it comes as no surprise, if anybody knows what he is talking about Jeff Laurence knows for sure!

Jeff is on top of his game, you hear him almost everyday!
 
Jeff is a the bees knees! (thought you'd like that JL)

Seriously, I've "known" Jeff for about seven years, first working with (producing) him when he was the VO for then oldies WTRG/Raleigh. I enjoyed working with Jeff so much that when I had the ability to submit and champion him for WAKR/Akron I did so. My OM loves Jeff as much as I do. Jeff has been at this a long time. He's been through the ups n downs and knows what he's talking about. As an aspiring VO with a few station clients on my roster I seek his advice, away from this board, whether it be gear or business related. Most recently to gauge audio of a new tube pre I bought. He in turn asked me about the Rode shotgun I use. It can go both ways. I appreciate, extremely, his helping me. He doesn't have to...but he does. He's one of the good ones, and not just as a VO talent. Now... if I could have his voice/read.... and a percentage of the door draft spots he does.. I'd be golden :D
 
I saw this today and was just about reduced to real tears. As a lot of you know..i had my issues with alcohol. It can wreck your focus, and vaporize a career. Getting a fresh start even as a seasoned radio pro is damn near impossible, but to enter the business from a street corner has got to be a real challenge.

This is a shame. That man has a truly beautiful and natural voice. The tragic thing is that if what he says is true and he grew up in NY and loved listening to the radio..and had not worked in it...it might be a real overload for him to work in corporate radio. And you gotta know that there is a boatload of radio stations that will "offer him a job" for the "photo op" that will make them all look like such giving and loving philanthropists. If things don't work out, and he can't perform to the level of stress that radio clusters can dish out..he may very well relapse. Who will care then?

Oh man i am going to sound harsh here..but here goes. How many qualified and well heeled professional radio people out here are biting the bullet and scraping a living together for their families as the result of "downsizing" or some other reduction in staff that forced them to the curb after years and years of service? How many thousands of displaced jocks are turning to the Voiceover arena to make a living? How many has radio been not-so-kind to? Did you guys and ladies choose to stand on a corner with a sign? Or did you find something, anything to do to keep the electric bill paid? Sure Ted Williams is a great story, and kudos to him for remaining clean for two years. But before long his story will be "section c" as they say in the newspaper business, and media will have forgotten him. If he is sincere he should stay the course with his sobriety, and approach a real career with a methodical but positive thinking attitude..and be wary of the handouts he may receive as part of his 15 minutes of You Tube fame. If anyone is in contact with him, and he would like some fellowship and support..I hope you'll give him my number. It is free from any pay phone. 888-780-8542
 
Jeff I'll be the first to raise my hand....5 years ago I was doing PM drive in a top 50 market, getting good numbers, then our station got "Jack-ed"..I did get a decent severance, and had saved some $$ and was able to get by on that, unemployment, and the occasional VO gig. But, after a year or so, the money started drying up..I was making some headway in the VO dept, but not enough to make a living at it full-time..so eventually I rented out my house, and moved in with my folks, who live in a larger market...I'm now making ends meet by doing production a couple days a week at one of the large clusters in town (for embarassingly low pay) and do VO the rest of the time. the living situation works out well, both parents have health issues, and my being there spares them from having to go into assisted living....
I didn't end up on the street, but I am one of those that Corporate radio has affected..and I hope that atmosphere, and it's pressures dont drive Ted Williams back to his demons..
 
Agreed Jeff! I'm ok with a leg up... although he never did so himself the 10 years he lived on the streets. I'm ok with a second chance. However, VO gigs being thrown at him like Kraft, and other alleged high profile offers, is crazy. A leg up.. but not the red carpet.

Turns out he's a broadcast vet... three stations in Columbus, WJMO/Cleveland, and back to the 80s he worked in New York City (per his interview with Matt Lauer on Today)


And... have to inform you... we're replacing you with Ted (SO KIDDING!)

http://www.mediafire.com/file/21kyl13vesxh4db/WAKR - TED WMS SWINGLE.mp3
 
It has been a pleasure working with you Chuck. I wish you all the best in the future.

Now...let me just rip up this U-Haul box, and..damn! Where did I put my Sharpie?
 
Just wandered in here on my weekly visit, more to read than to post, but the topic hits home on so many levels. Jeff has raised a legitimate issue. I came upon the Ted Williams story just before it reached a boiling point on the Columbus Post Dispatch NEWSPAPER site. Yes. The story was broken by a newspaper photo-journalist and went viral on You Tube.

There's a long thread dedicated to Ted on my Facebook page. Most of it is positive, with contributions from Buffalo radio people. I've been one of Williams' proponents primarily from the human-interest-compassion perspective. Maybe it's because I've been on the beach. Maybe it's because I've worked with some very talented people who've had their brawl with the bottle, bong and spoon. Americans love the story about the down-and-outer who makes-good. Ted's story is a made for TV movie and a paperback short story.

That said, I completely understand the perspective of those who have been clean and trying to make a living doing commercial voice over work asking the question, "Why him? Just because he has a bottomless voice?" There are hundreds of radio people who have great chops, working for 50 dollars a holler and competing with men and women who have equally good pipes and production values, as well as extensive knowledge of the technical aspects of commercial production. Why aren't these people given equal billing?

A very good in-the-business friend of mine saw the story, called and asked "Whataya think?"

I told him it was a wonderful story of rehabilitation and redemption.

My friend, who also does some voice work, said, "So the men and women who are casualties of the Clear Channel, Citadel and Cumulus talent purges who are clean and trying to get work are told to go to the back of the bus while this reformed street guy goes to the front of the line?"

"The guy says he's been clean for two and a half years. He has a big voice..." I tell him.

"LOTS OF GUYS have been clean but they don't do Kraft spots, announce the Cavs or work for MSNBC... yet this guy goes to the front of the line. It's not right! Besides, this guy has a lisp, his phrasing and articulation aren't great."

"I heard the Kraft VO. It's not bad."

"Seriously? He'd get cut from a lot of cattle calls if talent people were listening to him blind."

"Does it matter?" I say.

"I find it funny that everybody wants a voice actor these days, but people are going ga-ga over this guy when he turns on the radio-voice. How's that make you feel? You walk into an audition and the 'talent clerk' says 'we don't want a radio delivery'."

---

So there you have it. Ted could be the flavor of the day and forgotten tomorrow. Who knows. He could be the next Don LaFontaine. They say it's not about the voice, contrary to what we've seen over the last week. It's about the read, the delivery, the patience, the attitude, the schmooze and most of all the refined talent and the application of that talent.

The voiceover biz is also about selling yourself. In more ways than one. A very accomplished friend sometimes says, "We're all prostitutes, it's up to us if we choose to work the street or the penthouse." Lots of people can play a pretty decent guitar, but that doesn't mean you can play duets with Clapton. I'm kind of in that boat, just a person who's been doing it for a long time in a radio station environment, now attempting to break back in as an independent.

Hope my perspective helps. Good luck. Savor the day!
 
Very thoughtful observations, Jim Pastrick.

On a parallel observation, you will sometimes walk into a neighborhood watering hole and hear a musician belting out vocals that put to shame the talent that is in the limelight of the day. And when you dig into it, you often find a person who is unwilling to endure the rigors of travel and bone-grinding concert schedules.

Radio has "suffered" this same fate in that many "voices" are unwilling to endure the lifestyle that is many cases must be followed to find fame and fortune in radio, and in voice work.

And I am quick to also recognize that some people have done well in radio and avoid the itenerate style that many of us could not find a way around.

Just remind your friend that down the street in your neighborhood may be a couple running a Five-and-Dime, a Variety store who started there the same year Sam Walton was sweeping the sidewalk in Newport, Arkansas. Why did Sam go to the head of the line? I know. That is not a great match-up for the question: Why does Ted Williams go to the head of the line. Sometimes we just have to remember, Life is not always "fair", Life is not always logical. Let's all mark our calendars to get back together here in three years and we will look around and see where Ted Williams is then. Down deep, we know there is a possibility we will be standing here in awe, there is a possibility we will be taking up a collection to see if once again we can help him see the light of day.
 
Is anyone in radio using JD Roth for their Imaging? He does the VO for his show The Biggest Loser. I like his work on the show a lot. I just wonder if anyone uses him.
 
I suppose I have two questions (or thoughts):

Firstly, it seems that while the "radio voice" is supposedly becoming passe, a lot of us talk about imaging voices, which to me sound like "radio" guys. And I still hear lots of voice work that sounds like radio (at least to me). So where can you gain that sort of work? Even if it IS passe, there are obviously lots of radio-sounding voice jobs.

Secondly, I suppose it has been easy for me to come across volunteer voice-work. I was voicing and producing a syndicated radio show each week, and I produce promos for an Internet radio show. I had to stop doing the syndicated show because the voicing and production time was interfering with my available time. But I always thought to myself, if I was only being paid something for this. I could really have kept busy doing something I love doing.

I looked on here but couldn't find what I was looking for Is there a spot to place voice demos for either review or for modestly paid work? Just curious.
 
re: The Oakman post. Among is work Bob is a contract VO for Bill Young Productions. I had the pleasure to produce him recently for a project. *Excited!* I was just added to the VO pool for BYP. Whether I get work or not remains to be seen. Took me a year. Persistence pays off.
 
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