How My Voice Acting Journey Began
People often ask me about the truth about voice acting and how I got into the industry. I like to joke and say, “It was an accident!” In reality, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. That chance moment turned out to be my escape from potential trouble.
At the time, I was a trained actress, but I wasn’t working as much as I’d hoped. Voiceover work became my saving grace.
It all started in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Montreal is a beautiful bilingual city with a French-speaking majority (65%) and an English-speaking minority (15%). We call these groups the “Francos” and the “Anglos.” For someone like me, a perfectly bilingual person with no accent in either language, life in this cultural mix was unique. My bilingualism gave me an edge.
A Series of Events That Changed Everything
The truth about voice acting is that sometimes it takes one unexpected opportunity to shape your path. For me, that moment happened during a very unique chain of events.
It started when Howard Stern began airing his radio show in Montreal, Quebec. Naturally, this made waves in the city, but not necessarily for good reasons. During a press conference launching the show, Stern insulted French Canadians, creating an uproar. To counter Stern’s comments, a competing English radio station, Mix 96, decided to record French-language radio liners. They wanted to appeal to the French-speaking majority in Montreal.
At the time, I was working at a bar that the station’s deejays frequented. One day, they approached me directly with a simple but life-changing request: they needed someone bilingual to translate and record these French radio liners. I agreed, and just like that, my journey into the world of voice acting began.
Looking back, I can see now that I always had a string connection with my voice, even as a child. As a kid, I’d noticed that my voice was deeper than most of my friends’. At the age of seven, I had big dreams. After watching Adventures in Babysitting, I was convinced I was destined to become a blues singer. I even hoped someone would discover and train me!
Sadly, the nuns who ran the school choir squashed that dream almost immediately. That’s a story for another day, but as a result, I buried my voice for years. It wasn’t until that fateful event, when I was 19, that my voice began to take center stage in my life again.
Finding Love in Voice Acting
That year, Howard Stern’s kerfuffle with his French Canadian audience turned into my big break. The deejay, Rob Wreford, asked me to record French liners for Mix 96FM. Most of them were short and simple, like: “You’re listening to Mix 96FM.”
When I arrived at the station, I translated the text into French, put on headphones, and stepped up to the microphone for the first time. I’ll admit, it wasn’t easy. I probably did a million takes before I finally got it right. But that didn’t matter, because something magical happened. I fell in love with the process.
I’ll never forget the first time I heard my voice on air. I was shopping at a grocery store when I suddenly felt annoyed by the music playing over the loudspeakers. Curious, I stopped. Then it hit me – the voice I heard was my own! Life has an ironic way of surprising you.
The rest is history. Thanks to voice acting, I’ve stayed out of trouble, I’ve always been able to pay the bills (knock on wood), I’ve been able to move to Los Angeles, and to continue growing as an actress. Today, I still record voice overs weekly. I went from recording radio liners, to announcing at the Olympics in 2010, to acting in video games, to regularly voicing commercials, and everything in between. Amen.
The Voice Acting Playground
The truth about voice acting in Los Angeles is simple: it’s the most competitive field in the world. Los Angeles is already home to the most talented and beautiful voices actors from across the globe.
In this city, you’ll find the most enticing, funny, and talented voices competing for the top jobs. Many of these professionals are already online. If you want to join them, you’ll need to get serious about voice acting & announcing. It won’t be easy, but for individuals who are determined and focused, it’s possible.
The most significant hurdles will be the cost to learn, the cost to be competitive in the marketplace, the time it takes to become competent, and the resilience to pull through it all.
American Voices vs Canadian Voices
The truth about voice acting is that cultural differences play a big role in how audiences connect with a voice. Every culture has its own sensitivities, preferences, and tastes. This is especially true in America.
For example, Canadians, or other non-Americans, who want to succeed as voice actors in the U.S. may need to adapt their delivery. Crossing cultural bridges successfully takes effort and understanding. While it’s possible to carry success over from one country to another, it’s rarely a simple feat.
In voice acting, one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap is by mastering a standard American accent. It’s not just a skill; it’s essential for anyone looking to thrive in the American voiceover market. If you want to work in Los Angeles or other major U.S. markets, your voice must resonate with the expectations of American audiences. Preparation is key.
Union and Non-Union Voice Acting Gigs
The truth about voice acting is that it mirrors the competitiveness of film and television. Just like on-screen actors, successful voice actors need talent, training, and a little bit of that unexplainable “je ne sais quoi.” On top of that, a good agent is often essential to land the best-paying jobs.
That said, there are plenty of opportunities for non-union voice actors. Online platforms like Voice123 provide access to countless voiceover jobs. Although most of these gigs are non-union, with occasional union projects appearing, they are great places for beginners to gain experience.
However, for union actors, these platforms can be frustrating. Union restrictions prevent members from working on non-union projects, even though the work is readily available. Despite this, some lesser-known union actors lend their voices to non-union commercials and other projects. In many cases, the anonymity of voice acting makes it easier to accept these jobs without risk. Even then, rates for non-union projects can be decent and worth considering for those starting out.
The Truth About Voice Acting And The American Union (SAG-AFTRA)
When it comes to commercial voiceovers, the truth about voice acting is that union opportunities are shrinking. While union jobs in animation and looping (ADR) still exist, commercials are the last major sector where SAG-AFTRA maintains some influence. Unfortunately, even that power is fading.
The industries still offering union rates for voiceovers – financial, automotive, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals – are dwindling. As fewer high-paying, union roles become available, the competition for these jobs grows even fiercer. And thanks to advancements in recording technology, more actors than ever can now audition from home, flooding the market.
The Coronavirus pandemic accelerated this trend. Actors without home studios were forced to build them, saturating the market even further. For guidance on setting up a professional home studio, check out my book, Recording & Editing Voice Overs.
To make matters even more competitive, campaigns with bigger budgets often hire celebrity talent to voice their commercials. This reduces opportunities for everyday voice actors – even those with exceptional skills. Industries that can still afford union-scale fees are more likely to invest in “name talent” for their advertising campaigns.
If you’re serious about pursuing union work in the commercial sector, you’ll need to be exceptionally skilled, prepared, and ready for stiff competition.
What You Need To Succeed In Voice Acting
The truth about voice acting in Los Angeles (or anywhere) is that it requires more than just having a great voice. To stand out in the highly competitive union market, you’ll need:
- Outstanding Acting Skills: Your delivery must capture attention and connect, even from behind a microphone.
- A Marketable Style: Voice acting trends evolve, so ensure you offer what casting directors need today.
- A Quiet Recording Space: Home studios are now industry standard, requiring soundproofing, quality equipment, and solid editing skills.
- Rapid Availability: Many auditions must be submitted with an hour’s notice. Be ready!
- A Marketing Budget: Invest in branding, demos, and other essential tools to market yourself.
- Thick Skin: Rejection will come often – likely hundreds of auditions for every job booked.
- Good Business Practices: Contracts, invoices, and customer relationships matter. Take them seriously.
- Strong Representation: As a union actor, high-quality agency representation can open doors to better opportunities.
Voice acting success isn’t just about vocal talent. It’s about persistence, preparation, and professionalism – all essential to thriving in this competitive field.
Voice Over Demos For Union Actors
The truth about voice acting is that your demo matters, especially if you’re looking for great representation. A standout voice acting demo must showcase not just your unique voice, but also your acting ability and style. Simply having a beautiful or interesting voice won’t cut it unless it’s backed by exceptional acting skills. If you have a young, ethnically ambiguous voice and strong acting chops, this could be your moment to shine.
Wondering what sells in commercials these days? Pay attention to current advertising trends. Young women with bold, confident attitudes and quirky, nerdy-sounding guys are highly marketable. In voice acting, being funny is another big advantage. Keep in mind that announcer voices are no longer in demand unless you’re working in live shows, events, or video games. Additionally, women with deeper voices may face challenges since higher-pitched voices are currently in style.
One crucial tip: never produce your commercial demo on your own. If you want to land representation, invest in a professional commercial producer – someone who works on actual commercials and knows what agents are listening for. These professionals are often best found through referrals from voice acting coaches or agents. Remember, agents listen to demos and commercials every day. They can tell instantly if you’re trying to sound like you’re in a commercial or if you genuinely have the skills to belong in one. Don’t risk making a bad impression by cutting corners on your demo.
Voice Acting Training
The truth about voice acting is that training is vital, no matter your experience level. If you’re already a trained actor, you’ve done much of the groundwork. If not, start with beginner theater classes and fully commit to the craft. Acting training should be your most significant investment. Voice acting is an art that constantly evolves, so there’s no “finish line.”
For structured guidance, check out my Voice Acting book. This book covers essential topics, like acting training, voice acting lessons, auditioning skills, and building a sustainable career in voiceovers.
Regardless of your background, everyone can benefit from specialized voice acting coaching. These classes teach nuances like working with a microphone and adapting your delivery across sectors – commercials, animation, narration, and video games all require different techniques. Taking classes with industry professionals, such as casting directors, can also open doors to auditions if you make a strong impression. Online classes are great if you’re on a budget.
Act wholeheartedly, whether your voice acting journey leads to the stage, screen, or the recording booth, training is your foundation.
Resilience In Voice Acting
The truth about resilience is that it’s the cornerstone of building a successful voice acting career. Patience, persistence, and the ability to push through challenges are essential if you want to see returns on your investments. There are no shortcuts in this business. It can take years to become a full-time voice actor. How long? No one knows for sure, but dedicating at least five steady years to the craft is a good benchmark for truly giving it your all.
When things get tough, having creative outlets unrelated to voice acting can be a lifesaver. Pursuing activities like painting, playing music, or journaling can provide healing and balance. Grounding hobbies that have nothing to do with the industry can help you maintain perspective. Staying resilient is all about finding healthy ways to cope, staying consistent, and giving yourself time to grow.
If, after five years, things don’t work out as planned, remember this: when one door closes, another opens. Keep going, keep creating, and let resilience guide you to new opportunities.
My name is Lili Wexu. I’m an actress, a voice talent, and an author. To learn how to make $$$ in VO, read my e-books about Voice Acting & Announcing.
