What does it cost to begin a Voiceover career?

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Starting a voiceover career can vary significantly in cost based on the resources you choose to invest in and your current skill level. Here are some potential costs involved:

  1. Training and Coaching: You may need to take classes or hire a coach to improve your voiceover skills. Costs can range from free online tutorials to several hundred or thousand dollars for comprehensive courses.
  2. Recording Equipment: You’ll need a decent microphone, a computer, a microphone interface and recording software. (DAW) Entry-level microphones can start from around $100, but professional-grade equipment can cost several hundred to thousands of dollars. Expect to spend at least 250.00 – 350.00 for a quality lower-end mic.
  3. Soundproofing and Acoustics: Creating a suitable recording environment might involve setting up a home studio or modifying a space for better sound quality. This could range from simple DIY solutions to professional studio construction, which could cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Getting professional help in acoustics will save you money in the long run in order to properly insulate you room for quality sound.
  4. Demo Production: Creating a professional demo reel is crucial to showcasing your skills. Costs for professional demo production can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. So many talents try the do-it-yourself method. But remember one very important thing: You only get one opportunity to present a first impression. Your 1st Demo will define you and show what you can do…AND what you CAN’T.
  5. Marketing and Promotion: Building a portfolio website, marketing materials, and potentially joining casting websites may involve additional costs, including website hosting fees and subscription costs for casting platforms. Prices will vary. Do your homework and find out which ones are creating the best opportunities.
  6. Membership and Networking: Joining industry associations, attending workshops, or networking events might also be part of the investment.
  7. Research: As stated previously, Do Your Homework. Read every voiceover blog, Google the key words: voice acting, voiceover, voice-over, voice over, male/female voice talent and more. So many have failed due to not being prepared and trying to move ahead before they are ready. Don’t be too eager. Positive energy and practical application of common sense are necessary. “Measure twice – cut once.”

Remember, these costs can be spread out over time, and there are ways to start on a budget by gradually upgrading equipment or utilizing free resources online. It’s also essential to invest in ongoing learning and practice to refine your skills continually.

Ultimately, the initial investment can vary widely based on personal choices, but it’s possible to start small and expand your setup as your career progresses.

So….In 2024, You Want to be a Voice Actor, eh?

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Voice Acting is an art and requires lots of training/coaching, education, money, dedication, determination and not be thin-skinned. As an example, out of all the auditions I do, perhaps in 100 auditions, I may get 1 job. Just think, I can dribble and shoot a basketball, but I’m not in the NBA. Catching my drift? Here’s a VO friend of mine who wrote a great article you should read. After you do, Google “VOICE ACTING”, “VOICE TALENT”, etc and read, read, read. You have a long road ahead of you if you are set in going forward with Voice Acting.

https://www.audioconnell.com/clientuploads/pdf/The_Voice_Over_Entrance_Exam_by_Peter_K_OConnell_Copyright_2009.pdf

Think it through thoroughly before you jump into our pool. You need to be ready to invest a lot of time and money into yourself. And have thick skin to take the rejection that we receive when we audition job after job – give it our all and still not get a call-back. It’s tough, but you need to use auditions as a tool to learn and strengthen yourself.

Wanted to toss a few things out there before we speak together so you can be thinking about what you are asking for. Honestly, I try my best to discourage people in trying to get into our biz right now. It’s a vicious circle. You must have a dynamite voice demo in order to get decent work. In order to have a demo, you should take training from a qualified coach. In order to get those ongoing auditions, you will need a quality studio. So if you do get a job, you can deliver a high quality audio file and the client may wish to direct you, so you need a phone patch too just to start. Obviously, this takes a lot of time, money, perseverance and a thick skin to endure the countless auditions it will take to get the job and the many, many rejections you’ll get every day. You must be ready to be available at a moments notice to be able to cut audio. I know many voice actors that are doing this full time and are still struggling. I am full time as a voice actor since 2006 after 35 years in radio where I started by biz on the side. It only took me 40+ years to be an overnight success.

Do you have what it takes to compete with these other hungry voice talents? There are over 300-400,000 out there now. That’s a small piece of pie to split even though there is a lot of work out there. Ask yourself these questions: • Are you planning on investing in yourself to be a full time voice actor or is this to be a side job? • Do you have access to a studio to work out of at a moments notice? • Do you currently have a Commercial demo? E-learning demo? Narrative Demo? • What are your strengths? Are you planning on specializing in any particular area of voiceovers? • What are your long range goals?

Let me know where you’re headed, I’d be happy to answer any of the questions above. Please respond via email. JG@johnnygeorge.com

I Thank you…. 

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