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Where
To Begin?
I
am always asked how someone can break into the voice-over
business, because they think it would be fun, and because
somebody told him or her he/she has a good voice. There are
already dozens of excellent articles and books on this topic,
many can be found online, written by working voice talents
and producers The first thing I respond with is "Yes it's
fun, but it's hard work. " And no, it's not drudgery, or the
way to get rich fast. One must be absolutely dedicated to
the craft and must have the gut for rejection. Next I say
required reading is James Alburger's "The Art of Voice Acting"
before you do anything else. Then take all the v/o and/or
acting classes you can from credible resources. That still
doesn't guarantee success. And remember, it's not about your
voice
but how you use your voice!
As
a voice artist, your job is to take words from a page and
give them life. Understand the copy, knowing your audience,
giving the script life, changing up rhythm and pace. Make
the copy exciting, use your vocal range and change it up!
This brings us back to the need for... acting skills!
There
are plenty of credible coaches, but check credentials. There
are a few unscrupulous individuals out there whose best skill
is separating you from your money. Never take a "class" from
a talent agent who promises to represent you. And practice,
practice, practice as much as possible, daily. Read out loud.
Record yourself and listen back. Be your own worst critic
and your biggest fan!
ON
IVR (Interactive Voice Recording) WORK
IVR's are probably not going away for a while. So let's work
positively with them!
A
factor I feel should be discussed is the tone of the voice
used for IVR recordings. Be a human! Don't sound like an announcer
on steroids or a robotic automation. (I'm sure we've all heard
both types on IVRs) First impressions count. Many times the
IVR/auto attendant is the first encounter a customer has with
the company and the voice used represents the image, or "face"
of the business. Add some personality, but do your homework
about the clientele and the demographics you are addressing,
so meandering through the inevitable array of options is a
more satisfying experience for the user.
FEES
The quality of some jobs lately on the internet has plummeted,
jobs to which I will not respond, especially those that ask
talent to provide rates without a budget posted, or those
which need translation, writing, sound effects, music
. PLUS
the v/o???? ---all for the paltry sum of $50.00. It's degrading,
even for a newcomer, and ridiculous, to be sure. Remember,
nobody can abuse you unless you allow him or her to do so.
I wish more of us talents had self confidence & pride in our
value, not only as performers, but our investment in our education
in the craft, skills experience, business, marketing, demos,
studio equipment, etc.acher, a bored receptionist. The list
of descriptions is endless.
ON
SCRIPT REVISION CHARGES
Client requested script revisions after initial recording
& file delivery are subject to additional fee, with a 100.00
minimum.
To
not charge is an invitation to allow any given client who
may under prepared to make corrections and/or changes on the
fly or make it up as they go.
A
client's poor planning is not my problem. That being said,
there are always exceptions for good, loyal customers under
certain circumstances. I include my policy in my quote, so
there is no confusion by either side. Of course, if a remake
is needed because of my mistake, I re-record at no charge.
Bobbin
Beam is a steadily working voice over talent based in San
Diego CA and has been a voice actor for 30+ years. Bobbin
records in her own professional in-home studio for clients
all over the world. Her voice demos can be heard at:
Copyright 2006 by Bobbin Beam
Bobbin's
voice demos can be heard at: www.opuzzvoice.com/Bobbin_Beam.asp
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