VAM 081 | Q & A Session 15 – How Casting Works & Deciding Which Projects to Audition For
Welcome to episode 81 of the Voice Acting Mastery podcast with yours truly, Crispin Freeman!
As always, you can listen to the podcast using the player above, or download the mp3 using the link at the bottom of this blog post. The podcast is also available via the iTunes Store online. Just follow this link to view the podcast in iTunes:
http://www.voiceactingmastery.com/podcast
In this episode, I continue answering questions from my podcast audience! For those who may not be as familiar with the podcast, in past episodes, I’ve given out a phone number where you can call in and leave me a question about voice acting as a voicemail. From time to time, I’ll pick the most relevant questions I receive and answer them here on the podcast.
For this round of Q & A, I answer questions from Anthony of Ladyville, Belize and Steven of Savannah, GA .
Anthony wants to know whether or not producers and directors pursue actors in order to cast them in their projects, or whether actors pursue producers in order to work on their shows.
Many people get their understanding of the acting industry from celebrity interviews or sensationalized entertainment magazines, where it can seem like actors are pursued to play certain roles and can then “pick and choose” which roles to accept. While this can be the case with high-profile on-camera celebrities, it’s not usually true for voice actors.
I explain to Anthony exactly how the casting process works in voice acting and how it differs from on-camera acting casting. I also share the 3 different ways that voice over casting tends to get done these days:
- Agencies
- “Pay-to-Play” Sites
- Direct Marketing
Depending on where you are in your career, and what types of voice acting projects you’d like to pursue, one or more of these casting paradigms might be appropriate for you.
The question that Steven is asking is if voice actors decide to limit themselves to one field of voice acting, or whether they audition for anything that comes their way.
I picked Steven’s question because I feel it’s a good follow up to Anthony’s question about the casting process.
I explain to Steven the balance one must strike between discovering what one’s niche is in the voice acting world and making sure not to limit one’s possible employment opportunities.
I hope you find the answers useful in your own voice acting endeavors!
If any of my listeners would like to call in with your own thoughts, thank you’s or questions, the number is:
323-696-2655.
Please don’t forget to include your first name and what city in the world you’re calling from. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Thanks for listening!
Download Voice Acting Mastery Episode #81 Here (MP3)
There’s this pro wrestling metaphor that I use to keep reminding me about the audition process. Becoming champion is hard, but staying champion is a lot harder.
Thank you for you time and wisdom, and thanks to Anthony and Stephen for their questions.
You’re very welcome! Sorry for my delayed response! I’m trying to catch up on correspondence after a very busy summer!
Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions Crispin. I’ll try to attend your classes when I’m able to get the money by then.
No pressure at all. Whenever it works into your schedule and budget.
Thanks for answering my question! It helped a lot!
You’re very welcome.
Lovely podcast as always! Your wisdom is appreciated and invaluable.
~Kalyn
Thank you for your lovely comments!
Hi Crispin,
Could you please clarify this for me: many actors on forums and websites will use the phrase “available for scouting.” Does this phrase indicate merely that a producer/director can contact you, or does it suggest that you are available to travel to a studio to record? I would not want to misrepresent my availability to potential employers.
Thanks for all your hard work on this Podcast. My fiance and I thoroughly enjoy listening!
Hi there Bernadette. I’m sorry for my delayed response.
I’m not familiar with the phrase “available for scouting”. I assume it means that the actor does not yet have representation and is signaling that they would accept overtures from an agent. Am I correct?
If so, it does not seem a useful phrase. If you are not with an agent, it will be obvious. You will have no agent information on your website and you will not be listed in the VoiceBank.net database of agent’s clients. If you are interested in agency representation, no agent worth their salt is going to be searching the internet for your skills. They already have actors beating down their doors trying to get noticed.
If it means that you’re willing to travel for work, that also doesn’t seem to be terribly useful. If the work can be done from remote, they will expect you to be able to record yourself or to get to a professional studio in your area that can record you. If they really need you to be local (like for Animation, Video Games or Anime) they will not be interested in flying you in. They already have a large roster of local talent to pull from. Unless you’re already a celebrity, there’s no reason for them to range outside actors who are easier to schedule into their busy work day. Hope that explanation helps.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the podcast so much! Thanks for listening.