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Top 5 Voice Over Agents

justin1 — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:48:05 +0000

Atlas Talent—they represent me in New York and Los Angeles. I’m biased but I think they are the best and they represent most of the top earning voice-over talent in the industry. They are incredible to work with and get you tons of interviews.
DPN Talent—they are my former agents and they did a lot great things for me. I do appreciate their work but I prefer Atlas as an agency because I think they work harder for their clients. DPN still represents a lot of top talent.
CESD—I was with them when I was younger and I believe they are a great agency, they represent a lot of top talent.
Arlene Thornton and Assoc. I have several friends who have been at this VO agency and they say they do a terrific job for them.
SBV–It’s a large agency that represents clients in Voice-overs, commercials and theatrical. I’ve heard they do a good job for their clients.

Top 6 ways to Break into Voice-Overs

justin1 — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:37:19 +0000

1. Put together a terrific 1 minute demo reel showcasing your talent. I’ve put together many demo reels over the course of my voice-over career. Once reel focused on radio spots, one was animation; one was for trailers, and another for narration. You want to keep your reel focused, pronunciate your words clearly, and show your range.

2. Shop your demo reel to different voice-over agents. The top VO agents are Atlas Talent, DPN Talent, CESD… if you want to find the top VO agents, read my blog, “Top VO agents”

3. Network Network Network to different VO casting directors, animation directors, writers and VO producers. By getting recommended to an agent through one of these channels, you will have a much better shot of getting an agent. Agents get tons of submissions, so you’ve got to stand out by getting recommended to them or meeting them somehow, and having an awesome demo reel. Over the course of many years, I’ve gotten to know a lot of people in the VO industry and that’s how I’ve gotten most of my work—just like in everything, it’s “Who you Know.” However, it’s also, “What you Know.” You have to be talented or else you won’t get an agent and won’t be hired again for a job

4. Work on your craft. Constantly be practicing your different voices and your range within your own voice. Join a voice-over class or get a VO coach who can help you master your talent. These people can also help you get an agent if they like you and think you are talented. I’ve taken several different voice-over classes and hired several VO coaches, one for animation and one for radio spots.

5. Think like a business person. Remember it’s called ShowBusiness—so realize it’s a business and you’ve got to be thinking in that direction. Promote yourself to whomever you can and put together a game plan on where you want to go, how you’re going to get there, who you want to meet and how you can meet them.

6. Be Disciplined, Be Focused and Don’t let Rejection get you down. You will hear No a lot, so just stay focused and don’t give up.

New headshots

justin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:40:38 +0000

Took some fantastic new headshots today! I think that’s one of the reasons I love being an actor, I know it’s self-indulgent, but it’s cool to stand in front of a camera and make funny faces–thinking that you’re Tom Cruise;)

Bravo

justin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:42:26 +0000

Considering what to write for the Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker blog on Bravo’s website. Should I be completely honest or sugercoat it? Hmmm. Also, just did an interview in starscoop magazine which should be out soon. Going to the premiere party for Millionaire Matchmaker at The Falcon next Tuesday, that should be fun, me and a bunch of reality stars–wohooo! I am excited though to do PR for the show, it’s fun to do radio and magazine interviews.

VO

justin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:50:37 +0000

Was at DPN for some voice-over auditions earlier today and now off to the gym for a skinny actor body:) It’s hard being a Jewish actor, we like food too much!

2010

justin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:54:02 +0000

Filmed an episode of Millionaire Matchmaker which is going to air Jan 26th at 10pm on Bravo. It was a blast to shoot! Also, just did a radio interview which you can hear at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/buzzworthyradio/2010/01/12/justin-shenkarow
Great radio show and a blast to talk to the host!
Also, just finished doing an interview with starscoop magazine which will be out soon!

New Day

justin — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:18:49 +0000

It’s a gorgeous day in Sunny Cali. I’ve been getting up earlier in the day this week–out of bed by 6:45 or 7, and I feel like I can accomplish so much more when i wake up early. I’ve got an exciting show which I’m working on and soon to report great news about moving forward with it being on the air. I’ll let you know about it soon. Also, finishing up another script and auditioning. Will book a pilot very soon and give all the great details. Hope all is well!

Picket Fences DVD

justin — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 07:38:36 +0000

Today was fun! I went over to David E. Kelly’s studios in Manhattan Beach and gave an interview for the DVD release of the first year of “Picket Fences.” I talked about shooting the first episode, the incredible cast of Tom, Kathy, Fyvish, Ray and the others which made the show so wonderful for me. Fyvish showed up shortly afterward and we caught up. He’s a true diamond in the rough, a wonderful person and so incredibly funny, he had me in stitches the entire time. He told me that he’s shooting the new Adam Sandler film and he plays his Uncle Mosha in the movie. Sandler came to him last week while shooting and said, “Fyvish, you know I’m more Jewish than you.” Fyvish said, “No, no one’s more Jewish than me. ” Sandler replied, “Oh yes, I only drive Cadillac’s!”

Persian Shabbat

justin — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 07:33:14 +0000

Just got back from my best friend Danny’s Shabbat dinner. Well to clarify I was at his cousin’s house chomping on some delicious Persian food. It’s fun going over there. Danny’s close family gathers every Friday night–and they actually all laugh at my jokes, I love that. Tonight we were watching a Persian film which I obviously couldn’t understand but I still laughed and had a great time, it’s nice to be around a family that cares so much for one another. I believe that it’s a wonderful tradition that they gather every Friday night and celebrate as a family!