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When I started pursuing my career, every agency that I called to inquire about representation had a closed door policy. In other words, "if I don't know who you are, we aren't interested." Needless to say, it was very discouraging. For 3 years I shopped around my demo audio cassette to agencies, in hopes that one person would say, "ok, let's give him a shot." At this point I had probably done about 20 or 30 voice-overs for people that I knew. So I had done some work and felt I had enough quality spots for a good demo. I got a post production job, running tapes to Paramount and MGM studios, several years ago. I mentioned to the owner of the company that I have been doing voice-overs for awhile and I'd like to do the scratch tracks. He said "yes" . He had nothing to lose and I had nothing but experience and contacts to gain. Would you believe that the very show that I was scratch tracking years ago, is a show that I became the voice of? The Outer Limits. I suggest taking voice-over courses like Kalmenson & Kalmenson who are in the Burbank area. I highly recommend them for anyone who wants to start, since they have beginner classes through working pro classes. This was a great help for me in finding a signature sound and getting comfortable with microphone technique. It was by far the most informative class I have ever taken (and I've taken a lot). |
At the completion of the
program, the class sometimes gets to meet a voice-over agent. As I
recall, the one that visited mine (who now represents me, by
coincidence) told the class that no one gets a voice-over agent unless
they know someone.
I remember looking around at the class at everyone in shock. People were mad she said that....but....it turns out that this IS, for the most part, the truth.. I couldn't imagine doing voice-overs without knowing people in the business. Most of my work comes from people I am acquainted with and the rest comes from work I audition for by arrangements made through my agency. It takes years and years of people getting familiar with your voice for producers to take a chance on "new" talent. They usually go with people who are "safe" that have been in the industry for a decade or so.
This can be frustrating
for newcomers, but for producers, it means job security. Don't
let this discourage you. Always focus on the positive and
continue to develop your God given gift... your voice.
Agencies are a must because they get you noticed and help get your voice heard by producers that are doing the hiring. Without them, you will be stuck behind the locked door of the producers office...which is almost as tightly shut as the agents.
Union or Non-Union???
Normally, agents will not take any talent who is not a member of SAG or AFTRA. You could go non-union but you would have to
know a lot of people and be really good at bookkeeping and going after
people for the money that is owed to you. This is why the union
is a tremendous help.
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A demo CD or cassette tape
is a must. Listen to other working pros demos and model yours
after theirs. Agents structure talent demos according to
certain guidelines and if you follow their guidelines, you have a better chance
of them liking your sound. If you don't have a few minutes worth
of voiceover spots...make them up, it doesn't matter where they come
from as long as they sound GOOD.
Where to get them done, I
can't really help with because I mostly do my own with a little help
from my friends (there's that word again, "friends")
but there are places in the periodical "Backstage West" that
offer this service. The Learning Annex has classes that offer
demo tapes from time to time as well.
So there you have it in a nutshell. This is my story. Many times I thought that this business was impossible to break into. Fortunately, I have been blessed with a terrific family and great friends that have always been supportive and tell me to never quit. I never do, because I knew when I did my very first voice-over, that this is what I love. With all the headaches and parts that I didn't get, all the frustration and constant rejection in a super competitive industry, I love what I do, and that's what matters most. If your hearts in it, you can't fail. I'll see you in the booth...
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