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How do one with some experience in doing voice/over recording get more experience?

Veteran

Nashid Mateen East Orange, NJ

I worked @ a PBS radio/tv station and the engineer’s thought that I had a unique voice, so I would be asked to record on air promotion and it motivated me to take work shops in voice/over, also volunteered @ Perkins School For the Blind reading to visually impaired children , the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done, became homeless and had give it up! Any ideas on how I might get involved in voice recording?

6 April 2022 5 replies Education & Training

Answers

Advisor

Emily Mauzy Dallas, TX

My friend has been a voice over actress for 5 years. She recommends getting a voice acting coach to start. Once you get trained, you can focus on finding work. I can direct message you her email if you'd like to ask her specific questions. Good luck!

8 April 2022 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jose Roman Norfolk, VA

NASHID,

There's great opportunities with VME Veterans in Media and Entertainment. They provide workshops, courses, mentors for veterans interested in working in film and entertainment. Check out the website here: https://vmeconnect.org/

Getting industry information would be a great way to break into the career you're looking for.

Best,
Jose R

Advisor

Ming Lai Alhambra, CA

Hi Nashid!

It’s wonderful that you worked with PBS and they thought you had a unique voice.

Please note that I work in film and commercial production and am not a voiceover artist.

However, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many voiceover artists.

It’s great that you’ve already taken workshops in voiceover.

I would encourage you to continue your education, even if it’s through self-study to save money.

To get involved in voiceover recording, you’ll need a reel—a portfolio of voiceover recording work.

Listen to other voiceover artists’ reels online to get an idea of how professional reels should sound.

Usually, there’s a variety of work to show your range, whether you’re a “everyman” or “character actor.”

Initially, you can create a reel yourself, recording with a relatively inexpensive audio recording device, like one made by Tascam or Zoom or even a smart phone.

Think of clients that you’d like to work for and create “speculative” or “spec” (fake) radio ads for them.

Create spec radio ads that favor your voice.

If your voice is deep and resonant, write ads that can showcase this quality.

The spec radio ads are 30 seconds or 60 seconds long.

Find a place that’s very quiet (like a closet filled with clothes to dampen the sound) to record your voiceover sessions.

You can edit your reel together using Apple iMovie or another editing app.

Sometimes, local libraries offer these editing apps to use for free.

If you’re not technically proficient, you can enlist the help of a film or audio student or young professional, trading services to create your reel.

If you need help writing the ads, you can work with an advertising student, also trading services.

Once you have a reel, you’ll need to use it to market yourself.

Until you can afford a website that costs money to host, use free social media to showcase your reel.

Then start applying for jobs through actor and voiceover artist sites.

Once you get a voiceover project, it’s not only about your voice but also how you can take direction from a director or other creative people—how you listen.

Getting a voiceover project is not easy because you have to compete with pros and amateurs alike for the same projects, but you already have a unique voice, which will help you stand out against the crowd.

The most important thing to remember is that you have a unique voice in the world.

Good luck with your career!

Best wishes,
Ming Lai

Advisor

Karen Shockley Smyrna, GA

Hi Nashid! Great to see New Jersey represented. I commend you for following your passion. I worked in radio and recommend it highly for someone with your interest. Remember that there is no radio station too small. You never know who's listening AND you are getting paid. Find an agent so that you are ready when you hit it big! Good luck, my friend.

Advisor

Richard Byrne Hillsborough, NJ

Voice Actors 12 jobs:
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=voice%20actor&l&vjk=ed1f2ebd166b60f8

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