Getting Into Voice Work

[BigGingerBob]

Hi everyone,

For quite a long time I've wanted to get into voice work. Children's short stories and the like.
I've had many people say (weirdly, not just one or two) that my voice would be great for it.
Where on earth do I start?!
Would I need acting lessons?
Listen to and learn from professionals?

I can build a tiny 'studio' at home and I can invest in a microphone that I can set up with a Tascam I have for decent quality audio to record demos and such.

I haven't quit my job but it's something I'm really interested in and would like some pointers if possible if people are willing.

Thanks in advance,

Bob

[Gooose]

Maybe try investing in a microphone and camera set up and read kids stories on YouTube, if you can get a few followers it should show you are good at it?

[BigGingerBob]

That's a fair idea, I have a couple of good cameras that I could use. I don't like being on camera though so I may have to make a background for the vids

[sutoka]

Know a guy that does Voiceover work as a side hustle and has been doing it for about 15 years. He's got quite a distinctive voice but work comes in waves so it's not something you can do full time and pay a mortgage on. He started off narrating things on Youtube and then got signed up to an agency.

[StevieBee]

Couple of pointers.....

As already mentioned, it's a very difficult thing to make a full time career out of. It's possible but takes time and those that are earning a living from it will mostly be supplementing things like presenting jobs.

Recording quality sound is one thing but you must also learn how to properly process it, understand the difference between WAV and MP3, what's meant by 'flat' and 'rich'. There's plenty of online tutorials on this but if you're serious, you may want to look at these guys : https://www.gravyforthebrain.com (set up by Peter Dickson; the bloke that does the X-factor, lottery, BGT, announcements).

Find a Community Radio Station near you and offer to do a show. This will teach you about the technical side as well as delivery style. Also adds a bit of added cred enabling you to say that you are a Radio Presenter when pitching.

Make a showreel. No longer than a minute. Contrive examples to include a snippet of an advert, explainer video voice over, new type report, presentation, etc..

As to who buys voice.....

Voice companies and agencies such as these chaps: https://musicradiocreative.com
Radio Stations
Video and film companies
Ad Agencies
Publishers
Event companies.....

...... and occasionally me which is why YHM ;-)

[pistonheadforum]

Essentially, you need to give it away for free until you can charge people.

A youtube channel like the following is a good start:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F05RKFjyvbs

Not sure if you can read out old classic books that are now free and post them. Volenteer to read newspapers for those who might not be able to for whatever reason? Basically build up a portfolio of work.

[BigGingerBob]

Thank you everyone for the replies, it's amazing the people you 'meet' on here.
I'm looking at microphones now to use. I have a Tascam DR-07 audio recorder and I'll make a soundproof box for it for recording.

I've had a look at non-copyright stories that I will record tomorrow on the Tascam and with a levalier mic in the recorder to practice.