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So last year I put out a call for #VoiceActors . Hundreds of you responded!
After going through every single demo that got sent my way, here's a round up of things I noticed that, hopefully, might help some of you better improve your chances of getting that gig :)
After going through every single demo that got sent my way, here's a round up of things I noticed that, hopefully, might help some of you better improve your chances of getting that gig :)
Keep in mind that all of this is based on my own bias and preferences. Different people/company's might be looking for different things, so take these tips with a grain of salt. But anyway, here we go!
1 - Let's start with a basic one: introduce yourself! Don't just drop a link and call it a day. If you won't take the time to at least tell me your name I won't take the time to listen to your stuff.
2 - Link to your demos directly. Don't make me click a bunch of links to find your stuff or browse your website. Link directly to your demos!
3 - Send demos that are pertinent. If I'm looking for VAs for a videogame, your corporate or pub reel won't tell me much about how you tackle different characters or accents. Do a bit of research and send stuff that you think will best fit the casting call.
4 - Don't send me to a page with 100s of small snippets. Personally, a 1 to 2mn sound file I can skip around is preferable to 10 or 20 smaller files that I have to click individually.
5 - Don't make me download stuff please! If I can't listen to your stuff in a browser chances are I won't listen to it at all.
6 - So. many. anime. reels!!! If that's your dream gig, go for it!
Just keep in mind that it is a super competitive market and it pigeon-holes you in this very specific voice style which might not be to everyones liking (especially if the gig isn't for anime).
Just keep in mind that it is a super competitive market and it pigeon-holes you in this very specific voice style which might not be to everyones liking (especially if the gig isn't for anime).
7 - Have your reels backed up in a site that has decent audio quality (like soundcloud or youtube), or embedded on your own website.
Twitter completely wrecks audio quality which might make people think your reel sounds worse than it actually does.
Twitter completely wrecks audio quality which might make people think your reel sounds worse than it actually does.
8 - Have good audio quality! With a pandemic going on it's more important than ever to be able to deliver good quality audio to your potential clients (with rec studios being closed and all that).
If you can, invest in a good quality mic, soundcard and sound treatment.
If you can, invest in a good quality mic, soundcard and sound treatment.
Rhode and Audio Technica have some good and relatively cheap mics that'll get the job done. Focusrite has the Scarlett line of soundcards that are pretty fantastic for their price. Get a pop filter, a closet full of clothes and you're ready to rock.
9 - Some of you have background audio which is great to complement the voice. Just be careful so that the audio doesn't mask your voice. I listened to some reels where the voice was barely audible above all the background stuff.
10 - Your voice comes first!
I recommend having it at least 8 to 10dBs above everything else in your reel.
I recommend having it at least 8 to 10dBs above everything else in your reel.
11 - Make it easy for anyone to contact you. Have your professional contacts available everywhere (twitter, website, on reels/demos descriptions, etc).
And I think that's all of it. Hopefully this helps someone, and keep at it!
There are some truly great VAs out there just waiting for their chance. Don't give up, keep sending your stuff and making connections, it's honestly a marathon and not a sprint :)
There are some truly great VAs out there just waiting for their chance. Don't give up, keep sending your stuff and making connections, it's honestly a marathon and not a sprint :)
