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Its not as easy as one
may think.
Just because you have an interest in doing voice work,
remember, everyone
has a voice, but only a limited few have the ability to make
it work better than most everyone else and make any money with
it. Voicing
commercials is a skill. I've
been doing voiceovers for over 30+ years. And I would
have to admit I didn't start making any serious money until
after I had been doing it for about 15 years. As an example,
of the 40,000 registered AFTRA/SAG union members in Los
Angeles alone, about 400 of them make a living out of doing
voiceovers. Thats
1%. Now multiply
that by every city in the country. Are
you sure you want a piece of this competitive pie? If you do,
be prepared to invest a lot of time & money into it.
Because success will not come quickly or easily.
Its a hard road, so be sure you want this badly
enough before you proceed.
Its not all glamour and luxurious as you may have
thought.
Today, one would have to start locally and develop their
talent/skill and reputation before expanding. Putting together
a demo that can demonstrate what you CAN do and not
necessarily what you HAVE done is the key. One minute up to
two minutes at the very most total.
What are your
strengths?
Networking.....developing connections...etc..... Build a
relationship through your radio station with local media,
production houses and advertising agencies is very helpful.
Right place - right time is the key. Besides the obvious - You
must have TALENT. Not just the ability to speak on the air. Don't
be misled by well meaning friends that say, "Oh you have
such a wonderful voice - you should do commercials!" It's
not that easy. In fact, I guess you could say I'm an overnight
success! It only took me 30 years! Remember, this is a developed SKILL were discussing here.
I know many people that have wonderful speaking voices
that have no idea how to use them when it comes to voicing a
radio or TV voiceover.
Do you have an original delivery, sound, twist, quirk, etc.?
Why would someone what YOU over someone else? These are the
questions that will assist you in "finding
yourself".... I wish you all the luck and success - we
all need it.
Workshops are a worthwhile way to find out if you are cut out
to do voiceovers. Do
a simple search in one of the bigger search engines on the
Internet. Yahoo,
Google, Ask Jeeves, Excite, etc..
Use the keywords voice + workshop.
Then look for one that is right for you and your
interests. Find
one that is being taught near your city and go find out first
hand.
By the way, concerning "agents"...I
wouldn't worry about getting an agent
until you ARE making some money and you are building
experience with your local production studios, radio stations,
etc. Experience is still the best calling card. And you want
to start a positive "buzz" on your ability. So move
slowly and deliberately. You don't have a second chance to
make a first and lasting impression.
When and if you feel you're ready - send me your demo if you'd
like a "second opinion". I am a voiceover talent who
is looking for clients too. However, sometimes I need
additional talent, as requested by a client, and I look to
those whom I network with over the Internet when the need
arises. At this time, we are covered by almost every area of
requested talent. However, if you feel you have a unique voice
signature - please feel free to forward your demo and rate
sheet to me. MP3 sound files over the net are preferred. All
demo's and personal information will be kept on file for at
least a period of one (1) year.
In closing, may I say the competition is getting heavier each
and every day. I probably get a request for info on how to get
started 5-10 times each week. You can imagine what that must
translate to worldwide. But if you are really
good, you might have a chance. But honestly, you are looking
at a very long road of good hard work and dedication. Are you
ready to jump in?
Good luck to you!
By
Johnny
George
www.opuzzvoice.com/Johnny_George.asp
Johnny
George
is a 30+ year voiceover veteran from the
Midwest. Heard from the USA to New Zealand, Guam,
the U.K. and Canada. A
Creative Services Director for one of the major broadcasting
companies in America, Georges signature
voiceover style has won numerous awards
for his commercials and productions.
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