INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTS
MIC TECHNIQUE & TERMINOLOGY
THE BASIC VOICE OVER PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES
SPECIALIZATIONS:
NARRATIONS, CHARACTERS, PROMOS, AUDIO BOOKS
HOW TO TAKE DIRECTION
HOW TO BE OBJECTIVE ABOUT YOUR WORK:
FINDING THE BEST YOU
HOW TO DIRECT YOURSELF
HOW TO AUDITION
HOW TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CAREER
THROUGH PROMOTION
HOW TO RECORD AT HOME
If you want to pursue Voice Acting, you'll need to learn the Basics first; this will determine your level of performance and how you should proceed. There are three ways to learn the Basics: Weekend Workshops, Voice Over By Mail, or through Private Instruction. See: Workshops
There are Weekly Workouts for Intermediate and Advanced Level which most students use to develop their Repertoire and polish their performances to get to a competitive level. I only take 4 students for each of these workouts and each student works at their own pace and plan.
I also schedule "Special Events" through the year to expand student experience, including Professional In-Studio Sessions for students to gain experience with Producers and Directors.
The final step is to produce a Demo, but you need to be at a competitive performance level before you do that and each person progresses in their own way!
See: Demo Production
Since Your Voice is your “Product”, you‘ll want great packaging for your Demo and you’ll need to learn the "business of the business" that is, promoting yourself and making contacts in order to get hired. All this is taught through the Business of Voice Over workshop which is held 3x a year and includes an invaluable resource manual! (You can also purchase the Manual at any time.) See: Products
You can make an appointment for a Private Session with me on Wednesdays or Fridays between 1:30-4:30PM. Cost: $75 an hour. During the session I'll give you detailed info about the business and have you perform various scripts to see what your instincts are and how you follow directions. From this, we’ll know what next steps to take for your progress.
My Advanced students are also part of the Arizona Voice Coalition which was formed to promote the individual by sharing the promotion costs as a group. You might want to listen to some of their Demos.
Their website is: www.voice-coalition.com
More and more Voice Over work is available through websites, from Casting Services, Agents in other cities, Audio Book Publishers, as well as Advertising Agencies and Production Companies. Many project producers are looking only on the web for Voices. They usually want a performer who can send a script via MP3 or produce a CD with a relatively quick turn-around. If you want to avail yourself of these resources, you need to set up your own Home Recording Studio! It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, and does not have to be ISDN. A great reference for setting up your studio from start to finish is “The Gypsy's Guide to Professional Home Recording Workbook and CD” available under "Shop" at: www.patfraley.com
Where to Locate your Studio:
With the right equipment and location, you will probably not need acoustical adjustments to the room. (You’ll have to try recording and playback to determine if the space you have chosen is working properly.) Listening to the playback through Headphones, rather than through your speakers will give you a better idea of how much “room noise” is present. Once you’re set up and are recording, it’s a good idea to send a “sample” MP3 to someone to find out how it sounds!
Recording/Editing Programs:
Although many new computer systems come with a Recording Program, they’re not necessarily “studio” quality for Voice and neither is the microphone! There are many Editing programs available to install on your computer which will allow you to record quality performances through your computer, make a CD, and send auditions and/or sessions via MP3.
I use a simple Editing Program called: “GOLDWAVE” (for PCs only). You can download the simple version for about $40 from: goldwave.com They also have more expensive versions that will allow you to do more. Another good, FREE program for both Macs and PCs is “AUDACITY” at audacty.sourceforge.com
Microphones
You will need a Good Microphone rather than using the mic that came with the computer. I found an excellent, relatively inexpensive one which is: PEAVEY, PVM 22. ($129) Also, SHURE mics are great, and start at about $100.
With the above microphones, to get a good quality sound you will also need to have a PREAMP in order to connect the mic. I found a great small, portable preamp: ART Tube MP Microphone Preamp Model 127.
Now there are also excellent quality USB microphones available that DO plug right into your system. The new Samson USB mics start at $89.95, however it doesn’t have the range of a cartioid mike. All can be found at: www.zzounds.com Another great inexpensive USB mic I just found are the NADY series, about $39, available only online at www.guitarcenter.com
Whatever mic you use, you may need to upgrade your Sound Card. The Better Your Equipment, the Better You’ll Sound!
Say the word “YES” to indicate:
Certainty
Doubt
Indecision
Sarcasm
Say the word “NO” and by changes of inflection, indicate the
following:
Definitely not
Well, maybe
I’m surprised to learn that
I’m annoyed to learn that
I’m pleased and surprised to learn that
Say the sentence “I’ll be there”, so that the following attitudes are
implied:
Determination
Pleasant agreement
Surprise
Annoyance
Say the sentence “I like Bill” to bring out the following:
A direct statement of fact. You mean literally what the words say.
A contradiction of the literal meaning of the words. You definitely
do not like Bill.
Irritation and surprise that anyone could conceivably accuse you
of liking Bill.
Indecision as to your feelings about Bill.
Specific indication that your liking is for Bill and not for anyone else
who may be present.
Your answer to the question, “Who likes Bill?”.
An aggressive and emphatic answer to the question, “Who could
possibly care for a man like Bill?”
"Working the Web" for Jobs!
Useful insights from a NewVoice Over Performer!
Working with these programs is also covered in the The Business of Voice Over Resource Guide, and/or Expanding Your Voice Over Performances; invaluable Manuals for any level of Voice Over! Order on the Registration page.
Getting Started
Recording at Home
Try these Exercises
Resources
VOICE OVER TIPS!
What You Need to Know to be
a Voice Over Pro:
