Not to throw damp coffee grounds onto anyone's fire, but things were significantly different for those who attempted careers in voiceover 20 - 30 years ago and today. Lest we forget that even the great Don LaFontaine saw encroachment into his marketplace, casueing him to hire all slew of public relations people in order to ensure there was no doubt who the movie trailor guy is.
One significant thing that didn't exist 25 years ago is the slew of copywriters, ad agency execs, art directors and other agency folk that perform many of the v.o. in their own commercial work.
We all know that Brad Bird of Pixar doesn many a voiceover for their projects and it's little secret that almost everyone who works at Pixar and their families have all had shots doing voices for their animation projects.
Of course, the voice teachers will tell you that there has never been a greater demand for voice actors in history. Tell that to all of the waiters and waitresses out there in showbiz land.
It should also be mentioned that there is a significant difference in doing voiceover if you live in Los Angeles or New York and almost anywhere else in the world. Is it changing, well I suppose the same way that Hollywood isn't the movie capitol of the world anymore??!!
I suppose that Alcoholics Anonymous teaches us all that everyone has their own bottom. If I ever performed 300 auditions under any circumstances and didn't book anything, then that should signal me that something is wrong. In all likllihood, the desire to do something better with my creative pursuits would kick in and I might try another hobby. If I performed 300 auditions and my unemployment were running out or I had just blown the $5,000 I had to borrow from dad again, I'm sure I would reconsider my showbiz career.
Not to take anything away from all of the pros who come in here and encourage you, but aren 't they all making significant money teaching, selling CD"s or books? If the alledged cream of the crop needs to teach classes every weekend, then what does that really say for the monetary making aspects of this business. I suppose I'd rather spend my weekends cranking up the bar-b-q, taking day trips or otherwise enjoying the fruits of my labors.
I'm sure one of them will sweep in here and explain that teahcing for them isn't about the money, etc., etc. but at some point people get off the escalator, take a deep breath, and ask yourself if it's worth it.
And really, I don't hate newbies nor do I enjoy seeing people fail. Those of you who know me, know that nothing could be further from how I feel.
I do wish you good luck.
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