Voiceover is a popular and growing medium for advertising and marketing. However, just like any other field, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the most well-known actors who tried voiceovers and ultimately failed.By learning from their mistakes, you can avoid making the same mistakes yourself.
What is Voiceover?
Voiceover is a type of acting in which an actor reads or speaks text aloud. Voiceover can be used in a variety of media, including television, film, and video games. Many famous male voice actors were not so good at their beginnings.
How to Try Voiceover for the First Time?
If you’re thinking of trying voiceover, but are a little intimidated by the process, don’t worry – there’s no need to be a prodigy. In fact, the best way to start is by doing some research and trying out some simple exercises first.
The Pros and Cons of Voiceover
If you’re thinking about trying voiceover, there are a few things you need to know before starting.
First, it’s not for everyone. Voiceover can be demanding, and if you aren’t used to vocal stress, it can be quite difficult.
Second, voiceover is a very competitive market. There are a ton of talented actors out there, and if you don’t have the right talent or experience, you’ll likely struggle to find work.
Finally, voiceover is often considered an amateur pursuit. If you’re not comfortable with that idea, then voiceover probably isn’t the right thing for you.
Here are some pros and cons of trying voiceover:
Pros:
1) Voiceover can be a great way to build your resume and portfolio. If you’re able to make a good impression with your audio work, it could help you land more high-profile roles Down the line.
2) Voiceover is versatile. You can use it for both online and offline projects.
3) It’s an affordable way to get started. Unless you’re one of the lucky few who becomes successful overnight, voiceover will likely be one of the most affordable options for your career growth.
4) It can be a great way to connect with clients. If you have the right skills and experience, you can easily sell your services.
5) Voiceover is a unique skill set. There’s not a lot of competition out there, so you can easily stand out from the crowd.
6) You can work on your own or as part of a team. If you’re comfortable working independently, voiceover could be a great way to build your career without relying on others.
7) Voiceover provides opportunities for growth and development. As you improve your skills, you could eventually find yourself working on more complex projects.
Cons:
1) Voiceover is demanding. If you aren’t used to vocal stress, it can be quite difficult to produce high-quality audio files.
2) Voiceover is a very competitive market. Unless you have the right talent or experience, you’ll likely struggle to find work.
3) Voiceover is often considered an amateur pursuit. If you’re not comfortable with that idea, then voiceover probably isn’t the right thing for you.
The Five Most Common Mistakes Actors Make When Trying Voiceover
If you’re like most actors, you’ve probably fantasized about trying voiceover at some point. For many, it’s a way to get more exposure and build their resume. But before you go diving in headfirst, it’s important to know the five most common mistakes actors make when trying voiceover.
- Not understanding the skill required. Voiceover isn’t just about speaking; it’s about effective delivery as well. If you don’t have the skills necessary to pull it off, your chances of success are slim to none.
- Ignoring the audition process. Just because you think you can do voiceover doesn’t mean your voice is up to the task. If you’re not prepared, your audition will be a total disaster. Make sure to research casting directors and audition processes before submitting your material.
- Not preparing properly beforehand. You can’t expect to wing it on an audition if you haven’t done any research or preparation beforehand. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the industry standards and take some time to practice your material before arriving at the audition room.
- Failing to understand the commercial market. The commercial market is very different from traditional acting roles, so you need to be prepared for that when auditioning. Make sure to research the type of commercials being produced and the demographics they target.
- Not being prepared to deal with rejection. No matter how talented you are, you’re going to have rejections from time to time. Know how to handle them gracefully and move on.
Famous Actors Who Tried Voiceover and Failed
Walking into the voiceover world can be intimidating for any actor, but some celebrities took the plunge and ended up bombing. Here are five of them:
- Nicolas Cage – Nicolas Cage is one actor who has tried voiceover numerous times, but his most well-known attempt was in the 2006 film Ghost Rider. Despite some good reviews, the performance was lambasted by many critics and viewers alike and marked the end of Cage’s voiceover career.
- Elijah Wood – Another actor who’s had a few failed ventures into voiceover was Elijah Wood. In 2007, he starred in The Guardian and voiced King Frollo in Disney’s 2010 classic animated feature Lady and The Tramp. Though both films received mixed reactions, Wood’s voice was singled out as a main problem.
- Josh Hartnett – Josh Hartnett made headlines in 2009 when it was announced that he had abandoned his successful acting career to focus on voiceovers full-time. His first project was an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel American Gods, but poor reviews led to little success. Hartnett later appeared in TV series such as Burn Notice and True Blood but his voice over work has since dried up.
- Morgan Freeman – Morgan Freeman has a long history of success in both acting and voiceover, but his foray into the latter didn’t start off well. In 2003, he voiced the title character in Madagascar and was widely panned by critics. He subsequently retired from voiceover work.
- Ben Affleck – Ben Affleck is another actor who’s had some trouble with his voiceover attempts. His most high-profile project was voicing the role of The Dark Knight in Batman: The Animated Series, but the series was met with mixed reviews and failed to achieve the same level of success as other Batman movies released at the time.
End-Up
Aspiring voiceover actors should be aware that not everyone who tries it is successful. Many popular actors, including Morgan Freeman and Reese Witherspoon, have tried their hand at voiceover and failed. If you’re thinking of trying voiceover but don’t want to risk failure, make sure to equip yourself with the right tools and skills before jumping in.
