The Secrets of the Professional Voice Over Artist Exposed!
OK here goes – every week I get emails and phone calls asking “…how do I become a voice over artist please…?” and right now I am going to reveal the stunning truth.
Controversial stuff? Not really!
Now, I know that this will really upset all those professional luvvies out there and it will explode the myth about how difficult it is to break into the world of voice over. When I first got started, nearly every “professional” I spoke to had something discouraging to say about the industry.
I couldn’t count the number of times I was told: “…every out of work actor is a potential voice over…” or “…leave it to the professionals…” and I have to admit it nearly put me off completely. I am glad it didn’t or I wouldn’t have the lifestyle I have today.Even now, if you click on many of the so-called “professional voice overs” websites, there will be a page, usually entitled “So you want to be a voice over” or “Free Advice” etc. which will be stuffed with discouraging text telling you not to bother, or how you need an expensive studio or why not try hospital radio first? – bullsh*t! (pardon me). Actually, I find it very disappointing that these “professionals” feel it necessary to actually take the time to actively sit down and write a web page to put people off fulfilling their dreams. These people obviously have a “poverty consciousness” (they believe there is not enough work to go around) rather than an “abundance mentality” (there is plenty of work for everyone).
We’ll talk about these again later.
But it’s actually very simple these days. Note: I said simple, NOT easy – there is a subtle difference. Initially, all you really need is a USB microphone (such as the Samson CO1U USB Condenser Microphone) and a PC – that’s it! No mixing desk (it’s all done on the PC), no special phantom power supplies, no outboard sound processing equipment and no isolated sound booth. Of course it helps if you have some sound editing software but this is generally available free or at very low cost. I’ll be writing at length about the microphones I recommend, the software and the editing techniques I use etc. in future blogs so watch this space.
Now, I said becoming a voice over artist (or VO as we are called in the trade) was simple, but it is definitely not easy. It is simple to invest in a reasonably well equipped home studio, send the kids out, so the house is nice and quiet, and then record your first audio. But when you have finished recording, what then? That’s where the fun begins – it’s time to edit your work!
Meanwhile, here’s a link to my colleague Rob Mayzes’ website with advice on how to do voiceovers.