The great thing about voice acting is that it’s an international profession. If you’re a voice actor in Australia, you can audition for voice work in the US and the UK, which both have thriving vocal-acting industries. All you need is access to a studio and a microphone—and the skills to bring text to life. You no longer need to live near a recording studio, either: The number of home-grown opportunities is increasing across the industry in animation, video games, film dubbing, commercials, and narration for documentaries and audiobooks.
The cult children’s TV animation series Bluey, about a family of dogs who learn life skills through play, was created by Brisbane company Ludo Studio. The show’s runaway success has meant Australian voice actors Melanie Zanetti (who plays the mother, Chilli) and Dave McCormack (voicing dad Bandit) are now known across the English-speaking world. Although Zanetti was already a professional actor when she auditioned for Chilli, McCormack was a musician by trade when someone suggested he voice Bandit’s lines in a pilot.
“I was walking out of a lift, and someone I knew was walking in, and they said: ‘I know someone who’s making a cartoon about a dog family. Maybe you’d want to be the dad voice’,” McCormack told Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show. “I thought it was a little film that would go on YouTube. … I had no idea we’d be bigger than the Beatles,” he quipped.
Whether you hope to make an entire career as a voiceover artist or use voice acting to complement other performance work as part of a career portfolio, here are the necessary steps to kick-start a career in the Australian voice-acting industry.
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A voice actor brings characters to life, tells stories, or conveys information without being physically seen. The work of voice actors is integral to numerous projects, including cartoons, video games, radio and TV commercials, dubbed films, audiobooks, and educational materials. The demand for voice actors has grown with the rise of digital media platforms, making it a viable career option for those with a passion for vocal performance.
Breaking into voice acting, particularly in Australia, involves a step-by-step process aimed at honing your skills, building your portfolio, and networking within the industry.
1. Train your voice
Strong, versatile vocal abilities are fundamental. Consider taking voice-acting lessons, vocal training, and acting workshops to develop your range, control, and emotive abilities. Understanding how to manipulate your voice to suit various roles and convey emotions is key.
2. Gain acting experience
Having a solid foundation in the principles of acting can greatly enhance your performance. Even if you only intend to do it behind a mic, refine your core acting skills by participating in acting classes or local productions.
3. Specialise
While versatility is important, finding your niche can help you stand out. Are you best at character voices? Commercial voiceovers? Long-form narration? Specialising can make you a go-to person for work in that field.
4. Create a demo reel
A demo reel showcasing your vocal range and abilities is crucial for attracting work. Include samples that highlight different voice styles (such as corporate and dramatic), accents, and character types. Your demo should be professionally recorded and edited to present your abilities in the best light.
5. Market yourself
Build a professional website and use social media to both share your work and connect with other industry professionals. Online platforms such as Voices.com can be valuable for finding voice-acting opportunities in Australia.
6. Network
Building relationships with casting directors, voice actors, and producers is vital. Attend industry events, workshops, and conventions to meet people in the field. Consider joining organisations such as the Australian Voice Association.
7. Know the industry
The voice-acting industry is ever-evolving, so it’s important to keep learning and adapting. Follow industry news, participate in workshops, and seek feedback on your performances to continue improving.
8. Consider an accent coach
Work on perfecting both standard American and standard British accents to give yourself the best chance of international opportunities.
9. Find an agent
To access top voiceover jobs, securing an agent is essential since many casting calls are sent exclusively to agents. EM Voice and RMK Voices are among Australia's leading voiceover agencies, representing talent across the country. For those whose work includes voice acting among other roles, agencies like Lisa Mann Creative Management and Shanahan, which have dedicated voice departments, are excellent options.
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Voice acting has been the making of several Australian actors. Notable figures include:
- Keith Scott: Known for his work in animation, Scott has voiced numerous characters. He was the narrator in George of the Jungle, voiced the titular Bullwinkle in The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, and is renowned for his ability to mimic classic Hollywood stars.
- Rebel Wilson: Before making it big in Hollywood, Wilson lent her voice to various characters in Australian animated projects. She voiced Raz in both the film and video game versions of Ice Age: Continental Drift.
- Chris Hemsworth: Although more widely known for his onscreen roles, Hemsworth has also contributed his voice to video games, including Thor: God of Thunder and Ghostbusters.