Who Do You Listen To?
by Terry Daniel
Filed under Blog
“They” say to become a voice over talent you need to drop $10,000 on a home studio. “They” say to record a bunch of samples, add some background music and you have a demo. “They” will also tell you that you can get rich in voice overs; that it’s easy. If only “they” knew!
The cacophony of erroneous information about getting started as a voice over talent, in the honest endeavor to find the truth, is enough to make a head spin. So how do you know who to listen to? How do you know who is really qualified?
Here are 5 tips to keep in mind:
1. Ask people who are successful in the voice over industry – not the people who have failed. If you want to succeed, those who are successful can help you get there, those who failed can’t.
2. Realize that even the “experts” in the industry will not agree upon everything, so you may have to apply some independent thought. Implement what is relevant to you and your goals, and leave the rest behind.
3. If it’s too good to be true, it usually is. The only guarantee you can be sure of is that you will have to put forth effort, invest in developing and honing your skill set and your business, and do what must be done.
4. Clarify your goals and base your questions on how to achieve your goals. Ask the right questions and get the right answers. Focusing only on how to make six figures, the costs involved in training, demos, and equipment, what you have to give instead of considering the value of what you get, shows a lack of serious intent and will surely lead to failure.
5. Reserve final judgment for yourself. Base your decisions and actions on what you learn. After all, you live with the consequences of your decisions – good or bad. “They” don’t!
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17 Responses to “Who Do You Listen To?”
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Terry,
I agree 1000000%. It is said in a way, but I guess a midst a sea of people crying for help, at some point people see opportunity for profit.
In the past few months, we began screening people on our site. But the crazy thing is that we have been told by those screaming for quality that they find this to be unfair.
As a talent first and then employee of a casting site, I see so much info out there being taught that just does not work and is more a representation of someone’s influence, meaning voice talents tend to think its ok to start out with a combative attitude which they have paid to be taught, it does not get work, and everyone looks bad.
Education has always been more profitable than voice work and newcomers are always willing to give what people teach them the ‘power’ to either destroy or succeed in this business.
I think that has always been the case. We are just so media-saturated these days, all the examples are out there to see everyday.
Hi Terry!
I really like your articles and advise. I think you have valid points, that people who are new to the industry, will find interesting and truthful. I would like touch on one subject that seems to be debatable, no matter who you speak with, “studio equipment.” I have been told by working professionals that you don’t need to spend a ton of money on your equipment. I have also been told, use crappy equipment…get crappy jobs! I believe the latter to be true. If you cannot provide broadcast quality tracks, you won’t get the work. I only wanted to buy my equipment once, so I spent the extra money for great gear. I didn’t want to trade in my so so gear for next to nothing, just to spend money on the better stuff later. Obviously you should buy what you can afford, however piece by piece is not a bad way to accomplish this important step.
You don’t need top of the line gear, but, if you can buy it and then set it and forget it, it allows you to work more on your craft.
Cheers
Shawn
Hi Terry,
You could not have said it better…as well as the other posters. Newcomers really do need to be careful in the beginning. The amount of information out there can be very confusing. The clairity for me came when I began studying with Nancy Wolfson of Braintracks Audio. I attended Voice 2008 and went to her branding session. I then took a hear of private lessons from her and she directed my demo. What I learned from her along with the other fantastic sessions I went to that weekend was eye opening. So what you say is right on…get the best training from successful folks and then gather everything you’ve learned and chart your own course.
Thank you for sharing with us!
Dory
This is very sage advice. Having come from a strong theater background, I knew that I would need to do much studying and research as I began my voice over career. It’s been 4 yrs. I’ve learned a lot and feel that I will never stop learning. I’m getting work and loving every minute of it even the continued learning part.
Once again, thanks Terry for the great articles and advice. I think it’s key to get GOOD advice, training and stay positive.
Thanks amigo,
Paul
Yep, there’s a lot of folks offering ‘advice’ to those who would like to ‘make easy money’ in the voice-over industry.
Some of the information is rooted in common sense but unfortunately, with so many people WANTING to be the next ‘voice talent’ star, it makes the ‘coaching’ business into a growth industry.
Do you remember when there were private schools that offered classes to help you get into the glamours world of radio broadcasting? “You can become a radio personality!” Well most of those guys are out of business because broadcasting is an industry that having big troubles financially.
By all means, study, work with reputable resource providers, and become a life-long student of the craft. Just be cautious about someone who wants your money under the guise of setting you up to make big bucks.
Hey Dan,
Thanks for your comments. I agree with you. This is why I never give my students any guarantee that they’ll make millions. I provide the necessary tools as well as share what has worked for me.
I have been interested in voice overs forever. I read comments and continue to learn from my readings. The forums are helpful. Even though I have not had a reading I’m still interested. My voice is heavy and will take a lot of training but I want to be in the business for the passion. Voiceovers are worthwhile and I want to be successful.
I’m going to pursue the field even though “they” don’t think I will make.
Hey Donna!
Thank you for your comments. If we did everything “they” said, we would never make it anywhere! Not sure who “they” is but I would love to discuss this with you. Let me know a time next week and I will contact you. Thanks again and have a great 4th of July!
Cheers,
Terry Daniel
Am still new in voice over industry and would like to take it has a profession what are the requirements, since at the moment am training myself with a recorder. Please help.
No way did I start with the expectation VO would make me wealthy. I just knew I had to find a place in this very singular arena of self-expression, and as soon as I tried it I absolutely loved it. And that was before I even got my first booking! I soon saw how intensely competitive it all is, but it is doable, and when the first good feedback comes in, and you see the numbers going up on YouTube… and yes some dollars come in, well you feel wired and know it can be done with persistence. It’s thanks to people of the stature of Terry Daniel, Kevin Delaney, Stephanie Ciccarelli, and innovations like Taji’s VOpedia that a serious newcomer, even one based in UK like myself, can learn, learn, learn, and build confidence… and get the gigs.
There is something else that is always miissed that the experts don’t tell you about and that there is a lot of satisfaction in doing your own voice overs and not have to go to the studio. Plus it is a lot of fun to do a good audition for someone. Thanks for the “THEY SAY article. Good info to start wiith.
Excellent article! Points well made and are very, very true! It is yourself that makes the end result, Not “THEM”.
Terry,
I read your words and hear your voice!
I entered the VO field in the 80′s and was unable to continue because of family demands. Now they are grown and I have recovered from an illness that almost claimed my voice (life) and am re-entering the profession. Your words are as true today as they would have been back then. I feel like a beginner with the environment of the industry having changed so much over the years. One thing though has not changed; them. ‘They’ are still out there, hiding in plain site to cast promises of success if we will follow their words and yet will blame us as responsible when their direction fails us: their hands remain clean.
Thanks Terry for keeping it clean and clear.
Hi Terry,
Excellent information.
I think the best way to approach this is to have fun. When you get to serious that’s when it starts to become a drag.
I appreciate what you share and it’s always great advice.
Hi Terry,
Being a baby in the industry would you mind sharing, what are the “right questions” to ask?
Thank you Terry
I’ve been strongly encouraged by friends and several V.O. professionals to get into the business. I’ve done in-house broadcasts for companies I’ve worked for but would like to get serious about a career in the industry. Please send me your newsletters.