I realized something. I’m out of touch.
Because it’s been so long since I first started in voice over, I’ve forgotten what preconceived ideas or expectations there were at first.
So, I reached out to three people who are crushing it in VO but newer to the industry. PLUS they are in the Beginner Voiceover Intensive classes every week. I knew they’d have their finger on the pulse of what questions people are asking or see when any “a-ha” moments happen.
Jon Vertullo (Engineer for Aaron’s BVOI + Intro Workshops), Gabby Naylor(Engineer for Jill’s BVOI) and Edilio Diaz (Engineer for Trevor’s BVOI) gave me 3 MYTHS each. They’re SOO good that I’m gonna divide them into 2 posts.
Here are 5 Voice Over Myths BUSTED. I added the name of the engineer that contributed to the myth plus a little blurb from me. The remaining 4 Voice Over Myths will be in an April newsletter.
MYTH #1: THE MOST EXPENSIVE MIC in a FANCY BOOTH is the ONLY WAY TO GO (Jon Vertullo)
Fact: “Expensive” doesn’t always mean “better”.
“The study of acoustics is a literal science. By learning some basics about acoustics and sound treatment, you can learn how to get your space sounding great, without needing to win the lottery to do it!”
We try to help you figure out the best route for your budget and for your voice! That’s why we offer the Mic Shootout, Home Studio Consultations (with Dan Friedman) and DAW classes (Adobe Audition, Audacity & Pro Tools)
MYTH #2: WHEN YOU GET AN AGENT, YOU WILL WORK CONSISTENTLY (Gabby Naylor)
Fact: Agents provide opportunities but that does not guarantee work
“I can say with certainty that it does not! I have three agents that I am so grateful for because they work their butts off to deliver OPPORTUNITIES for me to work, but it depends on your direct marketing skills, and growing your network, to get consistent work.”
This is also why we encourage you to get multiple VO agents. It gives you more opportunities which increases your chance of booking more. This is also why we created the AGENT REP PREP class taught by Chloe Dolandis!
MYTH #3: YOU NEED TO HAVE A GREAT VOICE TO BE A VOICE ACTOR (Edilio Diaz)
Fact: The voice is only 10%
“The reality when it comes to voice acting is that it’s less about “how” you sound and more about what you can do with your voice to bring the client’s vision to life. Everybody’s voice is unique, and clients may not realize what you bring to the table with your voice…that may be precisely what they are looking for until they actually hear it.”
More than ever, we’re seeing in commercial breakdowns things like “non-voiceover-y” or “imperfect voice.” There’s not a standard sound any more. Human, real, authentic is where it’s at.
MYTH #4: YOU GET PAID REALLY QUICKLY FOR JOBS (Jon Vertullo)
Fact: This depends on the company and contract.
“Often payment can take a while to get from the buyer to you. Even more so if you add agents in-between. Even (and especially) when you begin booking big jobs, they can take a long time to pay out! Be prepared for this by having enough in savings to allow you to continue paying your bills while waiting for jobs to pay you. It can also be helpful to have diversified income streams within VO like working on audiobooks and eLearning as well as commercials or animation instead of only just one of those.”
You’ll see payment terms such as net30, net60, net90, even some with net120. This means ONCE the project is completed and processed, it can take that many days to issue payment.
MYTH #5: VOICEOVER IS NOT REAL ACTING (Gabby Naylor)
Fact: Voice over is Voice Acting
“Interpreting copy or sides to communicate to an audience can only be acting. Every VO should take acting classes and learn the basics of story-telling.”
Being a great actor is what sets us apart from AI, too. Very important!
Thank you so much Jon, Edilio and Gabby for these great myths and what you’ve learned. We so appreciate you!