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Original poster

Does anybody do Voiceover work?

18 replies

Octopus37 · 06/02/2022 19:16

I did a course a couple of years ago and I'm thinking about recording a demo reel. Has anyone else done this?

OP posts:
TottersBlankly · 07/02/2022 07:01

Why the long gap between course and action? (If that’s not an impertinent question.)

No experience, just curious / intrigued!

Original poster
Octopus37 · 07/02/2022 07:45

Lock down got in the way. I did an afternoon introductory course in February 2020. Lockdown happened, I did one job for them which I recorded at home, but I quickly got bogged down in homeschooling, working from home and moving house. We moved house that Summer. I've also done a copywriting course and been busy with my usual job. I've just been re-evaluating things and thought that now could be the time.

OP posts:
rifling · 07/02/2022 07:50

I don't know but could you tell me more about the copywriting? Was the course useful and has it led to much work?

MaizeBlouse · 07/02/2022 08:11

I am a voiceover artist full time and have been for 10 years, with a professional home studio for that duration.

Without sounding condescending, an afternoon course is never going to teach you everything you need to know about becoming a successful voiceover artist. You may book a few gigs, but to be good enough to sustain an entire career... there is no way.

There seems to be an upsurge in people flogging VO work as a way to make a quick buck and of course anyone can buy a cheap microphone, record themselves speaking the lines and send it over, in essence this is what a voiceover is. But to sustain a whole career you also need to be good at it. You need to be able to take direction for a producer/director/creative, you also need to k ow how how self direct, learn how to control and manipulate your voice, learn how to perform different styles of VO (narration, video games, elearning, explainers, animation etc all have different styles and expectations of your voice), you need to know how to find good work that isn't undercutting the rest of the industry (and no, the no-vetting pay-to-join sites are NOT the way in), you need to understand your equipment and be able to provide specific audio and mastering to your clients, you need to invest in high quality audio equipment (NOT a USB microphone with a duvet over your head), you need to create a professional Web presence and scout for good clients, you need to be your own accountant and cheerleader cos you're in this alone, you need to spend time practicing accents, styles and Copy, recording 100s of auditions that you'll never get, and staying up to date with what is current in the industry.

I have received so many 'people tell me I have a nice voice' emails over the years, but a nice voice isn't enough. You have to want to do this, commit to it and tbh you need to have a talent for it. I also went to drama school for 3 years and have an acting degree, so my training (especially vocal training) from that is invaluable to me. Living in London is also massively useful to me as most of the jobs through my agent are in town.

Sorry to be such a Debbie downer, but all these 'pay me £150 and I'll teach you to be a VO' courses are very fustrating and unrealistic!! What were you taught in the course? Was it online?

Original poster
Octopus37 · 07/02/2022 13:04

Thanks for all your advice, I should say at this stage that I'm just looking to do some VO work as an extra. My course was with Inter VoiceOver Academy in London. I' m very aware that there's a lot to learn so obviously prepared to start small. Thanks again

OP posts:
Comefromaway · 07/02/2022 13:11

Dd did a course and some seminars over lockdown and also had some private coaching with a voice coach who does voiceover, her agent also put her up for a few auditions but she hasn't overly pursued it so far as she is currently studying an MA at Drama School (We already have the expensive mic equipment and a booth thing that came from the US).

The organisation she joined had a funny name, I'm trying to think of it. The x Factor voice bloke was involved.

MaizeBlouse · 07/02/2022 14:51

That'll be Gravy For The Brain @comefromaway they are pretty reputable tbf and well regarded.

I'm not sure if doing VO as an extra is really a 'thing' iyswim.. to book any gigs you need to properly pursue it, as the gigs don't just fall in to your lap very often. Plus clients want their audio ASAP, 24 hours being the maximum for most projects so you have to be properly focused and on the ball with it all.

Comefromaway · 07/02/2022 14:57

That's it, Gravy for the Brain. When she graduates next year she might pursue things further.

Original poster
Octopus37 · 08/02/2022 06:36

I was receiving emails from Gravy for the Brain. Someone phoned me back from an agency yesterday and they're passing on my details to someone re recording a demo reel etc.

@MaizeBlouse I'm used to working to tight deadlines which is something. As I said, I'm being realistic, not expecting miracles, will take it a step at a time.

OP posts:
RachHen · 08/02/2022 06:38

Mate does audible work. Pays utter peanuts

AwakeAgainNaturally · 08/02/2022 07:24

Most are trained actors. The two people I know who do it are .

daisypond · 08/02/2022 07:30

I know people who do it - all are actors.

Have you thought about audio description? It’s a growing field - describing the visuals for tv, film or even theatre for blind or partially sighted people?

daisypond · 08/02/2022 07:32

You’d need to be able to write well, as most have to write the descriptions too.

Ducksareruiningmypatio · 08/02/2022 07:37

I book VO artists occasionally at work.
They tend to be a professional in something else (our fave is an opera singer!)
I was quite surprised at how much is involved.
A previous VO artist we used had her own studio. We used to book direct with her, she knew all of the equipment/tech side etc.
We now use an agency
It's not well paid

MaizeBlouse · 08/02/2022 11:34

@daisypond I have to disagree about needing to write well, I have never been asked to create my own copy in the 10 years of doing VO full time and non of my peers do either. Maybe for very specific gigs? You do need very good literacy though and the ability to sight read. Audio description is good work but quite complex as it usually involves work to time code and pitching your voice to complement the action on screen and to be understood by those who need to hear it.

And it is well paid Grin

Comefromaway · 08/02/2022 11:38

Audio Description is something I think dd might be interested in. Is there anywhere she can look further for info? She is currently working as an Access Host at a west end theatre to help put herself through drama school. I know her venue offers audio described performances and having a hidden disability herself she is very keen to work in the area of improving accessibility.

daisypond · 08/02/2022 18:51

@MaizeBlouse
I meant you need to write well for audio description, not for voiceover work. Audio describers write scripts.

daisypond · 08/02/2022 18:52

As well as voice them, I should add.

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