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[chucktaylor]

Hello, Chuck Taylor here. (This is probably going to be TMI but here it goes anyway) I've been working in radio since 1985...(I'm one of those guys that actually has a degree in Broadcasting). While working on my Master's in the early 90's I did my first VO job for a local Louisiana hospital as the voice of their phone system. Since then I've done a few local tv spots for whatever market I was working in at the time and even a training video, but nothing really steady. ( I was always focusing on my on air show and commercials for the stations I worked for). in 2002 I started my own syndicated radio show (while still working on air) and have cut imaging for stations that carry my show. 2 years ago I moved to DFW to take on Nights at one of the stations in the market while continuing to produce my weekly show. I have my own home studio and some free time during the day and am looking to start doing VO on a more regular basis. My question is (probably the first of many) is do you NEED an agent to get GOOD money in VO and if you do how do you go about getting one? (I've always negotiated my own contracts)

Thanks,

Chuck

[Jon Morss]

Hey Chuck. Welcome.

If you find an answer to your agent question let me know. My initial thought would be yes and no. It depends on the market you are after and how much time you are willing to invest in promoting yourself. But, check out the web sites of some of the big guns in the VO business like Bob Bergen, Julie Williams, Harlan Hogan, DB Cooper and so on. They typically have multiple agents that cover various parts of the country. So, I guess that would seem to imply a Yes to your question. Although that would depend on what your idea of GOOD money means. I hope someone has a better answer for you.

Good Luck,

Jon

[JoeActor]

Pleased to meet you Chuck.

Great intro, btw!

Hmmmm... Agents, huh?

Well, first off - do you need one?
As Jon mentioned, it can be very market specific. It also depends on the type of VO work you perform.

I know several VO's making a living without an agent. I also know some with multiple agents to cover different markets.

For the type of work I do (video game, animation, accents, characters, impressions, etc.), I need an agent. Much of the casting for these types of projects are only done through agencies. That being said, I also get a fair amount of work on my own. The higher paying jobs do come through my agents.

How to get one? Now that's a $64,000 question!

Welcome to the forum - hope to hear much more from you,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

[chucktaylor]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

CT

[AlanSimmons]

Welcome, Chuck! Look forward to hearing more from you...

~Alan

[Sameera]

Welcome to the forums Chuck! Love the intro! As for that question about the agents, I've heard Julie's opinion plenty of times and I think it's brainwashed me haha totally kidding! There are many experts on the forums who will be able to answer your questions professionally (including Julie) so good luck with that!