This is PART 3 of the original “challenge” posed by Cadden, our admin and voice actor. Cadden said one of the biggest challenges he’s facing in his career is figuring out WHERE to find opportunities (in each genre), HOW to find them and WHO to search for or market to.
In last our last post, we focused on Audiobooks, Dubbing, In-Show Narration and Video Games.
Today we’re focusing on: ANIMATION, COMMERCIALS, IVR and PROMO.
ANIMATION
WHERE
1| Agents
There may be some outliers but the majority of animation projects, especially big projects, come from agents. I have heard directly from casting directors at Disney that they do attend stand-up comedy, improv and theater performances to scout for talent.
With the ability to create animation easier due to technology advancements, you may be able to find independent projects via online casting sites or via word of mouth.
HOW
While there are agents in Atlanta and other places that can bring you animation opportunities, you’ll get more opportunities from agents in LA or New York.
Do you need an animation demo? It would be helpful but not always required. This may be changing. If you have a solid commercial demo and can demonstrate that you’re training in animation, they may send you opportunities.
WHO
Most large animation studios have in-house or freelance CASTING DIRECTORS. Like we mentioned in our last post, most of those casting directors exclusively use agents. They will occasionally look for talent at improv or stand-up shows but your best bet will be through agents. Unless you have a really unique accent or voice, animation is very competitive. The best chance to book an animation job is to be on with a great agent, create relationships with the casting directors (if they do any workouts or appearances) and agents, as well as continue to train.
Wanting to dig deeper in Animation? Check out the Animation & Video Game class with Arianna Ratner. Need an Animation demo? Scroll down to our Animation demo process.
COMMERCIALS
WHERE
1| Agents
2| Studio Rosters (maybe not more quantity than online casting sites but definitely in quality)
3| Online Casting Sites
HOW
For finding and getting representation from agents, that’s a whole lot more than can fit into this email. If you’re looking for more in-depth help, accountability, actual lists of agents, their submission policies and how to craft a submission email that gets noticed, check out our next AGENT REP PREP workshop (we changed it from a class to a workshop to make it more affordable because this is something so valuable). If you don’t want to wait, check out the video AGENT REP PREP course on ProVoiceoverTraining.com.
When I say STUDIO ROSTERS, I mean recording studios like Atlanta Voiceover Studio will sometimes have rosters. When they get auditions, they’ll send them out to their rosters. In fact, if you haven’t joined our roster, HERE’s the link to join. Don’t expect a heavy quantity but the more rosters you can get on, the better. I’ve found these opportunities tend to pop up at just the right time, too.
The best way I’ve found to tackle studio rosters is to start in one geographical location. Search CITY RECORDING or VOICE OVER STUDIOS. Check their websites because many times, if they do have a roster, they’ll have a form to fill out or give instructions on how to submit.
ONLINE CASTING SITES are pretty straightforward. You pay a yearly fee and receive auditions. The top sites are: Voice123 (click here for 15% off), Voices.com and Bodalgo. We do not recommend Fiverr, VoiceBunny or Voice Realm.
WHO
When connecting with people in charge of hiring talent for commercials, you need to search for CREATIVE DIRECTORS or PRODUCERS. Sometimes for smaller companies, someone from the marketing department will be in charge of hiring voice talent for projects. There are also production companies that will directly hire talent. Most of the time these are small to mid-size production companies.
Trying to figure out how to create that authentic, real read commercial breakdowns are asking for? Check out Steve Henderson’s Character of You class OR his Character of You workout.
IVR
WHERE
1| Online Casting Sites
2| Company Rosters
Most of the IVR I’ve booked has come via word of mouth. However, Mike does the IVR for Warby Parker since they’ve worked with him on so many commercials and I do IVR for Redfin because I’ve done a bunch of their commercials. Those came through agents initially for the commercials.
HOW
To search for IVR companies, you’ll want to look for “on-hold marketing,” “interactive voice response production company” or “IVR production company.”
WHO
The most efficient way to find the person who hires voice talent for these companies is to look the company up on LinkedIn. Once you do, search through the employees. Sometimes the role can be as straightforward as VOICE MANAGER.
PROMO
WHERE
1| Agents
I’ve only heard one story about someone booking a nice promo from online casting sites and that’s been 7 years ago. I think most Promos and Movie Trailers are exclusively booked through agents.
However, that’s not to say taking workshops from Promo and Movie Trailer directors won’t help. If you’re a standout talent, they may refer you to an agent.
I hope you walk away from these 3-part emails feeling empowered! There’s so much opportunity in voice over! Sometimes it does take some work to go out and find it but it’s out there…it just takes you taking a step forward.
