Q&A:
#1 why do I need training if I already have a good voice? Answer: Its not so much what you say…it’s how you say it! The expression of your voice and the tone make the difference. Like a singer, voice-over lessons teach you how to play your instrument Your “Voice” Plus voice-over requires acting.
#2 why do I need to pay for lessons when people say that I would be good at it? Answer: Like any profession you need training and you need to know exactly what you’re doing! This is a professional career that requires you to work with producers and directors that expect nothing less then a professional Voice actor, who knows how to take direction in studio.
#3 Can I make money-doing Voice-over? Answer: If you have a voice-over demo and you were trained to do a professional job yes!
#4 Do I need an agent?
Answer: No! However it is not a bad idea to have representation. You will have to share 10-15% with most agencies across the country. The good thing having an agent…they find you work.
#5 once I am done with training can I start calling on people to do work for them?
Answer: Right away! Marketing yourself as a professional voice talent enables you to communicate with so many in the industry that would be interested in hearing from you; and what you can offer them.
#6 Do I need a studio of my own? Answer: If you are going to do voice-over full time yes! You don’t have to spend as much as you would think on equipment…if you have a decent computer already spending 400.00 or more could get you going today.
#7 Do I need to join a union? Answer: This depends on where you live largely. If you are in Los Angeles, or New York Yes! Example Florida is a Non-union state.
#8 how do I know if I should do Voice-over? Answer: Speaking to a voice coach and having he or she listen to your read and offer their input as to where they see you in the industry. Most will do this free of charge.
#9 what can I expect to make doing this for a living? Answer: This depends on the projects your working on. Is it local, regional, national, international? All of these things have impact as to what you will make. It all comes down to the budget! The bigger the company in most cases, the bigger the pay. Some in this industry make millions a year, while others make thousands, and some hundreds.
#10 Do I need to pay an agent money upfront to represent me?
Answer: NEVER! You only share 10-15% of what you make.