Make no mistake about it ? voice over is a hot industry. Regardless of the economy, voice over artists are always going to be in fierce demand. However, voice over agents aren't going to come knocking on your door. You need to get out there and ?sell? yourself first.



So how do you get into the voice over industry? Check out these ways to start on the path to a new voice over career.

1. Make a Demo of Your Vocal Abilities

 

Obviously, you'll need a demo of your vocal talents and abilities; after all, your voice is your product and if potential voice over clients and agents can't hear it, you won't be hired. Therefore, you need to make a demo recording.

What should you read on your demo? Though there isn't any cut-or-dry answer, do read something that is ?right? for your vocal ability. For instance, if you're a voice over talent in your 20s but you sound like you're still 12, don't try to read copy that's meant for a 30-year-old. Instead, choose something that would be appropriate for a young teen.

One item to note ? choose a professional venue in which to record your demo. If you have to, contact a voice over talent agency like Voice Over LA to record you in a studio environment. Though you can tape yourself at home, it just won't sound as good unless you have state-of-the-art audio equipment.

2. Send Your Demo to Reputable Voice Over Agents

 

Now that you have your demo (in the form of a tape and/or a digital file recording such as an .mpg), it's time to get yourself noticed as a legitimate voice over talent.

To start with, you need to investigate some of the reputable voice over agents in and around your area. (Many voice over agents prefer local voice over talent, so start nearby ? you can always expand your search later.) Check on the voice over talent agency's site to make certain that you know how they like to receive demos (e.g., in the mail, in an email, by appointment in person.) If the agency's site doesn't give you any indication of how or where to send your demo, give them a call.

3. Check in with the Voice Over Agents to Whom You Sent Demos

 

Give the voice over agents to whom you sent your demo recording a chance to hear your work (and don't be surprised if it takes them a while to get to your submission.) Then, if you haven't heard from them, you might want to give a call just to check on the status of your voice over application.

Most voice over agents will be up-front with you ? if they aren't interested in representing you, they'll tell you. In this case, move on and don't argue. After all, if you're good, you'll be able to find a voice over agent who wants to put you in their cadre of voice over talents.

 

4. Start Over Again!

 

Even if you gain representation with a voice over agent, you'll want to keep creating new and better demos. Remember that becoming a voice over talent isn't something that happens overnight. It requires dedication and a serious commitment to becoming the best you can be. Keep forging ahead and good luck!