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Mary Morgan

Advice

Part-Time Careers While Pursuing Voice Overs

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I’ve been away a while. Apologies, apologies and more apologies. But I’ve been VERY busy, which is what I like. And I’ll be glad to share the progress in posts yet to come. Still with me? Bless you!

Believe it or not only a certain amount of people can have the luxury of making voice over a full-time business in a matter of a few short years or even decades. Because of this, I decided to write a blog post about part-time careers or jobs that my colleagues have had while working their way to full-time.

For those who have asked, I have quite a few part-time careers going on, not just to make money but to have back-up opportunities when VO work is slow, or when I need more training, more demos, studio upgrades, etc. Because, let’s face it, we need money to keep VO going in our lives.

It got me thinking about other VO talent and how their journeys led them to where they are. So I asked quite a few talent and here’s what they shared with me:

Yoga Instructor (I’m certified)

Emergency substitute teacher

Educational technology

Nanny/Babysitter/Music Broker

Independent Contractor at Radio Promotions

Social worker/Supervisor/Guidance Counselor/Rare Book Dealer

Baker/Pastry Chef/Cake Decorator (I’m experimenting with this)

Jeweler/Jewelry Designer; Interior (re)Design/Staging; Copy Editing/Writing

Being an extra in movies and on TV shows (I’ve done LOTS)

Real Estate Agent (I know many actors in this field)

Tutor for kids with learning disabilities

Client Relations for a Creative Agency

Freelance Food Stylist

Radio Traffic Reporter

Historical Consultant for a Heritage Organization

Travel Writer for tours and content provider to their websites (something I’m very interested in as a hobby and part-time career)

Assistant at Conventions and Fundraisers

Massage Therapist (I’m considering adding this to my resume)

Photographer

Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

Mystery Shopper

Professional Mermaid (I’m on my way towards this as well)

Or reviewer of free items on apps like Influenstar

Extra for movies (sometimes $58 to $75 per 8 or 12 hour days with meals provided) or commercials filming in town – You don’t necessarily need a talent agent for finding extra work. However, quite a few casting directors I know who book extra work on SAG commercials (which usually pay a little over $300 for 10 hours on set) use talent agents because they trust the professionalism of the actors with that agent. There are people who can make a decent living being professional extras for movies and commercials. But you have to be available for a full day, possibly an overnight shoot or multiple days at a time. Often you’ll be asked a day or two before production and saying “maybe” can cost you future opportunities.

Pretty much the key word to hold to is: freelance. However, also keep in mind that freelance isn’t for the faint of heart. You work every day trying to attract business opportunities which is the absolute same in voice over. Depending on what you want to do, remember that some part-time careers and jobs require certifications, licenses, and expenses for advertising (websites, business cards, attending conventions, etc.).

Yet again, like in Voice Over, in order to succeed, you MUST know your competition. There are always going to be others who are not necessarily better but definitely more experienced. Then ask yourself questions like: What do you do differently than other brands? Why should the client put their trust in you? Will it support you through bills, taxes and family members?

Build your reputation by being a trustworthy source to those who need your talents, and then keep in touch with them with an occasional email asking how they are, and politely offering your services if they ever have a need for them. They might provide you with testimonials for your website or referrals which can lead to greater jobs.

If none of the above interests you in part-time work, then research some more. Google can be your friend if you let it. And yes, it’s easy to be discouraged, we all go through it. But know that life isn’t meant to be comfortable. Comfortable is the death of creativity. Without challenges, we as artists and human beings don’t grow and change to better ourselves and our talents.

I love discovering new hobbies and I encourage others to take leaps into unusual territories, not because I want to discourage you from pursuing voice over, but because whatever you learn outside of voice over might help you in your journey. If you love reading books aloud, maybe volunteer as a reader for https://www.learningally.org/. If you love art make a montage of screenshots and share bits of trivia through narration, then put it on YouTube. Or if you love talking about crafts, make up, recipes, then make instructional videos and put them out there!

What if you get sick or have a sore throat?

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Okay, first I apologize for not posting in a long time. I spent the last two months researching what kind of recording booth I wanted with StudioBricks. This kind of investment takes a long, long time because you want all the details in place: modifications, measurements, additional equipment, weighing the pros and cons, getting every bit of free advice you can gather, and more. This booth is the biggest investment I’ve ever made, everything HAS to be just right. If anyone wants to ask questions or read a possible future blog post about what I did to ensure that Studiobricks was the best decision please comment or message me.

A week after calling the manufacturer, and paying the deposit I got sick.

It’s going to happen. It always does.

As I typed this I was lying in bed with a massive sinus infection. It literally and I DO mean literally happens every year, always in March. Allergy season, eek!
And because I was coughing up junk every 45 minutes while my body adjusted to antibiotics (thank Heavens for after hours clinics!!!), I couldn’t record anything for three days. This meant missing auditions, lots of them. Who doesn’t hate missing auditions? But like I said, getting sick is going to happen. We’re human, not flawless.

While I lay coughing till my throat became numb, I realized this would make a good blog post about what to do when sick. Rest is essential, we all know that, but so is keeping your health in check you’re your mind stimulated. These are ideas, not solutions. I’m not a doctor, and I don’t play one on TV.

Health
Water, water, water. The doctor is sooooo right. Increase those fluids! No soft drinks, no alcohol (big no!!!), no milk, and no Gatorade, they don’t count. Juice is ok, but try to get natural without added sugars. Or if you have a juicer, raw juice from oranges and lemons.

Avoid dairy products, they make allergies worse. You can google it if you don’t believe me.

Soups are your best friend during those sick days. I know, I know, it’s not enjoyable as pizza or crispy fries or other comfort foods but you need to get well first. And avoid the creamy soups (clam chowder, potato soup, broccoli cheese, etc.). Stick with broths or vegetables. Hot is best for helping to drain the sinuses.

Stay clean
Wash your hands and shower with warm or hot water. I often don’t want to leave my bed but a hot shower does so much. I can breathe in the steam which can clear my nostrils. The hot water also numbs my achy limbs. If you’re sensitive to hot water than try a warm shower, or soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts which you can buy almost anywhere.

Advice from VO talent:
A number of colleagues shared the following info below when it comes to caring for a sore throat. Those that are bold are the ones I tried.

Gargling with hot water and salt. Don’t swallow! (Multiple VO talent swear by this and it worked for me too)
Boil fresh ginger (not powdered) with some tablespoons of honey and drink 4 times a day.
Buy a neti pot and keep it by your bed.
Chloraseptic spray
Throat coat products
Hot tea with lemon and honey
Homemade grapefruit juice

Mix 2 tablespoons of honey, the juice of one lemon and a cup of hot water before better (It helped me a good deal)

Honey and apple cider vinegar
Sage tea

Buy a humidifier (I got one)
Ginseng tea
Fish oil
Turmeric capsules
Garlic capsules

2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water every day (I tried this earlier. Not easy to swallow, but an hour later I felt soooo much better!)

And…. rest, rest, more rest and vocal rest.

When in doubt, ask your doctor!

When you start to feel better but can’t bring yourself to get in your studio to record just yet, what do you do to keep up with VO? Well there’s Twitter, Facebook, Google, Instagram and blogs on every topic from A to Z. But if you want to keep up with VO here are some great blogs and video series to check out:

VO Buzz Weekly (Interviews with top VO talent, top VO agents, top VO producers and much more!) – http://www.vobuzzweekly.com/

Whittam’s World (Awesome info on VO and recording technology)- http://www.edgestudiotechnology.com/whittam-s-world.html

Paul Strikwerda VO Blog (A GREAT source of information)- http://www.nethervoice.com 

Global Voice Academy (Classes, workshops, webinars, news) – http://www.globalvoiceacademy.com/

After a few days hopefully you’ll feel better, but take it easy for another day or two. Afterwards, take vitamin C, do some yoga or light exercise, vocal warm-ups and NEVER, NEVER, NEVER stop drinking water.

If you have ideas or thoughts to share regarding what works for you, please do so!

Voice Over and Recording from Home

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Do you record at home in a small closet or room, buy a whisper room, build a home studio from scratch, or invest in a booth?

I’ve recorded in all kinds of spaces at my house and in professional studios, but these days you MUST be able to primarily record at home. No excuses, no exceptions. There’s no need to spend thousands of dollars; however, that can also depend on your location and outside environment. If you live in a nice quiet suburb, then a good closet space will do fine. But if you’re able to hear a 60 Hz hum in the walls from electricity, planes flying over your house or leaf blowers and lawn mowers every other day, you’ll need to find ways to work around them. [Read more…] about Voice Over and Recording from Home

Exercise and Voice Over

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Can exercise make you a better VO?

Anybody and everyone will say the same thing over and over: exercise is good for you! You know it’s true. It has many, many MANY benefits for the body, the mind and I’m going to share how it’s helped me in voice over.

Breathing for example. We all have to breathe in order to live, but to do hours of voice over you need to understand the right way to breathe by using the diaphragm instead of the chest. It’s also a common necessity for classically trained singers when performing live concerts or stage musicals. However, those not interested in voice lessons can learn to breathe correctly by practicing yoga. As someone who also teaches yoga I can attest to this.

Yoga promotes better breathing, balance, flexibility and strength. When doing animation or video game voice overs sometimes the body must be in motion even if the player only hears your voice. If the character is in motion you need to sound like you’re in motion. For those who want to act with motion capture technology, being in good shape is essential. You could be asked to run, do somersaults, choreographed fight scenes, etc., over and over until the director has the best footage for animating.

Martial arts is fabulous for breathing, as well as learning to protect yourself in real life and understanding how to take a punch, a kick, a slap, or handling weapons. I often promote Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art, as a style worth time and money to learn because the training is intense and realistic when it comes to defending yourself from danger. I don’t mean zombies, or supernatural enemies, but real life. It took me 7 years to achieve my black belt and it was one of the best investments I ever made. You’re taught how to get out of choke holds, bear hugs, knife attacks, gun attacks, ground attacks, stick or pipe attacks, and much more. Lots of video games are first-person shooters. Can you create five different ways to sound like you’ve been punched or kicked? How about exertion sounds such as lifting something heavy, reacting to a gunshot wound, holding a heavy rifle or sword and having to fight with it? Then there’s the fact that you’ll need to be comfortable doing all the above while standing in a booth for 3-4 hours — or possibly 6!

Or if you don’t want to take lessons in martial arts, try dancing. If you hope to be in musicals someday then it’s another must. Few musicals don’t include dancing of some sort. While I’ve yet to hear about a VO or motion capture session involving dancing and speaking at the same time, it’s still part of performing arts and great for singers. Broadway performers often make great voice actors due to their ability to be animated when speaking as well as singing. Before celebrities came aboard to voice characters in animated Disney Films, stage actors and singers like Jodi Benson (Ariel in The Little Mermaid), Paige O’Hara (Belle in Beauty and the Beast), Richard White (Gaston in Beauty and the Beast), Susan Egan (Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway and Meghara in Hercules) and others voice iconic characters doing the speaking and singing. To be stage performers they had to be in good shape, have flexible vocal chords and excellent breath control.

And you don’t like the idea of any kind of exercise class then you have no excuse not to go for a walk or jog. Get used to being on your feet for an hour or two and practice getting your lungs nice and strong.

In an article with The Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Beyonce-to-fight-childhood-obesity/articleshow/8888356.cms), Beyoncé revealed her training regimen from her early days, stating, “My father, who was also my manager, made me run a mile while singing so I would be able to perform on stage without becoming exhausted.”

Running may not be the most fun thing to do but Beyoncé has a strong point. The exercise kept her in shape, improved her ability to use awesome breath control when singing and moving, and her energy is all over the place.

If weather is unpleasant, then get on your computer and use YouTube exercise videos. There’s an abundant amount of them! Start with 30 minutes a day till you feel you can do 45 minutes, then an hour.

Now, forgive me if I’m blunt here, but if nothing mentioned in this blog inspires you to move to keep you voice and body healthy, then you’re either depressed or lazy. If you’re depressed, please don’t think you’re alone and believe there are ways to get help. If you’re lazy, that’s a choice. Just don’t expect opportunities to come your way. This is not a business for people who are lazy. Neither will do you any good in building success as a voice over. You MUST take care of yourself. No one will do it for you. If you ever want to compete with the amazing talent already out there, then you have to do the work and keep at it.

Are you a member of a gym? See if they offer yoga or martial arts classes.

Not interested in a gym? Try finding a studio dedicated to yoga, Pilates or martial arts.

If you can’t get to a gym, a yoga studio or a martial arts center or don’t have the money to join them guess what? You have Youtube! And there’s no more excuses to use from here because you wouldn’t be reading this blog if you didn’t have internet or access to it.

However when it comes to martial arts I don’t recommend learning through YouTube or any online videos. It’s best you take lessons in person with a mentor who’s certified to teach.

But with yoga fear not, here are some good sites I’ve come to appreciate when it comes to exercise and inspiration. Good luck on your journey!

https://www.youtube.com/user/RachelBrathenYoga

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kayla-matthews/9-great-yoga-youtube-channels_b_6737360.html

http://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/best-videos-yoga#10

https://www.youtube.com/user/lesleyfightmaster

http://takelessons.com/blog/yoga-for-singers-z02 

Voice Over Knowledge Shared

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images

Want to guess how many times I get asked “How can I be a voice actor?”

I have no problem hearing the question, because I was asking it myself years ago. There is a problem, though. The advice that I tend to offer for free is typically ignored or unappreciated. It’s okay. I’m not bitter. But I do find it irritable when folks expect an easy way to get in, as though I could wave some magic wand and just turn them into legit voice actors. Or as one person asked me:  “Could you help me get a lead on one of your shows?”

First let me just say that I fully respect anyone and everyone who has aspirations to do what they love, and I want to support individuals who are serious about pursuing their dream careers. However, there are those who want to bypass the work and rely on ego and attitude to get them places. I’m sorry to say, they probably won’t get too far. I’ve put in so much time to write emails full of information which I researched for days and days and in some cases received from genuine voice over resources themselves. Lately no one wants to read all the info; they want me to make a phone call and give fictional praise on their behalf because they believe they’re just as good as the talent working today. If I don’t know you personally and have never seen you act then it’s not going to happen. If you call one of my clients, agents or teachers and falsely claim that I recommended you when I didn’t, it really won’t happen. And to folks who use anger and bullying, it will NEVER happen. For everyone else, this is not meant to be discouraging; it’s meant to give some direction.

Back to what is said at the top of the page, “Knowledge is Power”, and the internet is a gold mine of knowledge. I’ve trained with numerous working voice actors, attended seminars and workshops by respected casting directors, networked for years with voice over talent who are my second family, and together we’ve all kept up with what’s current in the entertainment industry, the markets, the genres, conventions, workshops, tutorials and LOTS more through the internet and word of mouth. So instead of responding to emails and posting all the precious information I’ve put together, I’m going to put as best as I possibly can a condensed version here on my blog. Anyone who emails me asking the same questions will be sent a link here. If you are a potential voice actor, it’ll be your job to decide what to do with this information. Keep in mind two things though: Voice over is VERY competitive, and no matter where you are in your career, you shouldn’t EVER stop learning.

Pat class me focused

To be a Voice Over know first that acting is acting. I know of very few people who got into voice over work without being an actor first. Even if you only want to pursue commercials, narrations, or announcements, an acting class will benefit you in tremendous ways whether it be theater, film, or improvisation. You gain an understanding of what it means to be directed, how to use your voice correctly, and enhanced reading skills. If goals are focused towards animation, video games, anime or puppetry, acting classes are MUST. No excuses. Funny voices don’t make a character authentic, acting does. If you live somewhere that doesn’t have ongoing film, theater or improvisation classes to take in person fear not. Thanks to Skype, Zoom, Youtube and many others you can learn from a distance by attending webinars, online programs, group courses or one-on-one training with a reputable coach. Some names mentioned are people I haven’t trained with yet but through colleagues that I trust without any doubt whatsoever, I believe they’re experts worthy of notice. If there’s a name on my list of teachers that isn’t mentioned it’s due to one of two possible reasons: 1. I haven’t heard of the individual yet. 2. I have in fact trained with the individual and what they teach is false.

Everyone has a website these days so all you have to do is google their names for more info.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON DEMOS: Do not get a demo made until you’ve had enough training to start somewhere. False teachers/producers will try to talk you into letting them produce your demo when you’re far from ready. It’s an expensive mistake that can also damage your first impression to others. People remember bad demos. NEVER forget that. Visit http://www.videovoicebank.net for examples of top-notch demos. Listen to names (including celebrities) under agents like William Morris Endeavor, DPN, CAA, VOX Inc., CESD, SBV, AVO, Atlas Talent, Osbrink Agency, Coast to Coast Talent, Abrams Artists and Associates, and TGMD. Can you do what they do and sound believable?

Teachers I have trained with, most have expertise in more than one genre or market: Lisa Biggs (kid voices, voice acting toys), Everett Oliver (animation), Pat Fraley (audio books, animation), Cliff Zellman (commercials), Ginny McSwain (video games), Bob Bergen (animation), Dave Fennoy (video games), Joyce Castellanos (Promos), Mary Lynn Wissner (commercials), Katie Leigh (animation), Marice Tobias (commercials/narration), Richard Horvitz (animation), MJ Lallo (animation), Bill Holmes (commercials), Marc Cashman (commercials), Lani Minella (video games), Bruce Carey (commercials), Bob Michaels (commercials), John Swasey and Ned Lott (ADR Looping)

Demo Producers I have worked with or I have complete trust in: Chuck Duran, Marc Graue Studios, Susan Palyo at Voice Trax West, Cliff Zellman, Richard Horvitz, Nancy Wolfson, Roy B. Yokelson, David Rosenthal, Cristina Milizia

Voice Over Guides from Working Professionals in Animation, Video Games and Anime:
https://iwanttobeavoiceactor.com
http://www.kylehebert.com/
http://www.crispinfreeman.com/faq.html

Group/Private Training and Workouts for all kinds of Voice Over markets:
http://www.globalvoiceacademy.com/
http://www.voicetraxwest.com/classdescriptions/
http://www.fixinthemix.com/Voiceover_VO_Class.htm

Voice Over Blogs or Web Talk Shows:
http://www.nethervoice.com/nethervoice/
http://courvo.com/blog
http://blog.audioconnell.com/
http://www.vobuzzweekly.com/

Help with Marketing and more:
https://www.marcscottcoaching.com/lesson/marketing-for-success/ 
http://anneganguzza.com/services
http://www.celiasiegel.com/

Voice Over Communities:
http://www.vo-bb.com/phpBB2/
https://twitter.com/courvo/lists/voiceoverists (Also search for a plethora of groups on Linkedin, Facebook, Pinterest, etc.)
http://www.voiceoveruniverse.com/
http://www.voxyladies.com/

Voice Over Conventions:
http://www.voatlanta.me/
http://www.faffcon.com/ (working professionals only)
http://faffcamp.com/ (those starting out or already seasoned in VO)
http://www.world-voices.org (runs WOVOCON)
http://randythomaspresents.com/
http://www.midatlanticvo.com/
http://voxyladies.com/voxy-summit-2016/
http://www.midwestvoiceoverconference.com/
http://thatsvoiceover.com/

Home Recording Studio Experts:
Dan Lenard – www.homevoiceoverstudio.com/
George Whittam – http://www.vostudiotech.com/
Dan Friedman – http://www.sound4vo.com/

A few examples of Professional Voice Over Websites:
http://voiceoversandvocals.com/ 
http://bethchaplin.com/VO/
http://www.bernadettesullivan.com/
http://www.nazvoice.com/
http://www.lorialan.com/
http://www.mikematheson.com/
http://www.dbcoopervo.com/yeah/

Miscellaneous Resources:
http://www.voiceoverresourceguide.com/
https://www.audiopub.org/ (for audio book narrators)
https://www.voiceoverxtra.com/
Last but nowhere near the least are Don’ts and Do’s that I’ve compiled based on my own experiences. May you all follow your dreams and find success!

WHAT NOT TO DO
– Don’t stop in the middle of a recording. If you mess up during a recording or audition don’t ask the engineer to stop recording and don’t waste time apologizing, just go back to the beginning of a line or paragraph and start again. Engineers can edit out mistakes.

-Don’t offer suggestions to the director unless you are asked

-Don’t let any coach (no matter how reputable) convince you that you’re ready to make demo after 2-3 sessions, especially if you’re a beginner.

-Don’t have a friend make an edit for you unless they have extensive professional experience. It’s very easy to tell if an audio production was produced on cheap software ore a high quality studio. You want the best to make you sound the best.

-Don’t eat dairy products or a super heavy meal before a recording session.

-Don’t spend thousands of dollars on a home studio, ask around for advice on good microphones, recording software, speakers, headphones, etc.

-Don’t show up in person to hand studios, agents, or casting directors your demo. Look at their website for rules on submissions (if there are any), then call to see if the company has a casting department or ask who casts the shows/games. Most casting directors prefer a link to your demo from a website rather than an mp3 as they take up space.

-Don’t tell everyone about a project you’ve recorded on social media unless the client is okay with it. Overzealous anime and video game fans will do almost anything to get the gossip on who voiced what character. Wait until the studio makes a cast announcement online or ask them personally if it’s okay to share news about your latest voice over job.

-DON’T EXAGGERATE ON YOUR RESUME. People in this business do look up people and places that you list and if it’s not legit, word will spread super quickly.

-Don’t call studios, agents or casting directors saying someone referred you if it’s not true. You won’t be hired and more than likely never trusted as second time.

-Don’t strike up a conversation with another VO actor at an audition in person. If there’s a script for you to look over, read it, study the available information. Afterwards, make friends, but be respectful to those auditioning after you.

-Don’t beg for a job. Ask about upcoming auditions or share news of a recent project (without bragging) or a new voice over demo, but don’t e-mail clients specifically asking if they can give you a job.

WHAT TO DO

-Do be on time when recording in a professional studio, fifteen minutes early at best.

-Do let producers, casting directors or your agent know if you’re running late (traffic, accidents, events, etc.)

-Do pay attention to all direction given to you in a session

-Do ask questions if something doesn’t make sense, don’t give the director a hard time pretending you understand if you really don’t

-Do bring your own water. Some studios have some for you but not always.

-Do practice a script if the client sends you a copy to work with. If you can look at your script the day before recording READ it and PRACTICE out loud.

-Do always keep training in some way, take ongoing acting lessons, attend workshops, seminars, watch youtube videos, read articles, listen to other demos

-Do market yourself with business cards, postcards, CDs, websites,

-Do network with others at events (see conventions list) you never know who you might meet

-Do keep up with what’s happening in the industry. So many do not do this.

-Do make friends with other VO talent. Many pass jobs to each other or recommend friends to agents and studios.

-Do keep a positive attitude, it’s a VERY competitive business and everyone goes through ups and downs. Everyone. But if you’re negative, especially around people in the business, people will not want to work with you or recommend you to clients.

-Do take care of your body with vocal warm-ups, physical exercises, and good personal hygiene.

-Do research coaches, classes, to see if they’re legit, ask around forums, get REAL opinions, don’t necessarily rely on online testimonials alone.

-Do listen very carefully to demos. Recognize what sounds real and what sounds fake. A voice actor (even a coach) may say they can sound like a baby, kids, teens, but vocally they’re incapable of sounding authentic. If you can sound like a baby, have it on your demo or be prepared to have a dynamite audition. First impressions really do matter.

-Do take criticism and learn from it.

-Do have fun! Enjoy life!

me recording

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