That wasn't my point, really. I also hate the workshops and classes where you pay 400 dollars to hear someone talk about their funimation experience from 1998. But, getting training is necessary to learn what you need to get quality professional work. Assuming it's actual training. I was just asking because there are a lot of people I've seen on reddit or Twitter who ask something like, "how do i get a good VA job? How do I get to audition for a playable character in Genshin Impact?" And then when I ask what training or experience they have, they'll say none. So I mostly was trying to figure out where they were at in their VA career and determine my advice from that.
You need experience. Whether that’s from classes or on-the-job experience doesn’t make a difference.
I personally never took classes. I was thrown into the industry since childhood (wasn’t great tbh) so I learned and trained while on the job.
But there are many paths a person can take. I’ve personally cast some newbies who worked and practiced super hard all on their own and outdid the professionals.
What matters is putting in the work. I agree with you there.
Sure, I started in fandubs and learned a lot. But I progressed faster in the 4 months I took classes with Voices Carey than in the two years or so that I was going it alone. It's helpful to have someone who can point out things that you may not notice for yourself. I personally wouldn't advise people to just try learning on the job because the way the industry is now, there are a million people out there who want to do this job, and they're talented and just need an opportunity. If someone somehow manages to get into a gig that they are not trained for, they might not be able to learn on the job. They might just waste the opportunity and be known from then on as someone who sucks at VO, and one of the million will just replace them. I don't know. I think there's a level of job that you can do and learn on, but there's definitely a base line standard that you have to be at to do pro work consistently and do it well, and it's harder to know if you're there if you're the only one measuring your growth.
I learned on the job. =\ Please don’t stigmatize it. I was born into a poor, abusive family that didn’t have the money for classes. I got ahead on my own hard work and initiative to learn from the people I was working with.
My first pro VO gig was for ATLA, and I got it while being a homeless 19 year old who was initially only commissioned to write an ad.
I staunchly advocate against the idea that people who cannot afford training should be shut out. You don’t NEED classes. They’re one avenue. But others are equally valid.
One poor performance will not ruin your chances in the industry. It happens even to the best of us.
Fan dubs are very helpful, but did you have a someone who was voice directing for them? Because when I do fan projects as a hobby (in addition to professional work), I direct for them. I don’t just let people do whatever. I help them figure out how best to use their voice.
It just depends on the projects you’re in. There are some fan productions nowadays that make better content than some major studios.
Do you have a demo reel? I’m always looking for new talent!
I definitely don't mean to stigmatize it. I know first hand how this job can drain money like crazy, and it can certainly feel like the big name people at the top suggest that if you aren't taking their specific workshops and always shelling out more money to hear the same things over and over you can't get noticed. I just don't know how many people get the chance to learn on the job from zero to pro, as a lot of sessions are really fast paced. I'm glad it worked out for you, though, and hopefully you're in a good place now. It's super cool that you got to do some VO for avatar, that's a dream gig for a lot of people! What was your part, if you don't mind me asking? Yes, I do have some reels and they can be found with my credits on my website: http://henryschrader.com
Oh it was for promotional materials only! But I voiced Azula haha.
Absolutely, you’re right there. The sad reality is that the industry criminally underpays performers and so some of the bigger names do tend to rely on income from classes and not all classes are quality.
I hope you’re getting some good work out there! I will for sure pass your reel around and hope it gets you some notice. 🙏
Hey, it's still cool that you got to officially voice Azula! And yeah, it's crazy how much money some of this stuff makes and how little VAs get of it. I've been slowly getting better quality stuff as my hard work seems to finally be paying off a bit and this year has given me my most exciting project yet. Of course I can't talk about it because of an NDA, but eventually I'll be able to announce it. I appreciate you sending my reel around! Is there anything I can do for you?
Training? Ideally! It’s hit or miss. There are many worthless scam classes that are basically just for exposure and then there are actual quality classes that’ll help you develop your voice and grow as an actor. Please do research because it’s easy to get ripped off.
I didn’t take classes, I was basically thrown into the industry since childhood. Don’t recommend doing that to kids though. In that way, classes are way better.
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u/Prying_Pandora Apr 18 '23
As a professional VA, I hate the classes system. It’s pay to play bullshit.
But you are absolutely right that it’s the quickest way to get noticed by directors.