As a voice-over actor, building your own character library is an essential part of your career. It allows you to offer a wider range of characters to your clients, which can increase your chances of getting hired for more jobs. Here are some tips on how to build your own voice-over character library in 2023.
- Develop Unique Characters The key to building a great character library is to develop unique and memorable characters. Think about different personalities, accents, and ages that you can bring to life. Start by brainstorming different characters, and then flesh out their traits and voices.
- Create a Demo Reel Once you have developed your characters, create a demo reel that showcases them. This is a great way to give potential clients a taste of what you can do. Your demo reel should be no longer than a few minutes and should highlight your range of characters.
- Practice, Practice, Practice Practice is essential when it comes to building your character library. Spend time every day practicing your characters and experimenting with new ones. You can also practice by reading books out loud in different character voices or improvising conversations between your characters.
- Keep a Portfolio of Your Characters As you develop your character library, keep a portfolio of your characters. This can include recordings, character descriptions, and any other information that you think is relevant. Having a portfolio of your characters will help you keep track of them and ensure that you can recall them easily when needed.
- Continuously Update Your Library Your character library should be a work in progress. Continuously update it by adding new characters and retiring old ones. This will help keep your library fresh and relevant.
- Utilize Technology Technology can be a great asset when it comes to building your character library. You can use software to manipulate your voice and create new characters, or you can use online resources to find inspiration for new characters.
- Network and Collaborate Networking and collaborating with other voice-over actors can also be a great way to build your character library. Attend industry events and reach out to other actors to collaborate on projects. This can help you develop new characters and get feedback on your existing ones.
In conclusion, building your own voice-over character library is essential to your career as a voice-over actor in 2023. Develop unique characters, create a demo reel, practice, keep a portfolio, continuously update your library, utilize technology, and network and collaborate with others. With hard work and dedication, you can build a character library that will set you apart from other voice-over actors and increase your chances of getting hired for more jobs.