voice over agencies

[singingfish]

Hi all, this may be a bit of a wierd one. I have been told my whole life that my ability to put on various accents is a real talent. I'm nearly thirty and kinda feel that if I don't do something soon I'll always regret it. So, my question to you is where do I go and what do i do? Any suggestions for names of reputable voice over agencies etc whom I could speak to would be much appreciated. I live near London. Thanks x

[Morticiah]

Hi ya, not sure if this helps or not ....

If you click on the link below it takes you through to the web-site of Gary Martin ... Gary is a full-time professional voice-over dude. Famous for doing the Honey Monster (no comment), Judge Dredd and other stuff.

He's a nice guy, and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't mind if you emailed him and asked him some questions ... Plus he lives near London ... Good luck
http://www.garymartin.co.uk/

Mort

[andy-hughes]

The voice-over industry is massively competitive, and nothing like as easy as you might think, either to perform in, or to break into.

As with acting in general, 10% of VO artists get 90% of the work. The vast majority of VO's are professional actors with the necessary skills to perform and record quickly and on time because time is money. The reason why so few artists are in demand is because the skills are virtually in-born, and it's really hard to learn to VO from scratch.

Sorry to be negative, but you need to know that - as in the X-Factor - friends telling you you have what it takes, based on no profesional knowledge what ever, will not mean you can cut it out there with the professionals.

Beware of agencies who charge you a fortune for 'lessons; and a show-reel, and then send you off to join the thousands of others competing for work. Investigate the link above, and best of luck.

[singingfish]

Thanks Andy, and thanks Mort, I will contact the guy and see if he has any advice. I'm a qualified paediatric nurse so I'm more looking to have a bit of fun with my voice than to start a career - I already have one of those!
Thanks again x

[ludditefreak]

Hi There, I work in the audiobook industry and use lots of voice over artists, yes it's true that a big name will sell more books and is more likely to get better work, but people like educational publishers making English Language Teaching Tapes use a lot of unknown actors. I'd recommend that you try and find yourself an agent and send them a show reel, it doesn't have to be posh, just a few minutes of a straight read, then examples of your accents will be enough. If the agent thinks you have talent, they will arrange for a more professional recording to be done, as often now voice clips need to be present on the agents website. My favourite London Agents are Voicesquad, Hobsons, Rossmore, Calypso. Vincent Shaw associates take on a lot of less experienced people. You should also volunteer to record an audio book for Calibre Audio Library, you won't be paid, but it will give you experience and you can see if you enjoy the work.
Good Luck!!

[lady_p_gold]

Good info ... does anyone have any contacts with VO agents in Los Angeles ..... luddite perhaps ????