Occasionally, I cast other voice actors for roles.
It’s been quite eye opening, to be on the other side of the fence, viewing my Voiceover peers.
Here are a few things that I have heard other casters say before, that I have now experienced for myself. Things to take stock of, that might make the difference on whether you are getting the best direct reach from casters.
This one is the big one
I wanted to email directly several talent and found it somewhat frustrating, when I couldn't find an email address. Some people missed an opportunity because of that. Make yourself as contactable, as possible. Try and search for yourself on the internet and see if you could get in contact with yourself easily. Put your email on everything that can have an email address. Every social media site that you are connected to, should have an easy way to contact you. Even if you must put your web or email address in your profile pic, better to have this than to be difficult to contact. On your website, don’t rely on just fillable contact forms to get in touch. I would also recommend having an email address link visible for casters, because they might not have the time or even ‘want’ to fill out those forms.
This is the social media one
Then I looked on Instagram and LinkedIn to help identify relevant talent. I enjoy a cat video as much as the next guy but I also need to see your professional side. Make sure all your social media sites show your latest and biggest work and be aware of any new features to take advantage of! Instagram just recently allowed a Facebook link, in addition to one other, so definitely take advantage of this. Make sure your sites, like LinkedIn, have as many components as possible filled out (such as recommendations & education). Also have LinkedIn & Twitter accounts, even if you don’t use them much, as they provide another way, in which you can be found. Use a profile picture that looks like you (not something from 20 years ago). Focus in on doing these regular online checkups to make sure you are giving yourself current relevancy and movement. Be your true now you by keeping current and expanding your social media horizon.
This is a controversial one
Understand the power of pay2plays and other casting sites. Their incredible SEO might even be a ‘little’ helpful to you. Some P2P sites are great resources for independent Casters searching for talent. They might use the site to find you and then go direct (I have been cast several times this way!). Consider using their free site options, if you don’t want to subscribe. Maybe even consider joining organizations, like WoVo (World Voices Organization) or VoN (The VoiceOver Network), that have a casting databases, included in their yearly membership.
It's a big, bright voiceover world out there. All the statistics and studies are saying that voiceovers are a growing industry. And while there are more and more voice actors joining in, a refocus on the little things, might be just what is needed. Make sure you are not the one holding yourself back and that you are getting all the voiceover casting attention you truly deserve.
Subscribe to Ian's blog and news here!
