Explore Being a Voice Actor with Debbie Feldman

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cz: Briefly describe your job.

I am called a voice actor, voice talent, or voice-over professional.

cz: How long have you been working in this field?

I’ve been doing this work for 21 years.

cz: When and how did you decide to choose this career?

In 1983 I decided this is the work I wanted to do, but it took many years for it to come to fruition.

cz: What education/training did you obtain to qualify you for your field?

I took a series of voice-over classes, but also had a degree in Speech Arts/Radio & TV Broadcasting in college.

cz: What was your first job in the field?

My first job was actually an on-camera speaking role for a TV commercial (Care Plus – health insurance).

cz: Describe a typical day on the job?

I go to my home studio in one of my bedrooms, turn on my computer and wait for the work to come via fax or e-mail. I then record the work and send it back out via e-mail.

cz: What do you like most about what you do?

What I like most is the flexibility and being my own boss.

cz: What do you like least about your job?

The grunt jobs that are what a robot could do; i.e. IVR voicing, etc.

cz: What has been the most rewarding experience so far in your career?

When I won the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association award for a radio commercial I voiced.

cz: What is the biggest challenge for you in this job?

Getting work !!!

cz: What are the most important personal and professional skills necessary to succeed in your field?

You need to keep your voice in good shape and also your overall health, plus you do need to have training (prior and on-going) to sound fresh.

cz: What could someone do to learn more about this field right now?

There are many sources on-line. Just Google Voice Acting, Voice-Over, etc. There’s a newsletter I subscribe to. It’s called VoiceXtra and contains articles written by voice talent, producers, etc.

cz: What advice you would offer to students making a career choice or on work life itself?

It’s so much better to be doing work you love instead of just having a job. The stress level is much less and you’re a happier and more satisfied person. Follow you heart but you need education, education, education. Plus network with like-minded people.

Hope this was helpful.

Check out my web site: www.voiceworksbydeb.com to learn more about my work.