So just how do you begin
searching for companies that might be looking to
use your velvety tones?
It is best to think of
the voice over jobs arena as a multi-faceted
market or indeed as many different markets. To
begin with you need to make a basic distinction
between two broad areas of interest to voice-over
artists: broadcasting (for example radio and TV
adverts) and the corporate sector, which
encompasses such diverse areas as on-hold phone
messages (or interactive voice recording as it is
known in the business), training videos, podcasts
and web site audio content.
Myth: Work in the broadcast media is more
common than the corporate sector.
Fact: You are probably far more likely to gain
work from a company looking for a fresh new voice
for its voice messaging service, than a commercial
for hairspray on network TV.
So where do you begin the hunt? First it is
important to be as proactive as you can. Try
calling a few local companies and explain that you
are a voiceover artist living around the corner
and can come along and record a new greeting for
them. Explain you will give them a more
professional sound which will enhance their image
and could help increase sales.
If you are a member of a social networking
website, use that to let people know what you do;
you will be surprised how a friend of a friend
could turn out to be a future client. Be careful
not to turn on the hard sell, though, as people do
not like being sold to on such sites.
You should also upload your demo to as many
different voice-over marketing sites as possible.
There are plenty of free ones where you can add
various show-reels, a photo and details about your
interests and experience. Spreading your voice
around the internet increases the chances of you
being found and also these sites usually provide
you with your own web address, so you can include
a link in emails for prospects to access.
One of the best ways to get clients interested
is to offer something for nothing. I do not mean
always providing your services for free, but
enticing companies in with a promotional freebie.
If there is a DJ or presenter on a local radio
station who you enjoy listening to, make them a
liner or sweeper. These are short sentences or
phrases that are frequently played between music
tracks or out of ad breaks. An example would be
"Joe Smith on 102.8 fm; the perfect mid morning
coffee break". It does not need to be Shakespeare,
but the point is you have shown an understanding
of the structure of that particular radio's output
and added value to a specific show. You could then
say there will be a small charge for future
recordings. You will be amazed how that can
generate interest.
Then there is the tricky issue of voice-over
agents. Should you get one? Yes, if you can, but
it is not essential. Many agencies want to know
that you are bankable, so try and get as much
experience as you can through your own endeavours.
Never pay an agent upfront as most work is on a
commission only basis. It is advisable to ask
someone you trust to double check the wording of
any contract you may be required to sign too.
Representation is useful, and can pay dividends,
but should only be seen as part of your overall
strategy.
When you are sending out your CD demo, keep the
covering letter crisp and clear. It is essential
to headline with your gender and voice
description; you may know that you are a husky
voiced female, but the client does not. They need
a reason to listen, so always keep your
description positive, enticing and accurate.
Above all, the industry favours those who are
tenacious, so keep plugging away and never give
up.
