New to VAA question

[Kemosobe]

I was just wondering what kinda tools/programs I may need that I may not have thought of to help my VA career start out here. I have Audacity and a decent mic, but is there some other program or something I may need?

My main question, is there a program or something that people use that allows them to record for a fan-dub while allowing them to watch the anime/game/etc. to allow for proper lip-syncing?

Also, how do most producers/directors (or whatever you call yourselves) of fan-dubs go about helping the VA with the parts? Do they just e-mail them the lines they need from the person they choose for a part and have them record it, or do they send them clips from the anime/game/etc so they can (once again) get that proper lip-sync? I know this may be something that differs from person to person, but just a generalization would help at least.

Sorry if this is kinda strange questions, it's just I've been researching getting into Voice Overs for close to a year now so I know how the professionals do it (for the most part), but I have just found this site and wanna make sure I am properly prepared for what I am gonna be doing when I get my first role. Thank you for the help in advance and sorry if this is answered somewhere. I searched all over for my answers and couldn't find them.

[JonFawkes]

From the beginning, all I had was Audacity and Windows Movie Maker, I didn't even have a good mic. I think you're set to start off your Amateur Voice Acting career. I hope that answers your first question.

There are programs that exist to help dub, but from what I know, most people simply watch the video while recording. Just play the very small portion of the video back a couple of times to learn the timing, and then record while it's playing to try to sync it up.

If it's a visual production, a visual guide helps. It all depends on the production. For many of the anime fandubs I'm in, a reference clip is included. For audio productions, it is only a script. So once again, it's all about the project itself.

I'm sure many people much more experienced than me can help you out better, but here's my two cents to your questions. Best of luck with your voice acting career, maybe we'll dub something together some day

[Kemosobe]

Thank you for the help, it kinda answered the questions.

I also just thought of this, for Visual Productions, do you record your voice with the clip of whatever they are wanting, just record your voice and send it to them and they do what they need to, or is it dependent on the person organizing it?

[JonFawkes]

It's definitely dependent on the person. From my experience, most will want you to watch the clip while recording to get the most accurate lip-syncing. While it is the director's/producer's responsibility to edit, it really helps their job when you do your part to make it easier for them.

[ichigo_m]

Well Audacity is great for recording. It's the main program I use. (= To mix I use Sony Vegas, they just released a trial for 9.0 it's really nice. I'd suggest trying it out if you wanna mix stuff.

Well You can sync with sony vegas (I use it when I'm recording lines for myself) but otherwise most people just watch the video on a free streaming site and record while watching it.

Umm well I know that I send the script and a link to the video stream/download for syncing. (btw it's very good that you're worrying about that cause many people don't and it's annoying. xD)

Well welcome to the VAA.

Make sure to get out there and start auditioning~

If you have any more questions feel free to add me on skype (ribbonaquadrops) (=

[Kemosobe]

Again, thanks for the advice. I will most certainly start auditioning soon. I was gonna audition for something (not telling what) but when I started listening to my recording I just felt I may not have it for that character. Sounded more like I was forcing the voice instead of sounding natural. Then again, we are our own worst critic. What I feel is bad (or at least not good) and therefore not worth wasting the effort of the producer, others may feel I am the perfect fit.

Also, is Skype a free messenger service or something? From what I have heard about it before, I thought it was a phone service through your computer you pay for (kinda like Vonage), but if I am wrong, please correct me.

[Tara St. Michel]

Also, is Skype a free messenger service or something? From what I have heard about it before, I thought it was a phone service through your computer you pay for (kinda like Vonage), but if I am wrong, please correct me.

It's sort of a phone service, but it's just like MSN too. You sign up for a free skype name and you can instant message people u add on there and video or voice call over the internet if you want to run through things with a producer that's willing to help you out with your lines.

[Azure]

I just use a virtual dub to play the video and audacity to record, it's very makeshift but works for me. Made a super rough vid to show you how to do it:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjHhAzfSPMQ"]YouTube- How to Fan dub tutorial -recording your lines[/ame]

[Kemosobe]

That was actually very useful. I wasn't even thinking about the edit process of how you can cut out parts you don't need, so the way I was doing it was just awkward, and with its ability to have saved points on it, that virtual dub (or a program just like it) would be very beneficial. Once again, thank you all for the advice.

[Ribb0ns]

I just use a virtual dub to play the video and audacity to record, it's very makeshift but works for me. Made a super rough vid to show you how to do it:
YouTube- How to Fan dub tutorial -recording your lines

I am BRAND new to voice acting. I've been looking it up and trying to get started, but I didn't know how or any of the basics! Your video really helped, thanks! See, I live right near Funimation studios and I wanted to get involved, but again, I couldn't even find someone to help me with the basics. I found this site by chance and your comment has been the most helpful so far. Thank you! Do you have any tips or Tricks I can use to help me get started?