Should You Begin Or Revive A Career In Voiceovers?
Many people are told that they should get into voiceovers because they have a good voice. Voiceover expert Julie Williams gives the facts about starting (or returning to) a voiceover career, and some free resources to help those who are interested.
Voiceovers can be a career, or a little extra money on the side, but it’s always fun! First, forget any preconceived notions that you have about the business. If you are returning from a break from VO… understand technology has completely changed the nature of the animal!
For example, if you want to get into voiceovers simply because people say you have a nice voice… consider this. Voice is less than 10% of what’s needed to do voiceovers. VO is a skill that requires training, practice, and technique. In fact, if your voice is too good, it can work against you, if you are not skilled enough to be transparent. Clients don’t want people to notice the voice…they want people to notice the message the voice is communicating.
If you want to get into voiceovers because you think it’ll be easy…and won’t cost much to get into, you’re only partly right. Compared to franchises that can start at tens of thousands of dollars for a cheap one…and up from there, VO is very inexpensive. However, you will be starting a business, and you will need some investment capital. You’ll have expenses for training, marketing, equipment, etc. just like in any other business. If you can’t afford to start a business right now, you can’t afford to get into voiceovers right now.
If you have been told by an agent or client that you need a demo CD, and you are wondering what to put on it, STOP! You do not want to do your own demo! And any reputable coach I know will not do one for you if you don’t have training, because they don’t want to take your money knowing that you won’t get any work! While it’s obviously not their job to get you work, they don’t want to take advantage of your desire to enter this biz… knowing that you will definitely not get work—since you have nothing to offer yet but a voice (which is worthless without skill).
Voice actors work independently. Most of us have offices in our homes. But there is actually a very strong voiceover community that is very welcoming. That connection is a great asset for new talent, particularly, as other talent are more than willing to share information, answer questions, and give honest feedback of your marketing materials and audio submissions.
If you are still interested in VO, be sure to take advantage of the free services I provide to help new and experienced talent connect and grow in their craft. See side bar menu for the forum, free training podcasts, and the FREE monthly VoiceOver Insider Magazine.
I also sell a few products to help talent learn…
The best one for you, as a beginner (particularly if you are not sure if this industry is for you) is Proven Voice-Over Techniques. It’s an abbreviated version of my live workshop, and it will give you a sense of what the biz is about, and how good you’ll be at it. It’s only $34.95 including shipping and comes with a 30 day money back guarantee.
The newly updated How To Make Money in Voice-Overs Even If You Don’t Live In N.Y. or L.A. is a 5-CD audiobook on voiceover marketing essentials. It retails for $169.95. It’s also now available on a digital player, complete with batteries and earbuds, while supplies last. This program is for you if you already know that you definitely want to make money in voice-overs, and are prepared to spend the time and money it takes, or to develop a plan for spending the time and money it takes to succeed.
By the way, I do offer tele-coaching to a limited number of students. The price is $125 per hour. Or 5 hours for $500. I’m usually booked about 2 months out, but occasionally find a free hour because of a cancellation. Please understand that I don’t have time to take on everyone who wants training, (only two students per week!) but I really strive to fit in every single person who really wants to be in this business badly enough to do what it takes to succeed. It’s a lot of work, but the rewards are great! Good Luck!
