smokin' voiceover guy
ED COWDEN | SAG | AFTRA | VOICEOVER ARTIST
Los Angeles: IMPERIUM-7 Talent Agency 323.931.9099
Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico: THE ATHERTON GROUP 512.930.9301
DIRECT 818.943.8998
Someone told me I have a great voice...can I have a career in voiceover?
Maybe. While it's nice to have a great voice, that's like having a great toolbox with no comprehension of which tool to use when, or even how. If you're serious about voiceover, you need to train, train, train, and train some more. You need to practice daily, critically listen to current running spots on television, radio, etc., and dedicate yourself to learning how to tell a story. It's nice to "sound" great, but voiceover is a performance art, so you need to learn to perform...without sounding as if you're performing.
I'm interested in doing voiceovers. How do I start?
Find local training. If you live in a major market like Los Angeles, New York or Chicago, the Voice Over Resource Guide contains this invaluable information. Otherwise, check your yellow pages, Google search, ask around, call any acting school, or visit my Links page. Some teachers will try to sell you on remote instruction, over the telephone or via Skype, but you're never assured of their full attention--and nothing beats face-to-face training. Also, be sure to read everything out loud--the newspaper, that book you're reading, websites, your birthday card, everything! Get used to it; you'll do it a LOT.
When should I cut my first demo?
When you stop asking yourself if you're ready. In general, don't take anyone else's advice to determine when you're ready. And certainly don't take a class to get a demo at the end! Bottom line: you'll know when you're ready.
I have a project that needs voice. Would you audition for it?
Absolutely. Just make it clear when emailing me that you are requesting an audition of your material. Please also know that I may alter your script or include a watermark to protect my work, and you should be okay with that. I can also audition over the phone.
From time to time, a question pops through the filter...