VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Eric_Hu · Guest

Hi guys,

I'm kicking around the idea of a career in VO. I'm hoping that someone can answer some questions like:

-is there a "standard" pay scale for non union work?

-what are some good ways to prospect for work?

-suggestions on what format to record in (most popular)?

-do's and don'ts when making a demo?

-is there a website for downloads of background music to use in a demo?

-should you have a website done before looking for work?

Feel free to throw in any advice for a 100% noob (even is it's to tell me that I'm making the wrong choice, lol).

Thanks,

Eric

KaseyKruz · Club 300 Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 336 Location: Michigan

You can find great discussions in the archives. Just do a search for whatever tickles your fancy and enjoy the reading.
Welcome to the board!
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bobsouer

Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

-is there a "standard" pay scale for non union work?
BAGFULS

-what are some good ways to prospect for work?
CARDBOARD SIGN ON MADISON AVENUE

-suggestions on what format to record in (most popular)?
COUNTRY & WESTERN

-do's and don'ts when making a demo?
DO MAKE A GOOD ONE. DON'T MAKE A BAD ONE

-is there a website for downloads of background music to use in a demo?
LEGAL DOWNLOADS? HMMM...NOT SURE.

-should you have a website done before looking for work?
NO, YOU SHOULD HAVE TALENT AND A REAL GOOD DEMO

Things to ponder while you're "kicking it around". It's very competitive,
but there are some very nice, talented people (not me) here at the BB.
SEARCH and LEARN from the best. GOOD LUCK and WELCOME!
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Ed Gambill · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 1:49 pm Post subject:

Eric

There you have it, two sets of answers to your questions. I bet you can figurer out who put care and concern into their answer. Likewise I bet you can figure out who was just kidding. I hope he was kidding!

Ed
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www.SaVoa.org

No. 07000 Member AES

Eric_Hu · Guest

Thanks for the replies so far (even the guy that sounds like he didn't get his hug today).

Like I said, I'm new. I have a ton of questions, but will spare you guys from most of em. It's always a biyotch to learn something new, so I really appreciate it!

Eric

CarynClark · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 3:02 pm Post subject:

Hi there,

Welcome to the vo-bb!

Wow, well, those ARE good questions!! I think that maybe the point here is that it's kinda difficult to answer some of these in short form (though Bob and Bill did a good job). There have been a number of books written on the basis of these very questions. Not that they are the be all, end all, of course... but they'll definitely help you with the basic answers.... and I think you'll either decide you want to pursue vo as a career, or not.

Another thought... take a beginner one or two day class/workshop, see if you think you'll like this line of work, then find yourself a good coach, take acting classes, and when and if you're ready, make a demo.

As was suggested, the archives are chock full of info as well.

Good luck to you! Caryn
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Of course, I was kidding. Did you read the whole post?

If you're not havin' fun, you're not doin' it right!
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Ed Gambill · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:08 pm Post subject:

Bill

I belive you are right. I don't belive I read the punch line. My falt. Embarrassed

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No. 07000 Member AES

Moe Egan · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 4:58 am Post subject:

One thought to pass along from a Staff Sargent of the VO army who's somehow managed to make it through many battles alive and well:

When one decides to stop "kicking around" the idea of doing voice work for real (choosing to make their living at doing VO full time) - you will find that there are no two identical paths in this career. I (half) joke that I've been making it up as I go along.

If you want to persue voice work, you WILL have to think on your feet, make your own path, create your own marketing plan, make your own connections with clients to GET them, then KEEP them. A good test of whether you have the mettle to make a real go of professional voice work is whether you have the stick-to-it-ivness and creativity to do the foundational work before hand (which includes finding the answers to those you posted and the dozens you didn't- I know you have many questions, we've all been there). It's also a very isolated way to earn a living....we sit in a padded room in our jammies talking to ourselves all day. There is no Monday morning staff meeting to set goals or Friday afternoon pep rally to congratulate you for making your weekly goals....there's just YOU and the fire in your belly (and this wonderful virtual family -thanks MOM)

There are a gazillion resources available now on line which were never available 'back in the day' (like many here, my VO career predates the Internet), there are workshops (many of which you can "phone into"), books, and national Voice Over events. If you really want to do this, you will need to seek out the answers....even if we were to give you detailed, pages long descriptions of what's worked for us as individuals, the day you hang out your shingle, or go live with your website, you'll still have questions...a major skill that a professional VO must acquire is how to find the right answers...as you can tell by my answer - I"m not taking the lazy 's way out, and I'm not trying to be a smug, smart arse...I've just seen many a complete noobie asking (albiet very politely) for a check list of "What to do to make it in VO".

There ain't no such list. The resources are there, the information is hidden (like all real treasure)... you just need to want it enough to dig for it. Then, you need to make it your own - pick what works for you and ignore the rest.

Best of luck on your journey. As one of the battle tested who's beaten the odds- it's worth every day of aggrevation and confusion you have to go through to get to the success side.

*stepping away from my soap box now to start my day. Wink

_________________
Moe Egan
i want to be the voice in your head.
~~~~~

KaraEdwards · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 5:35 am Post subject:

Moe!!! I love what you wrote! Can I add your post to my letter I send out when folks e-mail me asking how to get in the biz?? You worded it in a way I hadn't seen yet...very nice!! (Of course, I'll give you complete credit Smile

)

Edited to add: After posting I realized I should probably add something useful to the conversation. One thing I always tell those new to the business is how important it is to have a good network of fellow voice talent. There are several reasons. First, someone out there has an answer to every question you can think of- someone has been through it all before. After 13 years, I still come up with questions daily, and never hesitate to e-mail my VO friends, or add a post here. Second, you never know when a client will need an extra voice for a project- and I like to recommend people I know who do good work. So, I have someone in my head for any project that pops up (and folks I love to work with, and folks I'm dying to work with). Next, you never know when someone else might have a client that needs extra voices Smile

But- the best part about this community is the fact that we are here to make each other laugh, feel something, connect...it really is a virtual watercooler.

All that to say--you've already taken a good first step by joining the VO-BB. Now, start reading the archives- they will answer almost any question you have.
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Kara Edwards
http://www.karaedwards.com
kara@karaedwards.com

Moe Egan · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 5:39 am Post subject:

I'd be honored Kara. Smile

_________________
Moe Egan
i want to be the voice in your head.
~~~~~

Eric_Hu · Guest

Good stuff guys.

I know there is going to be a lot of dues to pay, I'm not expecting any shortcuts. Sometimes it helps to get pointed in the right direction, though, lol.

I appreciate all the responses. Hopefully, I didn't come across the wrong way, you know how it goes with the written word.

Maybe this thread can be a good resource for the next person asking these same questions. I did try searching the forum before asking and it seems like I didn't necessarily find the answers I was looking for.

Eric >hopes to contribute to the forum

paddyo · CM Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 975 Location: New York City

Moe,

Well said. That was great. Thanks.

Paddyo
www.thepatrickoconnor.com
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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

Deirdre - We need to have Moe's note made a Sticky. I loved every word of it.

And to keep with adding something to the conversation:

Patience.

It is you biggest ally. It may take years before a beginner gets work and even longer for a career. The ironic part is is that the more patient you are the faster things come to you.