So you're looking to get started working in voiceover? If you have an outgoing voice and like to express yourself through narration, voiceovers, or character voices in films, commercials, corporate videos, educational and training materials, podcasts, audiobooks, video games and other projects that need a voice — then this business is definitely for you.

It's also an incredible time to start looking into a voiceover career. While the pandemic has put a ton of people out of business, the world is shifting towards remote learning, working, and building. Therefore, this is increasing the need for online video and content that calls for more voiceover artists than ever before.

As you can imagine, voice acting is a rewarding, exciting career. At Casting Depot, we have tons of voiceover talent coming through our site daily booking gigs and growing their careers. Here are a few things to help you get started:

<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>

<h3 class="text-left"><b>1. Get setup with audio gear 🎙</b></h3>
If you're confident that you want to pursue a career in voiceover work, or even as a side hustle, it's smart to invest in audio gear. However, dependent on the type of voiceover actor you want to be, you may require more gear. It depends. If you want mic suggestions, join a Casting Depot community and ask fellow users. They'll point you in the right direction for what they recommend. 

A few things to consider when purchasing a microphone:
* Buy what you can afford.
* Purchase something that you can return, just incase. It's helpful if you can test out the mic in the space that you plan to be recording.
* Don't purchase something handheld. 

Here are a few great mics we'd suggest:
* [Blue Mic: The Yeti Nano](https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti-nano/)
* [Kaotica Eyeball](https://www.kaoticaeyeball.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAgJWABhArEiwAmNVTBxtg9ZKYWse1aR-OK07BXx2o7edqW2ugsRO61EYdXa6eUH1C4GnZSRoC3X8QAvD_BwE)
* [Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone](https://www.adorama.com/atat2020k1.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organicshopping&utm_source=adl-gbase)

While you may be inclined to use your Airpods, we'd suggest against that! You want to make sure that your producing the best audio possible, and that you're comfotable while recording. So, here are a few headphones we'd suggest:
* [Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Closed-Back Studio and Live Monitoring Headphones](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HD280Pro--sennheiser-hd-280-pro-closed-back-studio-and-live-monitoring-headphones?mrkgadid=3301332377&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=studio&recording&&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046938536344&lid=92700046938536344&ds_s_kwgid=58700005285190875&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=385451424629&product_id=HD280Pro&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&locationid=9030954&creative=280136034160&targetid=aud-994727058445:pla-385451424629&campaignid=1465808290&gclid=CjwKCAiAgJWABhArEiwAmNVTB2GoYfBcNbW3hllvajEF-a5xVFfu5bL39r5Ce5KDFTV7CTAHuk1D2hoCpjwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
* [Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm](https://www.newegg.com/beyerdynamic-dt-770-pro-grey/p/0TF-00D2-00002?item=0TF-00D2-00002&nm_mc=knc-googleadwords&cm_mmc=knc-googleadwords-_-headphones%20and%20accessories-_-beyerdynamic-_-0TF00D200002&source=region#)
* [AKG K 182 Over-Ear Headphones](https://www.akg.com/Headphones/Professional%20Headphones/3103H00030.html?ged=off)

<h3 class="text-left"><b>2. Find a quiet place in your home to be a studio 🏡</b></h3>
There are many variables that go into creating a voiceover home studio. However, you don't need a fancy-built studio to submit auditions. You can do this on a budget, at home. The space can be a closet, garage, spare room, basement, or attic – as long as it's soundproof and quiet. 

<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/voiceover.png" align="left" width="400" height="80"/>

To <b>soundproof</b> your home studio, here are a few things to consider:
* Noise can be a big problem in the home studio. As with any production area, you’ll want to make sure your space is well soundproofed or insulated from noise coming in or out. The main culprits of unwanted noise are air conditioning units, fans and people – especially kids and pets.
* A few blankets hung up can help absorb reverb and unwanted noise coming from breathing and other close-miking techniques.

<h3 class="text-left"><b>3. Find an audio editing software that works for you 🗣</b></h3>
Most sites will suggest using the fancy editing softwares like ProTools. While you can use products like those, it's possible that you want something extremely easy to use while you're still testing out the waters. Here are a few programs we love:

* [TwistedWave](https://twistedwave.com/online)
* [Adobe Audition](https://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html)

<h3 class="text-left"><b>4. Record practice demos 🚀</b></h3>
Now that you've got the space and the audio equipment, it's time to record demo examples for your voiceover profile. If you have a range of types of projects you'd want to audition for, it's important to get that type of content up on your Casting Depot profile as a starting point. For example, if you can speak in different languages, accents, or tones, make sure that you have a demo for each! Here are some tips on making great demos:

* Make a demo for each voice/accent/character you plan to audition for.
* Keep your slate quick (full name and anything else that's important to you).
* Make sure the volume isn't obnoxiously loud or quiet.
* Pick the right script for you. 

<h3 class="text-left"><b>5. Start marketing yourself 💡</b></h3>
Use your Casting Depot profile to build your online presence as a voiceover actor. We built talent profiles to be completely customizable, allowing every user to have their own unique experience in our community. If you're a voiceover actor, you'll most likely want to focus on building out and utilizing the following sections in your profile:

* Age, location
* Personal description
* Audio uploads
* Job history (use this section as your online resume)

Some tips and tricks for building a rockstar voiceover profile that helps you stand out from the rest of the community:

* <b>Avoid celebrity comparisons.</b> 
It's easy to make comparisons between yourself and your favorite celebrity. However, when casting directors are searching talent, they love to see more of what you bring to the talent (and comparing yourself to a celebrity might typecast you into a hole). Describe your sound, instead. Using words such as "warm, authentic, young, firm" and so on will give the casting director better insight into what your voice sounds like.</p>

* <b>Ask Casting Directors for the projects you've worked on.</b> 
Don't be shy to ask for the final work! If they're allowed to, the Casting Directors are usually more than happy to send you the final cut so that you can add it to your virtual portfolio.

* <b>Find an engineer to work with.</b> 
Search post-production audio engineers to help you edit and promote your audio submissions. Think of them as a business partner! It could take a lot of busy work off of your plate if you're booking a significant amount of voiceover work and don't have time to make edits to submissions. If you want to go down this route, ask the Casting Depot community for engineer recommendations.

<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>

& there you have it! A few quick tips and tricks to getting started as a voiceover artist. If you're ready to start using your voice to build a career, [sign up for Casting Depot here.](https://www.castingdepot.com)

Voiceover Actors: How to Get Started

Playing a role that requires an accent can be daunting. It’s common for actors to decide to take on new accents as listed skills to market themselves for scripted roles. It’s another marketable item on your checklist that can make your resume standout in a sea full of people. 

So, you’re ready to audition for a role that requires an accent. How do you efficiently prepare? Practice your craft, even when there’s not a role on the horizon that calls for an accent. Use these 7 tips to guide you in perfecting your accent.
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<b>1. Study the dialect.</b>
<br>If there’s a particular accent you would like to list as a skill on your resume, study it. Conduct research on the country, listen to music by artists who speak naturally in that accent, or watch films with american actors who have aced it. When you feel ready, practice reading in character. When your audition date is nearing, record yourself speaking in character. Listen to how you sound so you can see where you need to improve. 

<b>2. Avoid sounds that throw off the audience.</b>
<br>Every accent has a few sounds that should be executed properly in order to be convincing. There are also some sounds that your audience won’t notice if said incorrectly. Regardless, an accent must flow. If this is something you’re struggling with, a dialect coach could be beneficial to mastering the accent.
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/guides/accent.png" align="right" width="400" height="80"/>
<br> 
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<b>3. Find consistency.</b>
<br>Be consistent when reading your lines. Often times, actors struggle when there’s an emotional scene or a difficult word to pronounce. This leads to pronunciation being inconsistent. When you practice, it'll build your confidence. You'll become less worried about pronuncing words correctly and more focused on conveying the emotion.

<b>4. Practice often, always.</b>
<br>Another helpful tool can be spontaneously speaking in the accent. This could include talking to yourself out loud while on your way to work, chatting with friends or ordering food the next time you’re at a restaurant. Find excuses to test your ability to make your new tone sound like second nature. 
Sing the accent.
		
Some accents sound like a melody. Some words should be sung instead of being spoken. Let your words flow. If it’s an emotional scene, become the character. If your accent is imperfect, it’ll sound more believable. If you’re looking for inspiration, revisit tip #1. 
		
<b>5. Embrace your characters’ universe.</b>
<br>If you’re in a production that takes place in 1950’s England, embrace that era. Studying the time and the environment of the project will help you in not only understanding your character but accurately representing that role. If it’s available to you, rehearse with characters you have scenes with. The two of you will be more in sync.
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Voiceover Actors: How to Get Started

5 Ways to Nail an Accent