how does one become voice-over talent? Thread poster: Maria Diaz
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Maria Diaz
United States
Local time: 13:16
English to Spanish
I'm a translator looking to "expand my horizons". What skills are needed to become a voice talent for commercials or, are there particular qualifications?
I have very good diction or enunciation and can speak really fast if needed, but probably that's not enough. How can I offer my services? Are translation agencies the contact point?
| | | | | there are agencies to represent voice-over talent | Mar 18, 2004 |
I've atually thought about doing this myself as I started my career life working on-air at radio stations. I haven't pursued it because I live in a fairly remote area now but I imagine if I were to begin pursuing it, it would be by sending a representative audio cassette tape (varied text samples) to agencies (agents representing specifically voice-over talent). Perhaps also sending tapes directly to larger radio or TV stations, although they usually use their own people to voice the commercials... See more I've atually thought about doing this myself as I started my career life working on-air at radio stations. I haven't pursued it because I live in a fairly remote area now but I imagine if I were to begin pursuing it, it would be by sending a representative audio cassette tape (varied text samples) to agencies (agents representing specifically voice-over talent). Perhaps also sending tapes directly to larger radio or TV stations, although they usually use their own people to voice the commercials, announcements, etc.
Good luck! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Juan Jacob 
Mexico
Local time: 14:16
French to Spanish
+ ...
Te contesto en espa�ol... no tengo los tama�os para hacerlo en ingl�s.
Tener buena dicci�n y leer r�pido no es m�s que el 5 % de lo que necesitas.
Para ser locutor necesitas:
1.- tener "buena" o "bonita" voz, seg�n las necesidades del cliente y del comercial que haya que hacer (existen muchos "registros" de locutores: voz joven, seria, institucional, alegre, de edad madura, etc.)
2.- debes prepararte, es decir, ser pr�cticamente un actor. Hacer la voz de un comercial o ... See more Te contesto en espa�ol... no tengo los tama�os para hacerlo en ingl�s.
Tener buena dicci�n y leer r�pido no es m�s que el 5 % de lo que necesitas.
Para ser locutor necesitas:
1.- tener "buena" o "bonita" voz, seg�n las necesidades del cliente y del comercial que haya que hacer (existen muchos "registros" de locutores: voz joven, seria, institucional, alegre, de edad madura, etc.)
2.- debes prepararte, es decir, ser pr�cticamente un actor. Hacer la voz de un comercial o de un documental no se trata de plantarse frente a un micr�fono y leer el papelito que te ponen en frente. Para sonar bien, debes "encarnar", por supuesto, el personaje que vas a representar... eso se llama actuaci�n. Hay muchos cursos de actuaci�n y otros tantos especializados en locuci�n: registro de voz, actuaci�n, respiraci�n, ritmo, improvisaci�n, concentraci�n, etc.
En resumen, haces bien en "diversificarte" y sobre todo hacia la locuci�n: es un negocio sumamente lucrativo y, por ende, con mucha competencia, con sus grupitos, sus favoritos, etc. Debes por supuesto ir a las agencias de voces, as� se llaman, despu�s de haberte capacitado, y dejar lo que se llama "un demo" con tu voz y tus datos, a ver a qu� productor le interesas, y esperar. Es un largo camino, bastante ingrato pero que, si te funciona, te dejar� muchas satisfacciones, sobre todo monetarias. Ac� en M�xico, un "radio", es decir, un anuncio para radio que te toma diez minutos grabar, se paga en 350 d�lares... un "tele", por los 500 d�lares, sin contar las regal�as que puedes cobrar si el anuncio se difunde m�s tiempo.
Que tengas mucha suerte. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Make a demo tape | Mar 18, 2004 |
Find a sound studio and make an appointment for the recording of a demo tape. Typically they will ask you to read a variety texts that you feel most comfortable with and that reflect your interests for later assignments (general marketing; tourism; promotional videos; adult material ))
Professional demos include the appropriate background music etc. Costs: around 100-150 $, depending on the hourly charges of the studio. You w... See more Find a sound studio and make an appointment for the recording of a demo tape. Typically they will ask you to read a variety texts that you feel most comfortable with and that reflect your interests for later assignments (general marketing; tourism; promotional videos; adult material))
Professional demos include the appropriate background music etc. Costs: around 100-150 $, depending on the hourly charges of the studio. You will then be able to email your sample demo to translation/PR/Special voiceover agencies [google for voiceover+sound studio+ your area] and register with them; alternatively, you can just go through your local Yellow Pages and approach sound studios in your area, offering them with your CD/tape and list as voice-over talent. I started out as a "checker", i.e. listend to another voice-over talent, making sure no text was left out, intonation was correct etc. It is a very lucrative business [+ $80/hr]once you get a foot in the door...and makes for an interesting change of pace, compared to sitting in front of your computer screen!
Good luck! johanna ▲ Collapse
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