How should I start voice acting?

[Officialjake]

I want to start voice acting for mod creators. I have a good mic but I was wondering exactly what I need and how I should go about voice acting?

[ILogOnYourLogin]

I want to start voice acting for mod creators. I have a good mic but I was wondering exactly what I need and how I should go about voice acting?

 

audio

what kind of "good" mic? i have plenty of advice in this department but if u are just doing this as a hobby i doubt you'll want to spend the $$ to get all crazy with pro-ish recording gear right away.

 

u need a pop-filter. the old panty-hose + coat hanger will work fine.

 

software

u'll need some recording/editing software. audacity should work.

 

to get some certain stylized sounds -- not just far out special effects, but even a convincing, strong basic voice -- there is definitely some processing involved.

 

performance

and if u can't find a modder to work with you, you could start by just making a demo. write your own scripts: make up some characters, make up a premise, act it out, and put the recordings up on a website.

 

and for god's sake whatever you're going to read, make sure you grasp the context. nothing more irritating than some hired gun VO person reading a sci-fi / fantasy script and it's clear they have no idea what they're talking about and what the presentation should be like. completely wrong diction/pacing/inflection etc. don't do this! :wink: (a good example ... of bad ... is: the main character in the game Hard Reset -- guy reads cuss words like he is doing shakespeare. completely out of place and not convincing whatsoever. annoying actually.) on the other hand, a programmer/designer/writer with no voice acting talent who tries to just step in to the role cuz "hey, anybody can do this!" is equally annoying.

 

just thoughts off the top of my head.

 

GL :smile:

Edited April 4, 2013 by ILogOnYourLogin

[neomonkeus]

You should check out the TES Alliance, they have a large section on voice acting, tutorials, projects, requests to get people into it right away.

Check it out here - http://tesalliance.org/forums/index.php?/forum/74-voice-actors-project/

[Joemarch]

Voice actor willing to spend free time voicing some mods.------

 

Reasoning: I play newvegas mods, and will be looking forward to fallout4 mods. I do NOT enjoy mods where I have to read what people say like I am deaf. I am willing to help out as much as I can mod makers who need a voice actor. Rather hear something then nothing. With fallout 4 coming out, seems like a good idea to help.

 

I am pretty good at shaping my voice to what role is needed, expressing emotions needed and best of all I dedicate my time free of charge. This might change due to availability.

 

Just inbox me your teamspeak ventrilo mumble or whatever so we can talk more about what needs to be done.

[iXenite]

Maybe you could post in this thread?

 

The Voice Actors of Skyrim (Nexus):

 

http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/951656-the-voice-actors-of-skyrim-nexus/

[Voivre]

I too want to become a voice actor for mods, I do my own texturing and dabbled in 3d models, but I'd like to lend my voice out to modders looking for someone willing to read lines like me.

[stringjade]

Microphone: Either get the BM800 and an Audio Adapter or This. I currently have a Samson C01U USB Condenser Microphone and it has served me well.

 

Software: I would recommend Audacity but look for something more.. flexible and in depth when it comes to post processing your voice. I'd recommend what I use but its status as abandonware is still legally grey. But I'm not saying that Audacity is bad. Use it if you're already familiar with it. Get another one IF you know a better one.

 

Make a Demo Reel for s#*! and giggles first and ask for suggestions. Repeat until all suggestions have been met. Release Demo Reel in full force after.

[Fatalmasterpiece]

I have to warn against USB microphones. I've recorded at home, in professional studios and have my music up on iTunes, Spotify etc.

 

Get a little USB audio interface and a decent mic like an SM57 to start with. I would stay away from USB microphones because you need to invest a lot in one mic which you may or may not like. With an audio interface you can use any microphone and if you get more into voice acting/singing you're going to want to upgrade. Starting at about $50 you can get a decent single channel interface that can use any microphone you will ever buy from dynamic, condensers, phantom power, ribbons etc. You can also record guitar or even an overhead drum mic. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/behringer-u-phoria-um2

 

Learn to use your microphone and compression/EQ plugins. Distance and breathing are key to getting good, usuable recordings. A pop filter is more for keeping your face at a set distance from your mic, which is important. Of course all of this can be cleaned up in post but the better you record the less work there is later.