The media and entertainment industry is one of the oldest and the most flourishing industries. However, the actors and directors were the ones who enjoyed maximum limelight while other artists remained in the wings. However, with the evolution of the entertainment industry especially animation, newer avenues like voice acting has become lucrative prospects.



Voice Acting – A Fun Job

One of the lesser known and explored domain, a voice acting job has all the elements of a dream job. It is challenging yet fun and offers great remuneration. Voice acting is the core of all cartoons and animation movies. A voice actor mainly provides voice over for a cartoon or an animated character.

Job Description and Requirements

However, the job of a voice actor does not only include making funny noises. It includes giving the perfect voice that suits the character as well as appeal the audience. The voice actors must have voice clarity, great flexibility, good diction and command over the language. Apart from these, the most important requirement of a voice actor is the ability to convey the right feelings and emotions to the audience through change in the voice pitch, tone and intensity.

If a person has all these qualities then he can seriously think of taking up a voice acting job. Although, the job is full of challenges, it also has its share of excitement and fun. Voice actors must imagine being on stage or before a camera and give a similar acting performance behind the mike. For this they need to work in tandem or sometimes even in isolation, which can be a tough job.

The best place to find a good voice acting job is obviously Los Angeles. The home of Hollywood, LA produces cartoons and animation movies by the dozens. Apart from LA, the cartoon and animation industry also has a base in New York, Toronto and Vancouver where candidates can try for a good voice acting job.

Upcoming voice actors must be prepared to face rejections and not get bogged down by them. A rejection does not always indicate that the voice is below par. Often, producers have a specific type of voice in mind and hence do not settle for a different voice.

Technological Impact on Voice Acting

With the tremendous advancement in sound technology, a voice acting job is not merely restricted to coming up with different voices. Being an expert in voice modulation technology, audio software and sound engineering is also an integral part of their job.

Also, a voice actor must be a good entrepreneur, capable of generating new leads. This is mainly due to the market now getting crowded with many talented voice artists causing saturation and lack of jobs. Also, often voice actors need to work for commercial voiceovers, dubbings, narrations and announcements as a support to their main job of voice acting.

Remuneration

The remuneration for a voice actor depends on the skill set as well as the company and project. However, on an average a voice actor can earn an income of $45,000 to $50,000.

To make a voice acting resume substantial, voice actors must try to undertake as varied projects as possible. For those with no projects must draft their bio on the lines of professional sample resumes to create a mark.

It is important for aspiring voice actors to be fully aware of these features before taking it up a voice acting career.