Voice Talent Advice #7 - Working Via the Internet From Your Own Home Studio

So, you'd like as broad a marketplace as possible? The internet is obviously the place to be. But you need a web site, right? Not necessarily. Many of the larger voice over web sites you may list with will create a web page for you on their site as part of your listing fee. You can post demos, list experience, vocal quality, etc. and have a web page to direct potential clients to. Eventually, you will want your own web site, but...it's ok to take one step at a time.

Which voice over web sites should you list with? Well, if you do a search, you'll see which sites show up highest in the search engines. That's a good place to start since they'll be getting the auditions because people seeking voice talent will be searching, too. However, before deciding to sign with any of them -most all will charge you a yearly subscription fee - do as much study of their site as possible. Try contacting them and asking questions or taking a look at their FAQs, etc. Check out blogs and other discussion forums to see what kind of experience other voice talents are having with them.

If you want to work via the web, you really need your own studio. If you have access to a studio free of charge or very cheap, you could go that route, but most internet work demands a speedy turnaround of auditions and often the finished job as well. Also, there's not usually a lot of budget left for you to pay studio charges. With more and more professional equipment being made to work with home computers, you can set up quite a nice studio without a huge outlay of cash. You definitely want a good microphone with shock mounts, a preamp, processor, a good recording and editing program, and sound proofing.

When I was setting up my studio, I was fortunate enough to make contact with some very helpful people who were willing to share their advice. There are also books available with information on creating your home studio. You'll find a listing of helpful professional talent how to books and books on creating and "tweaking" your home studio listed on my website.

Helpful Books on Voice Over:

• There's Money Where Your Mouth Is : An Insider's Guide to a Career in Voice-Overs
• Announcing Art of Voice Acting
• You Can Bank On Your Voice
• VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor
• Voiceovers: Putting Your Mouth Where The Money Is
• Talking Funny for Money : An Introduction to the Cartoon/Character/Looping Area of Voice-Overs
• Word of Mouth : A Guide to Commercial and Animation Voice-Over Excellence
• How to Read Copy : Professionals Guide to Delivering Voice-Overs and Broadcast Commercials/Book and Cassette
• Creating Character Voices for Fun & Profit
• Making Money in Voice-Overs

Guides for Creating Your Home Recording Studio:

• The Voice Actor's Guide to Home Recording
• Home Recording Basics
• Digital Home Recording

Good Luck on Becoming a Voice Over Professional!

I hope I've given you something to think about and some useful information to help you on your journey.