new here :)

Kathleen Oakley · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 01:33 (GMT) Post subject: new here :)

Hello everyone!
My name is Sophia G. and I am 13 years old...I am VERY interested in this industry and really want to start my own in-home studio for voice overs. Do you think even with my age, I could use my computer using AudioRecorder and do this via V123? I do have a nice, professional, fun voice. Any ideas to get started would be very helpful. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Sophia Graniela

P.S I will soon post some samples of my voice. What exactly should I record? Just a voicemail or something?

Tom Greenlee · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 01:42 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Sophia, welocme to the board. 13 years old? Wow....you're wanting to start early eh? You know sweetheart. Voicerecorder isn't going to work for this. There are vaious levels of home studios you can set up, but even the least of them require a bit of money investment to give you the quality sound that a customer will accept. Also, I don't know what your history is, whether you have had any kind of training in this or not, but in order to make it in this business, you really have to have professional training. Voice coaching and learn the business. Alot of the people you are hearing on this site have been in the business for years and years. I'm not trying to discourage you in any way, I just don't want to see you jump into something unp[repared and be discouraged when it seems like nothing is happening. There are many more people here that can give you much better advice, so listen to what everyone tells you and make your decisions based on the advice and knowledge you receive. Good luck with whatever you do.

Allen Scofield · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007, 14:59 (GMT) Post subject: Re: new here :)

Hello Sophia! Welcome to VOSavvy Smile

Like Tom, my first thought was "13 yrs old huh?" Well, there are "young adults" doing voiceover work although I don't know how many. I see no problem with your interest in the field Smile

. Read closely what Tom said in his post again. AudioRecorder will NOT work for voiceover. I have posted a link to FREE recording software if you want to try it. A good microphone is a MUST. The PC mic that comes with computers or those you buy at certain large dept stores will not work.

Here's a tip....ask Mom or Dad if they know anyone that works at the local radio station(s). If they do, get them to ask if they could use a younger voice for a commercial or two. You may have to do it for free, but this will let you hear what you sound like on a decent mic and recording system.

Just take your time...and read, read, read, read, listen, listen, listen, listen, practice, practice, practice and practice some more. Not to dash your hopes...but this is a VERY competitive industry and you will have to be BETTER than everyone else. Good luck to you!

Allen

Free audio recording software:
Audacity is popular and easy for newbies: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007, 18:08 (GMT) Post subject:

I heard your demo and you sound pretty good. Good inflection and pleasant sounding. Just start looking to improve the sound conditions where you are recording (ie soundproofing foam, blankets, rugs, etc) to eliminate any echoes. A good mic is a must. Like others have said, a regular PC mic won't do you justice. It's a slow process to learn exactly how to go about this. The best advice has already been given...listen to as much as you can from other demos and start absorbing as much info as possible. Getting the right equipment will take time too...it's pricey but a little ingenuity will help too.

I've heard plenty of kids in commercials so I would think you'd have a shot at some work. Hard to say really. Wish I could help more, but that's all I got.

Cameron

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007, 15:10 (GMT) Post subject:

There's a lead that just came in today looking for young voices....here's your chance! Good luck!

Simon Hill · Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007, 20:30 (GMT) Post subject:

Holy crap! 13?! You're pretty darn good for that young. I think for cartoons there's a whole slough of voices you could easily be baggin'. Get an agent who will find you the big auditions for cartoons looking for little boy voices or girl voices, that'd be your niche/cash cow/white whale/money maker... Find someone who has a studio defenitely while working on building your own.

Simon Hill · Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007, 20:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Also don't mention you've had no training in your profile! You sound great but telling someone you've had no training will rob you of any credibility and might scare them away from choosing you for a gig.