If you have a unique voice, or if you’re good at mimicry, the voice-over industry is the right place for you! Though not many kids dream of becoming voice-over artists yet, but those involved in Sound and Music Production will easily swear by the opportunities for creative catharsis, and not to mention good money that the work promises. And the best part is that you don’t need any compulsory formal training or a degree (however, formal education in Sound and Music Production will open further opportunities for you). All you need is a voice that blends in perfectly with the character you are doing the voice-over for, lots of energy, and sometimes quick thinking so you can handle fumbles and goof-ups, if any.

Voice-overs are an integral part of Sound and Music Production and are required not only for radio (where they play an all important role) but also TV, stage plays and movies. A voice-over artist could lend his voice to a character, or speak as an omniscient narrator, introducing characters, events, and commenting on them. Dubbing a foreign language and making it comprehendible to the local audience is also part of voice-overs. French, Korean, Indian, and movies in many other languages are similarly dubbed in English. In animated movies a voice over artist lends his voice to the digitally created characters, and more often than not the character is recognised by trademark voice. Eddie Murphy has immortalised the Donkey’s (Shrek movies) never-ending chatter and goofy songs, and Chris Rock as the voice of Marty in Madagascar have been responsible for the immense popularity of the respective characters, and consequently the movies they feature in. Not all animated characters have celebrity voices though. There are a whole bunch of characters that require fresh voices, and thus create work for many more new artists.

Similarly dubbing a foreign language film in English requires voices that will not only blend in seamlessly with the characters, but also provide perfect synchronization for authenticity. This is also done more often than not with fresh artists who fit the bill.

Voice-overs on radio perhaps provide the maximum opportunities. Advertisements, jingle artists, announcers, radio plays, actors performing comedy all require nothing but a decent voice and the desire to try out something new for living. Though you may not get recognized on the streets, but the contribution that voice artists have made to the Sound and Music production and Entertainment industry has been acknowledged and appreciated through regular awards in the field.

The all-important question is what does it take to be a voice-over artist? While there is little or no formal training available, practice always helps! Owing to a lot of competition in the field, making your own CD and networking would be the initial steps that you must take if you are interested in a career in voice-over. Talking to artists, who’ve managed to break through, would also be helpful. Network well and read books written by voice over artists with tips, do’s and don’ts and advice. Diligence and perseverance is rated as a must-have by most artists, so rejection is part of the game and you must be ready for such situations too. Also, voice over artists are generally hired for particular assignments only; so it can be taken up as a full time career, or a part time job, depending on how much time you’re willing to invest.

If you think you have the right kind of voice, coupled with a mandatory fun streak, and lots of energy and enthusiasm (not to mention a never-say-die attitude, a must-have for beginners) there is little that can stop your voice from being the voice of jingles and characters that will be immortalised through your voice forever!