5 Most Common VO Myths
In the voice over world, there are many myths that we come across. Here are five of the most common voice over myths that I see in my line of work, most often coming from new talent or those that are curious about getting into voice over:
I’ve been told I have a good voice, so I must be an amazing voice actor!
The truth is, just because someone said you have a good voice doesn’t mean you’re cut out for the voice over world. There’s so much more that goes into being a voice actor than having a good voice. It’s how you use that voice that matters. This is where training comes in; learning the trends in the voice over industry, learning what customers actually want to hear when you voice their scripts, and more. It also takes a ton of effort to network, brand and market yourself, and perseverance.
If I move to LA, I can get voice acting jobs
These days, especially with concerns of a second Covid-19 lockdown looming here in the United States, it’s important to remember that you can actually be a voice actor in any part of the world. All you need is access to the internet, the appropriate equipment, and a space to record in that is properly treated. For example, I live and work in Orlando, Florida. I roll out of bed in the morning, walk into my home office, and complete my voice over jobs from the comfort of my own home. It’s entirely possible to have your entire voice over career take place at home. LA is expensive as hell anyway.
Voice actors have to do lots of voices or accents to make a living.
Character voices and impressions are just one small facet of a much larger voice over industry. Think about it; anywhere you hear a voice in a commercial setting is an opportunity for a voice actor. Advertisements, Audiobooks, Training Videos, Documentaries, Movie Trailers, Meditations, eLearning content, the list goes on and on. You can absolutely make a living without voicing tons of characters or doing silly voices. Many companies just want you to sound like the person next door,: a normal, regular human being. That’s the current trend.
Voice acting is just reading a script. So easy.
Voice acting, contrary to popular belief, is NOT just reading a script. You have to read inbetween the lines as well. There is a deeper meaning in any script you read. A goal. A feeling. This is what you must channel as a voice actor when you perform. Sometimes it takes a bit of practice and training to understand the scripts you receive on this level. This is where coaching or acting training comes in.
I’m just waiting for my “big break”
If I’m being honest, 95% of your work, especially in the first few years of your career, will come from small to medium sized businesses around the world. You’re not likely to book a monster client like Walmart, Apple, Heinz, etc. when you’re just starting out. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t start your career and make great money in the meantime. Most of my clients are businesses you’ve probably never even heard of, and I’m on track to make six figures this year. No big break required.
Avoid these common VO myths by keeping up to date on industry trends, studying your craft, and obtaining coaching. To get more information about the world of voice over, and receive special discounts on products and services here at trevorohare.com, consider signing up for the mailing list below. It’s free!
