Voice Coaches in conjunction with the Arlington County Public Schools will be giving a presentation, "Getting Paid to Talk," on Oct. 7 at Washington Lee High School from 6:30-9 p.m. Voice Coaches is a business that offers training in effective communications for a variety of institutions such as banks and educational institutions, as well as a multi-studio production facility and training for actors aspiring to go into the field. Voice Coaches is scheduled to give over 100 workshops this year around the country.
David Bourgeois, president and creative director of the company, explains this is an introductory program that will describe what a voice over is and what voices are in demand.
"Most people think of commercials but that is only 10 percent of the business with 90 percent being narrative, anything that doesn't sell a product. This could be audio books, training or TV documentaries, animation or phone recordings. It should be interesting to anyone who is curious about the field, not just potential candidates for voice over. A voice over is a production technique where a voice is used by someone who is not seen on camera. It is a fun class but balanced," he said.
The program will also include "a day in the life" of a voice-over presenter with the pros and the stumbling blocks when business meets art, according to Bourgeois. It will include a demo, playing some examples and then giving the attendees a sample script to produce a short recording under the supervision of the producer. "Voice over isn't for everyone but the people who make the most money are those who love it," Bourgeois said, adding it is important to get an assessment of the voice, and then, to be successful, one needs to have a business plan. "Try to be exceptional," he said.
Voice overs are generally self employed, Bourgeois said, "and the advantage is that you can do it at home in your bathrobe. It is very much behind-the-scenes. It is driven by the individual, you can be gung-ho full time, or with most people it's a sideline thing. It is about developing relationships. People who do the hiring are habitual and once you're in, they continue to work with you."
Bourgeois recalled, "The trends in voice over have changed since 25 years ago when it was male dominated and everyone hired ‘that male announcer’ voice. Now we need all kinds of voices." He thinks the transition began about 15 years ago when the voice began to use believability; convincing with your voice. People are convinced by different kinds of voices. And now it's 50-50 male-female with many different ethnicities. Bourgeois has been in this business for more than 30 years. He says that he was interviewed back on CNN when the economy took a hit about why this field was growing while everything else was down: "It's much more tangible work." Registration for this class is required a week in advance at 703-228-7300. Cost is $59 for residents.