Voice Actor
Job Description:Voice actors are professionals who use their voices to bring characters, narration, and dialogue to life in a wide range of audiovisual media, including animated films, television shows, video games, radio dramas, audiobooks, commercials, and more
Job Category:What you will do:
Here are the key responsibilities and activities typically associated with the role of voice actors:
- create unique and distinct voices for characters in animated films, cartoons, video games, and other media
- analyse text to understand the intended tone, message, and emotions to be conveyed
- create and perform distinct characters or personas
for projects like animated films, video games, and dubbing, voice-over artists must sync their performance with the on-screen actions or lip movements of the characters - convey a wide range of emotions through their voices, such as joy, sadness, excitement, anger, or fear, to make the content engaging and relatable
- adapt their performance style to suit the medium and audience. For example, a voice-over for a children’s cartoon would differ from that of a corporate training video.
- record multiple takes of a script to provide options and ensure the best delivery
- collaborate with directors, producers, or clients who provide direction and feedback to achieve the desired result
- create voice demos that showcase their range and versatility
Skills:
You’ll need:
- voice training or acting classes to develop your vocal skills, control, and versatility
- knowledge of microphone techniques to ensure your voice recordings are clear, free from plosives (popping sounds), and have consistent audio quality
- understanding of how to interpret scripts, including character development, tone, and emotional nuances
- proper diction and pronunciation to ensure clarity and effective communication in various scripts
- proficiency in different accents and dialects to expand your range of voice-over opportunities
- to know about the equipment used in professional voiceover studios, including microphones, headphones, and audio recording and editing software
- basic audio editing skills to clean and edit your voice recordings, removing background noise, breaths, and mistakes
As well as:
- excellent voice control and modulation to convey a wide range of emotions
- to be able to convey genuine emotion and empathy in your voice
- active listening skills
- to bring creativity to your voice performances by experimenting with different approaches and character voices (creative skills)
- to be flexible and open to direction, as voice-over work often requires adjusting your performance to fit the client’s vision (adaptability skills)
- effective communication skills
- the ability to manage your time effectively
Entry Requirements:
To become a Voice Actor, specific qualifications are not typically required. Instead, the key to success in this profession is developing vocal skills, building a strong portfolio, and making connections in the industry. However, certain subjects and skills from your studies can be valuable in preparing you for a career as a Voice Actor.
- English: Strong communication skills, including clear pronunciation and diction, are essential for voice-over work. Courses in English can help you develop these skills.
- Drama or Performing Arts: If your school offers drama or performing arts courses, consider taking them to gain experience in acting, character development, and voice projection, which are relevant to voice-over work.
- Media Studies or Film Studies: Courses in media studies or film studies can provide insights into the media and entertainment industry, including voice-over work.
- Music: Courses in music can help you develop your sense of timing, rhythm, and musicality, which can be beneficial for certain types of voice-over projects, such as singing or narrating to music.
- Art and Design: While not directly related to voice-over work, courses in art and design can help you develop creativity and visualisation skills, which can be useful for understanding the context of voice-over projects.
- Foreign Languages (Optional): If you have an interest in doing voice-over work in languages other than your native tongue, studying foreign languages can be advantageous.
Post School
Develop Your Voice
Practice and refine your vocal skills, including articulation, tone, pacing, and the ability to convey different emotions and characters.
Build a Portfolio
Create a portfolio that showcases your voice-over work. This can include recordings of various styles and genres, such as commercials, narration, character voices, and more.
Recording Equipment
Invest in or access professional-grade recording equipment and software to ensure high-quality audio recordings.
Voice-Over Training
Consider taking voice-over classes or workshops to improve your skills and learn about industry standards.
Audition
Look for voice-over opportunities and auditions. You can find these through online platforms, talent agencies, or by networking with industry professionals.
Networking
Build a network of connections in the entertainment and voice-over industry, which can help you discover job opportunities and collaborate with others.
Online Presence
Create a professional online presence, such as a website or social media profiles, to showcase your work and make it easier for potential clients to find you.
Working Hours and Environment:
Typically you could work 36 to 38 hours a week, occasionally including evenings or weekends.
You could work in a recording studio or travel to meet with clients.
Career Path & Progression:
Specialise in character voice acting by creating unique and memorable character voices for animation, video games, and other entertainment media.
As you gain experience and build a strong portfolio, aim for higher-profile voice acting roles and opportunities.
Some voice actors may transition into specific niches, such as audiobook narration, dubbing for foreign films, or voice acting for animation studios.