Professional Voice Over Talent

Strategies for Securing Regular Voice Over Work Opportunities

2011-08-17T02:55:00.000-05:00

Once you have finished voice over training at an online or traditional school, the next phase is finding voiceover projects. Looking for voice over work opportunities in our current highly competitive industry can be challenging however, there are various steps you can take in order to position as being a good candidate for a high-paying project. Here are a few things you can do to find regular voiceover work opportunities:

1. Update your promotional package. If you designed a voiceover promotional profile when you were in voiceover school, you will have to always make sure it's updated and includes each of the techniques you've developed over time. For those who have recently finished new assignments for a client and have clips to share, include these in your marketing bundle for the potential client to be able to see additional examples of your voice over talent.

2. Get a successful voice over agent to work with. Working together with a professional agent may help you obtain voiceover work in a number of areas that you not know, and so it's a good idea to start pitching your marketing bundle to well-known voice over agents. A voiceover agent may also be able to point you to high-profile job opportunities as well as help to make recommendations as your representative to agents and directors in the industry.

3. Have an online portfolio. Nowadays, there are quite a few voiceover marketplaces available on-line, and you may set up a profile that will show your abilities. Some jobs are available on-line, while others will require you to go a studio room.

4. Keep rehearsing voice over scripts. You'll find on-line voice over scripts databases of several types of voiceover scripts. You may use these to help you practice, to make an audio file and create more samples. Strengthen your skills by practicing voiceover scripts often.

5. Get more voiceover coaching. If you're not one hundred percent confident that you've got the voice over skills you need to land your next job, think about strengthening your capabilities by taking additional voiceover training programs. Extra voice over coaching and practice gives you with an edge to get better paying work opportunities and get more voice over jobs on an continuous basis.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, MN and Has Provided the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Companies and Agencies Since 1991.

Identifying Voice Over Types

2010-09-23T21:08:00.000-05:00

Voice-over talents quite often specialize in a certain style of voice-over, such as radio scripts, television ads as well as corporate and business voice-over scripts. As outlined by James R. Alburger, author of the book "The Art of Voice Acting: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voice Over", a lot of people mainly think about advertisements whenever they hear the phrase "voice over scripts." Today, voice over scripts are used for more than just television and radio advertisements. Voice overs have grown to be an indispensable part of giving presentations for media, the web, corporate promotional materials, and also to promote a number of events. There are basic types of voice over talents, and each role requires quite exact narration and on-air speaking skills.

In the radio industry, voice-over artists are used to make commercials, promo materials, in addition to radio DJ segments. For TV, voiceovers are being used for news segments, ads, promo videos and on-air segments to introduce news anchors along with other TV celebrities. The marketing promotions division of the TV channel generally handles the on-the-air campaigns of voice over tracks.

In the corporate community, voice overs are generally utilized to make training materials, internet presentations and promo videos. Voiceovers may also be used to produce marketing and advertising presentations, video demonstrations for trade shows, conventions, as well as for training purposes. Occasionally, a voice over artist can be used to produce a series of telemarketing information scripts or narrate the voice over prompts for inbound callers. Retailers generally produce voice-over scripts to be able to announce in-store offers.

In the motion picture sector, voice overs are utilized to be able to launch any segment, or to provide narration. Voice over talents used to do this type of job generally have some experience working with films as well as animation, and may even need to alter their voice in order to execute a particular role.

Various other in-demand areas for voice over artists includes the making of audio books, Internet streaming audio and web media presentations. These are all fast-growing areas of the world wide web that require a professional voice to support the actual programming, and voice over artists who will be hired for a majority of these jobs usually have professional voice over training.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, MN and Has Provided the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Companies and Agencies Since 1991.

The Internet: A Great Place To Find Voice Over Talent

2010-03-08T23:02:00.001-06:00

The sheer number of voice actors vying for jobs today can be a little overwhelming when you're looking for the one perfect candidate to represent your project. Take your search online can be a great way to streamline the process of finding the right voice actor for the job.

Those working on multimedia would be wise to take advantage of the great online resources available. Need a script? There are plenty of script databases available on the web, and some of them are even free. In order to make the hiring process quicker and more efficient, you can peruse potential hires' websites, which will often contain portfolios. This will help narrow your field of candidates, and give you an idea of what to expect from a candidate early on. In addition to checking out voice talent's resumes and portfolios, some even use the Internet to conduct interviews.

Still, when you are trying to find the right match online, you'll need a strategy and process that will maximize your efforts. You can waste countless hours searching and sourcing candidates, only to find out that they won't follow through on a project or even submit a quality sample. Knowing what to look for and how to proceed online can make your interviews and auditions much more valuable. Here are the steps involved when hiring a voice over artist over the web:

1. After you you initially contact a potential hire, ask for a sample of their work. If the person in question is the true professional they claim to be, they will have .mpeg samples on hand to send to you, or will direct you to a site where you can heir their work. This first step goes a long way towards weeding out candidates who aren't serious about getting the job.

2. Ask potential hires for a resume. Any serious voice actor or actress should be able to provide a formal resume, complete with his or her employment history and references. Speaking of references, they're there for a reason; you should make sure to contact two or more of the past employers listed in order to get a balanced assessment of the performance you can expect from a potential hire.

3. Request a preferred rate. Many voice over professionals have an expected rate for each project, and you'll want to know about both hourly and per-project rates. Some professionals will request payment only after final delivery, while others will require a portion upfront with the remainder due at the end of the project.

4. Interview voice talent over the telephone. If you do not have the opportunity to conduct a face to face interview, a telephone interview is the next best thing, as it will give you a clearer picture of his or her personality, experience, and level of confidence. An interview conducted on the telephone will also give you the opportunity to hear a short sample reading from your potential hire.

5. Ask if they can provide all services digitally. Some professionals have the equipment and skills to record the voice over in their home studio, convert it into a media file for review, and allow you to download it directly from the web. Find out what your options are, and plan accordingly to save on mailing fees, travel expenses, and other costs typically incurred for projects of this scope.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Provided the Voice Talent for Dozens of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

Finding Voice Over Scripts For Talent Interviews

2010-02-11T07:40:00.001-06:00

If you're considering hiring voice over talent for an upcoming project, you'll need to schedule an interview, review demo tapes, and request a sample script reading from potential applicants. Voice over scripts make it easier to find just the right match for your business, and can make the interview process much more valuable. Think of the script as a sample of work your applicants can produce for you.

It's up to you how much time you give them to rehearse each piece, but most experienced individuals can complete their testing within a few hours. Since they'll be reading directly from paper, they will just need time to practice their lines, learn about the background or nature of the script, and proceed accordingly. There are very few cases where a voice over script will need to be memorized word for word; since the recording will take place in a studio, your talent will have the script right in front of them.

The general demographic group that you are targeting will be the chief determining factor in the style and tone of the sample script you ultimately choose. Deciding in advance as to what vocal styles will be appropriate for your target market is important for the efficiency of the hiring process, as you will otherwise find yourself performing excessive numbers of interviews with applicants who are not right for the job.

Regardless of exactly what it is that you're marketing, you're going to need several different scripts in order to judge the nature of a particular actor or actress's talents. Think about what your company is trying to produce. Are you looking to create an informal, humorous advertisement, and therefore seeking a voice that will make your audience laugh? Are you trying to create an air of journalistic integrity, necessitating a more authoritative-sounding voice? The tone that you ultimately want in your finished product will serve as the basis for your sample script.

Finding voice over scripts is easy with a simple search online. Many script databases are available free of charge, and give you a chance to search by keyword, theme, or subject. Look for scripts that are similar in scope to your field, or pick something that challenges the applicant to try different styles and themes. Many voice over script collections are royalty-free, affordable, and from trusted sites and projects. These can also be a great resource for developing and adapting your own scripts, and give you some more ideas for making different types of scripts with your key goals in mind.

In making the final decisions as to whether or not to hire a particular voice actor, you're going to want to be able to refer to his or her demo and compare it side-by side with the tapes of other applicants. This demo should include several script selections that are representative of an actor's range of talents, and how well they will fit in with your vision of the marketing you would like to produce. You may either have your voice actors send in demos along with their applications, or complete them in your studio.

Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Dozens of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

How to Record Quality Voiceovers

2010-01-14T00:44:00.002-06:00

You've found your voiceover talent and are ready to start producing your script, and the next step will be to create a professional recording for advertising. It is possible that you have a videographer or production team helping you create a voiceover script, but did you realize that there are computer software programs and tools that can create the entire project for you from start to finish?

The environment in which you will record your Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE voiceover has to be prepared properly to assure the creation of a quality advertising and promotion piece. Here are some essential tips when preparing the room for your voice over recording:

1. Equipment check. Booking the voiceover talent for the project and then wasting several hours testing equipment will cost you. Jay Rose, the author of the book "Producing Great Sound for Digital Video" suggests that you make sure you get the right kind of equipment and test it well before production day. Even testing it a few hours before production time can reduce unforeseen delays.

2. Try to eliminate the echoes in the recording room. The only way you'll know if the room is creating an 'echoing' effect is when you turn on the microphone and shut all the doors and windows. Conduct some test recordings with all of the equipment so that the echo effect can effectively be reduced.

3. Adding background music. In a professional voiceovers, there should not be any noise between the narrator and the listener. You want to create an audio space that sounds as if the narrator is having a face-to-face conversation with the audience. If you have a lot of 'white noise', consider adding background music.

4. Find the best part of the room for recording. There are no rules about where the mic should be placed, so you can try to set up your mic in different areas of the room to see which part has the right sound. By moving the mic around, you can find the area where the sounds do not seem hollowed or filtered in anyway. Moving the mic around until you find the best fit.

5. Outside noise like traffic is not a major concern. Noise like outside traffic and the hum of fluorescent lighting can affect the quality of a voiceover recording. Yet, most microphones do not pick up these sounds. If you notice that the recording is affected by these kind of noises, you can add a high-pass filter to the mic to reduce the pick up of these sounds.

6. Reduce noise from vents, air conditioners and computer fans. Noise from computers, air conditioners and other similar equipment may be picked up by the mic especially when you are recording in small area. Machine sounds can cause some turbulence in your recording, so try to turn these machines off while recording each segment.

You should also be able to monitor the voiceover recording throughout the production cycle using a pair of headphones. By using the playback function in a different room to check if production is going smoothly, you can reduce the need of having another 'take' and make any adjustments needed for audio quality of the voiceover recording immediately.

How to Assess Voiceover Demos

2009-12-19T21:30:00.000-06:00

Finding the best voiceover artist for your commercial or ad campaign can take time, and the interview process typically includes listening to each candidate's voiceover demo tapes. Demo tapes give you and the rest of the interviewing panel a chance to listen to the talent's overall style and tone and determine if they will be a good match for your specific project.

Voiceover demo tapes can be a better resource of determining the candidate's talent than an in-person test or voice over session at your office. Voiceover artists who are not under the pressure of the job interview may have the freedom to perform at their best, and their demo tapes will give them a chance to showcase their best work. Still, there are some critical elements to listen for when reviewing the voiceover demos. These include:

1. Pace. Pay attention to the speed of the actor's delivery. A good voiceover artist is someone who can adjust his pace easily to emphasize different ideas. Rodney Saulsberry, author of "You Can Bank On Your Voice", states that the speed of delivery has an important effect on any voice over piece. Good artists understand that a very slow delivery and an extremely fast delivery are a pain to listen to and they should know how to pace their voice throughout a piece.

2. Arouses interest. You want voiceover talents that can easily grab your attention right at the beginning of a set. Along with a talent's tone, good voiceover talents can stress specific words and emphasize important phrases to stir interest in a piece. Prioritize tapes that start out strong and are able to sustain that initial interest through the end.

3. Accents and Dialects. A good voiceover artist will have a certain style but a talented artist can easily adapt his or her style to imitate different accents and dialects. Artists who can speak in different accents and dialects are usually able to play different characters.

4. Rhythm. The rhythm of a monologue or conversation is a critical element of the professional and successful voiceover. If the candidate is able to capture the right rhythm, the audience will be able to remember the script more easily and even resonate with the brand or product you will be promoting. Listen for a steady 'beat' as the artist says each sentence to determine if they have the mastered the skill of rhythm.

5. Comic ability. Most conversational and commercial scripts nowadays use humor to effectively communicate their message. Listen if a talent's tone conveys a sense of humor or if he or she throws jokes in the demo tape performance. See if the joke was delivered right and made the panel smile. Or did the joke felt awkward?

Use voice over demo tapes to help you judge every candidate to pick out the best talent that would fit your voice over project. Listen to each demo tape with the above qualities in mind so that you will have an objective standard to base your decision on. Good voiceover artists possess these qualities and are able to easily exhibit them in a demo tape.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, MN and Has Provided the Voice Talent for Dozens of Companies and Agencies Since 1991.

Ways to Improve Your Voiceover Copy

2009-11-11T20:18:00.001-06:00

The success of your podcast or radio and TV commercials will largely depend on your voiceover script. Composing an effective voiceover script that gets results is unlike writing print ads for publication or online advertisements.

Peter Drew, a veteran voiceover artist who is involved in Internet and radio productions, emphasizes the idea of 'writing for the ear, not the eye.' This idea requires one to write brief and straight to the point messages, the kind that we use in conversations. This style may seem very strange for anyone who has written ad copies but developing this style will allow one to create effective and convincing voiceovers.

Here are some simple ways to modify your marketing copy and recording strategies that will ensure the voiceover is narrated as smoothly as possible, and that it really does deliver a high-impact message to your target audience:

1. Make sure everything is in the active voice. Voiceovers need to take place in the present time, as if they were a real conversation. Make sure the whole script is written in the active voice so that the audience can identify with the messages easily.

2. Make use of windscreens. Words beginning in 'B', 'P' and 'T' produce a lot of wind or hissing sounds that affect sound quality. A talent may somehow compensate for this but this can lead to distortions in the pronunciation or meaning of sentences. A windscreen eliminates this problem and more by absorbing these unwanted noises. Your talent can focus on delivering a line properly without worrying about distortions.

3. Mark up the copy for inflection. Bolding certain words, highlighting parts of the copy or using something simple as underlines can really help your voiceover artist understand the gist of the message and deliver a quality piece. Read the copy out loud yourself to identify what parts of the sentence you want to emphasize, then mark up the copy so that the artist understands exactly what you need.

4. Write (or type) out any phone numbers. Remember that digits on paper are actually words when they are read out loud, so this may cause an imbalance in your copy. Read the entire piece with the numbers in full form so that you can adjust other parts for better flow if necessary.

5. Use your headline effectively. Listeners will hear your headline first so make sure this is interesting. A headline should be no more than ten words and declares a minimum of one significant point.

A script should always be compatible with the voiceover talent. A script writer should therefore always bear in mind the personality of the talent when composing the script. You can also adjust the script once you have chosen a voiceover talent. Fine-tune the script so that it matches the talent's positive and even negative features. In addition, provide ample time for your talent to practice. Follow all of these tips and you'll be producing effective scripts in no time.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Companies and Agencies Since'91.

Recording Professional Voiceovers

2009-06-29T03:10:00.000-05:00

Creating a professional voice over project on your own can be achieved using computer programs and tools. This will allow you to save on the cost of hiring a videographer or a production team. You just need to hire talents and have a script and you are all set to record.

There is a significant amount of preparation required to ensure that the environment in which you record the voice over will help you create a quality piece. Here are some essential tips when preparing the room for your voiceover recording:

1. Check all your equipment. Booking the voiceover talent for the project and then wasting several hours testing equipment will cost you. Jay Rose, the author of the book "Producing Great Sound for Digital Video" suggests that you make sure you get the right kind of equipment and test it well before production day. Even testing it a few hours before production time can reduce unforeseen delays.

2. Make sure the room does not create echoes. The only way you'll know if the room is creating an 'echoing' effect is when you turn on the microphone and shut all the doors and windows. Do some test recordings with all of your equipment to reduce the risk of the echo effect.

3. Use background music if necessary. A professionally done recording must not contain any white noise. This is specially true for a narration wherein the viewer must sense that the narrator is directly in front and having a conversation with them. If the white noise goes beyond an acceptable level, you should definitely think about adding a background music.

4. Find the best position in the room for the recording. There are no rules about where to position the microphone, so feel free to move the mic setup into different areas of the room to get the right sound. You don't want to record when the sounds seem hollow or filtered in any way. Move around to find the best fit.

5. Ignore outside noises and minute sounds. In reality, anything can affect the quality of your voiceover recordings, from lightning fixtures to everyday outside traffic. The truth is most mics are not that sensitive to pick-up these noises. If these noises go through your recording, purchase a high-pass filter for your microphone for finer voiceovers.

6. Quiet vents, air conditioners and computer fans. If you're working in a very small space, you may have left computers or an A/C on during the recording. Sounds from these machines can cause some turbulence for your recording, so it's a good idea to turn them off for as long as possible during each recording segment.

You should also be able to monitor the recording throughout the production cycle using a pair of headphones. Take advantage of playback functions in a different room to make sure that everything is going smoothly; this will reduce the need to do another 'take' and can also help you address any problems with the audio quality right away.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Provided the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

6 Reasons Why Your Advertising Plan Needs Voice Over

2009-04-29T22:50:00.001-05:00

So many marketing campaigns today take a multimedia approach to gettin the attention of the consumer, to the extent that it may seems insufficient to market only in one direction. A good combination of audio and video, presented on television, radio, or even online in the form of podcasts or webinars, is often the recipe for an advertising campaign that can reach potential customers with a strong message.

All of these outlets offer ways to deliver your company's most important messages, but creating a visual impact isn't your only option. It's become even more important to develop a key slogan or message that customers can link to your brand, and voice overs are one way to make your advertising stand apart from the rest.

Hiring a voice over artist will help you create a compelling and high-impact segment for your target market. No matter what type of advertising method you choose, any audio segments need to be developed with voice over talent; here are six reasons why:

1. To help create an identity for your brand. To start your marketing campaign off on the right foot, you will want to create a strong sense of brand identity. A distinctive, professionally-done voice over can be the human element that makes consumers remember your brand.

2. To polish the appearance of your marketing. Marketing is always concerned with portraying a product or service and the organization that provides it in the best possible light. A good voice over can do a lot to increase both the professionalism and relatability of your ad campaign, making your product or service palatable to wider audience.

3. To set you apart from others in your field. In the competitive markets of today, a new brand must innovate in order to reach the right audience, and you as a marketer must come up with memorable strategies to increase the brand's visibility - a high-quality voice over is a great start.

4. Voice overs help to create a high-impact message. While print and web-based media are some of the most sought-after advertising mediums available, voice overs can complement and enhance your marketing strategy. Podcasting, audio presentations, and even online commercials all require some form of narration; you can deliver your slogan or marketing message with voice overs strategically designed for high impact.

5. Voice over talent can increase website traffic. As more people turn to podcasts, webinars, and even television for entertainment and business, you can boost traffic to your website with strategically-placed messages. Audio files on websites are becoming easier to implement, and people can simply tune in as soon as they visit your page.

6. Hiring a professional voice over artist doesn't have to be expensive. Marketing pathways like online podcasts and radio spots can offer a cheaper alternative to TV ads, bypassing the entire cost of producing visuals. With the right voice actor or actress, these media can be equally effective in reaching your audience and communicating a strong message.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, MN and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

Important Voice Over Definitions and Terminology

2009-03-24T00:12:00.002-06:00

Voice overs are quickly becoming one of the most important elements of any marketing strategy and advertising campaign, and are a valuable way to persuade your target market consistently, and effectively. By adding a human element to your marketing messages, you can encourage people to pay attention, boost sales, and most importantly, create a positive brand connection with all customers.

Those who are considering using voice actors in their marketing projects would do well to learn a few key terms and definitions that are commonly used to talk about the voice over field.

Audition Tapes: These are the demo tapes that your voice over talent will submit during their application. You'll need to keep these on hand as you gauge and interview each submission, and are a simple way to keep track of all applicants to determine the best fit.

Demo Tapes: In addition to the aforementioned audition tapes that accompany voice actors' and actresses' applications, you will want a recording of your prospect reading a sample script of your choosing. This demo tape can be recorded either in your own studio or, if possible at the applicant's own.

Recording Studio: In order to obtain a demo tape, audition tape, or other vocal performance, you'll need a studio in which to records. If your voice actor or actress has a recording studio setup in his or her, you may be able to save on renting a space for your project.

ISDN Voiceover: Professional voice over talent will record most of their work in a home studio that makes use of ISDN technology. These recordings are sharper and more fine-tuned than the average recording studio.

Commercial Voice Overs: Intended to push a service or product, commercial voice over scripts take a direct sales approach. With the right actor or actress, a commercial voice over can make your campaign much more effective and memorable.

Narrative Voice Overs: These voice overs are not recorded for the express purpose of sales, but accompany some sort of video recording, complementing the story told by the on-screen action. You should not, however, discount their worth in marketing projects, as they can complement video advertisements exceedingly well.

Impressions: These are the types of voice overs that impersonate a famous person, celebrity, or imitate an historically famous personality. Impressions are a great way to make your message stand apart from the competition, and you can find many royalty-free scripts with this distinguishing feature in mind.

Performers' Unions: Unions such as the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Screen Artists Guild, in addition to advocating for the rights of their members and dealing with pay rate issues, provide voice actors and actresses valuable opportunities to grow and develop their skiills.

Actors: Voice over professionals are often individuals who were trained in drama and gravitated to the field of voice work because of their marketable skills and talents. A skilled voice actor or actress is a huge asset to any marketing project.

Familiarity with these key concepts and the associated terminology will help you immensely in your dealing with professionals in the voice over business. If you approach interviewing talent from an organized, educated perspective, you are sure to find a voice over professional who will boost the appeal of your advertising campaign.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, MN and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Dozens of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

What Makes A Great Voice Actor?

2009-02-24T02:06:00.002-06:00

If you're reading this article, it's likely that you have already made the decision to hire a professional voice actor or actress for your marketing project-- congratulations! A voice over professional can add a lot to just about any project. After this decision, however, comes perhaps the most difficult yet essential part of the process: interviewing. Those who have not done extensive work involving voice over may be wondering what exactly it is that sets truly great voice actors and actresses apart from the rest of the pack.

These are a few of the characteristics that add up to an outstanding voice over artist:

1.The voice over is believable. You need someone who sounds like a real person, not a narrator or announcer. Talented voice over artists should be adept at practicing their 'non-announcer' reading and voices, so ask them to read a variety of pieces to make sure they don't fall into a pattern of reading like a newscaster.

2.The voice over has the right pitch and tone. Voice over artists are constantly practicing different pitches and tones of their voice so that they can create their own 'music.' This ensures that their voice stands apart from the rest; take the time to listen for distinct characteristics that make them different from other actors and actresses.

3.High-quality demo tapes. The tapes you receive from potential voice actors and actresses will be a great asset to you once your face-to-face interviews are over. Take advantage of the snapshot of an actor or actress's work that these tapes provide, and use this insight in making your final decision.

4.He or she demonstrates the ability to perform in a wide range of vocal styles. During the interviewing process, you will probably ask your potential hires to read from a sample script or scripts of your choosing. Take a advantage of this opportunity and have candidates read in a variety of different styles.

5.He or she exhibits a good vocal flow. In everyday speech, most of us stop and start erratically, and do not have much control over our speed. In the case of a professional voice over artist, this should not be so - a voice actor or actress should be able to speak in a fluid manner.

6.The voice over artist has solid references. Take the time to review references or testimonials to determine if you're working with an amateur or professional. Voice over artists who have a history of quality projects, working with a diverse set of clients, and providing consistency with their work are strong candidates for your project.

7.He or she exhibits enthusiasm and vocal stamina. At times, recording a voice is no picnic; lines will likely need to be repeated over and over to get the exact right take. Be sure to pick a candidate that will maintain a good attitude and a strong voice under these conditions.

If you put forth the time and effort necessary to find a voice over professional with all of these essential traits, you are certain to have a much more pleasant experience completing the project. Finding the perfect candidate may be time-consuming, but it is certainly worth it.

About the Author: Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

Hiring a Voice Over Artist Over the Web

2008-11-10T21:36:00.002-06:00

The sheer number of voice actors vying for jobs today can be a little overwhelming when you're looking for the one perfect candidate to represent your project. Take your search online can be a great way to streamline the process of finding the right voice actor for the job.

When piecing together a multimedia project, you shouldn't underestimate the resources that are freely available on the Internet. Online databases can, for example, allow you to find a perfect sample script at no cost to you, or can serve as valuable reference material if you are writing your own script. Many voice professional nowadays maintain personal websites containing their portfolios and samples of the voice work they have done in the past. Checking out online samples of potential hires' work is a great way to save time during the hiring process.

Though the web can definitely make your search for talent quicker and more efficient, without the appropriate strategy it can turn into a gigantic waste of time. Potential voice actors you find online, for example, may not be as reliable as they first appear, and may delay your progress by failing to submit their samples in a timely manner. These kinds of obstacles can be easily surmounted, however, with a little bit of know-how. Here are some valuable tips on hiring voice talent on the web:

1. After you you initially contact a potential hire, ask for a sample of their work. If the person in question is the true professional they claim to be, they will have .mpeg samples on hand to send to you, or will direct you to a site where you can heir their work. This first step goes a long way towards weeding out candidates who aren't serious about getting the job.

2. Ask potential hires for a resume. Any serious voice actor or actress should be able to provide a formal resume, complete with his or her employment history and references. Speaking of references, they're there for a reason; you should make sure to contact two or more of the past employers listed in order to get a balanced assessment of the performance you can expect from a potential hire.

3. Request a preferred rate. Many voice over professionals have an expected rate for each project, and you'll want to know about both hourly and per-project rates. Some professionals will request payment only after final delivery, while others will require a portion upfront with the remainder due at the end of the project.

4. Conduct a telephone interview. Telephone interviews are best for any talent you may not have the opportunity to meet with in person. Telephone interviews can touch upon previous work, a brief script reading, and to gauge the confidence level of your candidate.

5. Ask if they can provide all services digitally. Some professionals have the equipment and skills to record the voice over in their home studio, convert it into a media file for review, and allow you to download it directly from the web. Find out what your options are, and plan accordingly to save on mailing fees, travel expenses, and other costs typically incurred for projects of this scope.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, MN and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Dozens of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.

Choosing Voice Over Scripts For Talent Interviews

2008-09-21T22:25:00.001-05:00

If you're considering hiring voice over talent for an upcoming project, you'll need to schedule an interview, review demo tapes, and request a sample script reading from potential applicants. Voice over scripts make it easier to find just the right match for your business, and can make the interview process much more valuable. Think of the script as a sample of work your applicants can produce for you.

There isn't a hard and fast rule as to how long you should give your applicants to rehearse the sample script. In most cases, an hour or two should be sufficient. This is because this type of reading is most commonly conducted in a studio setting, in which the applicant is free to read off of the script. Once the actor or actress has had time to familiarize him or herself with the script and practice lines, he or she should be ready to perform a reading.

The general demographic group that you are targeting will be the chief determining factor in the style and tone of the sample script you ultimately choose. Deciding in advance as to what vocal styles will be appropriate for your target market is important for the efficiency of the hiring process, as you will otherwise find yourself performing excessive numbers of interviews with applicants who are not right for the job.

In order to decide what sample scripts you will use, you will need to think about several different factors; you will need to select scripts that will give you a good idea of the breadth and nature of your applicants' talents. To make sure that you choose voice talent that is a tonal and stylistic match with what your business is trying to accomplish, you will also want to consider what type of marketing you're trying to create. What are the general themes you're looking to tackle? Will the tone be authoritative, or do you want to make listeners laugh? These decisions will guide you in the selection of your sample scripts.

In order to find a suitable voice over sample script, possibly free of charge, all you need to do is consult on of the many script databases available on the Internet. With the resources at your disposal, it should be a cinch to find something that matches the tone and style you have chosen. Even if you've decided to write your own sample script, the scripts you can find online, free of charge, can provide invaluable help as reference materials, if you have a good idea of what you're looking to create.

Last of all, you are going to want to obtain a demo script of each applicant. These demos should allow yourself to compare and contrast the performances of the applicants side by side. To this end, you shouldn't just have your potential voice actors read one script; have them real several, with varying tone and subject matter, so that you can judge the versatility of your applicants, and the styles to which they are each uniquely suited. If you do not want to record these demos in your studio, you can request that applicants submit them with their initial applications.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Companies and Agencies Since 1991.

Why Hiring A Voice Over Artist Is Good For Your Business

2008-07-08T22:24:00.003-05:00

No matter how badly you think you need to save money, it is never a good idea for a merchant to read his own commercial—unless, of course, he has a talent for it. The truth is, however, that most people don't. They may succeed in giving their commercial an air of originality, but that isn't a good thing if it results in people laughing at your commercial. And people are less likely to purchase your product or service if they don't respect you.

Many people mistakenly underestimate the importance of the voice over talent they use when approaching the public, because many people mistakenly believe that all they have to do to sell their product or service is to let people know that it's there. As long as they do something memorable, people will buy from them, right? Wrong. They may remember the guy with the funny voice or the guy who read in a monotone or tried to act out a little skit with his brother, but they'll buy from the guy who hired a professional to do his commercial.

And that is the heart of the matter. There is a purpose behind buying airtime and creating a commercial—you are trying to convince people to do something. You're trying to talk them out of their hard-earned cash, to come and give it to you in exchange for what you have to offer. You are trying, in other words, to impress them. If they sense that you didn't care enough about your marketing to do it correctly, then they will not be impressed. In fact, if you attempt to convince them using a very bad commercial, they may even feel as though you are insulting their intelligence, and that is definitely something you don't want.

When your commercial airs, it should sound professional. This makes you look professional. It may be the first contact a potential customer has with your business. In this way, your commercial is like your clothing. You wouldn't wear something sloppy and poorly assembled to go meet a client, so why would you present them with a sloppy and poorly assembled piece of advertising? Even though the voice telling the world about your service has nothing to do with how well you do what you do, in the same way the state of your clothing has nothing to do with how good you are at your job, you want to make the best impression possible with that voice, just as you would with your suit.

So what are the elements of a well-read commercial that a professional voice-over artist can give you? Professionalism is one very important thing that you will get. Your brother-in-law can't give you that in reading your commercial, because he doesn't know how. Just because he's been speaking all his life doesn't mean that he does it well. In fact, most people don't speak well. Speaking well is partly about pronouncing the words clearly so that people can understand, and partly about doing that so that it sounds natural.

Everyone in need of a commercial has to do it in the way they think is best, of course. For some it actually may not matter if they put out a professional-sounding commercials. Some customers may truly not care. However, someone who wants potential customers to associate his business with a voice that sounds professional, then it is vitally important that he hire a professional to do the talking.

Podcasting and Blogging are Becoming Ubiquitous

2008-04-07T13:36:00.001-05:00

In the fast paced world of today’s internet communications it can be easy to forget about the success of “old-fashioned” advertising. Now a days, marketing is driven by websites, blogs and email; such as, podcasts, vlogging, and multimedia on the web. This means your business needs a marketing strategy that includes voice overs, creative photography, and videos.

Before television and the internet, the world turned on the radio to get their daily news and commercials. Voice over artists were in high demand back then since many companies turned to radio to advertise and promote their products and services. By the time television became the norm, people were already familiar with ‘hearing’ a lot of advertisements; the T.V. took this to a whole new level with much more sound and images.

Flash forward fifty years and people are turning to another medium for entertainment and knowledge; the internet has grown to become one of the technological forerunners for advertisers and marketers, and prompts visitors to simply read sales letters and pitches as oppose to listening to them. However, this is quickly changing with the development of podcasting, online videos, and other multimedia across the web.

Now that podcasting and blogging are becoming ubiquitous, your company needs a powerful message that impresses visitors and listeners so they remember the brand long-term. The same impact that radio ads had on the listening audience in the 50’s is coming back in full swing with online advertising, videomercials, and podcasting. Voice over actors and actresses now play an important role in presenting your business’s marketing message, slogan, and can even promote your brand. Hiring the best voice over artist (with the assistance of a voice talent agency) is a positive way to create advertisement and attract new customers right away.

Voice overs can be applied to short commercial segments, introducing products on a web site, podcasting, or just making a radio advertisement. If you’re considering about producing a television commercial, you’ll need a voice over artist to perform the script so it is appealing and creates the kind of impact you’re looking for.

For companies that want a competitive edge on the web - voice overs are becoming more and more crucial to their success. Creative slogans, ‘jingles’, and songs can still have a strong influence on visitors and potential customers, and are essential when you’re advertising on the radio as a part of your plan. Introducing voice overs into your marketing helps to strengthen your brand, create an identity, and even build a strong relationship with potential customers.

Print advertising may have less impact as more people turn to audio and video on the web. Why bother investing your marketing budget in an area where people arepaying attention? Audio and video segments that are developed with a voice artist can produce the effect you need and make your advertising message stand apart from the competition.

The world is filled with voice overs.

2008-03-06T11:24:00.001-06:00

The sounds of voice-over artists are everywhere. In fact, your world is filled with it, and you probably don't even realize it. Or at least you didn't before you started thinking about hiring one of them. If you're wondering why you never noticed voice actors before, it's because you typically aren't supposed to. One of the best things about being a voice actor is the ability to get someone's attention while at the same time redirecting their attention from the speaker to the service being described. That sounds a bit difficult when you begin to actually think about it, doesn't it? If you try to create these results yourself, you are only going to wind up drawing everyone's attention to you and off of your product, which ain’t very good. That's the biggest reason you need to hire a professional if you are in need of a voiceover.

Consider the huge number of places that voice overs wind up, and that is after thinking about jingles and T.V.. But you can use voiceover artists to introduce your special event or your commercial website. Heck, you can even use an actor to announce your personal website if you really want it out there badly enough. Many people decide to voice those types of projects for themselves. Maybe it's because they don't think of them as important enough to hire an actor. In that case, why are they bothering with it at all? If it is worth your effort, it is worth doing right.

For example, if you want to produce an audio book, why would you even consider voicing it yourself - unless, of course, you have a professional-grade talent. And most people simply don't. Then you have corporate videos and educational videos, which are very helpful and can be highly lucrative - if done professionally. If you have a good script, and the listeners enjoy hearing the narrator, then you have a message that can bring you a measure of success. But if people can't stand listening to the voice for one reason or another, then your message is in trouble.

“But I talk to people with this voice all the time!” you may protest. True, but your listening audience will tolerate a lot more face-to-face than they will tolerate on a recording. And are there people actually paying to have you speak at this point? Probably not. If they are, then stop reading here. This article is not for you.

You might think that using an amateur or doing it yourself will save you cash. Starting out, yes, but if this is a money-making venture you are planning, it will probably cost you money in the long run. Sounding silly can cost you the respect of the people you're trying to impress. People are more likely to spend their money with businesses who give them the impression that they know what they're doing. If they see you bumbling around in a recording, as so many wannabes do, then they are going to have second thoughts about spending their money with you.

How To Use A Voice Artist In Your Marketing

2008-02-11T19:16:00.000-06:00

Connecting with your buying audience is the main purpose of your advertising campaign, but discovering which avenues will work is often a bit of a crapshoot. Now that webinars, online advertising, and podcasts are opening new avenues of communication, more companies are working on high-impact slogans and messages to boost their brand. Radio and television advertising still offer a lot benefits, and each and every one of these sales and marketing channels are made better with the use of a voice over.

Combining a voice actor to your marketing strategy will help to create a unique message and differentiate your brand. Whether you’re intending to persuade your customers to buy something, deliver news, or just entertain your audience, voiceovers can help you deliver your message in a memorable way. An effective delivery of you advertising message assists in creating a powerful presence for your company; consider how often a jingle, slogan, or just one sentence can work it’s way into pop culture. Placing the right voice behind your message can definitely make or break your sales and marketing campaign.

The first item to think about with a voice over is what your current target market is like. Consider demographics such as age, ethnicity, and location. If you’re marketing to customers in the South, for instance, you may choose voice talent and advertising concepts that have the components of Southern culture and a Southern accent. When your clientèle can resonate with the tone and message, they’re much more likely not to forget the message, slogan, and most importantly, your company.

The second thing to ponder is how to hire the right voice artist. Voice over actors can be represented by an agent, or they might have created their own website and online profile. Some voice over artist directories can also help you focus your quest; these can be searched by age, type, background, or keyword so you can find a strong match with less legwork involved. If you decide to use a voice over talent agent, you might paying a fee for services. Still, the agent can help you track down a pro voice over actor who has experience in the field, and maybe even a strong list of references.

The 3rd item to think about is how long you will need to contract your voice artist for. If you’re creating a marketing strategy that includes different marketing messages and advertising for extended periods of time, you’ll want to develop a contract with your voice actor. Since you don’t want to keep switching voice actors and destroy the memorable “voice” of your image, consider how you can negotiate payment for the long-term, and plan on hiring the voice actor for more than one campaign at a time. In many cases, costs are negotiable, and you can research current fees online so that you can make a compelling offer.

Voice overs are an excellent method to enhance your image and extend a professional representation with your sales campaign. From online-radio to podcasting, voiceovers play a essential role in projecting the best message to your clients.

Some Things You Should Know About Hiring A Voice Over Artist

2008-01-22T01:03:00.000-06:00

From radio-commercials to podcasts, locating the best voice over talent for your company and image is crucial part of your advertising efforts. Voice overs play a part in persuading, entertaining, educating, and generating interest from your target-market. No matter what type of message or ads you are looking to promote, a voice over artist can assist you in creating the dynamic message you need.

Locating the right fit for your voice over artist is crucial in today’s highly-competitive marketplace; you must create a marketing message that jives with your clients and helps to ensure that your business stands above the competition. The process of hiring can be slow, but finding a voice over talent agent can make it easier to locate the best fit. Never the less, there are many ways to track down someone who can assist you in developing the right advertising and marketing message you need. These are some basic do’s and don’ts when hiring a voice artist for your marketing campaign.

Do ask for references. Finding out how the voice over talent has been with other customers and clients can provide some insights on how well they may fit with your company’s goals.

Don’t just listen to only one sample. Ask for at least 3-5 different examples that demonstrate how flexible and adaptable the voice over talent may be. Professional voice over artists should be able to create a bunch of voices and adjust their intonations to meet the demands of your message.

Do request more than one interview. The 1st interview may be strictly to review the person’s qualifications and discover more about their background. The second and third interview might include tests or evaluations, so plan ahead and devise a series of interviews to focus your choice.

Don’t skip online talent. Many talented voice over artists can now be found on the web, and have their own homepage and portfolio for your review. This can make hiring much easier, and you’ll have a far greater comprehension of their background with the audio files and related-links that are accessible online.

Do select a voice that complements your target audience. Customers in your demographic are much more likely to appreciate someone who sounds like their own friends, neighbors and coworkers. Don’t be afraid to invest the time to find at least three distinct qualities or characteristics of your demographic, and seek out voice over talent with the same traits.

Remember to request ask for demo Mp3s. You can review these after the interview, and having them on hand can make it easier for you compare them to all the other voice artists with ease. Don’t forget about those Mp3 or demo-tapes so you can do an ‘apples to apples’ comparison when it comes time to make the final decisions.

Hiring the right voice artist is vital part of creating your sales messages, and you will need to do some research in your market to find out what your clients like the most. Finding a voice over artist with a good track record will make the process of developing your campaign much nicer; take the time to interview and review each applicant to determine just the perfect match.

Voice Talent Makes Stuff Sound Better

2007-11-02T19:58:00.000-06:00

When you begin to think of it logically, you know how important it is for your audio project to have the best voice behind it. After all, voices are powerful. Even though they often take a backseat in our minds to a person's appearance without the perfect voice, looks ain't nothin'. And if the voice talent is all you have to go on – for instance, in a radio commercial – then the voice becomes the most important thing in the world.

A person who knows just how to use their voice can control another person just by talking. This is a startling concept the first time you consider it, but when you think about some of the most famous voices in the world, you will understand just how correct that is. Consider, for example, the actor Michael Wincott.

He's an attractive guy, but of course in the world of acting that doesn't mean a whole lot. It's just too common. But this guy gets role after role after role based on the power of his voice. He has a voice that can keep you looking over your shoulder, long after the movie is over, because you're just a little worried that the latest Michael Wincott character may just be lurking in the shadows. Remember the movie, The Count of Monte Cristo? He was the warden with the whip and the gravelly voice. Fans of the movie weren't quite sure which was more frightening, the whip – or that voice. That voice is what gets him work.

Consider, also, Clint Eastwood. Of course, that unflinching, squinty stare of his is something to write home about. But what do people do when they're doing their best Eastwood impression? They give some love to the stare, but mostly they love the way he said, “Come on punk. Make my day.” Like Wincott, Eastwood has a gravelly characteristic in his voice. But once upon a time, he knew where all the pauses were supposed to happen, and that made him something worth watching. He was worth watching because he was worth hearing.

Another actor who made great use of his voice was Marlon Brando. Now this guy had a nasally cotton-mouth voice that, untrained, would have been unpleasant. But he became an actor. He learned how to speak. He took something that stood out and made it a trademark. The rest, my friend, was timing. When he said, “I made him an offer he couldn't refuse,” as the Godfather, he didn't just say a cleverly written line – he said it with emphasis. With weight. What we are responding to isn't something these guys do because of who they are. They've been schooled. Therefore, when they said those lines, the audience never knew what hit them. But they knew that it was important.

Of course Michael Wincott, Clint Eastwood and Marlon Brando won't be available for your commercial, but they make great models to study when you are learning how voices affect audiences. You want to use some of the same principals in selecting your voice actor, or in deciding whether to use one. You are not the only one with a message for the public. There are thousands of other messages out there as well. You will have to seduce listeners, and that means getting and keeping their attention. A powerful voice can do that.

Have You Ever Seen A Voice Actor At Work?

2007-08-22T14:24:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen a Voice Actor or Voice Actress at work? If you have you’ll notice that even though it’s only their voice being recorded, they will utilize their hands, face and what ever other body parts are necessary to create the mood, not only for themselves, but for the listeners. Even such subtle effects as nodding or shaking ones head can often be ‘felt’ in the final work.

The subtle variations in sound as the head moves away from the microphone and back, away and back are not consciously picked up, but are a subtle reverberation shift in the final product.

This is all part of creating the mood of the piece. Professional Voice Talent will use every instrument available to insure the piece is not only believable in terms of character, but understandable and accomplishes the goal of the client. It is their job and responsibility to do so.

If you are someone looking to break into the world of being a Professional Voice Over Talent, take the time to train yourself, train your breathing and voice to be the best of the best. With the abundance of competition, only the VOPs with the most professional and polished product to offer will get the good jobs in the end.

Tips for Creating Online Voice Audio

2007-07-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

If you are looking to create audio for some copy (narration, audio book, or other set-length piece of material), you may have no time-constraints at all. If this is the case, there are a few other factors to think about in the audio recording part.

If the material is to be posted online, consider that the size of the download can affect the speed of retrieval for the end user. If you cannot reduce the size of the file to acceptable levels, you can choose to break the audio into sections (or chapters) for individual downloads.

Also choose how the data is to be stored, or what format you want it sent to you in directly from the voice over artist. Most people choose to receive it via email in MP3 format or FTP to a website via MP3, WAV, AIF, WMA or AVI/MPEG audio. But most VO Professionals can also simply burn a CD and send it to you, or schedule an ISDN phone patch session.

If the material end-product is to be recorded onto CD for distribution, keep in mind the average space on a CD is around 700MB, or 80 minutes (the equivalent of about 12-16 songs). If not all material will fit on just one CD, you can obviously use more than one CD, in which case you should balance the material on the CDs so there’s not one 80 minute CD and one 20 minute – preferably have two 50-minute discs.

Technorati Profile

2007-06-01T00:11:00.001-05:00

Technorati Profile

Pro Vs. Amateur Voice Overs

2007-05-31T23:56:00.000-05:00

When creating a work of spoken art and selecting the “voice” that will represent the target product and/or service, it is of the utmost importance to consider the length of script that will be recreated.

Voice artists of today are all very different. They have different ranges, tones, pitches, volumes, different styles and accents, different timbres and moods and it is imperative that he/she be matched integrally to the piece of work. You would not, for example, hire someone who specialized in high-speed auction-style (or disclaimer-style) speaking for the purposes of recreating a delicate story or somber mood. You would also not choose that person for most narration or anything longer than a few seconds. Although they will be highly skilled in their niche, the actual act of doing a voice over will not be their forte.

For lengthier productions (30 seconds or more) it is wisest to consider actual “voice actors” as they will be the ones trained in recreating and speaking from particular emotions in order to portray the actual mood required. Especially if the oration is geared towards selling something, given that the vast majority of purchases are made on emotional decisions instead of logical ones, it is absolutely vital that someone trained in that art be the one doing the speaking. You need only watch the television ads for a few minutes to see shining examples of professional vs. non-professional creations.