The term “Gatekeeper” might conjure images of a formidable figure, barring entry to the uninitiated. In the world of voice acting, this term has often been misused to describe an industry perceived as exclusive and elusive. But let’s set the record straight by peeling back the curtain on the voice acting industry, dispelling the myths that shroud it in mystery. It’s time to reveal what it truly takes to make your voice heard in this vibrant field.
So, ready your microphone and pour yourself a comforting cup of tea—it’s time to dive in!
Myth 1: You Must Be in Hollywood to Succeed
The biggest myth? That you need to be nestled in the heart of Hollywood to have a shot at voice acting success. The truth is, over 80% of professional voice actors aren’t basking in the Californian sunshine—they’re scattered worldwide, proving talent knows no borders.
If you dream of being a voice actor but hail from a quaint Irish town, you still can! It’s possible to lend your voice to video games, e-learning courses, and even virtual assistants—all without ever stepping foot in Tinseltown. Imagine a recording studio that boasts a view of lush green hills, not the Hollywood sign. It’s possible, so forget about relocating—your career can flourish from any corner of the globe. I started mine in Virginia, far from the glitz and glamor of the entertainment industry.
Myth 2: The Web Has All the Answers
The internet is awash with advice on voice acting, but caution is key. While some insights are valuable, others are as reliable as a house of cards. Connections in the industry are important, but not for the reasons you might think. It’s about trust and reliability, not exclusivity.
Picture Bob, a name I made up for this example. Bob is a newcomer with a great voice, but when it comes to reliability, he doesn’t do well under pressure. So when Bob was in the booth during a live session, he fell flat. That’s why personal connections are important. It’s not about getting into a secret club, but rather ensuring that the person picked for a project can deliver the goods and keep the project on schedule.
I’ve definitely booked gigs because someone knew me, but that wasn’t the only reason. It was because I was a good actor, had good business sense, and wielded good technical skills. People were comfortable vouching for me, because they’d seen how I operate and could trust me to deliver. That’s true networking. Not dropping your business cards out of a blimp.
Myth 3: Without an Agent, You’re Going Nowhere
Another dramatic claim is that an agent is essential for success. However, statistics tell a different story: most voice actors find less than 20% of their work through agents. Agents can be a valuable asset, but they’re not the cornerstone of your career. You should still look for your own opportunities, audition for things you find, and get to know people on your own. Your agent will thank you for staying out of their hair while they work to find you opportunities.
Audiobook narrators, for example, can carve out a niche without an agent serving up every audition. With the right work ethic in that genre, you can secure a plethora of jobs, and when the time comes, you can bring a proposal to your agent so they can step in for the occasional big-ticket negotiations. And while you’re working on finding your own jobs, your agent will be out there working for you as well, and you can do a team-up when the right opportunity comes by. You know I’m a big proponent of work yielding more work. This independent approach is increasingly common in today’s digital landscape of voice acting.
The Verdict: Opportunity Awaits
With these myths shattered, and what remains is a landscape ripe with opportunity for those willing to put in the hard work. Talent, determination, and a touch of networking savvy are the real keys to unlocking a successful career in voice acting.
Don’t wait for an invitation from the so-called elite—forge your own path with confidence. Your unique voice is the passport to your career, and the only validation you need is your own commitment to excellence.
Ready to take off on your journey to more voice acting gigs? I expand on these myths and tips to get started to day in my free eBook here. Until next time, step up to the mic and let your voice soar!
