Expert: Kitty Kavey - 3/15/2010

Question
I always wanted to do voices for cartoons and such.Or even in making sounds for movies. How does one get started in that field?

Answer
There are several things you can do to get started in voiceover.  There are classes and courses that can help you train and refine your skills.  There are also recording studios where you can make a demo tape that shows your range of voice skills.

You can visit sites like http://voice123.com and http://www.voices.com to hear voice samples, or post your own voice demo.  

When you feel you are ready and you have a VO demo, you can submit your info to VO agents. Many actor's talent agencies also represent voiceover talent, and there are agencies that only represent voiceover talent.  

I have only ever gotten VO work through my agent, but I do know of voiceover talent who have their own in-home studios and work completely freelance - they use the Internet (sites like the two mentioned above) and produce their own work at home.  However, they have all worked previously in radio and/or voiceover, are skilled with the home studio/computer equipment, and know what the client wants.

eHow has a great series - "Become a Cartoon Voice Actor" by Maile Flanagan
http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_7184_become-cartoon-voice-actor.html
including "Where To Find Work in Voice Overs" and "Demos for Cartoon Voice Over"

There are also books written about becoming a voiceover artist available in your local library, bookstore or online, and many of them contain agency lists as well.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty