If it’s your first time looking to find a voice over artist, the process can be daunting from the outside. From pay-to-play sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Voices to self-hosted websites like yours truly, as much as there has never been a better time to get in touch with a voice over artist, there’s also never been so many avenues available to find the right voice for your next project. While some producers might opt for voice-over agencies that take care of all the head-hunting and legwork, keyword searches and social media are both other excellent avenues.
They might have begun as places to share our private lives online, but social media isn’t just about posting slice-of-life shots anymore – it’s become an integral tool in the business and voice over worlds. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can be great resources for discovering talented voice over artists no matter where you are. Finding a voice over artist you can trust with your project has never been easier.
Now that you know how to find a voice over artist, the next step is hiring one.
How Do I Hire a Voice Over Artist?
When hiring a voice over artist, it’s essential to determine your project requirements. Specify the type of voice, accent, language, and tone you need for your project. Immediately outlining these fundamental details won’t just help you find the right voice over actor to bring your vision to life but offer you a better scope of new ideas you might not have considered yet.
After defining your requirements, circle back to the platforms mentioned earlier, and start doing your research to narrow down potential voice over artists. Because these online marketplaces allow you to search for voice over artists with specific skills and experience in mind, finding the perfect fit for your project should unfold naturally. Once you’ve found a few noteworthy candidates, the next step is to listen to their audio samples. By paying close attention to their voiceover demos and reels, you can compare their expressions and work to ensure their voice is what you’re looking for.
How Do I Choose the Right Professional Voiceover?
Now that you’ve sorted your options and narrowed it down to a list of ideal voice over pros, listen to samples of their craft. Take your time and listen to multiple demos to understand the actor’s range, style, and tone. Make sure to really pay attention to their delivery, examine their past clients, and ask them about their existing body of work. Pick their brains for marketing ideas and campaigns that have brought their previous client’s success. Great voice over artists are professionals for a reason – they’ve studied and mastered short-form narration and often have a world of experience.
Finally, reach out to them with the project details and terms. Make initial contact by calling, emailing or filling out their contact form. Provide a detailed description of your project (what’s it for? who will see/hear it?), your voiceover budget, and timeline – this way, the voice over artist clearly understands what you need, how you need it, and when you need it.
How do I Start Working with a Voice Over Artist?
When you’ve located the ideal voice artist for your project, proceeding with caution is essential to guarantee a productive partnership. Before you start working together, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the terms of your collaboration. One of the first things to consider is the rate you’ll pay the voice over artist for their services. You should have an open and honest conversation about what you’re willing to pay and what the voice actor expects to receive in return. It’s essential to ensure that both parties agree on the rate and that it’s fair for both sides.
It’s also important to clarify the usage rights and royalties of the voice-over artist’s work, which will help avoid misunderstandings and disputes. At the end of the day, voice actors provide valuable services, and you want to make sure that they’re appropriately compensated – especially if you plan to work with them again.
How Do I Schedule a Recording Session with a Voice Over Artist?
The next step is scheduling a recording session with your voiceover actor. Coordinate the right time and location for the recording session to run smoothly. When arranging the date and time, consider the voice-over artist’s schedule and ensure it works for both of you. Consider the technical requirements for the recording session, such as the type of equipment and setup time.
Effective communication and preparation are critical to a successful recording session – after all, your voice talent can’t deliver what they don’t know. Before the session, you should review the script with them to discuss any specifics or nuances you’d like featured in their performance.
Lastly, provide any necessary background information about the project. This is doubly true during the recording session: if you’re running a live direction, communicate clearly with the voice over artist. Don’t just provide guidance and feedback; be open to making changes if necessary. Voice over artists aren’t just voices; they’ve studied marketing from the perspective of sound. By preparing and communicating effectively, you’ll ensure that the recording session goes smoothly and that you have a high-quality recording that meets your needs.