How to Get Amazing Voice Over Talent

Figure Out What Your Needs Are

Before you begin looking for voice-over talent, it’s important to define your needs. There are many different types of voice-over artists you can pursue. It’s important to identify which type your project requires. Are you looking for an actor or just an announcer? There’s a major difference between the two. One simply reads a script, while the other acts out emotions. Different projects call for different types of voice talent, so you’ll need to decipher which would best suit yours. As you’re going over your options, consider what you’re looking for. For instance, do you want a male or female? A child, middle-aged, or elderly person? Should they have a regional accent? If you’re making a video about a new product, you can go either way. An announcer can go over the benefits and features of the product, much like an infomercial. A voice actor can show gratitude and frustrations involving the problems your product solves.

Determine Your Budget

The next step is to identify how much you can spend on your voice-over project. If you have a large budget, you can advertise that you’re looking for an experienced voice-over actor. However, if your budget is limited, you should state this too. You may find flexible, part-time artists who do voiceovers as side projects. You can also search around for video production agencies that have in-house voice-over talent. This way, you have options and professional assistance with the production of your video.

Ensure Equipment Is Top-Notch

Whoever you decide to hire to do your voice-overs, make sure the equipment used is high-quality. You don’t want to end up with a low-quality sound that’s muddled, scratchy, and hard to hear. Ask about the technology they’ll use for your project. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with microphones and studio setups. This way, you can ensure the recordings are free of traffic noise, pops, and under-modulation. Make sure to get samples of recent work so you can gauge the quality of the sound. Unless you’re willing to purchase all this equipment and invite actors to your make-shift studio, it’s best to hire a production company. They already have everything you need.

Prepare a Script and Instructions

Without proper direction, your voice-over talent won’t know what your project entails. Have your script already written, along with instructions directing the scope of the project. This will come in handy for getting cost estimates from the voice actors you interview. Then, once the individual or team is hired, you have a higher chance of getting an end product you’re satisfied with. Here’s a quick example of what your directions should look like:

• Formal/casual tone
• Verbatim or ad-lib
• Type of energy (relaxed, hyped, urgent)
• Personality (sexy, inspiring, professional)
• Pace (quick, mid-tempo, slow)
• Recording specs (blocking out pops/breaths, adding reverb, removing other pet peeves)
• Technical delivery (WAV, MP3, AIFF, etc.)

Ask to Hear Similar Past Work

Once you know what you want, the best way to determine if a voice-over actor is right for you is to hear their past work. Don’t settle for just any voice-over work. They should be projects that are similar to yours. This will give you a sneak peek at what you’re about to get. It will also help you quickly find voice-over talent that best suits your project.

Make a List of Criteria

This will further help identify the right talent for your project. It’s a good idea to write down what you’re searching for in a checklist. It should look something like this:

• Is the recording quality top-notch?
• Do I like the sound of their voice?
• Is the script easy to interpret so proper emphases are given?
• Will the voice-over actor accurately represent your brand?

Get Everything Down in Writing

Once you’ve found the voice-over talent you want to use, make sure you get all agreements down in writing. This includes session fees, permissions to use the artist’s voice, retake fees, and turnaround time. It’s best to work with a professional agency that writes up these contracts for you. If you’re new to the industry, you can take the contract to a lawyer to ensure it’s a good deal.

Finding Professional Voice Over Talent for Your Project

When it comes to hiring professional services, it’s best to find a provider with all-around skills. Hiring a company that offers voiceovers, video production, and marketing services would give you a well-rounded service for your project. Professionals not only provide voice-over acting but also video production and post-production. In the end, everything is streamlined, so it’s easier for you to continue with the completion of your project. This is exactly what you find at Viva Media. We are a full-service video production firm that offers the works. Our services include pre-production, production, post-production, and marketing services. So whether you’re looking for voiceovers only or a complete package with script writing, video shooting, and marketing, we can assist you. Get in touch with us today to get an estimate for your upcoming project!