How Do I Get Into Voice Over?
We hear it all the time… It seems like a simple enough question, but in truth it may as well say “How do I build a house?”
The answer depends on many things, including:
- Who’s asking the question?
- What genre of VO are they pursuing?
- Do they have prior skills?
Here’s three possible scenarios:
Scenario 1: Albert
Background: Professional name screen actor in movies and tv. Would like to get into animated features.
Advice: Ask your agent or manager to start focusing on VO. Take some classes in mic technique if needed.
Scenario 2: Betty
Background: Was in radio for years, now retired. Wants to get into narration.
Advice: Take some acting or improv classes, along with coaching for a more natural VO delivery. Get a VO demo made when ready, and find an agent to represent you.
Scenario 3: Charles
Background: No prior acting experience, but can do some voices. Loves anime and would like to be an ADR VO.
Advice: Start with the basics. Take acting, improv and singing. Learn to build fully-fleshed characters, not just voices. Then move on to VO classes and find a trusted coach. They can lead you from there.
Too often, we rush into answering the question “How Do I Get Into VO?” without considering who’s asking or what they mean. In order for the advice to be truly useful, it must be targeted to the person asking the question.
In many ways, this is related to a prior post that you may also wish to read:
Joe’s Dump – Advice on Advice
So, next time you hear this question, maybe take a step back and consider before answering. It could be much more valuable to the person who’s asking.
Cheers,
Joe
All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com
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Great advice, Joe. Here’s my offering to radio people trying to get into VO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ZQnk5BcDc
Thanks, Harry.
Great personal perspective coming from the Radio side of the biz. Sounds like you also wore a lot of hats and were well prepared for the business side of things.
Kudos and continued success,
Joe
As a newbie, I’m prepared to work. I’m on LinkedIn, and VoiceBox1, and a grad of Voice Coaches, Albany, NY, an author and soprano vocalist. I’m not sure what to do next. My website http://www.forevermoreonline.com . Thank you and all suggestions are welcome.
Hi Cynthia. Thanks for commenting.
I wish I had some advice that I could give, but much of building up your VO career is a personal journey.
You might try to find a personal coach, rather than a company that provides coaching. Be sure they’re a good fit for you, both on a one-on-one and a career focus basis. Hopefully they can guide you further down the path.
Best of luck,
Joe
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