Launch a Career as a Freelance Voice-Over Professional - Download Info Sheet
 

Course Overview - This is a primer (introductory) course for students who are interested in launching their own voice-over company. A voice-over talent or actor is typically a professional who is hired to interpret a script to meet a specific project (commercial or educational goal). A voice over talent is hired or contracted to provide their voice to a particular project (television, commercial, film narrators, voices for movie trailers, telephone systems, educational resources) and, a wide assortment of Internet-based and kiosk applications. Today’s technology enables individuals to work from a studio in their home.

Hourly rates for successful voice-over professionals vary depending on many factors (union, non-union, experience, budgets, local project, national commercial, etc). Rates can typically range from $250 or less for a local TV commercial to $1800 or more for a national television commercial. Union members can expect to generate residuals if for instance, the $1800 national television commercial runs past 13 weeks (what this means is the professional will be paid another $1800 for work they’ve already completed).

Process: Self-paced
Using Interactive PowerPoint slides, eWorkbooks, and Online Reference Resource Materials

Course Modules:
Module 1: Launching your Career as a Freelance Voice-Over
Module 2: Doing Business in the Virtual Marketplace
Module 3: Setting Up your In-Home Voice-Over Studio
Module 4: Recording your First Voice-Over Demo
Module 5: Establishing a Presence on the Web!
Module 6: Marketing Online
Module 7: Fee Schedules, Billing and Payments

What you will learn:

• How to get started in the voice-over business and what o expect along the way
• Expectations of your clients
• Importance of building a strong personal brand
• Develop a business action plan and short-term goals for your voice-over business
• Setup an in-home voice over studio (Digital Audio Workspace) using recommended resources
• How to research and select appropriate equipment for your new voice-over business
• Form business partnerships with local recording studios
• Ask appropriate questions in order to make informed decisions
• Create a professional demo package using recommended resources and tips
• Establish a professional online presence to educate potential clients of your capabilities and to market services
• Conduct effective online and off-line marketing campaigns

Who should take this course?

• Anyone who has heard a radio or television commercial or program narrated and said, “I can do that!”
• Anyone who has had numerous positive comments made about their voice
• Anyone who wants to expand into this growing niche market

Course Prerequisites:

• Unique and marketable voice
• General knowledge of how to operate a computer
• Internet access is a MUST (see computer requirements below)
• Conduct online research: locating information and resources

To ensure the best online learning experience possible, please ensure that your computer meets at least the minimum technology requirements:

PC User: Windows Client - RECOMMENDED
Pentium IV® or later
Windows XP® or later
512 MB (RAM)
60 MB free disk space
Display Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher
Internet Connection: Broadband Cable or DSL
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset with microphone
Web Browsers: Netscape, IE, Firefox, Opera or later
Plug-ins: Acrobat Acrobat, Flash, Real Media, Windows Media
Internet Access: High speed DSL or Cable Modem


PC User: Windows Client - Minimum
Windows 98/ME/2000
Pentium III 500 MHz processor
128 MB RAM
20 MB free disk space
Display Resolution: 800 x 600 or higher
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset with microphone
Web Browsers: Netscape, IE, Firefox, Opera or later
Plug-ins: Acrobat Acrobat, Flash, Real Media, Windows Media 
Internet Access: 28.8 kbps - 56 kbps dialup 


Mac User:
Mac OS 9.1/9.2, Mac OS X 10.1.5, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4
G3 233 MHz
64 MB RAM (OS 9.x), 128 MB RAM (OS X 10.1.5, 10.2, and 10.3), and 256 MB (OS X 10.4)
20 MB free disk space
28.8 kbps Internet connection
Speakers and microphone or headset with microphone