How do people get into voice-over work?

Factual Questions
1

I know that a good amount of VO performers start off as regular actors, but how do people with skills in that area break into the industry? Are there open auditions for VO work?

2

I don’t know about open auditions, but around here there are a lot of agencies that handle models and bit players that also do voice talent. Generally, you go to the agency and tell them what you want to do, they evaluate your skills (maybe suggesting other fields they think you’re suited for), and then take photos and voice or video recordings for their files. When an ad agency or TV studio is looking for models or extras, they tell the agency what type they’re looking for, and the agency goes through their files pulling out people that fit the profile. The ones that get picked are called in for auditions.

For voice talent, personal networking may be more important. On a VO job, you’re often the only voice talent there (or one of a small group), and so there’s more of a chance to make a good (or bad) impression on the director, producer and others (for video work, it’s more common to be part of a large group, where the only way to stand out is by screwing up). Once you’ve done a job, there’s a better chance that the people you’ve worked with will call you again or recommend you to others.

I started from the opposite side: I work in an ad agency, and at some point my co-workers noticed that I was capable of the voice. I’m not really that good at it, however, so usually my voice is only used for preliminary recordings when we want to show a client what ideas we’re thinking of. Very occasionally, though, I end up in the final product.

3

You can make CDs of you you doing commercials or certain voices and send them to the agency broadcast producers and copywriters. The creative directors won’t have time or inclination to listen to them until a voice is recommanded by a creative team under him (copywriter/art director). You will want the recording done professionaly, though. and it helps to have someone outside the booth direct you. Obvioulsy, that person should know what they are doing and what an agency would want to hear.

Hope that helps. Good luck.