The Art of Voice Acting, Third Edition: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voice-Over [Paperback]

James Alburger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2006

From basic acting techniques and exercises for keeping the voice in top condition, to marketing and promotion of the actor, this book covers it all. The Art of Voice Acting is an excellent introduction to the business and art of voice acting. This new edition also features coverage of specialist areas of voice over: animation/video gaming and film/ movie trailer. Updated to reflect the latest changes in performance techniques and products in the industry, it is essential reading for all voice over actors. Packed with expert advice on job opportunities and career management tips, it is the ideal resource for anyone involved in the industry. The voice over demos and exercises on the expanded CD ROM complete this perfect modern manual to getting established in the voice acting industry.

*Learn insider tips on finding work, making audition tapes and establishing yourself as a professional voice over actor
*Gain expert advice on how to keep your voice in top condition
*Perfect your performing skills using easy-to-follow voice exercises and demos on CD Rom

Editorial Reviews

Review

"....a good coach and a good book can point you in the right direction and get you asking the right questions...In my opinion, the right book is James Alburger's The Art of Voice Acting. Buy it, read it, and re-read it; you won't regret it."
Harlan Hogan, author Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor,

"All actors/speakers should know and use what is contained in this text to develop and expand their career options. Well written, right to the point...?
CHOICE

"This is a really terrific little book packed with information ranging from voice exercises and copy samples, to business advice, guidance on preparing an audition tape, and lots of contact information. Jim Alburger is something of a legend in west coast voice-over circles, with his vast experience as an audio engineer and trainer. If you have ever considered a career in voice-overs, this book is a must have."
John Beaupre, Voice and talent coach. Broadcastvoice.com

Book Description

A one stop shop packed full of resources and real world advice from techniques, voice exercises and preparing an audition tape to copy samples and business advice

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 3 edition (October 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240808924
• ISBN-13: 978-0240808925
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of Voice Acting, May 28, 2000

By 

RICHARD A GOULD - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Voice Acting: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voice-Over (Paperback)

As a rank beginner in the field of Voice-Over and where it can lead, I found that this book shines a light down the highway so you can see the road ahead with all its twists and turns. Potholes, construction slowdowns and flat out beautiful stretches that make you remember why you like to drive in the first place. Arlburger explains in laymans terms how to get ahead in this lucrative and rewarding part of show business. After reading this book and practicing the exercises and sample copy provided, you will know if you've made the right decision. He proves you don't have to have a voice like Walter Cronkite to succeed in Voice Over but you do have to understand the priciples of good business and have a marketing strategy that works for you. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and recommend it wholeheartedly.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST for Voice Actors, April 14, 2003

By 

Debbie Foster (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Voice Acting, Second Edition: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voice-Over (Paperback)

I believe James Alburger's book to be one of the best, if not THE best resource available to all voice actors.

I have 12 years experience as a successful female voice actor and until recently, had not read this wonderful book. I am SO glad I have now! It has been a wealth of information for me in my endeavours of marketing myself to a global audience. Thanks to this book, I now have an understanding of what the American market expects from performers and how their market operates.

Everything you need to know about voice acting is written in clear terms - you won't be left wondering what this author is talking about. This really is an absolute MUST if you are serious about the profession of voice-over.

The only thing which, in my opinion, needs clarification in the book, is how to play the audio files off the CD. There is no 'autorun' feature and when you browse the folders you only see the pdf files listed. However, like another reviewer, I sent an email to the author and within 30 minutes I had a response which lead me in the right direction.

This book is Excellent and the author is clearly a committed professional.

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for voice over mechanics, March 31, 2005

By 

G. Maxwell (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Voice Acting, Second Edition: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voice-Over (Paperback)

This book is a great start to actually using your voice for voice acting. It teaches you how to hone your voice into a finely-tuned instrument as well as dealing with the ins and outs of the trade.

The only thing I found annoying was the author's insistence on taking classes. He introduces the idea early but then never lets up! He is always stressing to the reader to "...take classes."

I think that this idea is a sound one but the author needn't waste ink or precious space to constantly remind the reader of what he stated fourteen other times!

Other than this, it's a pretty good book for those getting into voice overs/acting.

Oh and by the way: take a class...just kidding...