What is Voice Acting?

What is Voice Acting?

Voice Acting or commonly know as Voice-over (also known as off-camera or off-stage commentary) is a production technique where a voice—that is not part of the narrative (non-diegetic)—is used in a radio, television production, filmmaking, theatre, or other presentations.

Voice-over talents are responsible for recording narration for video production. They are called upon to read scripts in order to create voices to the film that is not revealed through visual shots.

There are different styles of voice over: ● Commercial About 8 percent of voice over artists work in commercials, according to Edge Studio. Once you get into this market, it means getting more commercial jobs and that means your voice will be known among producers. ● Narration Most of the work for voice artists are from the narration, it means making audiobooks. ● Announcement This is for artists who get jobs at airports, stadiums, malls, etc to make a public announcement. ● Biography Biography for Voice Artists involves narration of a well-known individual's life story. ● Character/Animation This is the fun part of voice artists as they experiement on different voices.

One voice actor can play 2 or more roles at the same time. They often work as narrators for children's books, video games, 3d animation, and cartoon. ● Corporate Voice artists on corporate means narration for training videos, introductory videos, promotional material and anything the company needs your voice for.

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Internet Since businesses online is growing, business owners are now using narrators to explain what they are selling like narration for website tours, online tutorials, etc.

Exercise/Inspiration An artist with a calm, soothing voice can do the narration for exercises like yoga.

Education This is mostly for video narration on training and educational materials for schools, uni, and other educational institution.

Film There are some films that aren't biography in nature but still wants a voice over. They can have small or big part depending on the prodcution.

If you are an aspiring voice over talent, here are the steps you can take to get your journey started: ● Training Training with good coaches is imperative. Your research skill will be of use as you need to look for options to see which fit you best. ● Demo Reel Once you have enought training, your coach will help you with your demo reel. Demo reel is critical not just for on screen actors but it is too for voice actors.

This is your ticket to booking a job. This will serve as a sample of your work. I suggest getting it professionally done and LA Acting Studios offer this service. Click this link to know more of our Demo reel production. ● Agent If an agent suggests that voice acting is an easy job and can be done in a snap, then run the other way and get a referral instead. ● Marketing It is better to get a coach who knows the industry at the back of their hands so he/she can guide you all throughout the process including marketing yourself. ● Auditioning Once you feel you are ready or if your coach tells you that you are ready then go and send that demo reel, audition and book a job.

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More Training Training never ends. Be ready to learn more. Always get recommendation and referral for workshops you can attend.

Different Recording Sessions There are several types of recording sessions for voice actors, one of the most difficult type is being recorded separately then edited and mixed together. It's difficult because you don't get to interact with the other voice actors and the opportunity to respond naturally is never available.

Another type which is quite difficult is done by dubbing during post-production when the animation is completed. It's difficult because you have to match the lip flaps. This is normally done where your focus is on the screen where the script is being played while the actual animation is right below it. You have to match precisely the speed of how it should be spoken, including when and how you breathe.

The best and preferable style of recording for voice actors is when all actors are in the same room performing together. You get to interact naturally with each character.

For on-camera actors out there, aside from your regular acting classes in LA, visit an actors studio and join voice-over workshop as this will definitely benefit you in the long run.