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The Art of Voice Acting, Fourth Edition: The Craft and Business of Performing Voiceover [Paperback]

James Alburger (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews) |
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Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 2010 | ISBN-10: 0240812115 | ISBN-13: 978-0240812113 | Edition: 4
Are you just starting in Voiceover? Do you have some experience, but aren't getting booked? Are you a working pro who wants to expand to new areas of VO work?

The Art of Voice Acting is a must read if you are serious about a profession in voice over and looking to maximize your efforts for success in the business.
Packed with basic acting techniques in The Art of Voice Acting, you will discover
* All new scripts
* 20 more pages of new and updated information
* A completely new chapter of studio stories and 'tricks-of-the-trade' from professional voiceover talent around the world
* Updated information for voiceover demos and marketing
* A comprehensive index that makes it easy to find what you're looking for
* More voice and acting techniques
* Contributions from some of the top voice talent in the world
* An all new audio CD with the actual audio for every script in the book,
* PLUS: exercises, demos and more!
Written in an accessible and engaging style Alburger shares his experience as a performer, producer, director and performance coach to give you a clear no nonsense introduction to the business and art of voice acting.

*Learn insider tips on marketing, finding work, making audition tapes and establishing yourself as a professional voice over actor
*New chapter 'Tricks of the Trade', explains how to maximize your efforts and avoid pot holes in the industry
*Perfect your performing skills using easy-to-follow voice exercises and demos on CD Rom

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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

From the Back Cover

Are you just starting in Voiceover? Do you have some experience, but aren't getting booked? Are you a working pro who wants to expand to new areas of VO work?

The Art of Voice Acting is a must read if you are serious about a profession in voice over and looking to maximize your efforts for success in the business.
Packed with basic acting techniques in The Art of Voice Acting, you will discover
* All new scripts
* 20 more pages of new and updated information
* A completely new chapter of studio stories and 'tricks-of-the-trade' from professional voiceover talent around the world
* Updated information for voiceover demos and marketing
* A comprehensive index that makes it easy to find what you're looking for
* More voice and acting techniques
* Contributions from some of the top voice talent in the world
* An all new audio CD with the actual audio for every script in the book,
* PLUS: exercises, demos and more!
Written in an accessible and engaging style Alburger shares his experience as a performer, producer, director and performance coach to give you a clear no nonsense introduction to the business and art of voice acting.
See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

  • Paperback: 432 pages
  • Publisher: Focal Press; 4 edition (August 30, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0240812115
  • ISBN-13: 978-0240812113
  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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More About the Author

› Visit Amazon's James R. Alburger Page
James R. Alburger
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)
There's no doubt that someone looking to get into voice acting will find a lot of useful advice in The Art of Voice Acting. The content is there, and as someone who is not a professional voice actor I will defer to the author as to what is essential knowledge in the field.

Ironically, where the book stumbles is in all the throat clearing that precedes anything useful. The initial chapters seem to drone on about how important it is to get a coach, for example, and I have no doubt that it is. But someone who bought this book presumably wants to just get on with it and cover the basics without being told every other page that this will be difficult and that he or she needs a coach. This may be true, but after the eighth or twelfth time reading it it starts to feel as though the real goal is to sell coaching sessions.

It is also a bit of a frustrating read when it lapses into common sense for pages at a time, for example spending several pages on the definitions of practice, rehearsal and performance. The author seems to find nuance where there needn't be any. A good editor could easily knock 100 pages off of this book.

On the plus side, if you can make it through the self-indulgent prose, the techniques in here are helpful. For example, the approaches to creating a back story to copy can change your perspective (and performance). Finding the music in a script can also help. Similarly, the CD contains some excellent examples and wisdom -- from pronunciation to enunciation to facts about the voice in general -- that are very welcome. (On the downside, the woman doing the reading on the CD has a noticeable breathing problem.) Especially good is the section about selling versus informing, which is a persistent problem with written as well as spoken compositions.

Overall I strongly agree with the authors that coaching is essential if you want to hone your speaking and voiceover skills. In the meantime, The Art of Voice Acting delivers much or perhaps most of the crucial context. It can be tediously basic at times, but when the insights eventually come along it should be enough to keep the aspiring voice actor reading.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)
I first found out about voice over work in college when taking an advanced elective for my degree. The professor did voice over work and somehow this got mentioned in class. He said he'd get checks in the mail periodically for work he had done years before - royalty check magic anytime a commercial aired on radio or TV that he had done work on. I was in awe, but when I asked him how to get into such a business, he was elusive and made it sound like your only way to get into it was to have started 30 years earlier.

This book is written by an insider - one who has been deeply entrenched in voice over work - and now that I'm better educated, voice ACTING work. I never had really thought about it before - but this is definitely acting, not just voicing. Many people have great voices, but could lull a hungry bear to sleep with their reading of any copy.

The book has a realistic take - this is not a get rich quick scheme. The author lets you decide - do you want this as a hobby or a full time job? He goes over what the obstacles are, how luck is involved and how to present yourself professionally on the first go.

The included CD brings to life the examples in the book. There are times when the book tends to ramble, but considering the value of the content, it's worth it. It's like sitting in the classroom of a wise sage and having to indulge in their occasional random segues into stories about how they first met their next door neighbor - but worth it for the years of experience & wisdom they have acquired and are dispensing. The book could have been edited down quite a bit without losing any relevant content - but it's still a great book on how to break into this field.

Not everyone is going to have a voice like Gene Hackman, but those who produce commercials, video games, etc., are not always looking for Gene Hackman's voice - they could be looking for yours. The instructions won't change your voice, but can improve your delivery and give you a better ear to notice things you never noticed before.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)
Be the next Alec Baldwin or Peter Coyote!

The book discusses the field, how to develop your talents and skills, where to possibly find employment etc.,. Interesting tidbits about those "behind" the stage are interspersed with famous voiceover actors/actresses ... they lend tips and tricks for the semi-professional.

The book also comes with an audio CD for examples of the book's techniques.

A niche market book - but I found it very interesting as a layperson. I also wondered what kind of people are doing those crazy ads ... like Viagra and similar products?!

"When you want the time to be right ....."
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A must for every aspired voice over talent
For beginners and pros alike this book is a great source of helpfull advice and practical knowledge. I wrote a little guest article for it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sprecher
A little wordy and self-promotional, but very useful
I am a professional stage actor and, while my voice-over experience is limited, I have enough background to rate this intelligently. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Actmeister
Great read...
Good book for any aspiring Voice Actors. In depth look at the workings of a Voice Acting career & how to devolp what you've got. Excellent instruction.
Published 12 months ago by Jeffrey A. Turner
Vital if you are considering the VO business. I landed a job after...
Truly one of the best books on the Voice Over/ Voice Acting business.

Voice actors have a sensational advantage in the show business arena - you are heard, but not seen... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Movie Maker
A no-holds barred book on the reality of the craft.
What to say about this book that hasn't already been said? This book is, without a doubt, one of the most well-written books on not only the Craft of Voiceover, but the Business... Read more
Published 16 months ago by MikeNH
Best book on voice acting, ever!
What is woodshedding and is it painful? If you are a seasoned voice over professional or just beginning your journey, the forth edition of "The Art of Voice Acting" is one resource... Read more
Published 16 months ago by J. Christopher Dunn
The Voiceover Bible--And For Good Reason!
If you do voiceovers, work on the radio or television, conduct interviews, host a podcast, or just enjoy language, then you have to pick up a copy of THE ART OF VOICE ACTING by... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Man
An Outstanding Voiceover Reference "Encyclopedia!"
I have wanted to do voiceover work since I retired from my last job due to severe back issues in 2004 (I was a Directory Assistance Operator for Verizon), spoke to over 1,200... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Coltbear - A Music Fan
Very comprehensive
I have always been interested in this industry, but, honestly, knew nothing about it. I felt like this book was very interesting and comprehensive with tips as well as a... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Laura Owen
Comprehensive? Oh, yes.
I've been known to entertain the notion of doing voice work. I've often been told I have a great face for radio, and people frequently are entertained by the voices I do when I'm... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Chris Swanson
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