We’ve put together this page of solid advice for anyone thinking of starting out in the voice-over business because we are constantly swamped with calls, letters and emails from young (and not so young!) hopefuls. Like the rest of the acting/entertainment industry there are many more people than there are jobs. Even professionals with many years experience can often only get a few jobs a year – Yes, it is that hard!
Speak’s main priority is to represent the artists already on our books. However, we do have some experience with helping new talent so we’ve prepared a list of answers to a few of the Frequently Asked Questions.

"How do I get started?"
Unless you are already famous for some other reason, you will need a voice-over agent. Get experience using your voice in different styles and make a demo/showreel to send to voice-over agents.

"How can I get experience?"
Have you considered voluntary work? It’s a great way to gain experience, contacts and get in the door! Schools may accept volunteers to read to children. Hospital radio can offer unpaid work on a voluntary basis and there are many libraries and organisations for the blind that may require readers.

"Do you recommend any training courses?"
I can only say that any experience is an advantage - but no course or lessons can guarantee that you become a successful voice artist. I'd also recommend that if you're determined to do a course, pick one that gives you a good standard of training and includes providing you with a showreel CD in the price, as it's pointless paying for anything twice.

"I’m not an actor. Does that matter?"
Many successful voice-over artists were never trained as actors and indeed not every script requires an “acted” read. However, in addition to familiarising you with many of the things you may encounter during your voiceover career, acting classes can teach you how to convey specific emotions. This is particularly useful if producers and writers want certain emotions to be exhibited in their scripts. Acting can also train you in using your voice to it’s full potential, although I would warn against specialising in theatre acting if you are considering becoming a voice-over artist. On stage it is necessary to “project”, so your voice can be heard at the back of the theatre without the need of a microphone. This can lead to a habit of over-projecting into the microphone once you get into a sound studio and failing to deliver the voice that is required.

"I do loads of accents/funny voices! Can you use them?"
You never know what might come in useful, but voice-over is largely based on your natural voice. Listen to any documentary, telephone voice menu system or even television commercial and you’ll probably hear the voiceover speaking in their natural accent. If producers want someone with a certain accent or type of voice they will hire someone who speaks that way naturally. Make sure any training you do teaches you to use your natural voice first.

"Can you record my showreel?"
Speak’s main work is seeking and handling voice-over jobs for the artists on our books. Beyond the advice on this page, we have no involvement in creating demos for people we don’t represent.
On any demo, agents require a selection of commercial reads. If you have not made any professional commercials find some magazine adverts with plenty of copy in them and read this out as it would sound on television or radio. You can also record your own version of existing adverts, but beware of sounding inferior to the original version. The second requirement is a narrative piece. For this, simply read a section from your favourite book or poem. Once this is done, feel free to include anything else you feel we should hear such as impressions, accents or singing.
Agents are looking for variety and range. You must prove that your voice is strong, versatile and adaptable. You do not need to produce a professional showreel – although it can help make a better first impression. At this stage a tape recorded at home would suffice, providing one can clearly hear your voice. However, an agent will expect you to make a professional reel if they take you on. A showreel producer we use and recommend is Dan Green at USP on . The cost varies from studio to studio but expect to pay at least £200. You can find listings of sound studios and voiceover agencies in the Spotlight publication "Contacts". It is available directly from Spotlight or you may be able to find copies in the larger media libraries.

"How do I get my voice heard?"
You should send your tape or CD (with a CV) via post, as this is the preferred method of receiving demos. Most agents have a busy office and, while wishing they could devote time to welcoming potential new artists in person, unsolicited visits end up being an inconvenience at best. In addition, please note that emails with sound files attached take too long to download and are usually deleted without being heard.
Be aware that the chances of acceptance are slim. As we’ve already pointed out, this is a very competitive industry. The most common reason for returning a demo is simply because it is too similar to a voice we already represent.

"Can Speak represent me?"
Unfortunately our books are full at the moment and we are unable to take on any further artists. Please, don’t send us any demos as we are already inundated with tapes and CD’s we don’t have the time to listen to. We cannot give a definite date as to when (or even if) we may be looking for new artists.

We hope this has been helpful and we wish you the best of luck for the future.

Training in USA:-