Last month, I asked our awesome engineers Jon Vertullo, Gabby Naylor and Edilio Diaz to share some voice over myths they believed going into the industry and how they were busted.
They were all SOO good that I broke it up into two newsletters. Check out Part 1 HERE (if you missed it).
We shared the first 5 myths in Part 1 and here are the remaining 4. I added the contributing engineer’s name beside the myth, plus a blurb from me below each myth.
MYTH #6: I DIDN’T BOOK THE JOB, SO I MUST’VE DONE SOMETHING WRONG (Jon Vertullo)
Fact: As long as you read the instructions and gave your best interpretation of the audition, you likely didn’t do anything “wrong”!
“So much of what makes an audition stand out is less about right or wrong and more about authenticity, emotional honesty, and often just plain luck! By learning how to interpret scripts as well as the types of specs/tones/character archetypes you naturally connect to, you give yourself the best chance of booking and even then it’s STILL only a chance. The flip side of that is that there is ALWAYS a chance that you CAN book it. So keep auditioning, you got this!”
This is a truth that needs repeating no matter where you are in your VO journey!
MYTH #7: YOU DON’T NEED TO CREATE A BRAND (Gabby Naylor)
Fact: Who you authentically are is your brand
“I remember taking a “VO Industry” class with Arianna Ratner, and she was the one who said, “Stop treating yourself like a product that needs to be branded. You’re an artist, and artists are people.” That woke up something in me to convey my Social Media self as my true and authentic self, which has helped my network truly understand what I bring to the table as an actor.”
I’d like to explain a little about what I believe Arianna meant. You do not need to MANUFACTURE a brand BUT your true, authentic self IS YOUR BRAND and it’s VERY important that you understand what that is. The problem is many people don’t know what others hear or see from them. In this digital world, sending an email to a potential agent with just “Animation VO” or “I’d like to join your roster” is like seeing a can on the grocery store shelf that says “FOOD.” You do not need to CREATE a brand but you DO NEED TO KNOW what your brand is.
MYTH #8: IF YOU’RE GOOD AT IMPRESSIONS/IMPERSONATIONS, THAT’S ALL YOU NEED (Edilio Diaz)
Fact: Impressions/Impersonations are just added value.
“While celebrity impressions are fun and can certainly help you, the client is looking for authenticity and relatability. After all, an impression (no matter how good) is just a facsimile of the real deal. You are the real deal when it comes to your natural voice and the pictures you can paint with it.”
Impressions or impersonations can come in handy for certain projects. In commercials, they will cast voice talent for a scratch read in place of the real celebrity to present it to the client. 99% of VO auditions are going to just want your authentic voice.
MYTH #9: VOICE OVER IS REALLY LIMITED (Edilio Diaz)
Fact: There are so many opportunities in voice over, beyond just animation and commercials.
“One of the things that stuck out to me when I took Brian’s Intro Workshop is just how expansive voiceover actually is. Most people think of animation and video games, but there’s so much more, including social media, corporate narration, IVR, etc. Voiceover is as limitless as you and the client’s creativity.”
One of the great things about voice over is that you have the ability to create a career that you want. Being able to diversify into so many different areas is not only helpful to your income but sure makes things interesting and fun.
Thank you so much Jon, Edilio and Gabby for these great myths and what you’ve learned. We so appreciate you!