Everyone tells me I have a great voice and that I should be in commercials. How do I get into it?
My guess is that 99% of the population has a good enough voice to do commercials. If you're counting on that "edge" to get you there easily, don't quit your day job! With that knowledge in mind, you'll need some training, a good (professionally produced) demo, and possibly an agent or two (or more). Before you start, ask yourself this a few questions: Is voice-overs something you really want to do? Or are you just looking for easy money in response to encouragement by people who know nothing about the business? If it's something you really want to do -great-read on. If not, thank them for the compliment and go on with your life.

How can I do a demo if I've never done a commercial?
You don't have to include only commercials you've done on your demo. It is not a resume, nor is it a sample of what you've done. It's a sample of what you CAN do. Get some good copy (scripts) -and a good coach-and go into the studio and record. You will not be taken seriously without a demo so be sure to produce a professional demo. If you are trying to save money-the demo is not the place to cut corners.

What should the demo sound like?
It should sound like YOU! Specifics on demo production is discussed at length in How To Make Money in Voice-Overs Even If You Don't Live in N.Y. or L.A.. You can also hear demos here at voice-overs.com.

Should all the commercials be the same length?
NO! Think about how boring it would be if you were reading a paragraph and all the sentences were the same length! Too many short segments will make your tape sound choppy, too many long ones will bore the listener.

What form should my demo be sent out on?
CD. You can duplicate at home. Just make sure it's finalized so that it can be played on any CD player.

I've been talking to an agent and she wants me to pay to be on her master talent reel. Is this legit?
I cannot say whether your agent is legit or not -ask around and look for her license. However, it is increasingly common for agents to require that talent pay to be on the agency's master demo. It's expensive to produce a master demo. It's only right that each talent pay his way. If you feel this is unfair consider two things:

1. Your agent does not get paid for representing you until you get a job. Why should he or she invest in financially to market you?


2. You cannot send out nearly as many tapes for the price they're charging to include you on the master!

What does it usually cost to be on an agency's master tape?
Costs vary. In the early 80's I never paid to be on a master. In the 90's, though, expenses caught up with most agencies. Some reputable agents I know have charged up to $300. They're worth it! Nowadays, agencies also put your demo on their web site as part of the package.

Should I have an industrial demo?
If you want to do industrials, yes.

I'm trying to produce my own demo. Where can I get good copy?
First of all. You shouldn't produce your own demo unless you are desperate. You will not be objective about your own work. If you are not working enough to be able to afford to pay a professional coach to direct you through your demo, (in which case they should provide copy for you,) then you don't know enough about demos to do one that will work for you! You could hire a studio that would do a great job producing your demo… but I've had to re-do many demos that have been done at studios by people who don't know what to put in a VO demo! However, if you insist on doing it - write your own copy!

Should I include music and sound effects on my demo?
Of course! Add as many production effects to your tape as you would if it were actually going to air. This is your "free sample." It's your chance to let the prospect hear how you'll sound on the air. Put your best foot forward!

Recently I've been told I sound too "announcery". What can I do about that?
You probably have a radio background. Radio people tend to be too "announcery" because they've been trained to be that way. In fact, many radio people can't hear that they sound like announcers--and that's why they usually don't get as much work as other VO talent! Or, perhaps you're new in the biz and tend to sound less natural at the mike. In any case, you would really benefit from my "Proven Voice-over Techniques" workshop.

What materials do I need to get into voiceovers?
If you're serious about voiceovers as a business and not a hobby, I'd recommend you set up an office as you would with any other business. You'll need a separate checking account, computer, decent printer, 24-hour fax machine, cellular phone. You also need several copies of your demo, business cards, etc. If this seems like a lot of money to invest --- it's really not ---for a business! You should also budget for at least one --preferably two-- hands on workshops per year. Find out who is good in your area. If there is no one to learn from in your area, travel. It will help round you out as a talent. Professional development is essential.

I've been doing voiceovers for a while now but I'd like to further my career. Where can I find someone to train with?
There are people all over the country training voiceover talent. I can recommend many people .. but to find out who trains in your area ask the local agents. I recommend workshops by: Dick Orkin, Cindy Akers & Jan Rabson, in Los Angeles; Bob Magruder, Jerry Houston, in Dallas and Houston; and Julie Williams Sacramento, CA.
Most of these people travel so find out if they're coming to your area. Many of them also produce voiceover demos. Most of these people are full-time busy talent who teach on the side. I am occasionally available to travel for workshops. Be wary of people who teach full time. I'm not saying all who teach full-time are not qualified, but sometimes if a person teaches and does not work in the business -it's because he/she can't get work! Ask what spots the talent coach has done most recently. Talk to former students. Talk to agents--are they known talent? Check references! Ask to hear their VO demo. Do their students work? Do working professionals train with them? The answer is yes to those questions for all the people I named above. ASK! Check out our workshops page for upcoming workshops in your area.

I have a question you haven't answered.
No problem! Just contact me. I'll answer you at my earliest opportunity. Please be sure the question is not already answered on this site.