How to become a voice actor. How to get into voice acting
Do you fancy yourself a hidden James Earl Jones? Or are you a Tom Hanks in hiding? Voice acting is now big business, and we’ve got a roadmap on how to get you involved.
From the surprising success of Toy Story, right through to the blockbuster that was Inside Out, Voice acting has slowly become a highly lucrative market. However, many often misunderstood its true difficulty.
Below, we’ve compiled some of the best advice on how to become a voice actor.
How to become a voice actor
It is more than just saying lines, you must completely showcase a character’s personality and emotional depth, through speech-alone. In fact, it is a form of acting that deprives you of most aspects of acting.
However, it is not impossible to become a voice actor. Through discipline, regular training, and targeted promotion (or agent assistance), you can work your way up the ladder from advertisement narration to TV-show hosting, to, hopefully, Hollywood hits.
What do voice actors do?
First things first, voice acting, or voice recording, is not as easy as it may sounds. In fact, legendary actor Tom Hanks has said that the challenge of voice acting is “draining”. Hanks is quoted as saying that because “you’re only using your voice, you can’t go off mic, you cannot use any of your physicality. In a lot of ways that’s the antithesis of what you do as an actor”.
So what do voice actors do? As a voice actor, you have to wring out every possible emotion and nuance from speech alone. Sometimes, this means repeating a certain phrase several different ways, repeatedly, all with the enthusiasm of the first recording. That is not an easy task.
What is the difference between voice acting, and voice over?
The first ever voice-over, although many people believe it was Walt Disney in 1928, was made by Reginald Fessenden, in 1900. Working for the United States Weather Bureau he, to the surprise of all his colleagues, reported on the weather.
In essence, that is the blueprint for all voice overs. They are an added piece of dialogue, to a professional piece of audio work. Originally, this was reigned within the world of radio, but it has now branched out to everything from high-production gaming, event announcing, television work, and beyond!
Voice acting, as mentioned above, requires much less time and vocal flexibility. You have to portray an entire character’s emotional depth, personality, and story-arc through their voice alone.
What is ADR?
What is ADR? ADR stands for automated dialogue replacement, and it is the process of replacing audio recording on camera, in post-production. In simpler words, you are re-recording the dialogue used in a scene, in a much quieter environment. This may be because the original audio is unclear, too quiet, or something happens in the scene that obstructs the audio, but the film crew don’t have enough time to re-shoot the entire moment.
Much like voice acting, this can take a long time to get right. The performer will have to watch the scene on loop, noting the speed at which the original dialogue is said, the emotion used, and the manner in which it is said – and then replicate that perfectly, no matter how long it takes.
Sound editors and engineers will do their best to enhance the original audio of a scene, but ADR is becoming an increasingly common practice in 21st century filmmaking. Which is good news for a voice actor like you!
Are they just in movies?
Voice acting is not the exclusive domain of the elite in Hollywood. As our consumption of media continues to expand, there are more and more work opportunities for people with interpretive skills, like voice acting. They include:
- Audio promotions – you can lend your voice’s emotional range to an audio advertisement campaign. This can range from radio-channels trails to insurance comparison websites.
- Audiobooks – once you have some experience, recording sessions for audiobook narrators can easily reach £250 per hour. This may not be the first step on your career, but is certainly a lucrative one to consider
- ADR – which we previously mentioned above
- Comedy/Drama – some of the most famous voice actors in the UK exist solely within this realm. If you don’t believe, use the search engine of your choice, and look up Marcus Bentley. And now, Peter Dickson. That’s right, their unique voices became a key selling point for contemporary TV shows, launching them into the stratosphere of voice actor royalty.
What do I need to do first?
As with any career in media, the secret to success is hard work. You must know that this is for you and put the time in to make it happen. Apart from that, we thought we’d give you a rough outline of how to get into the business:
- Training – as we’ve said, you need to interpret an entire character’s persona and emotional depth through their voice alone. This requires a talent that not everyone has. Therefore, you must hone that talent and perfect your abilities. If a recording session can take 4-5 hours, you have to know you can hold your character interpretation for that long
- Demo Reel – after training, you should be able to voice act to a high standard. But if people do not know that you won’t get hired. Enter: demo reel. This is a demonstration of your acting abilities, your former jobs, and your talent. Therefore, include your best work and know what sells
- Agent – to help with this demo reel, we’d suggest hiring an agent. They will be aware of what parts are available and what parts aren’t. With this industry insight, you can then tailor your reel to show-off the qualities most required in open voice-acting roles. Additionally, they will help find you interim work if you aren’t quite reaching the heights of Bentley and Dickson just yet.
- Marketing – technically, this falls under the remit of an agent. But with its increasing importance in the 21st century, we thought we’d include it as a stand-alone point. As an artist, if people do not know about you, you cannot make money. You have to maintain a strong marketing dynamic to your work: keep your socials active, re-post your work, and make it easy for talent-spotters to find you.
- Auditioning – the most crucial part. But, if you have been training well and know your character inside-out, you will flourish. Remember, you won’t get every part. But you should not let that discourage you. One hundred no’s and one yes is still a yes.
- More Training – never stop training. Voice acting requires a strong, flexible voice. And the best way to improve that instrument is to use it. Of course, do not intentionally over-exert yourself and damage your voice. But when the instrument is as close to you as your own throat, set aside some time every day to keep it in tip-top shape.
Vocal Warm-Up Exercises: A Key Component for Voice Actors
As a voice actor, your voice is your most valuable asset, and ensuring its health and flexibility is crucial to your success.
Incorporating vocal warm-up exercises into your daily routine is an essential step in maintaining and improving your vocal health.
These exercises not only prepare your vocal cords for work, but also help prevent strain and potential damage. Start by engaging in diaphragmatic breathing, which is the foundation for all vocal techniques.
This will help you control your breath and develop a strong, consistent airflow. Next, practice vocalizing various scales, arpeggios, and sirens to increase your vocal range and flexibility.
Humming, lip trills, and tongue twisters can further refine your articulation and enunciation, ensuring that your speech remains clear and distinct.
Finally, don’t forget to focus on relaxation exercises for your throat, neck, and jaw muscles, as tension in these areas can hinder your vocal performance.
By dedicating time each day to these warm-up exercises, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the demands of the voice acting world, and your vocal cords will thank you for it!
Opportunities Through Networking
The world of voice acting is an exciting and dynamic industry filled with talented individuals, and as an aspiring voice actor, networking plays a pivotal role in unlocking doors to new opportunities.
By actively engaging with fellow professionals, you not only expand your knowledge of the industry but also create lasting connections that can lead to valuable collaborations and potential job offers.
To tap into the power of networking, consider attending industry events, workshops, and conferences where you can mingle with like-minded professionals, learn from their experiences, and share your own insights.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of social media in building your network.
Engage with other voice actors, directors, and producers through platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, and join online forums and communities to stay up-to-date with industry trends and job openings.
Remember, networking is not just about exchanging business cards or adding contacts on social media; it’s about building genuine relationships and fostering a spirit of collaboration within the voice acting community.
By embracing networking with an optimistic and proactive mindset, you’ll be well on your way to forging strong connections that could propel your career to new heights.
Online Platforms and Resources for Voice Actors
In today’s digital age, the internet offers a wealth of resources for aspiring voice actors to learn, connect, and find work opportunities.
With an optimistic outlook and a willingness to explore, you can leverage various online platforms and resources to jumpstart your career in voice acting.
For starters, freelance websites like Upwork, Voices.com, and Fiverr offer an accessible way to showcase your talents and secure voice acting jobs.
By creating an engaging profile and consistently bidding on projects, you can steadily build a client base and gain invaluable experience.
Online forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities are also excellent avenues to connect with fellow voice actors, exchange tips and advice, and stay informed about industry news.
Furthermore, to hone your skills, consider enrolling in online courses offered by platforms like Udemy or Skillshare, subscribing to informative podcasts, or following YouTube channels dedicated to voice acting.
With these resources at your fingertips, you can continuously learn and grow in your craft, no matter where you are in your journey.
By embracing the power of the internet with an open and optimistic mindset, you can unlock a treasure trove of resources to help you thrive as a voice actor.
Growing Opportunities in Video Games and Animation for Voice Actors
The entertainment landscape is continually evolving, and as a result, the realms of video games and animation have emerged as exciting avenues for voice actors to explore.
With the rapid growth of these industries, a plethora of new opportunities awaits those who are eager to lend their voices to captivating characters and immersive stories.
To excel in these fields, focus on honing your skills and versatility by experimenting with a wide range of character voices, accents, and emotions.
Familiarize yourself with the unique aspects of video game and animation voice acting, such as working with scripts that may require multiple variations of a single line, and adapting to the specific pacing and timing needed for these formats.
To break into these markets, research studios and production companies that create video games and animated content, and connect with professionals in the industry through networking events and social media.
As you showcase your voice acting talents and demonstrate your enthusiasm for these mediums, you will be well-positioned to capitalize on the growing opportunities in video games and animation.
how to become a voice actor for anime
To become an anime voice actor, start by watching and listening to anime, paying attention to the unique vocal styles and expressions.
Develop your vocal skills by practicing different character voices, accents, and emotions.
Learn basic Japanese to better understand the context and enhance your performance.
Gain experience by participating in fan dubs or collaborating with fellow anime enthusiasts on projects.
Network with industry professionals through events, social media, and online communities.
Finally, create a demo reel showcasing your anime voice acting talents to catch the attention of casting directors and production companies.
With dedication and optimism, you can succeed in the world of anime voice acting.
how to become a voice actor for cartoons
To become a cartoon voice actor, immerse yourself in cartoons, observing the distinct vocal styles and comic timing.
Strengthen your vocal range by experimenting with various character voices, accents, and emotions.
Practice improvisation and develop a sense of humour to adapt to script changes and enhance your performance.
Gain experience by participating in local theather productions or collaborating with other voice actors and animators on projects.
Network with professionals at industry events, workshops, and online communities.
Create a captivating demo reel showcasing your cartoon voice acting skills to attract casting directors and production companies.
With perseverance and an optimistic attitude, you can excel in the colourful world of cartoon voice acting.
Hope that was helpful.
Thanks,
Rory
Get ready for your CD release!
Download our FREE pdf guide and be on the sure path to release your CD successfully.
Download pdf guideYou might also like:
To become an anime voice actor, start by watching and listening to anime, paying attention to the unique vocal styles and expressions.
Develop your vocal skills by practicing different character voices, accents, and emotions.
Learn basic Japanese to better understand the context and enhance your performance.
Gain experience by participating in fan dubs or collaborating with fellow anime enthusiasts on projects.
Network with industry professionals through events, social media, and online communities.
Finally, create a demo reel showcasing your anime voice acting talents to catch the attention of casting directors and production companies.
With dedication and optimism, you can succeed in the world of anime voice acting.
Includes PR companies, UK promoters & UK booking agents. Everything you need to put your band on the map.
