Ming Lai ⋅ Alhambra, CA Humanist Films, LLC ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Brent!

I’m excited that you aspire to become a voiceover actor.

I’m a filmmaker—a producer/writer/director.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented ones.

So I offer advice as someone who would search for and hire voiceover actors.

A great resume is important in seeing how much professional experience a voiceover actor has.

If a voiceover actor has a lot of experience, then it will be easier for me to direct him or her.

Plus, it will take less expensive studio time to record the voiceover.

Even though a resume is helpful, I’m more concerned about how he or she sounds, as demonstrated by his or her voiceover reel or individual samples.

Because of my commercial projects, I tend to search for great “regular guy” voices—the voiceover equivalent of a leading “everyman” actor.

Depending on the project, I sometimes have to look for more “character” voices—the voiceover equivalent of a character actor.

So I appreciate voiceover actors who have this wide range.

To build a voiceover reel or create individual samples, you can record your own samples or work with an audio production school or smaller audio studio.

To save money, try to produce some of your own samples first to learn more about the technical side of your craft.

Many voiceover actors, with whom I’ve worked, have their own home studio, which can range from basic audio recording gear to a more professional studio.

Nowadays, there’s a lot of low cost, high quality audio recording gear—Deity and Rode microphones, Zoom and Tascam audio recorders, Adobe Audition (subscription) and Blackmagic Design Fairlight (free) digital audio workstations, etc.

Check out Curtis Judd at learnlightandsound.com, who offers a lot of great audio gear and post-production advice.

Check out Adam Levine at https://www.youtube.com/user/jasonlevinevideo, who offers a lot of great audio post-production advice.

At the same time, I suggest writing your own spec voiceover scripts.

That way, you can best showcase your abilities.

It’s the equivalent of an actor writing, producing, and even directing his or her own film.

You’re creating your own opportunities.

Once you have enough individual samples or even a comprehensive reel, then build a website to showcase all of your work.

Apply for voiceover jobs and join a voiceover actor database.

Network with producers, studios, schools, and professional organizations.

Create projects that can extend your resume as a voiceover actor, from podcasts to radio shows.

In short, build your experience by creating your own opportunities.

Good luck with your career!

Best regards,
Ming Lai

John Faber ⋅ Arlington, VA Booz Allen ⋅ 2 years experience

Hi Brent,

I know one person who is a voice-over artist. He's self-employed; he's represented by BMG Talent (Atlanta) and Ann Wright (NYC). I'm not sure how helpful he can be, but please DM me if you are interested in speaking with him, and I'll try to connect the two of you.

Best,
John