The practice of narrating or explaining things via the use of an unseen speaker is known as voiceover, and it is mostly used in television and movies, but it may also be used in other media. Voiceovers are recorded by voice actors, while the terms “voice acting” and “voiceover” are sometimes used synonymously.
Voice-over artists are ubiquitous these days; you may hear their work in audiobooks, cartoons, video games, and even as virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri. However, how can one enter the voiceover industry? I’ll guide you through every step of the voice-acting process in this article so keep reading if you’re interested.
Steps to become a successful voice-over artist
1. Get the required training
Gaining experience as an actor is important since voice acting is genuine acting, which calls for skill development. Although formal training is not a must for success, many voice actors and actresses work with acting coaches, voice coaches, or both.
Listening to seasoned voiceover artists might also be quite beneficial. Whatever method you use for this process, keep in mind that honing your craft is the cornerstone of a profession in this industry.
Voiceover does not need any kind of formal training. It’s uncommon for aspiring voice actors to enroll in college specifically to study voiceover, in contrast to stage or movie acting. The secret to getting started in voice acting is to put in the effort, hone your skills, and understand your genres.
That being said, to perfect their profession, a lot of accomplished voice actors consult with both acting and voice coaches.
2. Get the required equipment
Three main items of equipment are required for voiceover: editing software, a professional-quality microphone, and a laptop or tablet. These are the essential instruments for every voiceover artist, but to record for jobs and auditions, you’ll also need to set up a home studio.
Voice actors may often work from home, unlike performers in other media. Often, all it takes to audition for a job is to record the lines (called “sides”) that the casting director provides and submit them back for review. However, it also implies that you need certain tools that are unique to voiceover work:
- Laptop or tablet: This should go without saying, but you’ll need some kind of editing and storage software for your audio recordings.
- Professional-grade microphone: It’s crucial to choose the correct microphone. Seek a microphone that supports USB. A pop screen and a mike stand can also be required. Thankfully, there are several top-notch inexpensive microphones available.
- Editing software: Backstage writer KC Wright recommends Audacity, a straightforward (and free) application compatible with Macs, PCs, and iPads.
- Excellent acoustics: This last component of a home studio shouldn’t be disregarded. The least expensive option is to record in a clothes closet, but you can also spend money on soundproofing to create a more formal recording booth.
3. Practice often
You’ll need to practice regularly throughout your voice acting career. Developing a professional voice that casting directors and audiences would find appealing requires regular practice.
After reading and copying scripts at home, listen to your recordings and consider how you may do better. You can also think about working with an acting coach or enrolling in formal voice acting workshops.
4. Identify your speciality
Do you want to do voice acting for cartoons, video games, ads, feature films, or other media? If you don’t want to limit yourself, that’s okay, but you have to start somewhere.
It’s possible that your initial pick won’t work out for you, so consider your ideal career path while honing your voiceover techniques and examining the work of seasoned voice actors.
5. Make a demo reel
Even if you don’t yet have professional voiceover experience, you should still record a solid reel since it serves as your portfolio as a voice actor.
You’ll need a voice acting demo reel, which is a collection of audio recordings that typically lasts a minute and highlights your voiceover abilities, to begin the audition process. If you want to get into the voice acting business, creating a reel should be your priority since most casting calls demand one as part of your application.
The sort of projects you are applying for will determine the format of your voice-acting demo reel. A commercial demo reel should show that you can persuade people to buy a product, but an animation and video game demo reel should showcase your abilities to create characters and humorous timing. Voice actors sometimes have many reels that they utilize for various kinds of auditions.
Each clip in a voiceover reel should last between 10–20 seconds, with a total duration of 55–70 seconds.
However, what would happen if you had no prior voiceover reel-making experience? A lot of casting directors for voiceovers provide seminars where they’ll help you record a sample that you may use to expand your reel. You may also choose to do it yourself for less money by choosing three or four advertisements that vary in tone and intensity.
After transcribing the material and giving it some practice, hire a sound studio for a couple of hours and record your clips directly to your laptop. It’s a starting point, however, and after you’ve booked a few engagements, you’ll want to swap those clips out with professional ones.
6. Attend auditions
The process of trying out for roles is how voice acting gigs are obtained. You should create targets for the number of jobs you want to apply to consistently, even if you shouldn’t audition for tasks that don’t fit your talents or voice type. Setting a weekly or monthly goal for yourself can help you stay motivated and keep yourself responsible.
An online casting network like Backstage may be a great resource if you’re looking for voice-acting auditions, particularly if you’re just starting in the industry. Naturally, it’s harder to get high-profile jobs without an agency.
Backstage, however, may assist you in obtaining those first credits that will offer you experience in the recording studio and, gradually, raise your chances of finally securing a voice acting agency.
7. Network
While skill alone may get you a job, having a strong professional network can assist. But keep in mind that networking is a two-way street; in addition to trying to assist others when you can, you should also see whether your connections can benefit you.
In most creative fields, including voice acting, networking is crucial to advancing your profession. Attending conferences around the nation is one method to network with other voiceover performers and professionals in the field.
Conclusion
Voice-over acting is a rewarding career choice if you enjoy acting and bringing different characters to life through your voice. It takes a lot of time and effort before you become well-known in the industry and attract high-paying jobs. But with dedication and continued investment in improving yourself, you’ll become a prominent figure in the industry in a short time.
