How to Get Voiceover Work in 2024

Welcome to the world of voiceover! Have you ever wondered how those captivating voices behind commercials, video games, and animated films come to life? In this guide, we’ll explore how to get voiceover work and the exciting journey of breaking into the industry, from finding your unique voice to landing your first gig.

The growing demand for voiceover work

The need for voiceover talent has skyrocketed in recent years, fueled by the rise of online content, animation, e-learning, and audiobooks. Research shows a substantial global expenditure of $4.4 billion on voiceovers and audio production. This surge in demand means there are ample job openings for remote, freelance, and full-time voice actors spanning multiple sectors, such as documentaries, commercials, and video games.

In a landscape where clients crave distinctive and engaging voices, voiceover presents an appealing career trajectory for individuals who are enthusiastic about storytelling and vocal performance.

How to get voiceover work

Pay-to-play sites

Explore online platforms like Voice.com or Voice123, where you can create a profile, audition for various voiceover projects, and potentially land gigs. These sites typically require a subscription or a fee for access to their job postings and audition opportunities.

Buy Voiceover Recording Software

In quest to How to get voiceover work, invest in professional recording software such as Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, or Audacity to ensure high-quality recordings from your home studio setup. Familiarize yourself with the software’s features and practice recording and editing your voice to produce polished audio samples.

Build a Voiceover Portfolio

Compile a diverse portfolio showcasing your range of voiceover skills. Include samples of different genres such as commercials, character voices, narration, and more. Your portfolio should highlight your versatility and demonstrate your ability to adapt to various project requirements.

Work with a Voiceover Coach

Consider enlisting the guidance of a voiceover coach or mentor for personalized feedback and assistance in refining your technique and developing vocal skills. They can also offer valuable insights into the industry.

Take a Voice Acting Class

Enroll in voice acting classes or workshops to further hone your craft and expand your repertoire. These classes often cover topics such as character development, script interpretation, vocal exercises, and performance techniques. Additionally, they provide opportunities to network with fellow voice actors and industry professionals.

Develop Your Voiceover Skills

Dedicate time to practicing and developing your voiceover skills regularly. Experiment with different vocal tones, accents, and styles to broaden your range and versatility. Focus on articulation, projection, pacing, and emotional expression to deliver compelling performances that resonate with audiences.

Network With Others for Voiceover Work

Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with fellow voice actors, casting directors, and producers to expand your network and discover potential job opportunities. Building relationships within the voiceover community can lead to referrals, collaborations, and valuable insights into upcoming projects.

Navigate the Business Side

Familiarize yourself with the business aspects of voiceover work, including contracts, rates, and negotiations. Research industry standards for pricing and ensure that you understand your rights and obligations as a voice actor. Establish a professional online presence with a website and social media profiles to showcase your work and attract potential clients.

Make a Demo Reel

Compile your best voiceover samples into a concise and engaging demo reel that showcases your talent and versatility. Tailor your reel to highlight different genres and styles relevant to the types of projects you’re pursuing. Keep it short and attention-grabbing with a variety of clips that demonstrate your range and proficiency as a voice actor.

What to look for in a voice over job posting

Language, accent, and dialect

Ensure that the job posting specifies the language, accent, and dialect requirements for the voiceover project. Some projects may require a specific accent or dialect, while others may be open to various linguistic variations. Make sure your skills align with the linguistic expectations outlined in the posting.

Gender and voice age

Some projects may require a particular gender or age range for the voiceover role to match the intended character or target audience. Assess whether your voice fits the desired characteristics and if you’re comfortable portraying the specified gender and age range.

Category of work

Determine the category of work indicated in the job posting, such as commercials, animation, audiobooks, e-learning modules, or video games. Each category may have its own unique requirements and stylistic considerations, so evaluate whether your skills and experience align with the specific type of voiceover work being sought.

Deadline

Take note of the deadline provided in the job posting to ensure that you can meet the project’s time constraints. If the deadline is tight, consider whether you have the capacity to prioritize the project and meet the client’s expectations.

Pay rate

Evaluate the pay rate offered for the voiceover job and determine if it aligns with the industry standards and your financial expectations. Consider factors such as the scope of work, usage rights, and any additional fees or royalties involved.

Famous voiceover artists

Don LaFontaine

Don LaFontaine was an iconic voiceover artist known as “The King of Movie Trailers” for his legendary deep, gravelly voice. Throughout his career, he lent his voice to thousands of movie trailers, commercials, and television promos. LaFontaine’s distinctive delivery, characterized by phrases like “In a world..” and “Coming soon to a theater near you,” became synonymous with the anticipation and excitement of blockbuster films.

Nancy Cartwright

Nancy Cartwright is best known for her role as the voice of Bart Simpson on the long-running animated series “The Simpsons.” Cartwright brings Bart Simpson to life with her versatile voice acting talents with his mischievous charm and signature catchphrases. In addition to Bart, Cartwright also voices other characters on the show, showcasing her range and versatility as a voiceover artist.

Mel Blanc

Mel Blanc, often referred to as “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” was a pioneering voice actor known for his extensive work in animation during the golden age of Hollywood. Blanc provided the voices for iconic characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and many others in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons. His exceptional talent for creating unique voices and bringing characters to life established him as one of the most influential figures in the history of voiceover acting.