Voice Overs: Pro Bono Work

In the first article we went over a general introduction to voice overs. Now it's time to get into some of that juicy detail. I ephasized the fact that you need to be honest with yourself and determine whether or not you have what it takes to run with the big boys and girls. If you aren't ready to quit your day job or if you decided that you just aren't ready for that step, then this is for you. I would suggest this to most wannabe voice actors because it's fun and can give you a slight head start.

So you're sitting at home, bored out of your mind. You think to yourself, "I need something to do with my life at this very moment". Well the obvious choice comes crashing into your head, like the kool aid man through a wall! Voice Overs, duh! Ok, maybe it's not that obvious, but now that I've mentioned it, you have to be at least thinking about it.

"Don't I need to have access to a professional recording studio?"

No! You can do amateur voice overs striaght from home!

All you need to do voice overs from home is a microphone, recording software, and a computer! (I'll go over the specifics of each of these in later articles.) I won't lie to you, you may need to dish out money for better microphones and some other more advanced equipment, but for our purposes here, I will assume that you have a basic computer microphone that you use to chat on webcam. As for recording software, there's a great free program out there that I still use to this day. It is called Audacity. The link to the download will be in the link section below. (Again, I'll go over this and other programs in a later article). Finally, I will also assume you have a computer since it wouldn't be possible to read this unless you had access to one.

First of all, if you feel like this is work, this may not be the choice for you. Voice overs should be fun! Granted, it does take practice and time, but it should not be painstaking. Working for free is the best place to start for voice overs. This particular hobbie could even get you paid someday!

Once you have your equipment ready, where do you start? There are some great amateur sites to check out. These places, you may be able to get roles, network with other voice actors, get tips and experience! (All site links, will be in the link section at the bottom.)

Voice Acting Club (VAC)- This is the site that I started with. I was referred here by another voice actor and I was immediately active in amateur animations and radioplays. (Radioplays are strictly audio. Kind of like those old time radio broadcasts. War of the Worlds was one of them.) All you need to do is introduce yourself and become active in the community. Keep it mature and professional and you will be accepted right away! The VAC is mostly known for work in machinima, and original flash animations.

Voice Acting Alliance (VAA)- This is very similar to the VAC, however it is larger and, in turn, loses its sense of community. Also, the VAA is known for their radioplays and anime based animations.

Newgrounds- This is a site where animators, musicians, game programmers, artists and voice actors come together to create, flash aniamtions, music and games. Fans also join the site to show their support and become a part of the community. This site is very supportive of all amateurs in each of these fields and, if you're work is highly praised, you may even win money! A warning: There are some very immature members and therefore, you should have thick skin when they comment on your work.

VA Radio- This is my personal site, where myself and two others record a weekly radio show about any of the fields mentioned in the Newgrounds segment, as well as some amusing chatter on different subjects outside of the voice acting realm. Each week we go over a basic tip and we are very open to anyone who either wants to get involved with the show or just has some questions! (At the moment we are on hiatus due to our personal lives. However, all of the episodes to this date are on the site!)

Voice Overs can be an extremely fun hobbie and can even turn into a little cash! The more experience you get, the better you become. Also, remember to network with other voice actors and be active within the communities! They will be more than willing to help. (Just remember that most are amateurs as well so take their advice with a grain of salt).

Next week, I'll be covering the topic of a home studio and equipment! I hope to be able to interact with you all soon!

PS: If you like my writing, be sure to check out my satirical articles!