Your Voiceover Cheat Sheet by Corey Dylan

By: Corey Dylan

There are SO many opportunities to use your voice to make money in Voiceover. I don’t know anyone who is an overnight success but if you start now you should be able to create a business for yourself and make some money with persistence!

TRAINING: I saw the writing on the radio wall several years ago and knew I needed to start my own biz so I decided to start training with a renowned L.A. VO Coach & Demo Producer via phone. Her name is Nancy Wolfson and her biz is called BraintracksAudio.com. There are many coaches out there and many who claim to be coaches who will gladly take your money so ask around and interview them. I think many of the best coaches are charging about $160 per hour.

Depending on what kind of VO you’re hoping to do I can recommend some other coaches. I trained with Nancy for over a year before she felt I was ready to record the demo that cost about $2000. All told I probably spent over $9000 in training, equipment and demo production. I did all of this while still working FT in radio. I recommend you DO get some training and have a demo professionally produced because almost every script you’ll see calls for a “natural, non-announcery, non-DJ read.” Producers and Agents do NOT want DJ’s. They want and hire actors and professional VO talent. In fact, I use my legal name for VO and a stage name for radio. Your read needs to sound as though the words on the page are coming from YOU, in character...not a DJ read that’s sing-songy with no connection to what you’re actually saying.

WHERE TO FIND WORK: Once you’ve trained and have a demo you may want to join Voice123.com for approx $400 per year. Bodalgo is also fairly respected. There are many other pay-for-play services out there but not many are reputable and some lie about the commission they take to broker the deal between talent and client. You will audition A LOT and likely do more auditioning than booking. When you start, your booking ratio may be 100 auditions to 1 booking...and it’s very, very competitive. Your best bet to get clients is to reach out to your LOCAL video production studios, marketing directors and advertising company execs. Direct business will always pay more. If you’re serious about VO, stay away from sites like Fiverr (or if you go that route, use a fake name). The pro VO community tends to frown upon people that do this work so cheaply as they feel it brings the industry down. And if you’re serious about a future in VO I wouldn’t piss off the working pros! LinkedIn and other social media outlets can be a great resource too. Join VO groups and interact!

I think it’s been said that you’re working in the booth 20% of the time and marketing your services 80% of the time. I’m still working on this to try to find more business and repeat clients!

REPRESENTATION: I’ve had a couple of boutique VO agents but primarily only work with one out of Atlanta right now, Houghton Talent. To land the big agents you’ll typically need to be consistently booking big jobs yourself.

EQUIPMENT: I list all the tools I use on my website CoreyDylan.com (in my “Shop”) but I bought a top of the line mic that’s widely used in VO, the Sennheiser Mkh 416 shotgun mic $800 from Sweetwater.com. You can work out of a closet stuffed with clothes and some fiberglass panels (for soundproofing) like I do and get started with less expensive equipment like the free editing software, Audacity, though I use TwistedWave for Mac $120 and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 A/D converter $100. Less expensive but highly recommended mics are the RODE NT1-A and the AT-2020 (Audio Technica).

I also use Quickbooks for accounting ($20 per month) and Source Connect so that I can patch into any studio anywhere ($35 per month) and various fees associated with my website like VoiceZam (for JenOConnorVO.com).

YOUR WEBSITE: You’ll definitely need your own website and you’ll want to own the domain vs wix or something else that merely tags wix.com/yoursitenamehere. For this you *may want to use a site like Fiverr but vet the developers carefully or build a simple site yourself. I’ve had several websites built over the years for radio and VO and they typically cost at least $1000, give or take. Again, you can build a simple one yourself that includes demos and contact info. This guy has built a business building sites for voice actors https://www.voiceactorwebsites.com/ and https://courvo.com/resources/fellow-vo-websites

READING & RESOURCES:

http://globalvoiceacademy.com/rate-guide/

https://www.gravyforthebrain.com/voice-over-talent-websites-the-ultimate-list/

https://www.mediavillage.com/article/why-doesnt-your-ad-have-a-female-voiceover-it-should/

http://denzillacey.com/imaging-in-2018-ann-dewig-vo/

https://www.sagaftra.org/introducing-sag-aftra-talent-rates-you-can-afford-miami-local-regional-code

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/ways-aim-high-voice-acting-8702/

VIDEOS:

https://www.youtube.com/user/ewabsshow

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHHf1h8k7MA6-AG8FXjnQSw

https://vobuzzweekly.com/

https://www.ispot.tv/

Thursday Live Chats: Corey Dylan - Furlough/Unemployment

5 THINGS TO DO IF YOU’VE LOST YOUR JOB

By: Corey Dylan

1. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY; FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT IMMEDIATELY. IT CAN TAKE SOME TIME FOR THE PROCESS AND DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR MORE MONEY IF YOUR JOB LOSS CAME DURING THE PANDEMIC. TAKE A HARD LOOK AT YOUR FINANCES. GET RID OF ANYTHING THAT IS NOT AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY. https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/07/politics/unemployment-benefits-cares-act-covid-pandemic/index.html

2. STAY SANE; TAKE A BREATHER; A DAY, A WEEK. THEN MAKE A NEW SCHEDULE FOR YOURSELF. I HAD A NO TV DURING THE DAY RULE, I STARTED MAKING MY BED, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE FOR EXERCISE OR START A YOUTUBE YOGA CLASS IN YOUR LIVING ROOM. YOU NEED SOME STRUCTURE IN YOUR LIFE TO MAKE SURE YOU CAN MAKE PROGRESS IN THIS NEW CHAPTER. YOUR NEW JOB IS TO FIND A JOB SO YOU HAVE TO TREAT IT LIKE ONE.

3. GO PRO; TIME TO MAKE A NEW RESUME & DEMO. GET CREATIVE! THERE ARE SITES LIKE CANVA.COM WHICH I’VE USED THAT YOU CAN MAKE CLICKABLE LINKS - MORE LIKE A PRESS KIT OR A WEBSITE THAN YOUR GRANDAD’S PAPER RESUME. 

4. CONNECT; SEEK OUT YOUR PEERS ON SOCIAL PLATFORMS, INCLUDING LINKEDIN AND ENGAGE WITH THEM! ATTEND ONLINE SEMINARS FROM CONSULTANTS LIKE JACOBS MEDIA & TRACY JOHNSON AND ASK TO BE ADDED TO THEIR TALENT DATABASES. TELL THE INDUSTRY SITES YOU ARE LOOKING, AVAILABLE AND SHARE YOUR CONTACT INFO - ALLACCESS, RAMP247, RADIOINFO.COM, INSIDERADIO.COM, RADIOINSIGHT.COM

5. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX; PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS, NOT JUST YOUR BROADCASTING BACKGROUND. ARE YOU GOOD ON SOCIAL (AND HAVE SOME ANALYTICS TO BACK IT UP?), CAN YOU ACT? TRY VO. ARE YOU SUPER CREATIVE AND CAN COME UP WITH GREAT MARKETING IDEAS? HOW ARE YOUR AUDIO/VIDEO & EDITING SKILLS? THERE ARE LOTS OF FREELANCER SITES TO GET STARTED LIKE VOICE123 FOR VO, UPWORK, FREELANCER, FIVERR AND MORE. YOUR BEST BET MAY BE TO CALL BUSINESSES YOU’VE ENDORSED OR PATRONIZED AND SEE IF THEY NEED HELP IN AREAS OF YOUR EXPERTISE. YOU COULD CREATE A PODCAST FOR THEM! CALL YOUR FRIENDS IN THE NEWS MEDIA AND SEE IF THEY COULD USE YOU FOR A STORY. AND USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO CREATE YOUR OWN CONTENT OR SHOW. IF YOU’RE ABLE TO TEACH, YOU CAN BUILD A CLASS ON SITES LIKE UDEMY. GET OUT THERE AND BRING ATTENTION TO YOUR SKILLS! 

   —-

   Here’s a list of websites and people you should connect with! 

   LinkedIn

   Poynter Institute

   MusicBusinessWorldwide.com

   ProductionHub.com

   Glassdoor Jobs

   CastingNetworks.com

   Voice123.com (paid subscription)

   Upwork

   Freelancer

   Fiverr

   Neuvoo.com

   iHireBroadcasting.com

   Advertising/Marketing Agencies in your area

   Non-Profits

   TMZ Live Skype (give them a follow on Twitter & tell them you’d love to be on the show!)

   People you should be following and creating a relationship with!

   MC Media Online (Mercedes Martinez & Charese Fruge)

   Tracy Johnson Media 

   Jacobs Media

   Lori Lewis

   Angela Perelli

   Mike McVay with McVayMedia.com 

   Joel Denver at AllAccess.com

   Don Anthony at JocklineDaily.com & Morning Show Boot Camp
   

   Equipment recommendations for getting started in your home studio:

   Focusrite Scarlett Solo $110 at Sweetwater.com https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ScarlettSoloG3--focusrite-scarlett-solo-3rd-gen-usb-audio-interface

   I bought a Sennheiser Mkh 416 in the good times & it’s widely used in VO but pricey - around $1000. Less expensive but highly recommended mics are the RODE NT1-A https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/NT1AAnniv--rode-nt1-a-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone and the AT-2020 (Audio Technica) https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2020--audio-technica-at2020-cardioid-condenser-microphone

   Audacity & Garage Band are free editing software tools, though I use TwistedWave for Mac. 
   

   All sorts of other vlogging, blogging, podcasting equipment listed on my website; https://coreydylan.com/shop/

Nu York: From The North, To The South

Written by: Maya Perry

This female boss is the definition of women empowerment, uplifting and encouraging women in the industry. This dynamic personality is the Program Director and Brand Manager of WBHJ 95.7 Jamz in Birmingham and has been making her big-city name shine on.

She knew early on that this is where she wanted to be, “I started interning at the Urban station, WEUP during my last year in high school. I wouldn’t say I hounded them but I always found my way backstage somehow. I was intrigued by the process of radio and how they put on events. As a child growing up in Queens, New York, I’ve always had a love for music and entertainment. I grew up listening to Angie Martinez and she has heavily influenced my radio career. I started working early in this industry and while I have learned many lessons surrounding this business called radio, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. If I could tell my younger self some words of advice, I would say to re and re-read the fine print.

I was named “Nuyork” by Buckwilde, the host of the first morning show that I was ever a part of (The Buckwilde Morning Show/ 95.7 Jamz)” Before setting her name, NuYork went through some changes before choosing her radio name. She furthers explains her name choices. “I was born and raised in New York and, at the time, my East coast accent was pretty strong. I have a little southern twang now. Before coming to Birmingham, I went by the name Nikki P as a full-time personality at an Urban AC station, WHRP, in Athens, AL. Before that, I went by the name DJ Flava at my first radio station in Huntsville, WEUP.”

NuYork is always about furthering and mentoring women in radio, so when I asked her what she thought her brand was, I was not surprised by the answer. “I am an advocate for learning and teaching and over the past 4 years have also discovered that this is a part of my purpose. I am passionate about seeing women excel in the workforce so anytime I can give my advice or expertise in an area, there isn’t a hesitation to do so.”

So what advice would she leave for aspiring women in the industry? “Aspiring women- go for what you want and ask for what you deserve! Learn every program, every software program, study every artist that you can and claim your space in this industry that is in dire need of more female bosses!”

Sasha The Diva: Work Hard & Don’t Lose Yourself

Written By: Maya Perry

“Work Hard. Don’t lose yourself in others. Stick up for yourself. Be aggressive and stick up for what you want.” 

Sasha The Diva doesn’t see herself as an one dimensional personality. She is a radio host, actress, philanthropist, public/motivational speaker, and an entrepreneur owning several businesses. She states “I did not find my purpose, it was a gift given to me from God! I knew this was my path, God gave me this gift.” Sasha The Diva describes her start in radio. “I started in radio working as in intern at V103 in Baltimore, Maryland. I worked in the promotions department, I worked in the office. I did not care if they asked me to bring them coffee or anything. I would ask them how much cream and sugar. I was just excited to be in the building and I was learning everything to know about radio.” Like most women in the industry, Sasha The Diva did any and everything to work towards her goals of being in radio. 

First thing I notice when speaking to Sasha was her cute radio name. When asked how she came up with her name, she explains, “Sasha the Diva was given to me by my father when I was a little girl and I just embraced the name! I have always been Sasha the Diva.” 

You can catch Sasha the Diva every day on Rick and Sasha, heard around the country.. When I asked what advice she would give to upcoming women of the airwaves, she states, “I should have listened to my parents more because they were giving me great advice, but I wanted to do it my way. My way ended up wasting some time.”

Emily Sklar: How An Emergency Drive Led Her To Radio

Written By: Maya Perry

“Radio is meant to be fun, and I feel like we get so caught up in our daily tasks, what’s being asked of us, what our competitors are doing, that we forget WHAT we are doing and what we are serving to our communities.”

Emily On Air is an IheartMedia girl who is super relatable and fun! When asked why she didn’t pick an over the top name to match the giddy personality she simply answered “I wanted a super fun radio name, but at the time I was starting, they were kind of a thing of the past. It was more about authenticity online, most Youtubers were switching from ‘screen names’ to their real names, so I figured I would do the same with radio and just use my first name. I did, however, start to make certain aspects of social media less accessible to keep some things private. I did have someone once give me a radio name, though. A pretty important boss of mine during an internship once told me to go by ‘Sklar Brooks’, somewhat of a mashup between my middle and last name. I didn’t. Whoops.”

Emily like many of us didn’t have a dream of radio but destiny led her to this platform. “The long story-- I switched my major to journalism and fell in love with radio in the first place after being drawn to Cosmo Radio on Sirius XM. I was a camp counselor in a pretty remote location where I knew none of the local radio stations, and one summer, my grandfather was very sick while I was there. I got a call that he was going to die and that I needed to drive the three hours to the hospital to say goodbye. In a frazzled state of mind, I got in my car and knew I needed to hear some sort of conversation to keep me company while I drove, and since this was before podcasting, I turned to talk radio. I stumbled upon Cosmo Radio, literally Cosmo the magazine but on the radio, and somehow my mind was so invested in what I was listening to that I forgot what I was doing LITERALLY until I was about 5 minutes from the hospital. That one drive was a catalyst to what became my radio career. In that moment, I truly understood the power and purpose of radio and what it had the capability of doing.

Always believe in yourself and stay authentic to yourself. Don’t forget the WHY that brought you to this job in the first place and put your passion above everything else. Lead with passion, humility, and a great work ethic, and you will go far.”

When asked what piece of advice she would leave with other women in radio, she states, “My dad said it to me when I was younger and it sticks with me every day, so I would just echo the phrase, ‘never be afraid to pay your dues’. We are in this weird age where people expect instant fame or instant success. We see highlight reels of everyone’s lives and it always looks like they came upon success so easily, but that is usually not the case. Success takes time. Work on your craft, take it at your own speed and pay your dues. Learn along the way, and be humble. Be SO humble. Be easy to work with, and also share your knowledge with others!! Working as a team with those around you will only help you. Also-- have confidence in yourself and your abilities. I was so lucky to find my first boss who definitely had more confidence in me and my abilities than I had in myself. If only I had trusted my abilities sooner, I would have started radio sooner. It took someone else believing in me for ME to believe in me, which is kind of sad. Give yourself the gift of self-confidence and let it shine in everything you do. Support other women in the field, always. Succeed as a team. I promise it’s more fun that way.”

Leigha Fox: The Radio Lady GaGa

Written by: Maya Perry

“I knew from the beginning that my name Leigha Fox lent itself well to the entertainment business. I once had a Key West drag queen call me “Laya Fox” I had to put a stop to that quick. I knew I wanted to work in radio from the time I was 12 years old with influences from local radio personalities in NW Arkansas all the way to Oprah Winfrey. I wanted to fall somewhere in there.”

Leigha Fox is an open book. After seeing one of my women in radio blogs on Apple News, she reached out to me via Facebook (THE POWER OF THE INTERNET) to tell her fascinating story in radio.

With over 20 years in this media industry, I was ready to take a walk down memory lane with The self-proclaimed “Radio Lady Gaga”. She explains, “As soon as I got my high school diploma I started banging on radio station doors trying to get hired. I recorded a lot of free public service announcements and commercials because I didn’t even have an aircheck. I took my first radio job at Country Lovin’ KTCS in Fort Smith Arkansas. It was supposed to be just the weekends but as soon as I started, the overnight guy had to go to rehab. I ended up working seven nights a week, midnight to 6 am, for a solid year.

During that time I learned that I was not a night owl. I am now and have always been a morning person. The effects of working all night, every night was starting to take a toll on me psychologically and physically. I became disenchanted with radio. So, I ran away and joined the Navy. I did four years of active duty in the service and two years in the Navy Reserve.

In the summer of 1998, the Reserves brought me to Key West. I fell in love with the place. I went back to Arkansas had a big yard sale and moved here with what I could fit in my car. I took odd jobs and volunteered with a lot of different charities. Then one day I saw an ad in the paper that said “Radio Personality Wanted. Must be able to show up on time. I thought to myself “I can do that! “.

As of the summer of 2020 hits, I will have been back in Radio for 20 years.

I am the Florida Keys Radio Girl. I have a career with a cluster of eight radio stations that span 108 miles of the island chain, 43 islands connected by 42 bridges. I drive across the ocean every day on my way to work. I occasionally see dolphins and sting-rays jumping in the water as I drive across the 7-mile bridge each morning. I host a live radio show 9-10 am M-F, called Biz -Biz (short for bizarre bazaar) on US1Radio. People from around the islands call in to buy, sell and trade their boats or to sell a stand-up-paddle-board that they used one time or a variety of other things from Cars to Rusty rakes. The show is sprinkled with local advertisers that we talk to live. We also take calls from around the community for nonprofit events and concerts and other local stories of interest. I am pre-recorded on US1Radio mid-day. In addition to being on-the-air seven days a week and my radio sales advertising job, I also write and coproduce the commercials and do collections. You can also catch me on Conch Country on the weekends.”

Leigha Fox has many accomplishments including multiple Edward R Murrow awards for hurricane coverage spanning the last two decades. When asked what she would tell her younger self, she states, “Radio didn’t forget about me and now my relationship with my first love (radio) is strong and secure. It’s everything and more than that little 12-year-old girl from Arkansas could have ever dreamed it would be.”

We concluded the interview with her advice upcoming women in radio, she explains, “Remember “No” only means “not now” (in radio) and that being naive can serve you well by allowing you to accomplish things that you wouldn’t have if you had known that you couldn’t do it.”