A Voice-over Artist is someone who uses their voice in radio, television, film, theatre and other presentations. Sometimes they are in a dialogue between characters in a scripted radio play, but often referred to as off-camera or off-stage commentary or narration.

What is a Voice Over Artist called?

The specialists who record voice-overs are called voice artists or voice actors, and they often work for voice-over companies. They are trained professionals who are typically being recorded in a professional studio.

Is voice acting harder than acting?

Some may argue that stage acting is harder, but voice acting seems to be the more difficult kind. With voice acting, your voice is your instrument. Some people think this makes it easier since you don’t need to use your whole body. However, in voice acting you may not get it until just a few minutes before.

What are the duties of a voice actor?

As a voice actor, your main duties are to read and record scripts for TV, films, radio, commercials, commentary, audiobooks, or e-learning videos.

Skills of a voice-over artist

Here are examples of the skills voice-over artists use in their profession:

Versatility: Voice-over artists may work in a range of industries and play diverse characters, so it’s important that they know how to deliver quality work for every role they take. For instance, a versatile voice actor can narrate the side effects of an allergy medicine for a television commercial and also voice a talking bunny for a children’s audio book.

Creativity: Voice-over artists know how to manipulate their voices to convey different emotions, such as happiness and excitement, which can engage their listeners. Although listeners cannot see the artists, voice actors think of ways they can sound more personable and human.

Articulation: Clarity is crucial for voice-over work. Voice-over artists understand how to articulate every word from the script so listeners can understand the message completely.

Strong work ethic: To continue honing their skills and finding employment, voice-over artists must audition for new roles constantly. They also need to rest their voices to prevent strain.

The primary responsibilities of voice-over artists include:

Reading the script the casting director provides

Adjusting their voices to align with the script

Applying suggestions from casting directors

Using technical equipment, such as microphones and recording software

Recording their voices enacting the script

Below are steps to Become A Voice Over Artist In South Africa

1. Practice reading aloud

Practicing reading aloud can help you familiarize yourself with the sound of your own voice and identify ways you can improve. Consider reading a chapter from a book or a news article aloud, focusing on pronouncing the words correctly and enunciating them thoroughly.

As you practice, you can change the expressiveness of your voice based on the material that you’re reading, which can help you build your voice-acting skills. For example, if you’re reading a children’s book and speaking the dialogue of a character who’s excited, you may heighten the pitch of your voice and speak faster.

2. Create your own recording studio

With your own recording studio, you can practice your voice-over skills in a soundproofed area and track your progress. You can use small spaces, such as a walk-in closet, to set up your studio. Make sure the area you choose is quiet, so your recordings only pick up your voice. Equipment you may need for your studio includes:

Microphone: A microphone amplifies the sound of your voice and provides clarity.

Recording software: The recording software records your voice, and you can save the recordings in different digital formats, such as .mp4.

Computer: You can use a computer to organize and store your recordings and the computer screen to display your script.

Soundproofing materials: Soundproofing materials, such as acoustic foam and mineral wool, prevent distractions from outside noises. You can also surround your recording space with heavy blankets to help block out interference.

3. Develop a demo reel

A demo reel is a portfolio that features different snippets of your previous work, which you can use to show employers your voice-acting skills. To develop a demo reel, collect your voice recordings and edit them together into one file.

You can use voice acting from different characters to show your versatility. You can also include recordings that are relevant to the job you’re seeking. For example, if your goal is to become a voice-over artist for advertisements, you can include a recording of you reading a product description.

4. Audition for casting calls

With casting calls, you can demonstrate your voice-acting abilities for employers directly. Although it may be competitive, auditions can help you strengthen your skills, and you may receive feedback from casting directors on how you can improve. Additionally, casting calls can expose you to various employment opportunities in the field. Here are some practices you can use when auditioning:

Rehearse your lines: Reviewing the script before the audition can help you decide how you want to read it and how to embody the character you’re portraying.

Drink water: It’s important to stay hydrated so you can deliver your lines effectively.

Be prompt: Arrive early at the venue for the audition so you have time to review your lines before the casting director calls on you.

5. Find a casting agent

Representation from a casting agent can allow you to build your career as a voice-over artist. Casting agents market your skills to recruiters and inform you of casting calls where you can audition.

They also negotiate your salary on your behalf. To find an agent to represent you, send out your demo reel. You can express your interests in a specific market, such as radio or movies, and search for an agent who specializes in that market.

Salary and job outlook

The average salary of voice-over artists is R 1196655.11 per year. However, your industry may influence how much money you make. For example, voice-over work for cartoons may pay higher wages than voice-over work for radio advertisements. The location where you work can also be affect your salary.

What degree do you need to be a voice over artist In South Africa?

No formal education is required to begin a career as a voice-over actor. These actors provide the voices for animated characters in TV shows and movies. A bachelor’s degree or training in acting may be an asset to those who wish to enter this field.

How can I get a voiceover job with no experience In South Africa?

How can I get a voiceover job with no experience?

Fiverr. Fiverr – People are often searching Fiverr for voice over services.

Snap Recordings. Snap Recordings – Snap Recordings occasionally hires people to work from home doing voice overs.

Upwork.

Voices.com.

Voice123.

Bunny Studio.

Voice Crafters.

Can I be a voice actor from home In South Africa?

The voice-over industry is incredibly competitive, but there are many benefits for those lucky enough to find consistent voice-acting work: Work from home. You can record many voice-over jobs in a home studio, giving you the freedom to work from home and avoid commuting and parking fees. Make your own hours.

How do you audition for voice over work?

9 Tips for a Good Voice-Acting Audition

Do vocal warmups.

Take note of the casting breakdown.

Study the text.

Use your acting skills.

Mind your pronunciation.

Use quality equipment.

Do your slate.

Record additional takes.

How can I record my voice at home professionally?

Step-by-Step Vocal Recording Checklist

Before the session, choose a room with very little reverb.

Use some acoustic treatment.

Set up your equipment.

Get a rough headphone mix going.

Position the singer 6 inches away from the microphone.

Add a small amount of reverb to the vocal.

Get the vocalist to warm up.

Does voice over work pay well In South Africa?

Usually, voice-over artists are paid per job. They can make anywhere from $20 to a couple of hundred dollars for just an hour of work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, though, radio and television announcers made an average salary of R 502057.12 and actors made roughly R 264.48 per hour.

Is voice acting harder than acting In South Africa?

Some may argue that stage acting is harder, but voice acting seems to be the more difficult kind. With voice acting, your voice is your instrument. Some people think this makes it easier since you don’t need to use your whole body. However, in voice acting you may not get it until just a few minutes before.

What are the duties of a voice actor?

As a voice actor, your main duties are to read and record scripts for TV, films, radio, commercials, commentary, audiobooks, or e-learning videos.

How old do you have to be to become a voice actor?

While you need to be 18 years old to sign up and audition for jobs on Voices, there are other ways to start early and familiarize yourself with the voice acting industry.

How do you know if you have a good voice for acting?

Note: Any actor who can achieve the following is a good one!

1 – The Voice Actor Blends In. While seemingly counterintuitive, an actor’s voice and the message being read should feel like they are one and the same. …

2 – You Don’t Stop to Think About Their Performance.

3 – You Just Know You’ve Found the Right Voice Over.

Do they do the animation or voice acting first?

On most cases though, voice over will be recorded first by reading a script, then the animation will be done to follow the animation. Some producers, like Disney, also asks the actor to actually perform the action so they can do a better voice take, and record more than just a couple of takes of it.

Is voice over a South Africa?

In voiceover, consistency is a highly valued skill. If you’re consistent in your volume, energy, pacing, articulation, characterization and your eye-brain-mouth coordination, you’ll be every director’s dream, because you’ll be a voice actor they can rely on to deliver what they want every time.