Everyday VOpreneur® with Marc Scott

Episode: “Cash in on Your VO Credits: Comic-Con Tips from Andy Field”

Date: September 18, 2025
Guests: Andy Field (voice actor known for Five Nights at Freddy’s)
Host: Marc Scott

Episode Overview

This episode is a deep dive into how voice actors can leverage their credited roles—especially in popular franchises—for new revenue streams at fan conventions, such as Comic-Cons. Andy Field, known as the guide character (Hand Unit) in the Five Nights at Freddy’s gaming franchise, shares hard-earned, actionable advice about succeeding at conventions, marketing oneself as a voice actor, and building lasting fan engagement. The wide-ranging discussion covers everything from getting booked at cons to maximizing on-site earnings and managing fan interactions.

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. The Power of Diverse Experience in VO (06:05–09:15)

• Andy Field discusses how his backgrounds in the military, teaching, and emergency care enhance his versatility and credibility in various VO genres:
  • Military & Medical Roles: Having real-world experience helps with authenticity in narration for similar topics.
  • Broad Exposure: “The more stuff you read and the more stuff you know…” (Andy, 07:12)
  • Teaching as Training: Teaching improves communication skills essential for e-learning and instructive VO work.

2. Landing a Breakthrough Role in a Cult Franchise (09:38–17:42)

• Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF): Andy shares the story of booking the transformative role via a Voices.com listing and its unexpected franchise explosion.

  • He describes the game's creator, Scott Cawthon, as a “Star Wars-level genius on the merchandising” (Andy, 12:04).
  • Andy’s guide character has become “the voice of the franchise as we go on with this thing” (Andy, 12:56).

• Franchise Growth: FNAF has millions of players, multiple books, graphic novels, movies, and an adult and nostalgia-fueled fandom.

  “All I really wanted was to pay my electric bill with this voiceover thing... And it’s evolved into people... saying, ‘this was fantastic,’ and that’s just a... special thing.” (Andy, 31:25)

3. Conventions as an Income Stream (17:42–26:10)

• First Comic-Con Experience: His initial con saw “standing room only,” and a substantial appearance fee—setting the tone for future opportunities.
  • “Marketing is everything and everything is marketing.” (Andy, repeated at 00:10, 17:50, and 35:03)
• Getting Booked: Most bookings come from Andy hustling himself—“I’d say it’s 90% me hustling the gigs and 10% getting invited” (Andy, 23:58).
  • He assesses cons by Facebook followers, reputation, and the other headliners.
• Negotiating Terms:
  • Sometimes he asks only for a hotel and table to land a spot, especially for nearby events.
  • He weighs costs and effort: “For like $30 more, my wife and I could just fly there.” (Andy, 26:00)
  • “Once they get to about 10,000 [followers], I think it’s worth it.” (Andy, 27:10)

4. Assessing Your Own Fit—Should You Do Cons? (28:24–34:15)

• Clues a VO actor is ready:
  • Fans already reaching out is a strong sign.
  • The size and engagement of the franchise is crucial.
  • Start local/small, offer panels/workshops, and treat early gigs as learning opportunities.
• Merchandising is another revenue stream—unique items aligned to the role/franchise add value and excitement.
• Caution on Brand and Copyright: Even if anyone can sell generic merch, maintain professionalism: “...I want to make sure that they continue to cast me in the games... There are some lines you might cross at a comic con... I want to be somebody with integrity.” (Andy, 33:17)

5. Merchandising, Pricing, and On-Site Strategies (35:07–47:34)

• Gear for Cons: Andy now brings banners for multiple credits, numerous prints, and innovative signature items (e.g., “exotic butters” squishies from Alibaba, Funko Pops).

  • “That’s the hero item on my table.” (Andy, 37:34)

• Merch Sourcing:

  • Most specialized items sourced from China/Alibaba or bought from vendors at cons.
  • He learned to batch order, look for upsell opportunities (e.g., Funko Pops as add-ons).

• Bundling & Pricing Psychology:

  • Autographs: started at $20, moved up to $50 as demand rose.
  • Combos: Autograph + selfie ($70), $100 package includes a Funko Pop.
  • Military discount at 50%.
  • “Disney lists their most expensive things first so that you feel like the things below it are a better deal... I just started doing that with my pricing.” (Andy, 44:44)
  • Pricing models inspired by other pros and even movie theater popcorn sales.

• Value & Authenticity:

  • “What a privilege to have to stop what you’re doing because someone loves what you do.” (Andy, 46:16)
  • Personal appearances provide value AI cannot replicate.

6. Agents, Representation, & the Importance of Hustle (39:04–41:14)

• Andy’s experience with “appearance agents” for cons has been mixed.
  • Most VO actors won’t get much agent support unless they’re major names.
  • “If you are a lesser celebrity, like I am, and you try to get on with an agent, every agent’s going to have bigger people than you on their roster...” (Andy, 40:15)
  • Self-advocacy and hustle is key for all but “A-list” talents.

7. The Human Side: Fan Interactions & Mindset (54:00–59:26)

• Forward-facing and performative skills are crucial: engage the public, especially shy or neurodiverse fans who find courage to meet you.
  • “You’re not there to make money. Like, you’re there to meet the people who spent... all year [saving].” (Andy, 55:00)
• Tips for successful signings:
  • Open conversations, icebreak with favorite game/character questions.
  • Learn to gently move lines along and respect fans’ emotional stakes.
  • “The change in facial expression is about to be epic for most of them.” (Andy, 59:01)
• “AI can’t take your personal appearances away. My VO work is slowly fading, but…” (Andy, 47:12)

8. Expanding Your Brand: Cons, Social Media, and VO Bookings (31:04–32:36, 51:23–53:20)

• Andy’s Five Nights fame led to voiceover bookings from fans in other genres (e.g., documentaries).
• Cons can build lasting personal brands and open up additional coaching/teaching opportunities.
• TikTok and online engagement further amplify reach—Andy grew from 38,000 to 115,000 followers in months by leveraging recent releases.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Diversifying Experience (07:12):
  “The more stuff you read and the more stuff you know... Not only does it help you when you’re reading scripts and you’re faster... but you know more things and you kind of get more things...” — Andy Field

• On Franchise Breakout (12:04):
  “He made millions. And the merchandising—this guy was Star Wars-level genius on the merchandising.” — Andy Field

• On Personal Appearances (00:00, 47:12):
  “AI can’t take your personal appearances away.” — Andy Field

• On Being a ‘Lesser Celebrity’ (40:15):
  “If you are a lesser celebrity... and you try to get on with an agent, every agent’s going to have bigger people than you... So how much attention do you get? Not a lot.” — Andy Field

• On Pricing, Marketing Psychology (44:44):
  “Disney lists their most expensive things first... I just started doing that with my pricing.” — Andy Field

• On Fan Gratitude (46:16):
  “What a privilege to have to stop what you’re doing because someone loves what you do and wants to shake your hand.” — Andy Field

• On Motivation to Start VO (31:25):
  “All I really wanted was to pay my electric bill with this voiceover thing... And it’s evolved into people... saying, ‘this was fantastic,’ and that’s just a... special thing.” — Andy Field

• On Hustle (51:23):
  “If you want to open up cons as an income stream... there’s some hustle that goes into this... But if you’re willing to put in the hustle, there’s an opportunity there.” — Brad Newman

• Memorable Moment: Exotic Butters as a Signature Item (37:02):
  “My character’s catchphrase is exotic butters... I’ve got a bunch of little butters that are squishy and they smell like butter. And I autograph these.” — Andy Field

Handy Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------|-------------| | Intro, importance of marketing | 00:10 | | Andy’s wild military cash story | 01:56–06:10 | | Using personal experience in VO | 06:10–09:15 | | Breaking into Five Nights at Freddy’s | 09:38–17:42 | | Evolution, impact of the FNAF franchise | 15:36–17:42 | | First convention, learning curve | 17:50–19:00 | | How to get booked / self-hustle advice | 23:58–28:24 | | Who should consider doing cons | 28:24–34:15 | | Merch, pricing, and signature items | 35:07–47:34 | | Value of agents and working alone | 39:04–41:14 | | Pricing psychology, value for fans | 44:44–47:12 | | The privilege and responsibility | 46:16–47:17 | | Expansion abroad/European aspirations | 49:45–50:43 | | The grind and “hustle” at cons | 50:50–51:23 | | Opening new VO opportunities/docs | 51:40–53:20 | | The emotional core of fan interactions | 54:00–59:26 | | Quick coaching offers, closing remarks | 59:26–61:02 |

Actionable Takeaways for VOpreneurs

• Market Your Credits: Lean into every notable role—franchise association is powerful.
• DIY Hustle: Don’t wait for invites; proactively reach out to con organizers.
• Fan Engagement: Master approachable, considerate interaction; it sets you apart and enhances your brand.
• Merchandise Smart: Find a hero item related to your character for signatures and unique fan keepsakes.
• Price Psychologically: Bundling and premium packaging increases perceived value; discounts foster goodwill.
• Be Adaptive: If you’re introverted, practice performative elements—it’s crucial at cons.
• Protect Your Brand: Maintain copyright integrity and cultivate a clean, trustworthy reputation.
• Media Cross-Pollination: Use con exposure to seek new bookings or teaching opportunities.
• Remember the Privilege: Fans are the lifeblood—a little effort goes a very long way.

Contact & Coaching:
Andy Field offers mentoring and support for other voice actors looking to break into the con circuit. Find him at andyfieldvoiceover.com.

Summary by: Everyday VOpreneur® Podcast Summarizer
Episode link: vopreneur.com