Voice-over artists Tyrone Jackson and Alyson Steel discuss how the industry is the business of show, but it’s also a business of people. It’s important to be presentable, listen to others, take directions, and know your place. As Alyson says, “Be present, prompt, prepared!”
Richard Malmos, whose voice you may recognize from the Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and later with Craig Ferguson, stopped by to chat with Tyrone and Alyson about the business.
Richard started as an actor and a singer, eventually got into radio in the Midwest, and got to learn about voice-over on the job from all the people that came through the studio. He simply listened to what other people were doing. Just like actors observe how people behave out in public, Richard listened to the tonality of people’s voices.
Richard luckily got an agent before coming out to LA. He says that this was key because it’s darn near impossible to get auditions for the big jobs, especially in a big market like Los Angeles, without an agent. His first big paycheck came from a gig for Western Auto. They had sent him three separate checks and he thought it was a mistake! Turns out it paid more than he thought!
Richard’s advice for new voice-over artists is to really give it some thought and if you are going to go for it don’t do it halfway. Get the training, invest the money, and take it seriously.
If you take the business seriously, visit SixFigureVoice.com for more tools, articles, and advice on how to grow your career.