Eddy Murphy (Shrek) and Tom Hanks (Toy Story) are well-known actors who have lent their voices to cartoons. Do you have a good voice or a special voice? Do you like acting? Are you creative and do you have an eye for details? If you would like to follow in the footsteps of famous actors such as Robin Williams and Cameron Diaz, then the profession of voice-over or voice actor might be something for you.
What is the difference between a voice-over and a voice actor?
There are different names for a voice artist. A voice-over is someone who records text for commercials, an intro to a film, documentaries, radio and television programs or other multimedia productions such as corporate films. However, also consider the use of voice response systems of telephone exchanges and car navigation systems. Another name that is often used is the voiceover. A voice actor provides voices for films or cartoons. Here he is, as it were, acting with his voice. However, the differences in work are not great and that is why this distinction is no longer made. Voice actor is now the most commonly used term for both variants of the work.
Main features of a voice-over
A voice-over must have a good voice or a special voice. A good voice means that the voice actor can speak at different pitches. A special voice is useful if you need to record the voices of special characters in cartoons. Important qualities of a voice-over are creativity, being innovative and precise (with an eye for details).
Tips for a beginning voice-over
- Listen to and learn from famous voice actors. Well-known actors are often asked to voice roles in cartoons. Pay attention to how they record their texts. What kind of pitches do they use. Do you recognize a certain rhythm or intonation? What appeals to you or do you find boring? Try to learn from that. Try to find out what the strengths of your voice are. That will help you figure out what kind of voiceover you want or can be.
- Practice a lot! Read texts yourself and record them. Freeware can be found on the internet. Be critical when eavesdropping. Where is there room for improvement? What could help with this is a coach. You could also hire them for a few lessons. Please contact a voting agency or vote bank for this.
- If you really want to go further, you will have to have a demo of yourself. You could make this at home with your own recording software, but it is better to record it in a professional studio. They know exactly what works and what doesn’t. Think carefully in advance which text you choose to record. Of course, it must be one that suits you.
To the voting station or vote bank
Of course you can work as a self-employed person, but it is wiser to first gain experience in the profession through an agency. So if you have enough self-confidence and you have a good demo, it is time to register with a voting agency or vote bank. review