How To Be A Voice Actor For Funimation
Ever watched your favorite anime on Funimation and thought, "Hey, I could totally do that!"? Well, guess what? You absolutely can! Okay, maybe not immediately voicing Goku, but everyone has to start somewhere, right?
The good news is, becoming a voice actor, especially for a giant like Funimation (now Crunchyroll, but the spirit lives on!), is more about passion and persistence than having some secret Hollywood connection. Let's dive into how you can unleash your inner anime hero (or villain!).
Step 1: Unleash Your Inner Ham!
First, and this is crucial, you gotta love acting. No, really LOVE it. Practice voices constantly. Do impressions of your friends, family, cartoon characters – even your pet goldfish (if it's chatty enough!).
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Read aloud – a lot! Don't just mumble through it. Emphasize different words. Try different tones. Become a one-person play in your living room!
Record yourself. Yes, it might be cringe-worthy at first. But trust me, hearing yourself is the best way to identify your strengths and… well, areas for improvement. Nobody's perfect right away, not even Christopher Sabat (the voice of Vegeta!).
Step 2: Training Montage Time!
So, you've got the passion, now it's time for some good old-fashioned training. Think of it as your anime training arc – time to level up your skills!
Acting classes are your best friend. Improv, scene study, voice acting workshops – soak it all in. Even community theater can give you invaluable experience and help you get over stage fright (or mic fright, in this case).
Specifically, look for voice acting coaches or workshops that focus on animation and ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement – that's the fancy term for dubbing!). These folks can give you personalized feedback and help you hone your craft.
Step 3: Gear Up (Without Breaking the Bank)
You don't need a Hollywood studio setup to start. A decent USB microphone, a quiet space, and some recording software (Audacity is a great, free option!) are all you need to start creating your demo reel.
What's a demo reel? It's your voice acting resume! Think of it as your highlight reel showcasing your range, character voices, and overall awesomeness.
Keep it short and sweet – a minute or two is plenty. Include a variety of voices and styles. Show off your ability to be a gruff old wizard, a sassy teenage witch, or a super-powered alien warrior!
Step 4: The Funimation (Crunchyroll!) Connection
Okay, here’s the slightly less glamorous part. Funimation, now under the Crunchyroll umbrella, primarily hires voice actors through agencies. So, your goal is to get signed by a reputable voice acting agency that works with them.
Research agencies that specialize in voiceover work, particularly in animation. Submit your demo reel and headshot (a professional-looking photo is key!) and cross your fingers!
Be prepared for rejection. It's a competitive field. Don't let it discourage you. Keep practicing, keep improving, and keep submitting. Even Sean Schemmel (Goku himself!) probably faced some rejection early on.
Step 5: Embrace the Hustle!
While you're chasing the Funimation dream, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Explore other voice acting opportunities. Commercials, audiobooks, video games – they're all great ways to build your experience and your resume.
Network! Attend voice acting conferences, workshops, and meetups. Connect with other voice actors and industry professionals. It's all about who you know (and how awesome your voice is!).
Most importantly, never stop learning and never stop having fun. Being a voice actor is a challenging but incredibly rewarding career. So go out there, unleash your inner voice, and maybe, just maybe, you'll be voicing your favorite anime character someday!
