If you’re a voice-over artist looking to break into the industry, marketing yourself to production companies can be a great way to land new gigs and build your reputation. In this article, we will explore some tips for marketing yourself to voice-over production companies and getting your foot in the door.
- Research the company
Before you reach out to a production company, it’s essential to do your research. Look for information on the company’s website, social media accounts, and online reviews. Learn about the types of projects they produce, their target audience, and their style. This information can help you tailor your pitch and demonstrate that you’re a good fit for the company.
- Create a compelling demo reel
A demo reel is a crucial tool for marketing yourself to voice-over production companies. Your demo reel should showcase your range and versatility as a voice-over artist and include different genres and styles, such as commercials, narration, and character voices. Make sure your demo reel is professionally produced and concise, with a length of two minutes or less.
- Customize your pitch
When you’re reaching out to a production company, it’s essential to tailor your pitch to their specific needs. Use the research you’ve done to demonstrate that you understand the company’s style and the types of projects they produce. Consider creating a custom demo reel that highlights your skills in the areas that are most relevant to the company.
- Be professional
When you’re marketing yourself to production companies, it’s essential to present yourself professionally. Make sure your website, social media accounts, and email communications are all polished and free of errors. Use a professional email signature and consider creating a professional headshot.
- Attend industry events
Attending industry events, such as conferences and meet-and-greet events, can help you connect with production companies and other industry professionals. These events provide an opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your skills, and make valuable connections. Make sure to bring business cards and be prepared to follow up after the event.
- Leverage online marketplaces
Online marketplaces, such as Voices.com or Upwork, can help you market your voice-over skills to a broader audience, including production companies. These platforms allow you to create a profile, showcase your demos, and bid on voice-over projects. Make sure to thoroughly research any platform before signing up and only bid on projects that align with your skills and experience.
- Offer a free sample
Offering a free sample of your work can be a great way to demonstrate your skills to a production company. Consider offering to record a short sample for a project they’re currently working on or for a project that’s similar to their style. Make sure to include a disclaimer that the work is for non-commercial purposes only and that you retain the right to use the recording in your portfolio.
- Follow up
After you’ve reached out to a production company, it’s essential to follow up. If you don’t hear back after a few days, send a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your inquiry. Make sure to keep your follow-up professional and respectful, and don’t be pushy or aggressive.
In conclusion, marketing yourself to voice-over production companies requires researching the company, creating a compelling demo reel, customizing your pitch, being professional, attending industry events, leveraging online marketplaces, offering a free sample, and following up. By following these tips, you can effectively market yourself as a voice-over artist and land new gigs with production companies. Remember to be persistent and patient, as building relationships with production companies takes time and effort.