Whether you’ve been an aspiring voice actor for years or were recently told how great your voice is, getting started in the voice over industry is often tough work. However, with the proper knowledge and right techniques, you could very well launch a successful career as a voice over talent. While this is all easier said than done, there’s plenty you can do to better your efforts and start landing voice over jobs. Before you do so, you’ll need a strong grasp on the fundamentals of voice over. No need to worry, though, as the experts at the Voice Shop in NYC can push you in the right direction.
Here at the Voice Shop, we offer a number of beneficial classes and workshops to help aspiring voice actors, and even established talent, to help them succeed in the voice over industry. To truly understand the fundamentals of voice over, you should take our class. In the meantime, we’ll gladly fill you in on some useful tips.
Fundamentals of Voice Over: Getting Started
So, you’ve decided to give voice overs a try. Whether you’d like to provide narration or really get in there and voice act, understanding some key fundamentals will go a long way. First, there’re a few things you’ll need to consider, especially if you’re just getting started.
Aside from taking a lot of hard work, getting started in voice over will require money, on both recording equipment and training. Also consider how much time it may take to land your first job, or even get a response. Finding jobs can definitely be a daunting and discouraging process, but with practice and determination, anything is possible. Now, before creating your first demo, you’ll need a few things. Let’s take a look at some key tips for beginners:
Decide what it is you’d like to do in voice over. Acting and narrating differ in approach and technique.
Take vocal classes to develop the proper techniques.
Begin performing in front of your own personal audience.
Find your natural voice and work with it. A forced voice is easily noticeable, and it won’t be easy to perfect.
Get the absolute necessities: a mic and recording software.
Recording Your First Demo
Once you get a decent grasp on technique, approach, and recording your voice, it’ll be time to get started on your first demo. You have the option to pay and use a recording studio or, if you’re serious, you can build your own home studio. Whichever you choose, just ensure you’re getting a quality recording and consider the tips provided below:
Demos really only need to be about 90 seconds or so, consisting of several 10 to 20-second clips of each voice.
Don’t just talk aimlessly in each voice for your demo; give yourself a script.
If you’re interested in animation voice over, be sure to avoid using existing characters and voices on TV.
Put your best work first.
Keep it clean with smooth cuts and transitions, ensuring there are no significant volume changes.
There’s a lot more to creating your own demo, but you’ll have to check out our classes to get the insider info there.
Think You’ve Got What it Takes? Sign Up for a Class Today!
Of course, there’s much more within the fundamentals of voice over, but you’ll need to take one of our classes to truly understand and acquire what it takes to become a successful voice talent. Fortunately, we offer a variety of classes to not only help you get started, but to continually perfect your voice and succeed in the industry. Whether you’re a beginner or an established talent looking to fine tune your skill, we can help.
Take a look at our classes and contact us today if you have any questions. You can also call us at 212.213.9487.