Voiceover work...

[grubby]

I'm really interested in voiceover work...only thing is, I have no idea how to get started. I have some editing software (adobe audition) and a computer. SM 57 and 58, and well, other than that..

I've done a little research online, and the more I look the more confused I get. Union, non-union, demos, etc. I know there has got to be a way to break into this business locally.

I'm not looking to be the next Don Lafontaine, I would just love the chance to do some work, and make a little extra money for the family...any suggestions?

[DogpitStudios]

Well you need a soundcard. And a pre-amp (if the soundcard doesn't have one in it. I'm assuming you have a mic cable, but if you don't you'll need one of those too, and the cables to hook the pre to the card and the card to the computer. A lot of soundcards connect to the computer with firewire or USB.

Brandon wrote an article that it perfect for people who need to get started.

http://www.recordingreview.com/artic...ngwriters.html

As for what you need to make some money, I can't tell you. Leave that for some of the wiser people on this board.

Ben

[brandondrury]

The above article will get you started.

I've considered getting into this voiceover stuff many times, but I could never find the time to squeeze it in.

I'd say as far as "breaking in" to the biz, you just need to start with some demos. You've got to demonstrate that you are good enough to do a few free gigs. I'd probably get in good with local radio DJs. I know quite a few DJs and they are almost always down to earth normal dudes / chicks. Taking them out for a beer and asking them a few questions would do wonders for getting you started.

From there, you would have to slowly expand from word of mouth.

I always thought I could do extremely well with this because it wouldn't be that big of deal to rank very highly for voiceover in Google. Using that alone could be a tremendous traffic stream.

Brandon

[volsball]

I have always been interested in voiceover stuff myself. It seems really interesting, but I always assumed that you needed to know someone to get into the industry. I'll have to check this out.

[dach]

stay away from radio people and never try to emulate them if you want to get gigs... It doesn't take much equipment at all but it DOES take delivery, inflection and phrasing... not to mention PIPES - a voice that sounds great and convincing.

I advise you to gather a few 30 and 60 second scripts of all types, comedic, hard sell, low key, straight read, corporate, etc... and work(read/record) them over and over until you find your niche... once you find your niche, market it to local cable, radio, ad agencies, plus anyone you can find that will listen...

chances are that you will not make much money, maybe none at all even if you get gigs unless you become union or SAG - I don't hire either unless they are absolutely incredible and the budget is there... going rates around here for non-union people on local stuff is $15-50/spot- which is criminal but that's life. SAG folks get paid well and some are worth it but unless you can really deliver a line like there's no tomorrow, I'd look into something else.

If you just want to record narration and get paid, you will need a facility to even be considered by most agencies and they will want the "standard" equipment unless you have a smoking reel.... more than a 57.

sorry to burst the bubble but this is just as competitive as anything else.

[brandondrury]

Well, thanks for the killer post, Dach. It's clear you know what you are talking about.

Brandon