What steps did you take when you first decided...

James Campbell

In High School I was a DJ on a local radio station, enjoyed it and felt I always had the voice for it. Fast forward 15 years packed full of public speaking experience and I have decided I would like to jump into the world of voice acting. Besides discovering these forums I am a bit confused as to where to begin. I believe to be good at anything it takes education and practice so I think that is a good start but not sure if I should begin with phone lessons from an established voice coach or start off slower (book, online course, etc). I would really appreciate advice or your shared experiences with what steps to kick off this journey... Thank you in advance for your time.

Kathy Broderick · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007, 17:57 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi James

I haven't made millions yet, but I think I can offer some advice to you. Jump in and try lots of ways to learn. The best book I've read is James Alburger's The Art of Voice Acting. A great website to visit is www.avoiceabovethecrowd.com Karen Commins has lots of advice on one of her links. (I've read all the books she recommends.)

Where do you live? There are some great teachers out there. I took classes and have now found a coach who connects with me and is a tremendous help.

It takes a commitment and passion to make it in this business, but if you love it, it will work for you.

Kathy Broderick

Debbie Deutsch · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007, 18:33 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello and welcome! I started on Seattle radio years ago, wrote and voiced countless radio scripts, and also took acting class, children's theater, singing lessons, and improv. Studied with local VO coaches and have done loads of public speaking. That hones your skill on breathing techniques, pace and communication to a real audience! Read all you can on the subject. Everyone here will tell you to keep your dayjob, and you should, really. But if this is your passion....go for it! Very Happy

Brian Hart · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007, 19:40 (GMT) Post subject:

Anthony Williams · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007, 19:55 (GMT) Post subject: dreams

Don't let anything stop your dreams!!!!

Just remember GOALS make them happen!! buch lesen

James Campbell · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007, 20:00 (GMT) Post subject:

That you for the responses so far. In response to a couple comments...

I live in Frisco, TX which is North of Dallas (close to Plano). My office is in Los Colinas close to the movie studio in which I hope to one day visit Smile

As for quiting my day job, the good news is I work mostly from my home office so my time is extremely flexible.

I have my list started...

1. Buy The Art of Voice Acting
2. Find local coach/class

If anyone can recommend a coach or class either in the Dallas area or via online or phone that is newbie friendly I would greatly appreciate it.

Brian Hart · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007, 20:02 (GMT) Post subject:

Luke Roberts · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007, 21:01 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi James,

I myself have just started having voice over lessons over the phone (I live in the uk - and believe me when I say there are no voice over coaches here!!)

Books as well are great - and I too would also recommend James Alburgers book.

I would maybe read up a little before maybe forking out for voice over lessons. I love my lessons so much and have so much fun, that even if (god forbid) in the end I on't get anywhere - I know it wont have been a waste as i am still having fun, but it can be a great expense if you have regular lessons.

Maybe take one and see how it goes and if you like it.

Some people jump straight in and either record a demo themselves at home, or even pay a huge whack of cash to get someone else to do it. I personally would advise against it - i recorded a demo when i first started and really regret doing it!

Other then that good luck and have fun Very Happy

Maya Kuper · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 04 Oct 2006 Posts: 97

I've noticed that a lot of folks I've met online seem to think that their FIRST step is to set up a home studio to record in. I think that isn't such a good idea, as you're bound to sink a lot of money into a studio that you can't immediately put to use if you're not trained to do so.

I'm an engineer/producer so of course MY first instinct would be to build a studio. But for a TALENT, I can't stress enough that this isn't where your money needs to go initially!

So, it's good to see a new talent not putting the cart before the horse!

As others have said, Harlan Hogan's site is a good resource for finding a coach in your area.

After doing some reading and coaching, you'll need to look into options for getting your demo professionally produced. There's a lot of info about types of demos, what a voiceover demo should include (and why you need one) here:
http://www.voiceoverinfo.com/faq.html

Definitely check it out and good luck!