How to get scouted?

[Haushinka]

I often watch others' projects on the board, and a lot of them never had auditions posted up. After talking to a few people about this they explained that it was done by 'scouting' and the producers just ask certain VAs to participate. So my question is, what is the best way to get scouted? Is it just like a connections/which people are your friends type thing? Or is there any advice you guys can give me to help my chances?

[TamTu]

If you have a demo up and you happen to have the perfect voice or something, that's one thing to get you scouted.

Another is indeed to socialize with the producers around here ;D.


Which reminds me. I'm gonna scout you sometime.


For what I don't know yet, but I'm gonna scout ya.

[Darth Mongoose]

I've been scouted once. Basically if you do boredom clips and samplers, somebody may spot you and have a use for you. Because of my unusual voice and accent, I'm generally more likely to be scouted than get parts through auditions because if people want my voice, they'll ask me, but I don't fit well with 'generic' parts.

The trick is, make boredom clips that people will notice. You'd be suprised what will happen.

[Ayame]

I've been scouted only a few times, but each time it was because a producer I had worked with before had a role they thought I could pull off.

[topleka]

Audition for lots of stuff, too. I save every audition I receive, and if I'm looking for a certain voice, I go over old auditions to see if there's anyone I like. Just because you don't get cast in something doesn't mean the producer has forgotten about you. Actually, lots of people ask me for recommendations too, so being in the topleka voice database is a good thing. ::nod nod::

Be reliable, be available, be friendly. Form complete sentences. XD

[Chinomi]

Usually people come to me only if they want little girl voices @_@
Though, there are exceptions... such as.... Izumi....
and Lila scouted me as Shippou (CRAZEEHHHH)

[Haushinka]

Well I've posted up various clips....right now I have a 'real' demo up along with the boredom clips - Excel's anime commercial and Kagome's preview. I audition for pretty much everything on the board..So I guess I'm just doing something wrong.

[Sukisho]

Though, there are exceptions... such as.... Izumi....

He doesn't count cause that was your idea and not mine XD


Audition for lots of stuff, too. I save every audition I receive, and if I'm looking for a certain voice, I go over old auditions to see if there's anyone I like. Just because you don't get cast in something doesn't mean the producer has forgotten about you. Actually, lots of people ask me for recommendations too, so being in the topleka voice database is a good thing. ::nod nod::

Be reliable, be available, be friendly. Form complete sentences. XD

Yeah, I save everything too and it works nice if you don't wanna hold audtions cause then you have lots of diffenret voices from other auditions that you've had and can find what you want.

[Lucien]

I get a lot of people asking me to find them a voice actor for a specific part. If I don't feel I can play the part myself, I first think of the people who I know, people who I socialize with alot who I'm familiar with their voice, and see if any of them fit the part. If I don't think they fit, I then think of people who I've heard in productions who I was impressed with, or took note of their performance/voice. If *that* doesn't give me a name which I think would fit, then I start going to people's resumes, and searching out the VA Listings section. In all cases, I try to choose people who I know are good about deadlines.

When I'm scouted for things, it's usually a result of someone finding my demo, or because a producer who I had done previous work for thought to use me. There's a few quality name producers who I'm proud to by on their 'call list.' I would like to think that I got on this 'list' by; consistantly turning in quality work, showing dedication to their projects, and being friendly in general.

[lirifox]

I've been scouted a few times, but always as little boys. o.o

I guess it was because one of the first roles I landed was a little boy, and that's what people link me with. =3 So I just keep doing boys, and get better and better at it.

Not that I mind. XD

Guess I should probably do some of the above mentioned things to show people I'm a girl. =D

[Fiona C]

A lot of people have said "be friendly". It's true. I tend to stay behind the scenes, producing clip after clip, and I'm one of these producers who is very shy about asking people for things, including scouting them to do lines. But if you're friendly, and polite, then that makes the producer's life so much easier. *nod*

Also, get your voice out there if you want to be scouted. :D Audition for things, get cast, or make clips. I don't know if this applies to all producers, but I know some keep people who have auditioned on a scout list for future reference. ^^

Reliabilty's a big thing to me. If you mess me about, chances are, I'll not work with you again. Prove to me you're reliable, and that I can trust you, and I'll happily scout you for something. ^_^

[TamTu]

There's a few quality name producers who I'm proud to by on their 'call list.' I would like to think that I got on this 'list' by; consistantly turning in quality work, showing dedication to their projects, and being friendly in general.


No, you're just my bitch. <3


Well I've posted up various clips....right now I have a 'real' demo up along with the boredom clips - Excel's anime commercial and Kagome's preview. I audition for pretty much everything on the board..So I guess I'm just doing something wrong.

Nah, don't worry about it. Things don't go that fast paced here, so give it some time ^^

Even though people start projects a lot, the actual activity on projects is less thatn can be expected from producers around here.


Boredom clips however, can be made in an instant, depending on what it's about.



......Heeeeeey. >D

[Kei]

I got scouted twice.
Strange thing is those two times were the only projects ive been in... so im not really sure why i got scouted... well one person scouted me cuz she has heard my voice lots oh times in my auditions for other characters... so basically audition alot, get your voice out there, but audition for a variety of characters so producers know what your ranges are.

[mizura]

I've been scouted-- enough times that I don't remember anymore XD;; but that's mostly from people on moi AIM contact list. Or other people who have AIM and just happen to see moi name on the board and go "Hey you, have a moment?" I've been in however many productions that i'm in, but i notice that some people still dunno who the heck i am. :D lol. Oh well.
When I scout I tend to go for people I know and who are reliable, have decent enough mics n' know won't take like 20 months to turn in a line. :D Tho i used to make it a point to cast the newbies I didn't know just to see how they were. (That's what moi shorts were for! XD Yes they served a purpose for those o' u who didn't know...or care for that matter.) ;.; I haven't had much o' a chance to do that lately come to think o' it.....

[Haushinka]

Even though people start projects a lot, the actual activity on projects is less thatn can be expected from producers around here.

Boredom clips however, can be made in an instant, depending on what it's about.
I made my boredom clips in a few minutes. lol. especially during improv; those are always fun.

Unfortunately, the only times I've gotten casted for significant roles were in projects that were never finished. :p

[Sukisho]

Unfortunately, the only times I've gotten casted for significant roles were in projects that were never finished. :p

Don't worry the other project of mine you're in will get finshed soon ^-^ so at leas that's something ^.^

[Haushinka]

Don't worry the other project of mine you're in will get finshed soon ^-^ so at leas that's something ^.^

You mean...Tokyo Mew Mew? =o
i assumed you'd decided to stop making it or something lol

[Sukisho]

Don't worry the other project of mine you're in will get finshed soon ^-^ so at leas that's something ^.^

You mean...Tokyo Mew Mew? =o
i assumed you'd decided to stop making it or something lol

Yes TMM tehee. Nah I don't stop making things..well rarely but yeah it's still alive..just waiting on a redo like all things..lol

[Lucien]

Yeah, the unfortunate truth is that 90% of the things people are cast in will probably not see the light of day, so in order to get your voice heard (by people other than the producer) just audition for lots of stuff. It's all good practice anyway, whether you're casted or not, and whether the project is finished or not.

[Tom]

The bottom line is that there really is no "way" in which you get scouted. Therefore, you can't do something "wrong", and not get scouted.

To audition is community method. To be scouted is chance.

Most of everything that I do is scouted. And 90% of when I say I "scouted" for a project, it really means that I asked one of my friends who happened to be online at the time of production. The other 10% of the time, I actually did indeed, scout--in the classical sense.

When I put something together that I want to scout voices for, basically I just go to all of the voice acting message boards and look up AVA directories; download samplers/demos; listen to radioplays; and ask a trusted friend for their suggestions.

So in the end, it's all in how the coin landed for you that day. The best advice would be to get familiar with producers you like (as many people already mentioned), and audition for absolutely EVERYTHING. Put your voice in the game, and it gets to play.

-Tom-

[Matt Alan]

How to get cast? Easy, sleep with the producer. Easiest way. XD

[cheetahd586]

I have only been scouted a few times, and I have no idea how it happened. It is quite a cool feeling when people think that you have the "perfect" voice for the part though!

[Chinomi]

Though, there are exceptions... such as.... Izumi....

He doesn't count cause that was your idea and not mine XD

Shhhhhhhh >____>

[Miki-Chan]

There's a few quality name producers who I'm proud to by on their 'call list.' I would like to think that I got on this 'list' by; consistantly turning in quality work, showing dedication to their projects, and being friendly in general.

I'm probably not one of them. XDDD But yes, you do turn in your work very quickly and in good quality. And thank you for that.

XD I've never really been scouted much; but that could be because I've been too lazy (Yep, for the past year and a half) to get a sampler/demo up. The only times I've been scouted are by friends or people I've previously worked with/for.

I agree with everyone else. Demos are a very good way to increase your chance of being scouted, and being social is helpful, too. ^^

[Haushinka]

I agree with everyone else. Demos are a very good way to increase your chance of being scouted, and being social is helpful, too. ^^
I'd say both of those apply, which is why I'm thinking something's just wrong with my acting, lol. Any help is appreciated as long as it's constructive ^^

[Crimson]

I generally get scouted by recommendation (usually recommended by Lupin <3 <3), so I figure it can't be a bad idea to work on making your own clips and casting yourself for parts (and then making people with connections watch them!!!) XP;

I do have a strange story to tell, though. A producer (who's name will be ommited) was asking me to help him find a good female actor who could pull off a low male voice. At the time I wasn't aware of all the girls popping up here who are quite good at playing boys, so I couldn't think of anyone really. I suggested that if he couldn't find anyone, I could try. So I sent him a clip, which he ended up not being very impressed by and that was that.
A while later I get an email from the above mentioned producer that offers me the part... apparently I'd received a recommendation from one of his cast members and so he was willing to just give me the part O.o;
In the end I think his original judgement was the best call, though... 'cause that turned out to be one of my more embarrassing works >_<.

[Dylan]

There's a big risk you'll be typecasted though. Once people know you can do a certain voice, they might go for the 'easy' option and contact you.

It's always nice and cool to be scouted, but at times it can be less than challenging.

I guess what I'm trying to say is - be as versatile as you can!

[shadowsvoice]

How to get cast? Easy, sleep with the producer. Easiest way. XD

Just amke sure it was good XD. no but seriously just audition and make boredom clips, eventually someone will notice ya and sue ya.

[Sukisho]

How to get cast? Easy, sleep with the producer. Easiest way. XD

How would YOU know if that works? XD

[Matt Alan]

How to get cast? Easy, sleep with the producer. Easiest way. XD

How would YOU know if that works? XD

Worked on you didn't it? XP

*kidding*

[Akoto]

I've been scouted quite a few times since I did my initial auditions, though usually by the same circle of producers. It seems that I do the youthful male and evil villain voices well. :)

As far as I can tell, it was being active in the community that helped me to get scouted. I joined and immediately started getting involved. Posting in the threads (even non-VA ones), sending producers and actors IMs to let them personally know that I enjoyed their work, and so on. Getting my name out there, basically. People will eventually take an interest in you and want to hear what you've got to offer.

As in professional voice acting, personal advertising is a good part of the battle!

[Haushinka]

I've been scouted quite a few times since I did my initial auditions, though usually by the same circle of producers. It seems that I do the youthful male and evil villain voices well. :)

As far as I can tell, it was being active in the community that helped me to get scouted. I joined and immediately started getting involved. Posting in the threads (even non-VA ones), sending producers and actors IMs to let them personally know that I enjoyed their work, and so on. Getting my name out there, basically. People will eventually take an interest in you and want to hear what you've got to offer.

As in professional voice acting, personal advertising is a good part of the battle!
I do that quite a lot - in fact, people around the Newgrounds forum are like "Ask Kagome" anytime someone posts about needing voice actors. So I'm guessing it's just that people either don't like my voice, or the way I play out certain characters, which is something I need to work on...a coach of some kind would be cool...Anyway, I LOVE your Naraku voice! It's perfect :mrgreen:

[Prissi]

I'd say both of those apply, which is why I'm thinking something's just wrong with my acting, lol. Any help is appreciated as long as it's constructive ^^

There's nothing wrong with your acting. I had TamTu send me your demo. TamTu doesn't tend to waste time. I don't even have time, but I managed to find time to listen to your demo. And I don't have time to waste, either... *mumbles* But I spent a good five minutes squealing over you. I was VERY impressed. And I had to come here and find out exactly who you were. (Did I already mention I don't have time to waste? :P) Bottom line: I think you have awesome talent, there are slight improvements to make as always, but you're one of the only new people I've heard for a long while, and among them all, you rank among the top. If I was still producing, had time to, or whatever, I would scout you in a heartbeat. (since I'm too lazy to hold auditions... they are a huge pain in the behind to hold at times... especially on 56k)

The first thing: you sound a LOT like Chell, especially in your cuter and slightly deeper voices (for those who don't know, since it seems like I don't know 7/8ths of the people here anymore) she's my best friend and fellow VA... and we go to the same uni ^_____________^) Anyway, Chell's an awesome actress and she's busy getting out there~ she just finished Rebecca in Our Town at UCR a few weeks ago... anyway I'm digressing, but you sound like Chell <3 Which is a VERY good thing. 'Cause Chell is amazing, both as a voice actress and as an actress, and as a person... um, someone drag me away before I keep plugging Chell XD

The second thing: your recording quality is great. I think only improvement... is an investment in a USB mic. :D :D :D they make everything sound even more awesome. XD People prize recording quality. I like USB mic-type-recording quality, I guess I just got used to it. XD And especially if TamTu's going to be scouting you, I suggest you invest in one :p

The third thing: Watch the p's and b's... breath noises, whatever they are called anymore. Pops? Facing the mic head on tends to do this, turn it a bit to the side, or use some tissue as a filter. Or invest in a USB mic. :D (On ebay, you can get them for like, $9 and cheaper! labtec verse 704! they're worth like $40.) I even do this when I sing (which is most of what I do) because sometimes it gets too loud... also, reduce your recording volume, etc.. pretty sure someone's told you this by now. <3

The fourth thing: Take direction. TamTu doesn't exactly have a large variety of voices, but his acting... is stellar. He'd be glad to help you, I'm sure, if you want any direction. Whenever you're doing a role for anyone... take every single direction hint from them as is possible. Sometimes they'll want redos. Take hints from them. Take directions. Be flexible and easy to work with, and people will note that and scout you in the future. In the days that I was doing this... I once cast someone simply because he was willing to take direction from me. He'd impressed me, and basically I'd scout him for anything within his voice range in the future.

As for typecasting... mmm... yes. Basically, I'm probably mainly known for my work as Sailormoon/Tsukino Usagi. Not that I mind. XD Anyhow, I am usually scouted for the childish-kiddie-cute roles, that is... when I am scouted, which is not frequently. I think only TamTu and Maria have ever scouted me for something... and Tom did once too, but I don't know what happened to the project <3 I could blame my availability (I'm hardly on AIM anymore), but I tend to prefer to blame it on my acting ;p

I return to my music, study of the brain, these horrid MCAT textbooks, learning LPC, and what I REALLY should be doing now. <3

EDIT: Oh yeah and one more thing about typecasting. I forgot to mention my natural voice :P Which, well, it does surprise most people when they hear it. I could probably easily voice Sailorpluto with my natural voice, but I never have...

[Haushinka]

Thanks for the help/advice ^^
I want some new stuff but I spent all my Christmas money on anime merchandise lol.
I'm making a new demo though, and taking yours + other people's advice into consideration.