VO Pro: The Business of Voiceover and Voice Acting

Paul Schmidt
VO Pro: The Business of Voiceover and Voice Acting

Join me as we discuss the hot topics in the voice over industry with voiceover insiders, voice actors, casting directors, agents, movers, shakers. and news makers. I get to the heart of the issues with my own no-BS takes and talk to the people who are shaping and shifting our industry. Plus, the VO strategies, tips, and best practices for growing your voiceover career you’ve come to expect. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Audible, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, SoundCloud, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Castbox, and RSS, and wherever you get your podcasts. You’ll also find helpful information including my free Move Touch Inspire newsletter for voice actors at VOPro.pro.com/newsletter SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/vopro-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/newsletter The Pro Blog: https://vopro.pro/blog The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vofreedommasterplan.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom Say Hi on Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voiceover website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

  1. DEC 5

    Casting Director Libby Clearfield of Voiceover Activate

    Today we sit down with Casting Director, VO Coach, voice actor, and head of Voiceover Activate, Libby Clearfield. Libby shares her journey from theater to voiceover, her experiences in casting, and the challenges and rewards of freelancing.  She also chats about the impact of AI in the industry, the importance of following directions in auditions, the value of community among voice actors, the significance of building relationships and maintaining professional standards in voiceover work. http://voiceoveractivate.com/ _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/H-FbxR9VfUU?si=7icFn5L1vY9yVkHe SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

    34 min
  2. NOV 21

    SEO for Voice Over: 7 Strategies to Improve Your RANK

    So recently a big healthcare advertising agency reached out to me through my website and handed me a great non-broadcast project for a massive pharmaceutical company. They handed me the project, no audition necessary.  And there are more jobs on the way. It looks like, fingers crossed, they’re going to be a great partner and a recurring client. So how did I get this primo client, you might ask. Did I market to them for months with snappy content and radically consistent follow up? Plot twist! No! They found me using…. Google. Heard of it? They searched for medical narrators, found me, and dumped a bag of money on my doorstep. The fact is your dream client is searching online right now for someone with your exact skills. Maybe they need a voice actor who can crush their e-learning project. They type a few words into Google. Boom—pages of results. But where are you? Not page one. Not page two. You’re somewhere way down in the witness protection program of search results where no one ever sees or hears you. That’s why SEO matters. SEO is Search Engine Optimization. It’s about showing up where your clients are already looking.  SEO isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies with teams of search nerds in dark rooms optimizing algorithms. It’s for you, the scrappy creative professional, the solopreneur making shit happen. But you don’t need to spend hours every day on SEO or hire a full-time expert. With just an hour or two a week and a few smart strategies, you can start climbing in the Google rankings. And at the end, I’ll show you my results after concentrating on SEO for less than a year. So, let’s talk about the things you can do—simple, approachable strategies that even the busiest freelancer can tackle. For more: https://vopro.pro/vo-seo _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/BzSc3XNnXls SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

    14 min
  3. NOV 14

    Going Full-Time in Voice Over? 10 CRUCIAL Mindset Shifts!

    Alright, let’s talk about the mental game of going full-time as a freelancer. I’m talking about the shifts that take you from “Hey, I’m doing this voiceover thing on the side” to “This is what I do. Period.”  The mindset stuff is just as gritty and real as all the tangible things you’re already doing to make the work happen. But the mental side is where you’ll make or break yourself long-term.  Let’s walk through the shifts that get you from being part-time to owning this path full-time and for good. _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/SLrH86CKJPM?si=GUG7gQAxFECjdsgZ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO  Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

    19 min
  4. NOV 7

    The Beginner’s Guide to Voice Over Conferences with Survival Guide

    Today, we’re diving into voice over conferences—what they are, why they’re a must for serious voice actors, and how to navigate your first one like a pro. If you’re a new voice actor looking to grow your skills, connect with the VO community, or even just see what all the buzz is about, stick around.  From why to attend, to a practical VO Conferences Survival guide packed with tips, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your first VO conference a smashing success.  Here's you the link to my FREE Done For You VO Conference Calendar that automatically updates the events in your personal calendar. https://welcome.vopro.pro/conference-calendar _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/UhVkwvC82FY?si=SyxAiWnv1PZwm9Uj SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

    25 min
  5. OCT 31

    Making Wavs with Bobbi Maxwell and Kevin Kilpatrick

    Kevin Kilpatrick and Bobbi Maxwell, hosts of the Making Wavs podcast, join me to discuss their backgrounds in radio and how they transitioned into voiceover.  Kevin primarily works in automotive and e-learning, while Bobbi focuses on commercial work, particularly in the automotive and political genres. They also talk about the advantages and disadvantages of coming from a radio background in voiceover.  The conversation covers topics such as the different tiers of automotive work, the evolution of their podcast from the Middle Class VO Podcast to Making Wavs, and the importance of repeat clients in the voiceover industry. _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/6heVi_SjSn0?si=ROdizqCbBUoCaHDd SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

    29 min
  6. OCT 17

    Tracy Lindley, Queen of LinkedIn, on VO, Marketing, and Kids

    In this first-ever chat with our friend and colleague, we chat with the Queen of LinkedIn for VO, Tracey Lindley about her journey into the voiceover industry, her experiences with LinkedIn, and the importance of community and organization in building a successful career.  Tracy shares her unique background, the challenges she faced as a voice actor in a midsize market, and her strategies for networking and marketing herself effectively.  We also talk about the the evolution of LinkedIn and its impact on voice actors, as well as the significance of reliability and personal connections in the industry. Join our VO Pro Webinar with Tracy on October 23, 2024! Register HERE: https://community.vopro.pro/c/events/vo-pro-webinar-7d4ab0-f164b9c3-8de3-4e2c-abdf-6928607e8511 _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/Vpl3DCJ0IlM?si=kEuwgLzs5gnf4Ijn SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

    30 min
  7. SEP 5

    How In-Perpetuity Contracts Can Limit Earnings in Voice Over

    Alright, so you’ve landed a big commercial gig, and the client’s ready to pay you thousands to use your voice. You’re stoked, right?  But then, buried in the contract, you see it: in-perpetuity rights. Sounds fancy, sounds official, but what does it actually mean?  And why should you, as a voice actor, care? Let’s break this down. This is In-Perpetuity Explained. Make sure you stick around because there is a scenario around in-perp you likely haven’t thought of and we have a special guest to walk you through it. _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/kC-uSktPu1k?si=4P2rGx73szZdGpbv SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

    18 min
  8. AUG 29

    The VO Strategist Tom Dheere: "Voice Over Is Contracting!"

    Tom Dheere, known as the VO Strategist, shares his origin story as a voice actor and discusses the changes in the industry over the past 30 years.  Tom emphasizes the importance of being a good storyteller and adapting to the evolving industry, including the use of AI, and offers guidance and mentorship to voice actors, helping them navigate the industry and make informed decisions.  He also discusses the potential impact of AI on the voiceover industry and advises voice actors to consider their values and consult with a lawyer before getting involved with AI voice cloning. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Origin Story 07:09 The Cultural Shift in the Voiceover Industry 11:31 The Positive Impact of Diversity in Voiceover 17:52 Becoming the VO Strategist 26:24 Common Strategic Mistakes in Voiceover Careers 30:15 The Impact of AI on the Voiceover Industry 34:10 Considerations for AI Voice Cloning 37:26 The Future of AI in Voiceover Tom's site: https://www.voiceoverstrategist.com/ _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/IEMzAw-ad30?si=3xE7Ne-3aADbbVCs SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

    39 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Join me as we discuss the hot topics in the voice over industry with voiceover insiders, voice actors, casting directors, agents, movers, shakers. and news makers. I get to the heart of the issues with my own no-BS takes and talk to the people who are shaping and shifting our industry. Plus, the VO strategies, tips, and best practices for growing your voiceover career you’ve come to expect. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Audible, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, SoundCloud, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Castbox, and RSS, and wherever you get your podcasts. You’ll also find helpful information including my free Move Touch Inspire newsletter for voice actors at VOPro.pro.com/newsletter SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/vopro-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/newsletter The Pro Blog: https://vopro.pro/blog The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vofreedommasterplan.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom Say Hi on Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voiceover website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

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