I took classes and was coached by Lou last year and did my demo last spring.  Here are my thoughts about what I've been doing the past 6 months to get started doing voice over work.  You definitely have to hustle!!  If you sit and wait, nothing will ever happen!

 

While waiting for my demo to be produced, I had a logo and identity done, so I could print cards, labels and letterhead.  You can make it super simple, just make sure it stands out.  I got ideas from Lou's material and a book the Art of Voice Acting, James Alburger.  Lots of good material.

 

As soon as I received my demo, I signed up for a trial at Voice123.  I know there are varying opinions about the usefulness of this site, so I will tell  you about my experience.

 

First off, I applied for the free trial.  I set up my profile and uploaded my demos.  I  also uploaded several other demos besides the professionally produced commercial and narration ones.  You can upload quite a few to match whatever your emphasis is;  character, documentary, audio books, etc.  The "Voice Seekers" post their job and script,  and Voice123 casting sends you invitations to audition depending on your profile.  Gender, age, union vs non-union, etc.

 

After my 2 month trial, I hadn't received any jobs, but decided to join for a year anyway.  I realized the one way I could keep learning was by auditioning for many different kinds of jobs. I didn't know how else I could practice on a daily basis and it helps that there is a purpose, the possibility of a win!  One or two jobs will pay for the years membership.  I have also found the things I'm good at, and things I'm not particularly suited for. 

 

I've done approximately 100 auditions since May.   My feedback and ranking has gone up and I've gotten close to winning a couple of jobs. The good news is, that during this time, my reads, recording and editing techniques have greatly improved. My early auditions showed my lack of experience.

 

Sometimes it's frustrating, thinking I nailed the audition and still didn't get the job, but that's the biz.  There are so many great voices and talent out there, you have to be really good and keep trying.

 

The other thing I've done is to go to VideoVoiceBank.com.  There you will find a list of practically all the agencies around the country, both union and non.  I started emailing and sending demos and have been accepted by 2 agencies and turned down by quite a few as well.  Feedback is not that my demos aren't good, it's that their roster is already full, or has similar voices.  Many of them told me to send another demo in the future.

 

Overall, you have to get used to rejection, there is lots of it, and I'm realizing that this is going to take time to develop.  I'm going to keep auditioning and looking for more agencies to represent me, and looking for ways to get into the niche that I'm good at.

 

 

Hope this helps!!

Barbi Williams

The Voice That Gets You Heard