Q. What are voice overs?


A. Voice-overs are the spoken parts you hear in radio and TV.  Basically using the human voice
to sell, inform or entertain in recorded or broadcast media, including radio and TV spots, on-air
program promotions, recorded announcements and non-broadcast  narrations for corporate audio
and videos, phone lines and for animation or cartoons.



Q. I’ve been told I have a good speaking voice and should do voice overs. How do I know if I
really have talent to succeed at this work?
A. My advice to anyone who is serious about learning the business is to take several voice over
workshops with reputable teachers first before you even think about making a demo. Taking
classes will let you know if you really are suited to this business. Also, quality demo tapes are not
cheap to produce, so you want to make sure this is the business for you before going to the
expense.


First, find a competent voice-over coach to train you in the various professional techniques used in
the industry. 2nd- take classes--Taking classes will let you know if you really are suited to this
business.  3rd- Have your coach help you create the demo reel.  4th- get the demo reel out there—
start  duplicating and distributing to agents, casting directors, production companies and to some
of the TV and radio station promotion executives. Then, follow up with phone calls, reminder
notes and emails.


You’ve got to be on the “top of your game” and practice every day to improve and master your
craft.  By listening to the radio and TV spots for styles, nuances and sounds- things that get your
attention and impress you- you’ll find things you can incorporate into your repertoire to broaden
your capability and underscore your distinctiveness.  So you can become one of those voices that
producers and casting directors think of first.


Q. What do I need to get auditions?

A. You’ll definitely need a “Demo Reel” so potential clients can hear samples of your voice.  You’
ll need a telephone and a computer with internet and email. You should have business cards and
having your own website is very helpful.


Q.What is a Demo Reel?

A Demo Reel is a professionally recorded and produced CD or mp3 consisting of various
segments that feature you doing your best work.  You’ll need a demo reel in order for people to
hear your voice-over samples to get auditions and parts. Think of it as a voice portfolio.


Q: How do I make a demo Reel? What do I put on it?

Agents tend to remember a poorly made or amateurish demo, so even if you do another one later,
they might just "round file" it. A commercial demo's ideal running time is one minute tops; for
cartoons, between one and one 1/2. Narration can be a little longer, but keep it under 2 minute’s
total.
Never make your demo yourself at home; go to a professional it's worth the money you'll spend to
have sound effects and music and proper editing. Just be sure whoever you go to doesn't
overpower your voice with all the effects and music. Always ask to hear some demos they have
produced; if you don't like what you hear, run to the exit and go elsewhere. You only get one
chance at a first impression.


Q. Do I have to be a radio announcer or an actor to be successful?

A. No, not at all. There is actually a push away from the big, announcer type voices.  In fact,
people with normal, everyday sounding voices are in high demand.


Q. Do I have to join a union and pay dues?

A. No. You can choose to be union or non- union.  Most of the parts you land at first will be non-
union.  Basically, you only see union work in the larger markets. As you undergo your training,
and learn more about the voice-over profession and the markets you wish to work in, you’ll be
able to make an informed decision about the proper step for your particular career.

Q. How much income can I make by doing Voice-overs?

A. As in any other business, you can make a little or a lot – well into six figures annually-
depending on your perseverance to succeed. But don’t quit your day job. It can take years of
perfecting your talent and skills, marketing yourself with or without an agent before you reach a
higher level of success.  
Bottom line: Voice-overs is self – employment and the amount of money you make in the voice-
over business will depend on your level of talent and how much effort you put into it.

Q. Do I need an agent or manager?

As in all “talent for hire” industries, agents provide a useful and valuable service.  They allow
producers to conduct their talent search more efficiently and can take care of a lot of details for
you, including billing and collecting payments.  Good ones really earn their 10% commission.
Many good voice actors never have agents and are able to successfully manage themselves.

Q. How do I get an Agent?

A. I have an updated list of all managers, Agents and casting directors in the Los Angeles that
you receive when you take my voice over class.  
You can contact SAG or AFTRA for a list of franchised agents in your area.

Q. What equipment do I need to get started in voice-overs?

A. To get started, you don’t need any equipment. All you will need is reading materials and a
place to practice reading aloud.  A small inexpensive recorder is helpful when practicing.

Q. Do I need a home studio?

A. Eventually, yes!  For starters, all you need is a computer and a microphone to audition with.  
As you start booking jobs then you’ll want to actually record the voice work in a professional
studio until your home studio is finished.


Q. When and where are the private and voice over classes held?

A. Monrovia and Burbank.  I have several classes going on during the week. Click the
“Workshops” tab for detailed information on these classes
Private lessons are scheduled Monday – Saturday.  

Q. How do I sign up and pay for a voice over coaching or voice over class?
A. On the website I have credit card payment options for all the classes and private coaching’s.  
Simply go to the Lesson or Workshop pages and you will see the link-or you can call - 818-455-
3255.  Most times I will actually answer the phone.  If I’m in the studio recording, you will reach
my voice mail.  To reserve a coaching spot or class a payment or deposit is required for 2 weeks in
advance of your scheduled date.  I accept cash, check and all major credit cards.

Q. If I have a “Day Job” can I build the career in voice-overs?  They probably don’t hold
auditions and bookings on evenings and weekends?

A. Right!  Most voiceover sessions happen during normal business hours and they run about an
hour.  So you have to be realistic and resourceful.  If you can develop flexible work hours or able
to “swap” time with co-workers, that’s one way.

Q.What if I need help managing my voice-over business?

A. I am available to consult with you on marketing, self promotion, web site design, demo
production, studio set-up and on-going coaching for your voice!