“How do I get started in Voiceover?” Answered in 2 minutes.
Okay, so the most frequent question I receive about Voiceovers is, simply,"How do I get started?"
Well, you get started by adopting the "On your Mark, Go, Get Set," approach. Avoid the analyisis-paralysis that dogs most of us when we start any new endeavor. Just get rolling, and make adjustments as you go.
What does that mean in Voiceover?
That means to start listening/watching commercials on the radio, TV, and before your youTube and hulu shows. Take note of both the technical aspects of the Voiceover Actor's read (their tone, inflection, and rate-of-speech), as well as the spirit behind the message they are delivering. Learn how to really craft a story, or the message a company is trying to deliver, and WHO their audience/demographic is. Learn what the prevailing deliveries on current commercials sound like.
That means to buy a USB mic and use a sound recording program, such as GarageBand, ProTools, or Audacity, to practice recording your own versions of those commercials and playing them back for yourself. Heck, even do it with your Voice Memo App on your phone to start. (see this article on Demystifying the Voiceover Audition from Home)
That means taking a Voiceover class at a credible Acting School, or taking lessons with someone who works in the industry. That means taking master classes, and attending clinics with people in the Voiceover industry. This serves the dual-purpose of learning from those who are where you want to be, as well as befriending and networking with them (these are your new contemporaries and colleagues!).
To quote Iago: "to get his place, and to plume up my will, in double-knavery," ...without the malicious intent. There's plenty of VO work for all of us. :o)
That means making an affordable Voiceover demo, with someone recommended by SEVERAL of your new friends in the industry, and submitting that demo, a resume, and a cover letter to the top Voiceover agents in town (also recommended by your new friends in the industry).
That means, once you get an agent, auditioning for several VOs a week (I average 4-5 per week, see my article on #massiveaction in Voiceover). You get better with each successive audition and booking.
That means keeping your Voice, your instrument in shape. Or getting it in shape to begin with. Take some voice lessons, yes, even singing voice lessons, to learn how to breathe deeply, support properly, and sustain a healthy voice.
That means doing what works in any undertaking. Making BIG goals, WRITING them down, and looking at them/saying them aloud Consistently and Passionately, so that they become more and more clear to you, as you continue to take the actions needed, and look for the next step on your journey to completing those goals.
Hope that helps, and Happy Voiceover-ing! :o)