The Voice Actor

January 28, 2009

Where do you live: Etobicoke

 

Profession: Voice over actor

 

Please explain what you do in your job?

I am simply using my voice to bring to life what is written on the page. The script is provided and I have to act out through interpretation, what the writer of the script intends to convey to an audience.

 

Current job: My most recent job was a small voice-over for a show on HGTV called Holiday Windows 2008.

 

List of accomplishments: Ryerson's CKLN 88.1, HGTV, live announcements at The Bay and IKEA Etobicoke.

 

How do you measure success in your chosen career?

Training plus desire plus commitment equals success. Anyone who is able to market themselves and continue to book enough jobs to pay a mortgage year in and year out would be another way to measure success.

 

When did you decide this is what you want to do for a living and what was the 'moment'?

Not until my mid 30s did I take it seriously. I was working in retail for over 15 years and finally after hearing countless strangers say that I should be working in radio, I then decided to take some courses.

 

What did you have to do in order to get involved with this profession?

I took broadcasting courses and voice over workshops. I also volunteer at Voiceprint Canada, a company that reduces media barriers faced by vision restricted individuals.

 

Pros and cons of this job?

Pros: acting, financial reward, being involved in the entertainment industry is exciting.

Cons: auditioning and competitiveness, rejection is prevalent and having the discipline and confidence to continually market yourself.

 

Skills required for this job?

Acting, improvisation, reading,

 

What can youth expect if they want to pursue this job?

Be prepared for plenty of rejection and you must continually work on your acting skills. Also creating and updating your demos and resume.

 

Percentage of people who actually succeed in this field.

Let's just say that the truly successful are few and far between. We are talking about the people who do this full time and can make a decent living from this profession on its own with no other means of employment.

 

Salary range:

A radio spot can be anywhere from $150 to $300 and for TV anywhere from $500 to $1,000. In general, a salary range can be anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000.

 

Advice to youth who are thinking about pursuing this field:

You must have a thick skin in order to handle the rejection that will come your way. Keep trying and never give up. You can't be afraid to look foolish and you must be able to take direction.

 

Anything else you would like to say?

You must truly and honestly raise your self esteem if you are to succeed at anything.