Have You Considered Voiceover Work?

In the world today, Voiceover artists are used in literally countless applications and areas of business. The film, television, radio, and music industry employs Voice Talent regularly. Voiceover artists are used extensively in commercials, announcing, marketing promotions, and movie trailers.

As auctioneers, we are always looking for additional services to add to our roster. I have mentioned becoming an appraiser before, but if that's not your cup of tea, then perhaps Voice Talent may be your answer and solution? After all we use our voices every day in our profession, so it makes perfect sense to pursue a complimentary sideline.

Voiceover is used in the following business applications everyday. Telephone Messaging & Call Waiting, Corporate Training Videos & CD's, Presentations, Narrations, Audio Marketing & Brochures, Announcing, Radio & TV Commercials, Online Learning Programs, Web Sites, Video Games, and Interactive CD Rom Games. Businesses even look for talented writers that can write Voiceover scripts.

Who's doing Voiceover work? The voice of Mike Meyers in the movie Shrek. James Earl Jones was the unforgettable voice of Darth Vader, and the announcer for CNN, and he has even done a few commercials for Hummer. Think about all of the movies using voice talent today. Finding Nemo and Toy Story are just a few of the many.

Don't look for an agent yet. Voiceover work is highly competitive. I recommend the following steps. (1) Find an accomplished Voice Talent coach (beware of the rip-off's) and train with them for awhile. (2) When your coach feels you have what it takes, then cut a professional studio CD of your work. (3) Now find an agent. (4) Like auctioneering, the Voiceover work rarely comes to you, and that means that you must find the work. Once you have accomplished these steps, you are ready to make some extra money. The good news is that with today's technology and satellite uplinks you can record scripts from virtually any studio around the world.

Keep in mind, again like auctioneering, it will be your passion and drive that makes you successful. Nothing worthwhile comes easy, and many look at Voiceover work in that way. Like most businesses, there will also be an initial investment of your money (i.e. Voice Coach, Studio CD, etc.) before you may even see a return on your investment. Worst case scenario, you will become a much better auctioneer, with a very talented and controlled voice. In the words of Yoda (another talented voice), "Don't try. Do!"

Tom DiNardo is co-owner of DiNardo & Lord Auctioneers of Anacortes, WA. Tom is an Auctioneer, Appraiser, and Writer.

To contact Tom, visit www.DiNardoandLordAuctioneers.com

(c) 2004 Tom DiNardo - All rights reserved.