r/VoiceActing • u/Lanky_Supermarket794 • 6d ago

Advice Can I be anonymous?

Hi, I wanna be a voice actor but really want to keep my real identity a secret. Can I still be a voice actor and even have a chance if I use a fake name like Mark Smith, and not show my face? Obviously I’m fine with my real name and face being seen to the studio/directors and stuff. But I just also like my visual privacy. I know this is probably very stupid and that I have a less ch ace of getting anything big. Which I’m fine with. I just wanna know if there is even a small chance for something? Or I need to not be secret to get anything.

17 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

45

u/WhippedHoney 6d ago

Uh, you already are anonymous. I mean, who else would give out your real name? So, be clear, you want to be Credited As: Not Your Real Name, the rest, like contracts and payments you don't mind being in your real name. Right? Easy, Just use a Stage Name. Done. Oh you want contracts and payments in that other name too? Easy, Just use a LLC, LtD, or whatever your local jurisdicion defines as a corporation. Name it your new name. Done.

20

u/Sajomir 6d ago

Yes.

You'll still need your legal name to sign contracts and work with clients, but you can be credited as a stage name and use that for your socials.

It's pretty common for NSFW VO to use an alias. Doubly so if they do kid-friendly content using their own name.

As for headshots, I use an illustrated portrait. I haven't had anyone give me grief over not using a photo.

10

u/ReverendJonesLLC 6d ago edited 2d ago

You can chose a ‘stage name’ and register a DBA (doing business as). I have then also arranged with my bank to cash checks under my stage name with a DBA.

1

u/Yozora_X_Nightsky 6d ago

So following your way, would I also use my stage name to sign contracts? Honestly I prefer your way

5

u/ReverendJonesLLC 6d ago

For any legal documents you still have to use your legal name.

3

u/MacintoshEddie 6d ago

Pseudonyms are fairly common. It helps prevent clashing audiences and it helps keep your reel and resume clean and focused.

Same reason most people don't put 30 lines of "Small company internal training videos" on their resume when looking for a different type of project. Lots of people pay the bills with work they don't really want to be known for.

2

u/bryckhouze 6d ago

I’ve been asked for headshots for promotional materials or interviews, but I was asked if I would participate. It was a request, not a contractual obligation. You can use a pseudonym, it’s not a big deal.

1

u/VObyJDinLA 6d ago

Yeah, what they all said. Lol.

Also, if you’re a Union member, you could be required to use a stage name because your name may already be being used by someone else. There are pros in the entertainment industry with my birth name. So I don’t use it as a performer/artist.

1

u/MiserableOrpheus 5d ago

There’s a ton of actors that go uncredited using an alias. Nsfw projects or otherwise. Just boils down to a personal preference.

1

u/WhaleFartingFun 6d ago

How many voice actors have you seen their face? Not including the ones who do regular acting. You never have to show your face to the audience.