The Ultimate Guide to Voice Over Agents in Los Angeles

If your dream is to become a voice actor… or you are already doing voice work and want to take your career to the next level, it's essential to have the right agent. And if you're in Los Angeles, you picked the right city. There are tons of casting opportunities, studios, and industry connections right in LA making it one of the best places to find voice over representation.
But how do you find the right agent? What do agents do? And how do you prepare to get signed by one of the top voice over agents in Los Angeles. This guide has all the details.

What Does a Voice Over Agent Do?  

Voice-over agents are talent representatives that assist voice actors to obtain paid opportunities. They help connect you with potential employers including:

• Casting Directors

• Advertising Agencies

• Animation Studios

• Video Game Development studios

• Audiobook Publishers etc... 
  

A good agent will:

• Submit you for auditions and roles consistent with your voice type and skill set

• Negotiate contracts for you

• Provide advice to further your career and develop your portfolio

• Provide you with insider access to opportunities that are not publicly listed

Simply put, agents help you do what you do best — act — while they handle the business side.

 Why Los Angeles?

With all things entertainment, Los Angeles is the capital of the industry. The major production studios are all in LA too, Disney, Warner Bros., Netflix, Sony, etc. LA also has some of the best casting agencies and networks available.

For voice actors, benefits of LA include:

• Access to top-tier agents

• More auditioning options

• Networking events and workshops

• State-of-the-art recording studios

Even though voice over opportunities can happen from anywhere in the world now because of virtual work, being in LA will help you to get a step ahead of others in the industry.

 What Voice Over Agents Look For

Prior to commencing your submissions, it’s a good idea to know what agents in Los Angeles are searching for. This is what can help you get noticed:

 1. A Professional Demo

Your demo is your calling card, and should reflect, at a minimum: 

• Professionally recorded and produced

• 60-90 second long

• A variety of commercial, narration and character samples

• An example that reflects your strengths, specialties and niches

Often agents will not consider talent that does not have a demo with good quality sound, articulation, and acting.

2. A Great Resume

Even if you are just starting out, try to include any acting and voice training, workshops, roles or any related experience on your resume. Don't exclude voice work you did for free, such as for a brand, audio book, game or video.

3. Versatility and Authenticity

Agents want to believe that you can act any script well. This means being believable, having range and being able to follow direction. Even better, if you know your type and can stay true to it.

4. A Permanent Home Studio (Optional but Valuable!)

While an agency will book talent to record in studios, more and more are expecting talent to have some decent equipment at home. If you have the tools to record yourself and the knowledge of how to self-record, it's a bonus! 

Top Voice Over Agencies in Los Angeles

 Here is a glimpse of a few noteworthy voice over agencies located in LA:

1. CESD Talent Agency

One of the most well-regarded names in the business, CESD houses some of the industry's most talented voice talent in animation, commercial, and others.

2. Atlas Talent Agency

With locations in New York and LA, Atlas has a reputation for housing some of the best names in entertainment, specifically in animation and video games.

3. DPN Talent

DPN focuses on commercial voice work and has a reputation for igniting high-profile careers.

4. Abrams Artists Agency (now A3 Artists Agency)

This is a full service agency that holds a powerful voice over department, representing both union and non-union talent.

5. SBV Talent

Well-respected in commercial, promo, and animation.

 
When considering: a lot of these agencies are specialized and tend to only take submissions from referrals. This is not to say you shouldn't submit to them, just make sure your packages are professional and polished!

How to Submit to a Voice Over Agent in LA 

Step 1: Research Agencies

Put together a list of agencies that are fit for your voice style and career stage. Visit their website and/or social media to check if they are currently accepting submissions.

Step 2: Create a Submission Package

Mainly agencies ask for: 

• Your demo reel (MP3 or link)

• Headshot or professional photo

• Resume or bio

• A considerate cover letter not over one page long.

Be sure, every submission is personalized. Do your due diligence.

Step 3: Follow Up (Gently)

If you have not received a response after 3-4 weeks, a modest follow-up email is acceptable, but do not over-extend. They will respond if they are interested.

Should You Go Union or Non-Union? 

Los Angeles is influenced the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Many high-value voice over jobs require union membership.

Pros of the Union:

• Higher pay

• Legal protections, and health

• Access to larger jobs and good agents

Pros of Non-Union Work:

• Greater flexibility in terms of work

• More accessible entry-level work

For fresh starts, non-union work is a good way to build experience. Once you have some credits it may be easier for you to get a union job (and agent).

Red Flags to Watch Out For 

Sadly, there are shady agents as well. Be cautious of:

• Agents that ask for money upfront.

• Guaranteed bookings or outrageous claims!

• No history or online presence.

• Vague wording in contracts.

Legitimate agents get paid when you get paid (10-15% commission).

What to Expect After Signing 

After you sign, the work doesn't end it begins! You still have to:

• Continue taking classes and workshops.

• Maintain and update your demo and resume.

• Quickly respond to audition requests.

• Continue to network and develop your craft.

Maintaining a good relationship with your agent is a two-way road. The more you hustle, the more they can do for you.

Conclusion

Finding a voice over agent in Los Angeles may result in great opportunities for you—but getting there takes preparation, persistence and professionalism. Preparation—work on your craft, invest in a great demo, and build your connections. Persistence—research voice over agents and find the right fit for you and your goals. Be patient in the process, keep your sense of self-worth, and engage with confidence!
Consider your voice as your brand. A good agent will help you with distribution—but your voice is your voice, and it’s your job to use it!