Most voice over artists and voice actors assume they need an agent to find work. However, this is not necessarily the case. Over the last few years the internet has opened up new possibilities to voiceover professionals, enabling them to advance their careers through other means. Take the numerous voice-over marketplaces; they work differently to a conventional talent agent. Usually as a standard member you can create your own website for free and use the address as a link in emails and on letter heads. You will be able to upload your voice reel, write a detailed biography and add a photo or graphic. However they really start to pay dividends when you upgrade to the premium service that’s usually on offer. Targeted work is funnelled into your inbox and you can then provide auditions and submit projects to prospective clients. The main drawback is you have to pay a fee upfront.

With an agent, the reverse is true: she or he is your representative in the voiceover world and a good one should be actively promoting your vocal talent and selling you to clients. A not so good one will just have your voice sitting on their website waiting for clients to discover you. So the more proactive they are the better for your career.

A legitimate voice-over agent will never charge a joining fee; in fact in some countries this is against the law. So before signing up, make sure your prospective representative is on a commission only basis. The normal range is between fifteen and twenty percent, though this can be higher or lower depending on the market and particular agency. Bear in mind that some popular agencies may ask you to sign an exclusive deal and even ask for a concessionary commission payment; in other words even the work you get yourself may be subject to a small token payment of say around five percent. The reasoning behind this is that you will more than make up this amount with the work they get you. Weigh up all the pros and cons and see which agency meets your needs the most. If in doubt about a contract, seek professional legal advice.

So you have decided that going down the agency route is for you, but the big question now is how on earth do you go about finding one? I am afraid the law of supply and demand applies here. In other words, there are more voice over artists than there are agents, but this should not deter you.

Most representatives want to know that you are going to be a good prospect and earn them (and you) money, so the first port of call is to record an impressive showreel. Make your demo crisp, clear and short; no one wants to sit through a double album of your greatest voice-over hits! When sending off your CD, add a brief covering letter explaining why you want to be with that particular agent. If you are a complete beginner explain that you are fresh, new and can offer something different. Add in a description of your voice too, but keep this accurate. If you can’t do those “in a world” type movie trailers, don’t say you can.

If an agent rejects you, do not be disheartened; ask if you can re-apply in a few months time, or if there are any other agencies they can recommend. Try gaining some work through your own endeavours, which will help your experience and show prospective employers that you are bankable.

If a client thinks your voice sounds great, you can bet the agencies will start to take notice.

It is important to remember that whilst you don’t need an agent to get voice over work, having professional representation can be very useful indeed.

Most voice over artists and voice actors assume they need an agent to find work. However, this is not necessarily the case. Over the last few years the internet has opened up new possibilities to voiceover professionals, enabling them to advance their careers through other means. Take the numerous voice-over marketplaces; they work differently to a conventional talent agent. Usually as a standard member you can create your own website for free and use the address as a link in emails and on letter heads. You will be able to upload your voice reel, write a detailed biography and add a photo or graphic. However they really start to pay dividends when you upgrade to the premium service that’s usually on offer. Targeted work is funnelled into your inbox and you can then provide auditions and submit projects to prospective clients. The main drawback is you have to pay a fee upfront.