The Art of Voice Acting: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voice-Over - Softcover

Alburger, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0240808924 ISBN 13: 9780240808925

Publisher: Focal Press, 2006

Synopsis

From basic acting techniques and exercises for keeping the voice in top condition, to marketing and promotion of the actor, this book covers it all. The Art of Voice Acting is an excellent introduction to the business and art of voice acting. This new edition also features coverage of specialist areas of voice over: animation/video gaming and film/ movie trailer. Updated to reflect the latest changes in performance techniques and products in the industry, it is essential reading for all voice over actors. Packed with expert advice on job opportunities and career management tips, it is the ideal resource for anyone involved in the industry. The voice over demos and exercises on the expanded CD ROM complete this perfect modern manual to getting established in the voice acting industry.

About this title

Review

"....a good coach and a good book can point you in the right direction and get you asking the right questions...In my opinion, the right book is James Alburger's The Art of Voice Acting. Buy it, read it, and re-read it; you won't regret it."
Harlan Hogan, author Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor,

"All actors/speakers should know and use what is contained in this text to develop and expand their career options. Well written, right to the point...?
CHOICE

"This is a really terrific little book packed with information ranging from voice exercises and copy samples, to business advice, guidance on preparing an audition tape, and lots of contact information. Jim Alburger is something of a legend in west coast voice-over circles, with his vast experience as an audio engineer and trainer. If you have ever considered a career in voice-overs, this book is a must have."
John Beaupre, Voice and talent coach. Broadcastvoice.com

From the Author

Learn the skills of performing for Voice-Over
Have you ever considered the possibility of using your voice to make a living, If you have? "The Art of Voice-Acting" is a good place to begin learning the craft.

The job of a voice-over performer requires training -- development of skills in acting and communication. In "The Art of Voice-Acting," you will receive the tools and training you need to get started, as well as real-world scripts and tips from many talented professional voice-actors. You will find tips, tricks of the trade, techniques and exercises in this book that are not available from any other book on the subject.

For more than 30 years I have worked on both sides of the glass as a voice-actor, producer, director and engineer. I have directed some of the top voice-over talent in the country, worked with live action performers and trained a number of audio operators, voice-actors and other performers. Along the way I have received 9 regional Emmy awards. An effective performance depends on an emotional connection between the performer and the audience. "The Art of Voice-Acting" teaches you how to achieve that kind of performance as a voice-actor.

The building blocks of a voice-over performance are: 1) understanding who the audience is, 2) knowing who you are as the speaker (your character), and 3) knowing why you are speaking those words at this time (your motivation and qualifications as the expert). These three things create the foundation upon which a performance is built. Character development, script interpretation, attitude and many other aspects of a performance are then woven together to create a believable and effective communication. Voice-over is much more than reading words off a page. Voice-over is really an aspect of acting, with all the techniques, subtleties and more.

"The Art of Voice-Acting" will take you on a journey through the world of voice-over and you will learn what it takes to become successful in this challenging and very enjoyable business. I promise that after reading "The Art of Voice-Acting" you will never listen to a radio or television commercial the same way again.

Good luck.

James R. Alburger

Edition details

• Publisher: Focal Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0240808924
• ISBN 13: 9780240808925
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 360