Voicebank.net’s VoiceRegistry Blog

What’s Happening with Voice Over in Canada? Part 2

In part 1 of my interview with Canadian voice actor, Debbie Munro, I asked her how she got into voice over and what are the differences between the U.S. and Canada.

-Tracy Pattin

Here’s part 2 of my Q&A with her.

TJP: Are there advantages of voice acting in the U.S.?

DM: There are many advantages to voicing in the U.S. but today’s times are proving it doesn’t matter where you are. Canada, much like the US varies depending on the market size. If you are great at voicing corporate, national spots, narrations and more, Toronto is the place to go. Most of our top productions come out of Toronto however Vancouver, B.C. also has a strong presence. Vancouver is strong for animation and Film/TV actors. There is opportunity in each of the cities of course, but they each have their strengths. There are other large markets of course but these are the strongest…then of course we have a large French sector in Montreal and beyond. Much diversity in Canada but we must cater to the global market. Although I’m a Canadian Voice Talent, I don’t consider it that way, only because I voice American.

TJP: You publish ezines. Would you explain what they are?

DM: Ezine is the newest word for website newsletters/magazines/publications. This is a great way to keep in touch of what is happening in your world.

TJP: How do you use them to help your voice over career?

DM: For me the newsletter (as I call them) is my best form of marketing. I publish an ezine once a month. I will include things such as what projects I’ve voiced this month, any auditions we might have for others, what demos we produced this month, who’s doing what, talent takes, expert tips from other voice talent, tip of the month (free education), expert corner (tips from the top), upcoming workshops and so much more. It’s a way of connecting electronically to more than one person at a time. Usually ezines are free and very much worth your time and interest. Ezines get passed around from person to person and therefore great marketing.

TJP: What’s your best advice to other voice actors, Canadian and American?

DM: No matter where you live there are a few things I’d like to suggest. First and foremost EDUCATE. I was against it at first but now I realize the more you invest, the more you are worth. This goes for everything, education (free or paid), marketing, talent investment, script development etc. How much are you willing to invest in you? If you want to be competing for the big projects then know who you’re competing against. If they have been trained by the top and have spent $3000.00 on a demo and you had yours done for free, who would you choose? Don’t rush this stuff….this is meant for nearly everyone as long as you have patience, persistence, confidence, willingness to ALWAYS learn, energy, determination, a great and positive attitude and will to want to make it. I LOVE This industry. It can be tough though and may take YEARS before you will make it…but how bad do you really want it? I know I wanted it bad enough…can you say the same? Invest in you…you’re worth it….besides where else can you be paid to have fun in your pajamas all day and meet the best people on earth?