VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

schrec · Guest

Hello all. I am new to this site, I stumbled on it when I was searching the net for voiceover people. Got any advice for a totally green person looking to get into this business?
I have done an eval with a local voice coach. I plan on taking voice lessons, but being totally new at this, I am not sure what I should be looking for.
So I am turning to you all here on the site. Got any advice for a rookie?
I am in the DC area, so if you know of anyone to deal with, or to stay away from as far as instructors, please let me know.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2006 3:04 pm Post subject:

Here's my advice:

Read the archives here.
Listen to people's demos.
Get the books we recommend.

Read aloud every day and record yourself.
Get used to the sound of your voice.
Practice, practice, practice.
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X · Guest

I'm new to this too schrec! welcome. There is a ton of experience to be had right here on this site. I've been going through the archives and there is soooooo much knowledge here - take advantage!!!!

COURVO · Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2006 7:44 pm Post subject:

Welcome Shrec,

It's not just that the collective wisdom of this Board is awesome beyond belief...it's that they're all (well, ahem...most) kinda twisted, tongue-in-cheek-zany, well-meaning, searching, considerate, irreverent, sarcastic, helpful, very bright, and sociable....and that's just Doc and Frank.

Pretty much anything you ask tends to get a response....but be careful what you wish for.... I'm just a relative noob, too....but that's MY impression so far.

Dave C.
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Dave Courvoisier - Las Vegas, NV
http://www.CourVO.com
CourVO@CourVO.com
Courvo's "Voice Acting in Vegas" Blog: http://www.CourVO.biz
on your phone at courvo.mobi
702.610.6288
"I'm not a news anchor, but I play one on TV."

Bailey · Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2006 12:21 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the VO-BB, Shrec.

Take all of the aforementioned advice seriously. It takes a lot of ground school before you should even attempt your 1st flight. You already have a computer... that's a good start. If you have a microphone... even a cheap computer mic... use that to record / listen to your voice / practice / etc.
Try to avoid spending any money on anything else that plugs into an electrical outlet. As you peruse through these forums, look for references of VO books and any local VO training classes that may be near your location. You mentioned a "voice" eval and "taking" voice lessons. Could you elaborate on that? Just to give an idea of the kind of current training you have investigated.
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schrec · Guest

Thanks for the nice replies, and the good advice. Keep it coming!
As for what I have done so far:
I took a one day class offered by a local VO guy named john Burr. That class had 6 people in it. It gave you a quick overview of the business, an even quicker session on scripts, and then each person got to do about 4 readings. after this class john basically tells you whether or not you have talent that can be developed. in my case he thought I had a good voice and that i should go further and do a one on one evaluation. So last sunday I did the one on one session. That was 2 hours and i cold read 20 commercials and 15 narrations, John then tated me on aobut 20 different categories. After the one on one, he seemed to think I would be able to make a go of this business. So then we talked about training, what my expectations are, and so on. I have scheduled some training sessions with John. John gave me some practice scripts, told me to buy a book on grammar, study the scripts, and practice practice practice. as john put it, i have a toolbox full of nice tools, but i need to learn how to use them.

So now i am looking at not cheap, but inexpensive microphones and recording devices. any recomendations you guys have for inexpensive equipment would be appreciated.

so am i on the right path? have any of you ever heard of John Burr productions?

Deirdre · Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 9:24 am Post subject:

COURVO · Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 7:28 pm Post subject:

I've never heard of John Burr, but I know there are lots of people in this business offering training in VO. Some reputable, some not. Some know what they're doing, some seem to prey on wanna-be's, and keep signing you up for things.

If I were cynical I'd say: "Of course he told you you have potential -- you went on to pay for another one of his classes!" How nice for him!

It's good that you asked the board about Mr. Burr....someone here has probably heard of him if he's worthwhile. I'm just saying, PLEASE get referrals on these people, or they could be just out for your dollars. (voice of experience).

Dave C.
_________________
Dave Courvoisier - Las Vegas, NV
http://www.CourVO.com
CourVO@CourVO.com
Courvo's "Voice Acting in Vegas" Blog: http://www.CourVO.biz
on your phone at courvo.mobi
702.610.6288
"I'm not a news anchor, but I play one on TV."