Making money with your voice

People from virtually all walks of life are turning to voice acting for supplemental or retirement income

Everyday, people are told they have a great speaking voice, without ever realizing there’’s an enormous voice over industry.

Today, despite fluctuation in our economy, the profession is experiencing tremendous growth while at the same time embracing a broadening range of voices. Advances in technology and changes in the way information is presented continue to open new doors for voice over artists.

People from virtually all walks of life are turning to voice acting for supplemental or retirement income, or as a full time career.

On Wednesday, Oct. 3, the City of Campbell River Parks, Recreation & Culture Department, in conjunction with Voice Coaches, will present Getting Paid To Talk, a single-evening, realistic and entertaining introduction to the world of voice overs.

Attendees will learn everything from the basics of getting started, working in the studio, effective demo production methods, and industry pros and cons to where to look for opportunities in and around their community and how to land the job.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to record a mock commercial under the direction of a Voice Coaches producer.

Regardless of motivation, Getting Paid to Talk is a great first step for anyone curious about Voice Acting.

Registration at least a week in advance is required.

Enrollment is limited to 25.

For more information or to register by the enrollment deadline, call 250-286-1161. Class fee is $20.

Some interesting voice over facts:

  • Less than 10 per cent of the voice acting jobs available are commercials.
  • According to CNN.com, the average voice actor earns $47,000 a year.
  • In most cases, a person’’s voice will portray the broadest voice age range well into adulthood.
  • An increasing amount of voice over work is done outside of major markets.

Campbell River Mirror