How to pick a voice over agency

Discover how to pick a voice over agency to boost your voice acting career. Learn essential tips for finding the right agency and voice over talent opportunities.

Are you looking to start or advance your voice acting career? While freelancing is an option, the best voice acting jobs often go to actors represented by professional talent agencies. That's where voice over agencies come in.

In this article, we'll explain what they are and how to choose the right agency for you.

What is a voiceover agency?

A voiceover agency is a company that represents voice over talent, making them available to casting directors for various voice over jobs. They typically handle the business side of things, including contract negotiations, submissions, and promoting their voice actors.

Working with a reputable voiceover agency can help you access better opportunities, expand your network, and, ultimately, grow your acting career.

Tips for selecting the right voiceover agency for you

To find the perfect voice over agency for your needs, consider the following tips:

Research different voice over agencies

Start by researching various voice over agencies. Look at their previous work, the types of voice over projects they handle (such as explainer videos, video games, or audiobooks), and the voice over talent they represent. This will give you an idea of whether they have experience in your niche and can help you find the right voice acting opportunities.

Check their reputation

Find out if the voiceover agency has a solid reputation in the voice-over industry. Look for testimonials and reviews from their voice actors, as well as feedback from casting directors and clients.

You can also check their social media presence and any industry awards or recognitions they may have received.

Evaluate their talent roster

Take a closer look at the voice over talent represented by the agency. Do they have a diverse range of voices, including both male and female voices? This can be a good indicator of the agency's versatility and ability to cater to different client needs.

Assess their resources and connections

A good voice over agency should have strong connections with casting directors, talent agents, and other industry professionals. They should also have access to recording studios, home studio support, and professional recording equipment. This will help ensure that your voice over work is of the highest quality and that you have the best chance of landing top voice acting jobs.

Consider union vs. non-union agencies

Decide whether you want to work with a SAG-AFTRA (union) affiliated agency or a non-union one.

Union agencies typically offer better pay and benefits, but they also have stricter rules and may limit the types of jobs you can take. Non-union agencies may offer more flexibility but might not provide the same level of pay and benefits.

Review their submission process

Find out how the agency accepts submissions from potential voice over actors. Do they require demos, a professional voice over artist portfolio, or simply an online submission form? Make sure you can meet their requirements before you invest time and effort into creating a submission package.

Compare pricing and commission rates

When selecting a voice over agency, it's essential to consider their pricing and commission rates. Some agencies may charge upfront fees, while others work on a commission basis. Ensure you understand their payment structure and that it aligns with your financial goals.

Create voiceovers with Speechify

As you explore the world of voice over agencies, don't forget to consider alternative options like Speechify Voiceover. Speechify offers professional voice talent for various projects, including podcasts, explainer videos, voice over projects, and audiobooks.

With a wide range of voice options and accents available, you can find the perfect voice for your project.

Speechify's AI-powered tool can generate realistic voices for any project. Try Speechify Voiceover for free and see how easy it is to bring your content to life with the right voice.

FAQ

How do I approach a voice-over agency?

To approach a voice-over agency, start by researching their submission requirements. Prepare a professional voice-over demo showcasing your versatility, previous work, and type of voice. Submit your demo, along with a well-crafted cover letter and resume, highlighting your voice acting experience and home studio capabilities.

How do I choose my voice-over talent?

When choosing the right voice-over talent, consider the type of voice you need for the project, such as male or female voices, different accents, or specific vocal qualities. Review demos, previous work, and the voice actor's experience to ensure they are a good fit. Consider factors like pricing, availability, and professionalism.

How do I pitch myself to an agency?

To pitch yourself to a voice-over agency, create a compelling voice-over demo that showcases your range and voice acting skills. Include a cover letter detailing your experience, strengths, and recording equipment. Highlight any specialized skills, such as fluency in multiple languages or experience in specific voice-over work like video games or audiobooks.

Should I get a voiceover agent?

A voiceover agent can help you find better opportunities in the voice-over industry, negotiate contracts, and promote your services. If you're serious about advancing your voice acting career and want to access a broader range of voice-over jobs, getting a voice-over agent may be beneficial.

How do I get my voiceover demo produced?

To produce a professional voiceover demo, invest in quality recording equipment for your home studio. Choose a variety of scripts that showcase your versatility, vocal range, and acting skills. Record, edit, and mix your demos, or work with a recording studio or sound engineer to ensure the best audio quality.

What are the risks of using a voice-over agency?

The risks of using a voice-over agency include potential upfront fees, unfavorable contracts, and limited job opportunities if the agency is not well-connected in the industry. It's essential to research and choose a reputable agency with a solid track record and a diverse roster of voice-over talent.

How do I know if I should sign a contract with a voice-over agency?

Before signing a contract with a voice-over agency, review the terms carefully, and consider factors such as commission rates, exclusivity, and contract duration. Ensure the agency has a strong reputation, a diverse talent roster, and a history of success in placing voice actors in suitable roles.

What are the best voice-over agencies?

The best voice-over agencies have a strong reputation, diverse talent roster, and extensive industry connections. Some well-known agencies include William Morris Endeavor, Sutton, Barth & Vennari, and Atlas Talent Agency.

Research agencies that specialize in your niche and have a track record of successfully representing voice-over talent in your desired market.