To do voice over work in films or television, it's a form of acting. There are agents just for these artists, but most agents can and do handle them as well. Of course if you are doing voice over for your own film it's pretty easy to accomplish.

Voice Over Work

Finding work as a voice over artist will take an agent, or finding an Independent filmmaker. You can educate yourself in acting classes, and also by taking some radio classes. Since DJ's and radio talk show hosts use their voices, they must learn how to pronunciate properly and speak clearly. You could also take public speaking classes and voice lessons for speech. It helps to have what they call a 'good voice for radio'; typically a deeper, melodic voice that people like to listen to.

You can get work as a voice over artist mostly in television and radio for advertising, radio show host or narrator. Getting an agent is basically the same as getting an acting agent. Of course you will need to provide some voice samples to the agent along with your resume. Some of these actors have headshots, as many do more than just voice over work. Make sure your portfolio is professionally done and not recorded on a tape recorder.

Some Helpful Tips

If you are recording this yourself or have hired someone to do your voice over for you; make sure you have the copy written clearly and printed out. Check for mistakes, and make sure you can pronounce all words correctly. Read through it a couple of times out loud before recording it, to get a feel of how it will sound once you actually tape it.

Having some water, or tea nearby will help the actor keep their voice clear and throat hydrated. Using candies or cough drops can also help to keep the throat moist. With a lot of talking your throat will tend to dry out and the recording won't sound as good.

Where you record is important too. Make sure it's soundproof, either a booth or a room with minimal sound from the outside. A cloth over the door is a good way to block out noise. Make sure it's well lit so you can read the copy easily, placing the pages layed on a music stand or table so you don't have to ruffle the pages.

Getting a good quality microphone is important, you don't want your recording to sound tinny or muffled. You can either rent one or buy one for under $100. The investment can be well worth it. Along the same lines, invest in a windscreen. This helps to prevent the louds blasts of air when speaking some letters like P into the mic. It keeps your recording clean and easy to listen to.

To make editing easier, timestamp each take you make. Have the artist state which take it is and the project's name. Like with using the clapboard is helps later with editing.

Try different variations of your copy; use different inflections in your voice and emphasis on words. Play around with it a little bit, but do keep it as professional as you can.

Have someone else with you when you record, it helps to have another set of ears to make sure the copy sounds right and make sense. Even after you are finished editing your project, have someone else listen to it and get their honest opinion. Make changes if needed, don't be in a hurry to finish it.

The most important thing to remember is practice reading aloud. Try different inflections with your words and use your natural voice. Of course if you are learning to be a character actor for animations, try using different voices. Practice will definitely help you to improve your abilites.