If you got as far as this then you already know what a voice talent is, so for the time being we will go straight to the audition process.
The process of auditioning is the key to getting into the voice over business. For the most part in today's market you will be supplying a demo instead of doing a live audition, which will be your first and usually only chance to impress your client. Given this, it is vitally important for you to make a good impression both with your talent, and your professionalism. When I run a call for auditions on a place like Voice123 I will get upwards of 400 (yes, I said Four Hundred) demos in a 24 hour period. The initial cut down to a couple of dozen to actually take the time to really listen to, is fast and brutal.
Key points to making the most impact when sending a demo are:
For your image:
- Send a cover letter or email that is to the point and tells just enough to make them interested in you, but not enough to sound pompous.
- Starting off with all capitals, exclamation marks or a ridiculous statement will get your demo into the trash bin faster than you can say "Please flush this down the toilet". Tactics like that have been out since to 70's.
- Spellcheck is a tool .. use it. You would be surprised how many cover letters I have received with spelling mistakes
- Do not send attachments unless they are asked for. Not only is it rude but many companies filter attachments from unknown sources.
For your demo:
- Your demo needs to be good quality, it is the best way to show off your talent. If you cannot record and produce a top quality demo at home then have it done by a pro.
- The demo is your voice and talent, cut out all the background noise ie. music and sound FX. When I put a call out for an audiobook demo, the last thing I want to hear is some idiot shouting out a car commercial. Remember, fast and brutal. Pay attention to what you are auditioning for.
- Keep the processing to a minimum. The client wants to hear your voice. If they hear too much EQ or compression they don't really know what you sound like. If you get it past the producer, the engineer will catch you and you will lose credibility. If you use any dynamics at all, just use enough to enhance your voice. If the recordinng isn't good to begin with, squashing it and EQing it will not help.
That's it for now, Good Luck!
The process of auditioning is the key to getting into the voice over business. For the most part in today's market you will be supplying a demo instead of doing a live audition, which will be your first and usually only chance to impress your client. Given this, it is vitally important for you to make a good impression both with your talent, and your professionalism. When I run a call for auditions on a place like Voice123 I will get upwards of 400 (yes, I said Four Hundred) demos in a 24 hour period. The initial cut down to a couple of dozen to actually take the time to really listen to, is fast and brutal.
Key points to making the most impact when sending a demo are:
For your image:
- Send a cover letter or email that is to the point and tells just enough to make them interested in you, but not enough to sound pompous.
- Starting off with all capitals, exclamation marks or a ridiculous statement will get your demo into the trash bin faster than you can say "Please flush this down the toilet". Tactics like that have been out since to 70's.
- Spellcheck is a tool .. use it. You would be surprised how many cover letters I have received with spelling mistakes
- Do not send attachments unless they are asked for. Not only is it rude but many companies filter attachments from unknown sources.
For your demo:
- Your demo needs to be good quality, it is the best way to show off your talent. If you cannot record and produce a top quality demo at home then have it done by a pro.
- The demo is your voice and talent, cut out all the background noise ie. music and sound FX. When I put a call out for an audiobook demo, the last thing I want to hear is some idiot shouting out a car commercial. Remember, fast and brutal. Pay attention to what you are auditioning for.
- Keep the processing to a minimum. The client wants to hear your voice. If they hear too much EQ or compression they don't really know what you sound like. If you get it past the producer, the engineer will catch you and you will lose credibility. If you use any dynamics at all, just use enough to enhance your voice. If the recordinng isn't good to begin with, squashing it and EQing it will not help.
That's it for now, Good Luck!