wacavo

Fellow non-union Voice Actor (from the LA branch of the industry) here! Don't worry about it being "bottom feeding." If not the union people, SOMEBODY has to do the job. Better it be somebody who is decent at it. Union work is certainly desireable but breaking into the union is difficult and you need to make sure you have a name for yourself so you can still work. Union rates are on a scale, which means they will pay you the same price as they would pay anyone else in your tier. As you grow in name, brand, and popularity, you'll eventually be able to request double scale, triple scale, etc. What this means, though, is that for the same price they pay you, someone they don't know and have never worked with, they can get somebody they HAVE worked with and they trust. Remember, this is a smaller niche industry, but it still has a sizeable population. There are always going to be hundreds to compete with your vocal "print." Certainly focus on your brand to stand out and put that foot forward first, but don't pigeon hole yourself. My best advice is just go out and meet people. Find some cheap workouts and find some local comic conventions, VO gatherings, or whatever you can find scouring facebook and the web, and just network. This job is all about who you know, especially non-union.

Also, for further clarification on what it's like on the non-union side of things, last year alone I landed 6 leading roles across anime, video games, and live action film dub, as well as a host of supporting roles across the mediums, and I am STILL no where near supporting myself financially on voice over alone. It's a tough path ahead and I wish you luck. May we cross paths in the booth sometime!

Chloe, would you endorse a male spin-off of Porno and Pizza nights for old school professional wrestling...Wrestling and...Wheat Thins? Wrestling and Watermelons? Still working on the pitch.

This is Erik K., btw. Good to see you were able to bring your dad into the reddit shark tank. Hello John! Thank you for all you do. It's you guys who make movies awesome!