ok, here's my attempt to reply to these rather complex questions:
- How is the work availability distributed across these various areas? Is there a lot more work available in commericals as opposed to narration, for example? Does that depend on geographical location?
Yes, there will be a lot more commercials and TV in the major markets. It also depends on the medium. Most commercials and TV jobs will be cast via an agent, but narrations and elearning are very often cast direct with the voice via personal websites or pay to play
2.Do agents specialize in representing talents of different skills?
Yes, often. One agent will be better with animations, the other better with commercials, the other better with documentaries etc... some agents will specialize in foreign voices, others in celebrity voices...
3.How do the types of work differ in terms of pay? Are commercials always more lucrative than corporate or documentaries?
that's the million dollars question. Rates of pay vary so much according to the type of script, the market, the voice that records it... it's impossible to give a straight answer.
4.Can professionals afford to stay in their preferred area, or is the industry competitive to a level that everyone tends to cross over? I have observed professionals recording for animation, and I appreciate the high level of skill and technique involved in this area, but mostly this type of voice work just doesn't appeal to me - am i sealing my own fate in being picky?
Absolutely not, be picky, voice what suits you and what you enjoy. Some people make a very good living by only doing one type of voice acting.
5.I assume with everything, some people are better one thing than another, does this apply to voice work? Or is it a matter of if you are good and successful at doing commercials, then you must be able to do animation as well?
again: no, you do not have to be good at everything. Being great at one thing is better than average at several.
6.If I assume correctly, then how do you recognize your forte and weaknesses before the obvious of failed auditions, and expert critique? Is there a gut feeling?
It's not a gut feeling, you train your ears by listening to others and listening back to yourself, taking classes with great people etc... eventually, you'll know what's good, what's great and what is neither.
- Are completed works of an individual protected by copyright laws, as they are in recorded music? Are there specific organizations and groups that protect the legal interests of voice talent as there are for musicians?
I don't know.
- Are royalties paid on all repeated broadcast of completed recordings as it is in recorded music? Or does that depend on the type of work?
depends on what you have negotiated. Often it is a buyout for a certain period of time.
- In your experience, what are the pros and cons of belonging to a union for voice professionals?
oh, dear. that one needs a thread for itself. so I'll leave it for now.
- There are many courses and coaches available - is there value in any of the teleclasses, or is it compulsory to work with coaches on a one on one basis in person?
whatever works for you. It's a free world, nothing is compulsory.
- If you have a particular accent in English, is there a point of marketing yourself in your non-native country? Eg. British accent in the US voice industry, and vice versa. Would you invariably be more sought after in your native industry?
Absolutely, I am the living proof that you can make a good living outside your own country.