I know I can do a better job than some folks on radio and videogames... how do I start?

Q & A with a Voice Over Coach

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I know I can do a better job than some folks on radio and videogames... how do I start?

"I have also been wanting to get into voice over/voice acting. As far back as I can remember, people have been telling me that I had a natural talent for mimicry of others as well as doing a wide variety of accents and character voices. When I hear some of the ones that are used in radio or video games as an example, it makes me cringe, because I know I can do a better job. Help! How do I get into this field? It seems to be about the only real “talent” I have. Most of the local radio stations where I live use current on-air talent and I don’t know what to include in a demo or how to get started. Any advice would be appreciated!"

Don

Don, I hear you!

You're perfectly poised to launch yourself into voice acting, because you've uttered the words, "I know I can do a better job."

How do you get into this field?

Like anyone who wants to learn a craft / skill / art : Classes. Lessons. Practice.

You need to find voice acting instruction near you and learn everything you can. Read everything you can get your hands on (and there sure are a ton of books about voice acting out there!). Listen to the Radio and listen to TV (close your eyes when an ad comes on and really listen). Read all the information on Voices.com to get the big picture of the business you're thinking of diving into; they have wonderful tips for voice actors, no matter what their level of experience.

And, Don, don't even think of doing a demo now. That's putting the cart way before the horse. Study. Practice, practice, practice.

You have to be not just competent, but proficient at voice acting before you can ever produce a great demo. And anyone who tells you that they'll help you put a demo together after six weeks of training is doing you a disservice. I hope this helps, but please write anytime with any further questions.

Good luck!

Marc

MARC CASHMAN creates and produces copy and music advertising for radio and television. Winner of over 150 advertising awards, he also instructs voice acting of all levels through his classes, The Cashman Cache of Voice-Acting Techniques in Los Angeles, CA.