Whats the best way to get into voice-over work?

Question

I've had dozens of people tell me I should be in radio or do voice overs because of my baritone voice. I have no idea how to go about exposing myself to those in that business? Any thoughts?

Answer 1

I've been doing voicovers for 14 years now on radio and TV stations all over the world.  And I will be honest, for me, it all started off by being in the right place and having the right job at the right time.  I was working for independent record labels as a freelance in press liason, so was speaking to English radio stations all over the world and one thing lead to another and I was asked to do the odd commercial here and there and ended up leaving the music industry and going into broadcasting.  For the last 14 years, its been fun and fantastic.

Things that I have learnt over the years that help though are:

- Having a red hot demo, showing different styles of your voice (ID's, Commercials, IVR's, Narration, Continuity etc.)

- Having a home studio with a good mic and all the trimmings

- If need be doing some cold calling to the productions depts at radio and TV stations

- You may find joining websites like Voice123 helpfull too (and no, I dont work for them, so no commision! ;-)

Good luck!  If you break it, you will have a great time!!!!! :-D

Answer 2

Practice Practice Practice! I'm getting into Voice Work my self, and I was always told listen to other people, and try to be like them. Voice lessons are always recommended. Remember, there is always somebody better.

Answer 3

well for starters, if youve already got a radio station you like, listen to when they'll be out live and go to meet w/ the DJs.  Get a demo made up and send it to every radio and news station, as most commercials and reads are taped internally.  Or, there's always youtube :)

Answer 4

ummm...I humbly beg to differ with The Cool Radio Man. There is not always "someone better" and if you believe that, you will be a goner in VO. Starting from scratch:

The absolute best thing you can do is set up a home studio. It's easy to do and you can get a decent one going for about $350. Go buy "The Voice Actor's Guide to Home Recording". It will teach you in very simple terms how to get set-up. About 90% of the recording I do is from home. It is essential to have a home studio to be competetive in VO. Google your area for voice coaches and see how much they would charge for an evaluation. Better yet, come join an active Voice Over forum called VoiceOverSavvy.com and post some samples of your voice for review. You can get lots of help there. To start building a resume, head over to RadioDaddy.com and you can voice things for businesses for free and get resume fodder. Once you've voiced a few things, find a good local studio and record your own demo. BEFORE YOU GO TO RECORD, head over to Voice123.com and Voices.com and LISTEN to some demos. Make notes about the ones that grab your attention. Copy what you hear and make it your own

Voice over is a tough industry and it will take a lot of hard work, but if you're determined, you can make it!