OCCUPATION: VOICE-OVER ARTIST

Name: Al Verde

Agency: Berzon Talent Agency, Costa Mesa

Thumbs up: “I have wanted to do voice-overs ever since I was a kid. It’s an exciting job and I’m not stuck in an office all day. A couple of weeks ago, I was the voice of an animated doormat in a cartoon. You never know what you will be asked to communicate or portray.”

Thumbs down: “The field is very competitive and in this tough economy, companies are cutting back on advertising and corporate videos.”

Next step: “My goal is to voice promotional spots for network television.”

Advice: “Learn your craft. I recommend attending voice-over workshops on a regular basis. And like anything else in acting, be persistent.”

Salary range: $200 to $500 and more per session, depending on the project.

Hours: Usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional evening hours.

Educational and training requirements: “There are no formal educational requirements, but plenty of training is involved. Even highly paid, experienced people doing voice-overs continue to take classes to perfect their delivery and technique. It also helps to listen to television and radio spots to learn about different forms of delivery and interpretation.”

Expected demand: “Steady, even though there are fewer projects these days. There is always room for good talent.”

Job description: A voice-over artist uses his or her voice for radio and television commercials, cartoon shows, corporate and industrial videos, sales presentation tapes and in movies.

Major employing industries: Advertising agencies, recording studios, movie and television producers, and corporations.

For more information: Kalmenson & Kalmenson Voice Casting in Encino teaches beginning through advanced-level workshops. Fees: $375 per course. Call (818) 342-6499.

Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times