[Merged] Voice talent?

[brownpau]

I would like to try becoming a part-time voice talent for TV and radio commercials (and for other things that may require voice talenting). But where do I begin? How do I break into the industry? I've started out with a few sample voice reels at Hit Productions and Roadrunner Audiopost (leading sound studios in the ad industry), but that was a year ago, and there haven't been any calls yet. Is there something else I should do to make myself known? Perhaps someone I can contact, like a talent pool? Do I need a manager?

On a related note, how much does the average everyday voice actor charge for a recording session? I'd love to hear from anyone in the industry. Mister Dean, maybe? :)

[Renthead]

well i guess you have to audition. before, i do radio dramas for a low pay of P200 per script. that was 10 years ago. i also do corporate avps VO for P8,000 per script. paiba-iba...being part of mainstream theater or audio video production agencies would be an advantage.

[Mister Dean]

I can't really speak for the industry in general, primarily because most of the recording I did was exclusively for one station - LA 105.9, not exactly top of the line when it comes to budget or scheduling, much less climbing the corporate ladder.

A friend of mine managed to secure a slot on one of those cartoon shows dubbed in Filipino - a remarkable thing, given that his Filipino accent is worse than mine. He merely showed up for a casting call in an ad in the papers. It paid well (considering it was his only job), although the money came in a little delayed.

My suggestion to you (which should be taken with a pillar of salt) would be to occasionally scope the want ads and actively pursue it. Joining an agency would be nice, but I think your experience shows that without any prior experience under your belt and without that ugly C word (connections, dear, not cellulite), you're pretty much going to be left wallowing in the muck.

Look at it like serious acting. You need to attend casting calls, send your resume around, press the flesh (in handshakes, not any other flesh-pressing type, although you might find the latter yields faster results). We all need to start somewhere anyway.

Good luck, brownpau! Your voice is fab; I have no doubts that you've got what it takes.

[Jacob]

Try connecting with Adfarm, Gerry Magnaye's audio production outfit. Aside from producing radio commercials, they supply voice talents to agencies.

Or you can be chummies with Broadcast Producers of major ad agencies. That way, sila ang magbibigay sa inyo ng work.

[tinyet]

Can you guys give us urls or contact numbers of these agencies, like the ADFARM? I am also interested in pursuing this one, aside from trying out as newscaster in our local networks.

Information regarding this is highly appreciated!

:girl:

[okidoc]

voice talents! Where can I audition to become one? This is my dream kasi. Malaki rin daw ba ang income dito, kahit part time lang naman. Give me some info naman. thanks

[rains_delight]

Voice talents, saan? sa anime? or sa drama sa radio?

if you are aiming sa anime--- GMA Network in EDSA corner Timog

Kung gusto mo naman radio talent sa drama like Sunshine, Duon po sa amin, Mga Liham kay Tiya Dely, Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig, Istokwa, Timbangan ng Katarungan, Mr. Lonely, Divisoria at iba pa, dun ka mag apply sa PHILCOMCEN Bldg, Origtas avenue, Pasig City. Sa likod lang iyon ng Robinson's Galleria.


Good luck

[zimdude]

Tagalog ata mga 'yan, are there English voice projects?

[Bugoy!]

okidoc,

If you're thinking of doing voice talent work for commercials or audio-video presentations, you might wanna try doing the rounds of the Mile Long and Creek Side studios (vicinity of Amorsolo, landmarks: Makati Cinema Square and Louie's THX). There you'll find Soundesign (look for Ron Medina, the casting guy), AdFarm, Hit Productions, Noisy Neighbors, Omni Post and a few other production outfits. Others in the Agency Row in Makati include Sounds Reel, Audio Media Productions and Creation Station. Call first and ask how you can go about doing a voice file, or try your luck as I've done at times, and knock on their doors from out of the cold. You never know.

Once they've given you a sked, they'll ask you to read sample scripts for your voice file. This file is what they'll submit to ad agencies or whoever might need a talent, if your voice fits a certain type that's being cast for the project: Do you sound like a DJ / announcer-type (dime a dozen)? Or do you sound like a Fil-Am? Or are you good at character voices (very few good ones out there)? Or can you project a father? If your voice fits the type needed, then they'll send your file for consideration.

Good luck!

And on a personal not, start with Soundesign. The place and the people are great! Some studios by the very way they are set-up, can be a bit intimidating, particularly for novices.

Also, the business you're interested in getting into is very much a referral business. Be nice and accomodating, without being plastic. There are lots of good voices out there, so often a great attitude can be a key factor to getting your next gig.

Lastly, one of the biggest assets you can develop is versatility. Practice widening you range, doing different textures and tones, etc. That's what sets really busy talents, such as Apollo Abraham, Ebong Joson and Jeremiah Junior, apart from the rest.

:cheers:

Bugoy!

[zimdude]

I wonder how brownpau's "talent" voice sounds like... :|

[dekster]

need to start earning na kasi e and a lot of people have suggested that I try this out. do you guys have any suggestions as to who or which company I should approach? I can't sing to save my own life but I can pretty much pull it off as an announcer para sa mga radio commercials or whatever.

hope to hear from you guys soon ;)

[Bea19]

I was a talent myself. Dala ka ng voice tape sa mga radio stations particularly sa AM. Kse yung mga FM para mas mura yung mga DJ's na din nila ang gnagwang talents. Look for people related sa field of COmmunication usually may mga racket yan sa radio.

[tin28]

pwede ka ring mag-apply sa mga networks like channel 2 and gma 7...before kasi ginawa ng pinsan ko yun, nagvoice auditions sya tapos nilagay sa file nila yung tape...ask around ka kung may kakilala kang mga people na nagwowork sa station...pwede rin pang commercial...

[dekster]

Thanks for the replies guys. :)

What do you suggest I do for the tape to really get their attention? Pwede akong magbasa pero parang sobra naman dull yon diba?

[Bea19]

Basta dapat attention grabbing yung voice tape mo. DI naman dapat OA pero dapat makita yung versatility mo at dapat alam mo kung san ka effective.