I've subscribed to their newsletters, but never used the paid services. Should I bother? "Pressure's on," since Voices.com is raising their prices in a month. Thanks!

If you are READY to work and have the proper equipment at your disposal (AND you know how to use it!), you can do very well on these sites. But you have to audition a lot and you do need some technical ability to stand out from the crowd and book jobs.

Thanks for your response, Darbi. The equipment is what deters me. Since audition invitations are available only to paid members, it's hard to tell- do most jobs require self-editing, and to what degree? Are you essentially the sound engineer, too (and if that's the case, you should bill twice!)?

quote:

Originally posted by transfergirl:
... The equipment is what deters me. Since audition invitations are available only to paid members, it's hard to tell- do most jobs require self-editing, and to what degree? Are you essentially the sound engineer, too ...

AFTRA gives seminars on self-producing at home for on-line v/o work.

Usually with titles like "build a home recoding studio"

Thanks. Good to know for the future when I decide to join AFTRA. And I should probably test the waters first and make some income in VO that justifies building a home studio.

Yeah, you do need some rudimentary editing skills. If I am doing a big edit, I charge for that on top of the VO session fee.

I have a very simple setup. A booth/box contraption that goes over my computer and microphone and sound muffling curtains that I can pull around my whole desk setup (which is under a loft where I sleep). Other things to think about are the noise level of your living situation and your own self descipline. The only way you can make a living at home VO work is to audition a lot. If you're not the kind of person who really stays focused without a boss watching you, this isn't for you. I made back my membership fees on both sites almost immediately, but I had a lot of experience going into it.

I would focus on getting VO work through your agent first to see if you have any aptitude for it and if you enjoy it. THEN make the decision to invest in the memberships and the equipment.

quote:

Originally posted by Darbi, Everything Acting Podcast:... I made back my membership fees on both sites almost immediately, but I had a lot of experience going into it.

Was this union work or non-union?

Have you thought of using pyramid acoutic foam sound absorbing material?

quote:

Originally posted by transfergirl:
I've subscribed to their newsletters, but never used the paid services. Should I bother? "Pressure's on," since Voices.com is raising their prices in a month. Thanks!

just read review of both.

voices.com seems to be the best

I haven't found any info on price increase though