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Mary Morgan

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Embrace the Art of Learning Voice Over

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Patience is a virtue often underrated due to a fast-paced society we live in. People want to be famous right now so that others will grovel at their feet and pay money to see them at a convention. They want to be rich so that they never have to get a 9 to 5 job or splurge on ridiculous luxuries. The list goes on of course.

However, if everything happened quickly, how would you handle the consequences of what comes after?

Quite a few celebrities are dealing with harsh realities nowadays of getting heavily in debt due to their overspending and poor decision making. Some have turned to taking roles in B, C and D movies just to make money. Audiences used to glorify their names in movies, and now they taunt them on the internet and in Cards Against Humanity. At the same time, if the celebrity is happy to perform in poorly received films, then so be it. Let them use the sources that work to pay their debts.

Back to us, though; what’s wrong with learning? Here’s what people have shared with me so far.

It’s expensive. Think of college. A great number of people are still paying off their college tuition. Some say college is worth it, others say it isn’t. For actors, it depends on what you want out of your life. Not everyone who went to Julliard made it big. I’ve even met a few who flat out told me it wasn’t worth it. But what I found myself asking was, what did they want out of it? An immediate job in a Broadway play? An invite to audition to for Steven Spielberg? Or an education at one of the finest performing institutes in the world?

Time. Some of us are late bloomers. Including myself. Who cares? I may not make it as a romantic leading lady in a Hollywood film like Jennifer Lawrence, but I don’t care because it’s not something I want. I’d rather be a highly respected performer like Meryl Streep, Judi Dench, or Helen Mirren. They’ve been working steadily for years and age hasn’t stopped them. As I’ve grown in my career I’ve discovered that my interest in performing is also awakening my interest in being creative elsewhere: writing, producing, maybe directing, maybe even game design. These days rather than realize that the clock is ticking as an actor and a VO, I’m looking to expand my horizons. How do I do this? NETWORKING! I’m getting to know all kinds of people in other areas of entertainment like music composers, game designers, coders, writers, producers, directors, and on and on. I don’t look at who is more likely to get my foot in the door, but more of what can I learn from their experience. If I die before accomplishing any of my dreams, I can at least look back and know that I tried and hopefully inspire other generations to do the same. Morgan Freeman is a great example. He’s been acting since he was a child, but believe it or not, he didn’t get full recognition until he was in his 40s-50s. He didn’t stop learning and didn’t stop believing in himself.

 It’s hard work, all of it. Wouldn’t it be great to have a mother, father, aunt, uncle, cousin, brother or sister or grandparent working in this industry? They could open doors in a heartbeat. A lot of times they do. But even that can backfire. One actress I know of has a terrific fan base, has close to one hundred thousand followers on Twitter and worked on incredible projects. Yet her ticket in was through her brother because of how established he was in the industry. This actress has earned her place with respect due to proven talen; at the same time, it’s not surprising to see quite a few trolls on the internet blasting the fact that she got in through nepotism. But folks, that’s life. It’s not going to change, ever! Get over it! You can spend hours on the internet griping about a situation you can’t control or move on and work on YOUR potential success, if you want it. If it takes a long time, then embrace the journey. Acknowledge how far you’ve come. In the end people will admire you for it and look up to you instead of bashing your name on forums for getting in through nepotism. Read books, take Udemy courses, watch tutorials on YouTube, attend workshops, listen to podcasts, audition for plays, be an extra in movies, TV and film, get to know ALL kinds of people, even production assistants! Take criticism with a grain of salt and move forward with the promise of continuing to learn. You might surprise yourself with results.

Now, I’m blunt in my posts nowadays because this business is blunt. It’s unfair, it’s ruthless, it’s not for the faint of heart, it’s tough to break into, but also, not impossible. It depends on you. If you don’t make it on Hollywood, make it happen in hometown. YouTube is all the rage now. Even celebrities have YouTube pages just to keep up with what’s current in the world. Make a short film, sing a cover version of a well-known song, open your mind and be creative with your skills.

At the same time, expect criticism and trolls because they’re everywhere and not going away. If some people give you genuine, helpful advice, take it! If others put you down, shrug your shoulders and move on.

***This post was written last Friday which also was the day I received some devastating news in the VO community. A “Pay To Play” site known as Voices dot com bought Voicebank. I don’t want to go into the subject too much but if you need to read more about this and why it’s bad news then start by visiting these sites:

http://www.nethervoice.com/2017/08/09/a-deal-with-the-devil/

https://tomdheere.com/voiceovers-voice-bank-and-voices-dot-com-the-not-silent-blog-81517/

http://www.bryansaint.com/voices-com-reviews-major-update/

10 Reasons why you won’t make it as a voice over part 2

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Continuing from last time on 10 Reasons why you won’t make it as a voice over. Please remember it’s not about saying you will never be a voice over, it’s what you’re not doing that’ll keep you from being a voice over.

  1. Demos: This… is the most important thing you WILL need. No excuses!! You can ever ask around about how important it is to have demos. If you don’t have at least one demo, you’ll be tossed aside. Recording demos on your own is frowned upon, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing (surprisingly, people still try). And keep this priceless piece advice with you: You get what you pay for. If you spend $200-$500 on a demo and it sounds like it was produced in an echoey room with noise in the background, poor sound effects, terrible reading or awful acting, you could not only lose opportunities to audition for projects, you could be remembered for your awful demo and denied a second chance. I’ve seen this happen too. I’ve been to studios where the engineers play horrible demos for everyone just for fun and they literally cringe after 8 seconds then make fun of the person’s name or such. Now some demo producers are generous by keeping fees under $1000, but listen to samples of demos they’ve worked on and decide if you like the quality. Have doubts about what sounds good? Visit Voicebank.net, go to demos and clients, click on agencies like Atlas Agency, DPN, Vox, Inc. SBV, Abrams Artists, AVO Talent or CESD. Play demos under some of the actors listed with the agent. Do you think your demo can stand out from theirs? I have a list of producers I recommend on my VO Knowledge Shared post.
  2. Performance: If you’re pursuing commercials can you read copy without sounding like you’re reading? Can you talk about a product like you’re sharing news of the product to your friend or family? Or if you’re pursing video games, are you prepared to do lots of shouting if it calls for it? Can you put yourself in the mind of a character in a bizarre or hostile environment and sound believable? Can you create voices for 3-4 different characters? If you want to work in animation, the info above still applies. But if you want to pursue anime, can you match the speed of lip flaps on one screen while seeing the script on another? Can you get the work done without lots of errors? Most of all, do you sound awesome on your polished produced demo and are able to reproduce that exact performance?
  3. Respect: This is crucial, not just for others but for yourself. Many entering voice over are offering their “services” for as low as $5 for work in commercials or narrations and so on. If you accept this payment and word gets around, you won’t be popular in the community. And word WILL get around. I see it all the time on social media. Websites and names are mentioned of those who charge little to nothing to book jobs that SHOULD pay more for use of your voice. If you join Pay 2 Play sites, beware of others who audition and offer low fees. Then there are the sites themselves. Some are very dishonest. If you get paid just $100 flat for recording a commercial that’s airing 10-20 times a day on TV or Radio, you’re missing the opportunity to negotiate for residuals (payment for every time it airs). You also risk damaging your reputation. If word gets around you’re willing to work cheap for one company but not for another, how will you handle the situation? Word travels fast.
  4. You won’t take advice from working professionals: There are some who have this idea that they’re good at everything. I’ve seen folks who have potential for corporate or industrials spend years trying to break in animation and games. I’ve also seen announcers attempt audiobooks, and video game VO talent try commercials. But when the pros (super established VO talent or producers, directors, casting or booth directors) give subtle advice and the talent either rolls their eyes or bashes their name on social media for suggesting ideas that could help, it means wasting an opportunity to find a niche that truly works for you. Don’t try to do everything. It’s ridiculous. My strength is animation and games, I believe I have potential in other markets but if a respected pro tells me otherwise I’m totally ok. You may find you have a gift when it comes to long form narration even though you yearn to do video games. Embrace what comes naturally first, then try other genres. However, learn to take any and all advice that’s freely given. Now if it’s a put down or negative comments (even from a pro) then yes, toss it aside. I’ve only encountered maybe 4 people in the voice over community who I won’t recommend as a talent or a coach. They’re long time VO talent with lots of credits in various genres, at the same time they’re grouchy, egotistical, and in some cases VERY insecure about others pursuing voice over. I won’t take their advice because it’s often negative and in a few cases incredibly rude and belittling. Anyone who acts in such a way is a bully, and believe me when I say word travels fast.
  5. You want to be famous like so-and-so and that’s all: If fame is all you want, then VO may not be what you’re looking for. I know plenty of famous VO talent and I’ll tell you this, most weren’t thinking about having thousands of Twitter followers, or interviews in magazines or invites to conventions all over the world. They love acting and they love Entertainment. They got as far as they did through hard word and luck. They’re the nice talent who are respectful even to beginners. I also know talent who are known for a few shows yet play the same kinds of characters over and over. Then they brag about having lots of fans, convention appearances, and money that comes from charging for autographs or pictures taken with them. They may be famous and have lots of fans, but the stories I hear from those who’ve seen the voice actors in person are far from positive. And worse, those who select certain individuals as idols they want to be like (I’ve met a good number of them), end up sabotaging themselves due to trying to be someone they’re not or modeling themselves as the next so-and-so. I’ve seen YouTube videos of a person doing this and constantly mispronouncing the voice actor’s name. This person unfortunately only wanted fame. He/she wanted the worship and praise of others clapping and screaming and throwing themselves at his/her feet. Here’s what’s ironic. The person isn’t a famous VO, he/she is an infamous wannabe. I see their name mentioned now and then, and I read unpleasant stories about them on blogs, message boards, and other social media sites. Do you want fame or infamy? The best kind of “fame” to aim for is respect from other VO talent and clientele. Be someone who is patient, dependable, understanding, easy to work with, joyful, honest, and hardworking. Then your name will spread around the community with compliments and praise. And in time clients (producers, agents, directors, etc.) will seek you out. I’ve gotten some great work just because someone I trained with in a workshop, auditioned for on a project I didn’t book, or met through colleague recommended me.

I could go on with more reasons that would prevent you from becoming a VO talent, but you’ll likely find tips on other blogs that are either similar to all the above or expanded to up to 20 reasons.

And as I said before, don’t use this list to be discouraged, use it to prevent obstacles from happening in your journey to discovering yourself. VO may not be for you after all. Don’t treat the news as a bad thing. Use it to figure out what you can do and where to go from there.

10 Reasons Why You Won’t Make It As A Voice Over part 1

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Due to this post being quite long I’ve made it into two parts. Before criticizing the negative title of this post please know that it’s not meant to discourage; it’s meant to explain what you need to be doing today to be a voice over and the reasons that MIGHT be stopping you.

More and more my colleagues and I are encountering people who ask how to get in VO. And that’s nice. It’s perfectly normal. I encourage it. Now there are times when I might get too busy to answer, but one thing I’m hearing from my friends is the lack of work people should be doing to stay active in this business. If you want to treat it as a hobby that’s great. I guarantee there’s always a need for volunteer voice over artists. You can record books, magazines, or newspapers for the blind. You can donate time to recording some free e-learning programs or PSAs. However, if you want to compete with professional talent that you hear in commercials, promos, anime, video games, cartoons, narrations, audiobooks, industrials, political ads, etc. You HAVE to do the work!

Yes, that was blunt, but for a good reason. My colleagues and I get emails and messages on social media time and time again from people wanting to enter the world of voice overs. As I said above, that’s nice, nothing wrong with that whatsoever. The downside is once they learn all that’s involved just to get started, they either quit, ask for free help at “getting in” or say they don’t need training or demos (yes some have actually said this!). The last two excuses are what irks the professionals, including myself. Working VO talent have worked really hard to get where they are and a lot of us are still working hard to stay in the game. If you’re not willing to work just as hard then you’re wasting our time, which is not free. I will gladly donate time for a letter with links or suggestions on where to start, but wanting free lessons or leads into projects I’m working on? The answer is a flat no.

If you’re truly willing to commit the time you have to training, getting a good home studio set up, networking like a boss with a solid website and auditioning hundreds or thousands of times before booking something, then you’re welcome in the VO Community. And it is definitely a wonderful community. A lot of VO talent compete for the same jobs, and a few don’t like to acknowledge those who are starting out or who are capable of eventually booking jobs they normally get. The vast majority though become like family over time. You can have a place in all of it if you’re willing to do the work. If you think you don’t need to do any work, see a list of reasons why you won’t make it as a voice over.

  1. Training: It’s a must. I know Talent who have worked for Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., major TV networks and national commercials who still attend workshops and classes to stay sharp and keep up with what’s current. If you think you’re too good for all that, see ya!
  2. Taking direction: ALWAYS leave your ego at home. ALWAYS!! (you’re going to see this word a lot). Your job is not to like how the script is written, your job is to show up at the studio prepared for feedback and sometimes long hours in a booth. If you won’t acknowledge what the director or client wants out of your read, you’ll be fired and likely not hired again or worse, blackballed.
  3. Egos: As said above, ALWAYS leave your ego at home. I know of people in the industry who think they’re God when it comes to voice over. It’s almost literal. They’re demanding when it comes to projects (lead roles only, no minor parts and no background voices) and disrespectful to those who aren’t as elite as they like to think they are. One person I hear NONSTOP horror stories about will refuse to work on shows that don’t have a high-profile presence among viewers. Nor will this person perform as a supporting or minor character, it has to be a lead. This person has been seen first-hand by working professionals as well as fans behaving like a diva with ridiculous demands, loving the attention he/she gets from others and won’t hesitate to take advantage of it. Instead honoring the opportunities he/she receives with gratitude, he/she is purely in it for the fame, and the money received for making appearances. On the internet, however, you find people posting all kinds of negative comments which in due time could stall or end your career. If you become like this person, eventually it WILL come back at you.
  4. Not having a solid space or recording equipment at home: Folks, this is the age we live in. You have to have a home studio. If you live near recording studios and are willing to pay money per hour to audition or record sessions then by all means stick to it. However, clients these days don’t want to pay a studio fee. So, consider finding a place in your house or apartment that’s really quiet. Talk with recording engineers about ways to dampen or sound proof the area (a corner, a closet, even a bathroom) so there’s no echo. You can totally have a good studio on a low budget. Do your research online. Some great people I recommend for help are George Whittam, Dan Lenard and Dan Friedman. Google their names, and email them. Be aware though, their time isn’t free. Time is money, so don’t expect free evaluations or advice.
  5. Marketing: If you assume people will find you right away on social media you’ll be waiting a LONG time. Even if you sign with an agent, you still have to do your part. Never call an agent to ask why you’re not getting any work. You can, however, ask what you can do to help your agent get you noticed. If you won’t take their advice or give them a hard time, you could be dropped and then your name would get around as someone difficult to work with. I’ve seen it happen. The internet is a goldmine of great info and assistance but also a curse. Use it only for good. Join Facebook VO groups, Twitter Chats, create a YouTube page, get a nice website (HTML is recommended, not flash), create a LinkedIn page and join groups there. Find out if there might be a meet up group in your area. Or join online VO workout groups who use Zoom to interact. Be a positive role model and not someone who belittles others.

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!

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

©2025 Mary Morgan // Voice Over Site by Voice Actor Websites

marymorganvoice@gmail.com
817-845-7862