One of the first things a voice actor should do is look for and sign with a voice talent agent. While it’s true that having an agent can make it easier to break into the industry, many brilliant people never sign with an agent because of the difficulty of being signed.
Cities like Los Angeles and New York, which are renowned as hubs for voice over work, are typically where voice talent agents and agencies that represent voice over actor agency are located. Even while New York and Los Angeles are often seen as hubs for the industry, there are other markets to consider if you’re looking to have an agent represent you. As was mentioned up top, some brokers choose working in larger cities. Depending on personal choice and commercial objectives, some talent representatives choose to focus on a single state, a single region, or even a single city.
Agents can specialise in representing only voice actors, or they can include voice over actor agency among the actors, models, singers, and other artists on their roster. Finding a voice over actor agency has been the proverbial “nut to crack.” Due to the high volume of applications they get everyday, most agents can only be reached through snail mail (the post office). Before trying to get in touch with an agent, be sure you know the best way to do so. Before sending anything, some people like to get a quick note inquiring if they accept submissions. If they want to add you to the roster, they will tell you how to deliver your materials. The agent and their staff will remember how polite you were when you first met them. If given permission, you may submit promotional materials for your voice acting skills.
A voice over actor agency will want to see a brief cover letter, resume, references, headshot (yes, even for voice over), and a CD of your demo. Some agents appreciate being sent packages that stand out, while others could care less. Be sure to use an appropriate return address and professional-looking packaging. Because the agent might not be the one to receive or examine your item, be sure it is something a secretary or other staff member would feel comfortable sending along to the agent. Some employees could be tempted to save time for their boss by tossing the box in the trash if it has obvious signs of wear and tear, inaccurate labelling, or an incorrect return address. The average busy agent will only give your demo a few seconds of their time, so you’d better make those seconds count with your best work, especially because you won’t be there to tell them to fast forward. Some salespeople are more forthcoming with their time than others, but these exceptions are rather rare.
It’s important to remember that just because a certain agent isn’t interested in representing you right now doesn’t mean they won’t change their mind in the future. In a few months, you can resubmit your demonstration materials. In this context, rejection is not the focus; rather, choosing is. If the agent likes what they hear, they may call you back and make you an offer, which might lead to a formal contract with the agency. At this point, however, even the muddiest of situations becomes evident. Agent contracts are notoriously difficult to decipher, what with all the legalese and blank spaces. Contracts aren’t always written in simple, understandable language, therefore they might be difficult to understand. If you obtain an interview with an agent, read your contract carefully and ask lots of questions to make sure you understand what is being asked of you before signing with them. Otherwise, you could be “taking away” some of the freedoms you currently enjoy as a freelance voice over actor agency.
