I probably get asked this question more than any other. The answer is a multi-faceted one. It would take an immense amount of time to explain my rates since there are so many different applications for my voice. The good thing is, I'm a friendly guy, so just contact me and attach your script or give me and accurate word count, and I will answer as soon as possible.
How did you get into voice over? (top)
Long story, bear with me, you'll like it, I promise.
I've dreamed all of my life of being a voice over actor. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the dream began when I was around 8 years old. I received my first CD player and was given a Beethoven CD. (My love for broadcasting and classical music was instilled in me simultaneously.) I would make my mom listen to me on the other end of a baby monitor in the kitchen while I pretended to be a DJ, letting the tunes spin and calling them out as they played. Needless to say, she was a captive audience. Ever since those days I've dreamed of using my voice. After adolescence, my days in kids choir at church paid off and I developed what's been called "a great voice". I worked at the McDonald's drive through and had countless people tell me that I should be on the radio. Nevertheless, I thought it not so practical, I went to school at IU for trombone (go figure). I met my wife there, so that didn't turn out too badly, but God had a different plan for me.
I went back home to Nashville, TN and started working full time at Best Buy (to aid my electronics addiction) and while working there, I learned the trade from local teachers and I used my connections and landed gigs within a few months.
God has sincerely blessed me and has allowed me to pursue my dream. With daily practice and performance, I continue to strive after that goal of being the next "golden voice" or "voice of God". One day, God willing, I'll get there.
I want to be a voice over person! How can I start? (top)
The first thing every voice over artist needs is a passion to succeed. Just like any trade, you need to love it to be able to practice enough to do it well.
Yes, it's actually work, you can't just read things and have return clients.
No, it's not easy.
No, you don't have to have a voice like Don LaFontaine's (God rest his soul) to be a voice over person, it's all about the drive and practice, practice, practice.
Wander on over sometime to my voice over blog sometime and read other tips about becoming a voice over person.
Also, now that I've opened up my studio for demo production, voice over lessons, editing, and plain old recording, if you're in the Chicago area, I'm only about an hour away. Stomatic Studios is the name, anything related to voice over is the game.
What was your first voice over gig? (top)
My first paid gig as a voice over artist was a phone system message for a local pool and spa store, Precision Pools and Spas. Their owner has known me since I was a little guy and knows my parents. We caught up at Best Buy and I spilled my guts and he hired me to voice the phone system. Here's to you Sid, you helped my voice be heard.
Well, you probably haven't yet, that's what I'm working hard at every day. I've landed some great gigs for some great clients but none of them have ended up on national radio or tv anywhere as of yet. My list of satisfied clients is long (longer than I could list anywhere on the site), but I'm still waiting on my big break.
While I'm waiting for national stuff to fall into my lap, I give you full permission to take advantage of me while I'm not in the spotlight. I can give you a sound that rivals the big boys (plus you don't have to go through an agent, booking company, and thousands of dollars to get me). I don't charge royalties or retainers for my work, it's always a buyout price and it's never that much money. Book me now before I get big, because that's where I'm headed, I made up my mind before I started.
Do you do character voices? (top)
Yes, to some extent. I wouldn't consider myself the best character actor, but I can get into a character with enough practice and enough back story (and maybe something I can listen to and imitate). I do a pretty good old man, tough guy, uber geek "Eugene", Forrest Gump, Napolean Dynamite, Sean Connery, and Arnold "Governator" Schwarzenegger impressions. I also do dialects: southern hick, middle eastern, chinese/american, "urbanese" or "eubonics" (I guess these are the PC terms), and I can butcher my way through some Irish brogue or Old English. I'd much rather talk in my regular voice though, I'm much better at that, although I do work on my characters quite a bit.
If you would like to submit a question to be listed on this page contact me
and let me know. I love to hear from my visitors!
Michael Flowers, Professional Voice Over Artist