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How to Get a Voice Over Agent

Voice-over actors get paid to read and say lines for shows, movies, commercials, campaigns and advertisements. Similarly to other actors, musicians, performers and writers, the voice-over business can be difficult to break into without the help of a seasoned agent. Finding an agent is thus a significant step toward earning a successful voice-over acting career. Finding an agent willing to represent a voice-over client can be a long, uncertain process, but once found, an agent will help up-and-coming professionals by finding them jobs, connections and auditions.

Things You'll Need

  • Demo
  • CD or music storage device
  • Resume and/or cover letter
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope
  • Information on agencies
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what type of voice actor you want to be. If you are more interested in animation or similar jobs, listen to and study other professional voice actors in those areas. If you are interested in narrating or advertising, research those professionals. Determine what type of acting best suits your voice; consider your tone, quality, range and accents.

    • 2

      Choose a voice recording script. It should include voice overs that you would hear on the radio or on television on a regular basis. Practice reading the script and working on your inflection, pronunciation and energy.

    • 3

      Select a studio engineer who can record you for your vocal demo. Make sure that the engineer is reputable and that his or her credentials are sound. Record your demo, creating individual tracks that are five to 20 seconds long each. The entire track should be no more than two minutes long and no less than one minute long.

    • 4

      Get a list of voice-over acting agents near you, and research to find out which agent you would like to represent you. Find out as much as you can about the agent, including who he has worked with in the past, what kind of voice acting he prefers, and what he is looking for in a client. Also, search for specifics that he might have as far as submission guidelines.

    • 5

      Prepare a voice-acting resume and cover letter if the agency requests it in their submission guidelines. Include any pertinent information regarding acting, singing, performance or voice-acting experience. Also include any foreign languages that you are fluent in. Send your resume, your demos -- which you should put onto a CD or other music storage device -- and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the agencies of your choice, addressed to the agent you hope will consider you. Label each of the contents of the package with your name and your contact information in case the agent misplaces one of them.

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