Finding voiceover work in a jam can be tricky! You can check out our previous article on the best ways to do this. But there is something else we so desperately need to consider and we will cover that in this article. What am I talking about? Well, there is this deep pot of potential work just sitting there waiting for us to obtain it. It requires us to think outside of the box and daring to take a chance. Creatively, finding voiceover work is not easy but very rewarding.
Being Creative is a Skill to Pass on
Have your ever considered teaching? Yes, there are dozens of teachers out there but it is important to consider who and what you are teaching. Even the best voice actors have coaches out there to teach and guide them. However, there are loads of new talent coming into the industry all the time and they need support too. You can not teach above your own level but you can certainly teach those who are behind you. Moreover, you do not even need to teach the art of voiceover, you can teach the business elements. Mentor them through how the industry works, finding work, building demos, how a relationship works with an agent, and so on. The final point on teaching, ok this is not voiceover work, but hey! It pays the bills.
The Voiceover Social Media Do’s and Dont’s
So for your own business by now you will have an idea of the do’s and don’ts on social media. For example, if you just painted the skirting boards in your dining room, no one cares! Sorry! Best not to have that on social media. However, you just booked a job with a super cool client – congratulations! This needs to be on social media. But have you ever considered helping voiceover companies and organizations with their social media? You have the spare time, you understand the industry and you know their brand so it makes sense to put your skills to use. Similarly to the last paragraph, this is not direct voiceover work, is it? Well, good news, you are networking and connecting with organizations who can employ you for voiceover work – see I told you we needed to get creative.
Creatively Finding Voiceover Work
What other skill sets do you have? Perhaps you are an excellent proofreader and can offer grammatical service adaptations to a potential client. Maybe you are a master at SEO and want to support an organization within the industry with its web pages. Perhaps you can consult on how to expand, develop and grow an industry professional’s products and services. Whatever it is, utilize it to your benefit.
The industry has dozens of trade shows, have you considered working at one of them? Or have you considered writing to casting and agent offices looking to offer clerical support? There is so much work available in the industry and your past experience is certainly going to be valuable in at least one of these areas. Casting directors and agents are not short of voice actors so bringing something else to the table is a great way to get in with a crowd that can ultimately give you voiceover work.
Finding Voiceover Work Summary
Are you lacking all the above and still need work? Well, it is time to get some new skills. Do a crash course on Facebook ads. Learn more about social media distribution. Look around, discover the need, educate yourself, and then fulfill it. Whatever you can do to keep the bank balance healthy whilst still keeping involved in the entertainment industry you should do it. One day you will be a big star for sure, but for now, let’s keep the bills paid on that journey. Everything I have spoken about in this article keeps you in the voiceover loop and your efforts will not go unnoticed.
Creatively Finding Voiceover Work by Alan Shires
