Voice Over Blog

Author: voiceov

  • Tips For Successfully Contracting Professional Voice Overs

    Tips For Successfully Contracting Professional Voice Overs

    Pinpointing the right voice over talent is very important regardless of the project that you want them for. But the challenge that is faced by most people is how they can go about the process so as to successfully hire the right artist.

    The company that you hire to provide you with voice overs should not only be affordable but also one that can guarantee quality work. In the text below, we tell you the ten most important things to take into account when hiring a professional voice artist. Read below to find out about these tips.

    1. Go for trusted as well as experienced talent fished from a company with reputation

    These days, there is a very stiff competition in the market of voice overs. So long as a person owns a microphone and has a voice, he or she can venture into the industry and advertise themselves on the internet as professional voice overs. Just like is the case with any marketplace that is readily accessible, having too many options is not always a great thing for consumers.

    Rather, the important things, far more important than having a million and one options to choose from, is getting a quality professional voice over and recording with the ability to make timely deliveries. Because Google filters billions of website pages, it is important that you use a reputable supplier who can offer accountable and trusted voice overs to enable you home in on gifted voice artists who are capable of delivering the project on time.

    An agent or a supplier with multiple voice over professionals ought to be in a position to offer you a multitude of options. Also, their experience when it comes to intricate hiring implies that not only do you have a professional but also a trusted company which you can hold to account should something not turn out as you expected it to.

    2. Shy away from directories that have massive pools of voice over experts

    Even though it is possible for you to land a gifted voice artist to handle your project, it is not a good thing to post your project to several talents at one instant.

    Because most of the large sites will just let anybody to join them and pitch for work, they tend to have thousands of members. These sites allow as many members as possible to register because the members pay some money before being allowed. Credible and established voice over professionals will be quick to avoid the sites that have thousands of amateur contenders.

    You should also do the same when choosing a voice artist. Moreover, a directory with thousands of voice over artists makes it difficult for you to zero in on one suitable artist.

    3. Cheap is often more expensive so buyer beware

    After receiving a quote in this industry for a professional work in this sector, you should not choose the cheapest quote. Just as I mentioned before, the market has been flooded with anybody as long as they have voice and a microphone. Professionals who deliver quality work are likely to charge a lot more compared to the yet to be established upstarts.

    While the upstarts may try to lure you with their cheaper prices, it is always a good idea to choose a respectable and professional company. Just like with many other things in life, when it comes to voice overs, expect to get what you paid for. A respectable company will deliver higher quality work compared to one that is just starting out.

    However, this is not to say that you should always choose the highest bidder. Professional companies will charge a price that falls in a given range. If the price that a company charges appears way out of this range, you probably need to avoid this company.

    4. Do not base your decisions on the demo as it is just the beginning point

    It could be that at this point, you have identified a voice over whose demo reel appears great and very well produced. However, this is no proof that their other works are great. This is because several studios can record and then produce show reels for the upcoming voice over artists.

    These can then be manipulated to appear as though they are the artist’s previous projects. This, however, is not a big issue sometimes. However, when your intention is to contract one of these talents, it is important to take note that they may produce on their own without a producer’s help may be of significantly lower quality compared to their show/demo reel.

    In order to this, one should choose voice suppliers with international repute.in case you find that you are directly dealing with an artist, ask him or her to give you an example of their recent project that is not only similar but also one that was produced in their own recording studio.

    For instance, if your project entails recording an audio book, insist on the potential voice overs providing you with a copy of their previous project. It is possible that their corporate narrations, on-hold messages and adverts that are professionally produced may not show their capability to narrate an audio book.

    5. Clarity and fairness are an absolute a must

    It is important that, when asking for the voice over services, you ensure that you are as clear as possible regarding your budget, project requirements as well as the expectations. One way of differentiating a great voice over company from an average one is because a great company will explore the extent of your job and pose the right questions so as to get the most accurate quotation from available vocal talents.

    But you need to understand that it is totally your obligation to provide a clear overview and description of your work as well as its exposure and distribution. If, in the course of the project, there is an increase in the scope as well as participation in the voice over, the company could be forced to charge more money than it initially quoted. You need to have a transcript or a script just for the reason of estimate or quotation.

    6. Be realistic about the timescale

    This may sound common sense but many times, people underestimate the time it should take to come up with a script that is ready to record. Remember there are many things involved in the preparation of the script and these need sufficient time. For instance, you need to set time for listening to the various voice demos, covering any re-records and recording the first draft.

    There is no need, for example, to rush a completed script at the last minute when it ought to have been due ten days ago and expect to get a result in the same day. In order to achieve this, it is important to set time early and even book in advance. If you have a voice expert who can avail themselves on short notice and is always ready to record your script then you should know that he or she is not busy.

    One attribute of good voice over artists is that they are always busy and therefore not available on short notice. They tend to carefully manage their recording schedules.

    7. Don’t be fooled by lies

    So you may think that this is easy money since it only entails speaking into a microphone. Far from it! A professional artist has many years of experience and will always talk at the right pace, speed and tone. This professional also knows that in order to come up with a professional voice required, he or she must know how to correctly position the microphone.

    Although the voice over experts may make speaking into a microphone appear easy, it never is. Theirs is a professional skill nurtured and developed over many years.

    Even the most established profesisonals must perform several takes prior to sending the versions that they are most proud of. The recording is only one process. It does take skilled audio editing methods to be able to get rid of the gaps, plosives, noticeable breaths, pops and saliva noises.

    This requires years of practicing and may sometime need to be done by a sound engineer. In short, you cannot compare 10 minutes of speaking into a microphone with 10 minutes of voice that has been produced. For instance, you cannot possibly talk while wearing a permanent smile or a happy tone on the face all the time.

    In most cases, voice over jobs need this to be done for longer periods of time. If you find this unbelievable, just try to read this post over the microphone and listen on your efforts afterwards. You will realize that it is not as easy as it appears.

    8. Re-records are very time consuming, avoid them completely

    Re-records can consume a lot of time. If possible avoid them as much as you can by doubly checking your script just before you start to record. In case you miss even a word, it may mean that a line, sentence or sometimes a whole paragraph has to be re-recorded afresh. It may not be easy for the voice over to reconstruct the moment and hit the tone as well as the flow that was in the original piece.

    On the other hand, there is no way you could possibly record a single one and then fix it in the middle of the line. Another thing is that any new audio produced needs to be blended well so that it fits in the original recording. This may require complex audio editing. Therefore, doubly check the script for any errors to ensure that you do not have re-records as they can be damn time-consuming.

    9. Fees tend to vary from one expert to another

    Voice overs professionals, just like actors, charge depending on their fame and popularity. If you are hoping to hire a voice artist who has landed a series of advertisements on the mainstream TV, they may not entertain the idea of having to work for small fees.

    Also, it is important to understand that voice overs tend to have different structures of career and as such, may charge according to current timetable and what suits the position of their industry. Therefore, it is not possible to identify one uniform figure that can apply to all voice artists.

    Rather, it is necessary that you get quotes per individual jobs and this should be informed by specific details of a particular job. Good providers are able to efficiently get the details of the job and then choose the best voice over according to your budget.

    10. Always Give Feedback and appreciation if the job is done to your satisfaction

    During production and recording stage, clients are known to be communicative enough. But not many of them can get back after the end of the project to report that they got what they wanted and that it was a nice job.

    While there is nothing wrong with this, a voice over is likely to the client who remembers to show their appreciation and thanks. It is not something difficult. Just compose a simple email message to thank them for delivering a great job. Letting the provider be aware that you liked their work will encourage them to perform for you even better the next time.

    Conclusion

    Hiring professional voice overs is not easy, like hiring other professionals. The challenge here is that there are so many of the so-called professionals out there and it becomes really difficult to find the perfect one for you.

    The article above explains ten things that you must take into account if you want to get the very top quality voice over. They include knowing that the price one charges is likely to differ from the price that another one charges, remembering to call back and thank the artist for great work, triple checking to avoid re-records, being realistic about the time scale and being clear in so far as job requirements are concerned among other things.

    Sticking to the points above may not necessarily guarantee a flawless voice over but it can be the difference between a good job and a great one. Stick to the script and your chances of landing a top voice over professional will be greatly enhanced.

  • Know Why Television Shows, Cartoons, and Films Use Voice Overs

    Know Why Television Shows, Cartoons, and Films Use Voice Overs

    Voice overs have been used in cartoons, television shows, and motion pictures for many years. Television fans and movie-goers have heard them many times, if aware of it or not. This particular term is used to describe a voice that is heard without visually seeing the person who is talking. It is a technique heavily used in the entertainment industry when a particular tone is wanted for a cartoon character, an animal, or even a person’s thoughts.

    Certain cable television networks and satellite channels feature channels that only air re-runs of out of production sitcoms. Some of these shows use voice’s for starring characters who do not speak on their own. One of the best examples is the show called “Mr. Ed.” This popular black and white program starred a horse named Ed. Ed was not just any ordinary horse, he spoke fluent English! It is common knowledge horses do not speak human dialects. For the show’s purpose, a man said the scripted lines for the horse behind scenes. The man who did this was nowhere to be seen in the show.

    Fast forwarding in time, cartoons still remain popular with children and adults alike. The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo are all film-length releases by Disney that incorporated this technique. Singers, actors, and actresses were employed to be a part of these productions based on their vocal talents alone. The actor Robin Williams provided the audio for the genie in Aladdin; comedian, actress, and talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres contributed to the success of Finding Nemo.

    Celebrities frequently contribute to projects that require only the use of vocals. Established actors and actresses possess many skills in vocal command. In the entertainment business there is more to saying lines than simply saying them aloud. Word speed, volume level, and emotional expression all go into producing a well-received character.

    Other popular film characters that have been brought to life by entertainers’ voices include Darth Vader in Star Wars (James Earl Jones), Draco the dragon in Dragonheart (Sean Connery), E.T. (Pat Welsh), and Fluke (Matthew Modine). There are many other films other than the ones mentioned here that use celebrity vocals for feature films. This practice continues today because it is successful. Television shows, cartoons, and movies serve as a source of relaxation and entertainment for children and adults who are young at heart. Because of the ability of recording audio separately from the film itself, fans are able to escape from daily life to hear animals talk and cartoon characters project personalities filled with pizzazz.

    Voice overs can be the main selling point of some shows. For example, fans of a famous actor or actress are more likely to see a film simply to hear the voice of their favorite actor lending their vocal talents to a hand-drawn lion or computer generated alien. Actors and actresses that take on these roles get into character every bit as much as if they were the stars in the productions. Television, cartoons, and films are great sources for budding entertainers to study vocal techniques.

  • Tips For Making a Quality Voice Over Recording

    Tips For Making a Quality Voice Over Recording

    The film and theater industry has offered and afforded many people the opportunity to work within the industry without actually being actors or directors. Now, there are voice over recording jobs that are available for people who are interested in the entertainment industry and who would prefer to have a background kind of job. It would be great if you have the voice that is needed for the industry as well as the type of training that it requires. However, in order to land the auditions you are looking for, you need to know how to do the right voice over recording so the quality of the sound is impeccable.

    • First of all, you need to know how to position your mouth in relation to the microphone you are using to record. You mouth should always be about 3 to 6 inches away from the microphone. If you happen to be too close, then the microphone will more than likely pick up unwanted sounds that your lips could possibly make. Even without us hearing them, lip smacking and other sounds from the mouth can project very clearly on a recording.
    • Once you have established that space in between your mouth and the microphone, you need to keep it constant during voice over recording. Any change in the distance will degrade the overall quality of your audio recording. Keeping the distance constant will give a more controlled sound overall.
    • Another tip is to ensure you record in a very quiet area. Background noises, no matter how minimal, can affect the quality of the audio recording, so in order to get the best performance try to record in a quiet room. Closets, attics and bedrooms at the back of the home are perfect for this type of voice over recording. The chance of interference from background noises would be very slim.
    • Believe it or not, the diet has a big part to play in how your recording turns out. Basically, you need to ensure you do not consume any dairy products before a voice over recording session. Dairy products result in mucus forming at the back of the throat, which will give you the urge to clear your throat during recording. This is definitely a no-no because it will affect the quality of the sound.
    • When doing your voice over recording, try to speak very clearly and slowly. Although different types of recording will require amplification of the voice when you are expressing different kinds of emotion, try to keep your voice fairly constant during the recording.

    Getting the type of voice over jobs you want relies heavily on the quality voice over recording you submit for use to determine if you should be offered the job opportunity. Therefore, follow these tips outlined previously to ensure you have the perfect sounding recording that will get the attention you need it to get from the hiring entities.

  • 7 Benefits You Immediately Receive If You Begin Podcasting Today

    7 Benefits You Immediately Receive If You Begin Podcasting Today

    The future lies in podcasting.

    Let me explain why.

    According to a recent Case Study on Podcasting Audiences, three interesting statistics are on the rise.

    1. Smartphone ownership tends to correlate to a greater likelihood of listening to a podcast.
    2. Consumers are more likely to listen to podcasts on a mobile device than on a computer.
    3. Podcast listeners are more likely to listen to streams or podcasts through their car audio systems.

    What does all that mean? Well, it all points to a mobile consumer on the move, who’s looking at podcasts as an additional or perhaps alternative source of information. Podcasts stand out for their practical information type of format.

    For your brand, podcasting is the new powerful, inexpensive and easy new medium then to reach out to this mobile consumer on the move who wants practical, concise and dedicated information. You already have a focused and passionate audience. It’s now much easier to become a recognized expert in your field of interest or expertise to this group through podcasting, without having to counter the normal conventions of radio, nor the limitations of blogging.

    Build your credibility, your sales, your list of customers and gain a fan base very quickly and without the limitations of blogging. Does that sound good?

    If these three key indicators listed above are anything to go by, podcasting is the way to go.

    Here’s why:

    1. Podcasting is still relatively untapped

    Armed with positive growth indicators and the move by Car Manufacturers to install podcast players in their New Models, people are gearing up for the future of content marketing and it lies in podcasting. This is a market on the growth curve. Yet it’s still relatively untapped and brimming with opportunities. In the same Research study ‘Podcast Consumer 2015’, by Edison and Triton, they reveal that the age of podcast listeners is evenly spread across almost all age groups. You get an average of 15% listenership among the 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 age groups.

    15% may sound low right now, but consider the impact when podcast players become more accessible and within your reach. And this is across all age groups! What that means is that if your brand will instantly get an dedicated audience, irrespective of whichever age group you are targeting – a nice thing to know as you plan your marketing budget. Slow and steady wins the race. If these are the statistics we are seeing today, as access to podcasts becomes even easier with smartphones and our latest vehicle comes equipped with a podcast player, your audience footprint will naturally grow in the coming months.

    Smartphone ownership isn’t going to die anytime soon. We are always updating, improving and searching for a better smartphone model. As you constantly upgrade your phone; and as App builders continually design new entertainment apps, the trend of listening to podcasts on your smartphone will grow by leaps and bounds.

    2. Podcasting Adds Value to your current marketing effort.

    Even better is the realization that podcasting complements your current marketing efforts.

    You don’t have to replace any of your current social media activities. Continue with your Facebook, Twitter, blogging marketing efforts. You can even turn your latest blog post into a podcast episode, add a spin on it and it’s fresh content. Podcasting just increases your footprint and adds you a totally new audience.

    3. You will find customer conversion easier with Podcasting

    Someone searching for a podcast in a particular topic is already very clear about what they want to listen to. Unlike radio, where the conventional radio listener subconsciously tunes off when the next commercial airs, with a podcast, you have a dedicated listener and one will listen to listen attentively to everything you have to say, as long as you say it well. Because listeners subscribe to podcasts, they have chosen to receive your content. They have already shown interest in your message by subscribing. In addition, a podcast does not get lost in SPAM like with e-mail. You can be sure your message is reaching a focused audience. That gives you a greater likelihood of customer conversion.

    4. Become ‘The Voice’

    I’m not talking about the popular TV Series. Suppose you have a blog on diet and nutrition. There are over 30 million bloggers competing in that niche and your only chance of recognition is either expensive marketing, or patiently growing your blog audience over months, maybe years, until you reach cult-like status. Plus, you have to learn the essentials of SEO optimization, create fresh content frequently and guest-blogging. Now suppose you focused instead on podcasting? Since its still relatively under-exploited, you can quickly gain that audience you’re looking for much faster and develop credibility as an authority by being one of the few podcasters doing what you’re doing. What would initially have taken you months to achieve, you attain in a matter of weeks. Become ‘The Voice’ in your niche.

    As Tom Tate says, “This “first to market” approach to podcasting may be the opportunity you have been searching for to catapult your online marketing to the next level. If you can develop the go-to authority podcast in your niche, you may eventually drive enough traffic back to your site or blog to become the authority on other mediums as well.”

    When you hear or see someone on Radio or TV, they have instant credibility. As a podcaster you will enjoy the same credibility. People will value your opinion. You can leverage this position to influence your audience, promote yourself and even make money. The trick is to leverage on a specific niche and do everything possible to dominate that niche. If you have an audience that is interested in that topic or interest, they will come back repeatedly.

    5. You Quickly Gain a Very Focused Audience

    With the right content, you will gain listeners fast. Your audience is potentially worldwide. You can offer quality content to keep in touch with your customers and keep yourself, your product or your service in the front of their mind.

    6. Break Through The Clutter

    Podcasting is a great way to cut through the clutter and reach your audience. You overcome probably radio’s greatest barrier with this tactic. This makes podcasts very effective for promotion, marketing and growing a focused audience.

    7. You can define and express your own unique style without limitations

    Marc Maron interviewed President Obama at his home in Los Angeles, earlier this week. While that’s impressive, it’s the fact that President Obama mentioned the “n… ‘ word during that podcast interview that created headlines.

    Wait…

    You mean President Obama did an interview on someone’s home? Mark Maron, 51 years old, has a podcast show called WTF. You don’t need much ingenuity to figure out what that stands for. His unique interview style on his podcast can be either comforting or uneasy, which makes it even more interesting that President Obama agreed to the request. But, it’s a style of communication that seems to draw in listeners by the dozens.

    “I think what resonates with people is kind of raw honesty and authenticity,” says Maron. “If anything defines whatever the brand is, or if anything defines the success that I have in talking to people in interviews, it’s that there seems to be something very personal and raw in how I engage with people.”

    Bonus. Podcasting is a Convenient, Automatic and Inexpensive Way to Reach Your Audience or Customers

    Getting started in podcasting is relatively inexpensive. All you need is a good computer, a strong microphone and a broadband internet connection. Later, you can buy nicer gear if you want. For now you can get started with minimal cost. In fact, all the equipment you need at start-up will approximate $ 500. The Blue Yeti USB microphone for example costs an affordable $128. Invest in a good ShockMount, Mac laptop, recording software like Garage or Audacity and you’re good to go. In a later article, we’ll show you this cost breakdown. All you need is something to say and a desire to say it. If you were to try and do the same thing on the radio, you would have to face all sorts of FCC regulations, and unnecessary expenses. Consider how much you currently spend on radio ads. More than $2,000 per campaign? In many cases, this is not even a fraction of the radio budget. Podcasting removes all that cost and trouble. One reason that podcasting has become so popular is that it’s automated. Listeners subscribe to your feed. This means they don’t have to remember to return your site to check for new content. When you post new content, it’s automatically downloaded to your listener.

    It’s so easy to get started. In less than a day, your podcast can be on the air and available to millions all over the world. All you need to start your podcast is a computer, a microphone and a broadband internet connection.

    If you have any questions about how you can leverage podcasting as a new blogger or as an established brand, let me know by posting a comment below. We will get right back in touch with you! Make your voice heard! Start a Podcast!

    Why Podcasting is the Future of Blogging?
  • Why Podcasting is the Future of Blogging?

    Why Podcasting is the Future of Blogging?

    What is Podcasting?

    The process of using the internet to make public broadcasting recordings accessible on a computer or mobile device for download is known as Podcasting

    A podcast is a serialized set of digital audio clips with spoken terms that a user can access on a work device for easy listening. An easy and efficient way for many podcast outlets to manage personal consumption database and playback is supported by streaming apps and podcasting networks.

    The podcast medium has become popular 15 years after Apple first offered 3,000+ songs on iTunes. Millions of Americans are reportedly subscribing to podcasts every week, up from 19 million in 2013. The range of possibilities podcast listeners have today is one reason for the rise. With over 54 million podcast episodes widely accessible worldwide, there are now over 1,000,000 successful podcasts. Due to the low-cost of entry, a record 192,000 new podcasts were released in the first ten months of 2020. A variety of major media firms have recently entered the industry in recognition of the success of podcasting. Joe Rogan just signed a huge, mult-million dollar deal all because of his podcast!

    The Growth of Podcasting in the Last Five Years

    For the past five years, I have attended the Podcast Movement Conference, the biggest annual podcasting event, and have seen the conference expand along with the industry, reaching 5,000 participants in 2020. With the shutdown and virtual podcasting events being held, I believe the podcast industry is going to grow exponentially this year!

    Podcasts are simply a compilation of audio files being made available digitally for other people to listen to at their convenience. Most podcasts are set up like a TV or radio program, with numerous “seasons” and episodes with special guests concentrating on various topics. Listeners can subscribe to particular podcasts, download and listen to new episodes whenever it is convenient for them.

    While podcasts have been in use for almost 20 years, think back to 2004 when the iPod minis of Apple were all the fashion, and the iTunes Music Store had just gone global. There has been a rise in listening in the last few years that has gained a lot of attention from business owners, celebrities, advertisers, and customers alike.

    Why People Are Listening to Podcast More Than Eve Before

    Let’s take a closer look at six reasons why people listening to podcasts continues to increase:

    1. It doesn’t take much to get started.

    One of the things that makes podcasts so compelling for companies, especially companies with smaller or limited budgets, is the affordability to get started. These companies do not require a large investment for their podcast. For the individual, the same thing applies. You can probably use equipment you already have (computer, computer camera and microphone) to get started! For your first few episodes, something as easy as recording on a smartphone or tablet would work just fine.

    You do not need to type down anything you want to say, because podcasts are also very conversational. To help you remain on track, you can create an outline ahead of time, but much of the discussion will be nicely unscripted. This is especially true if you have a co-host or are conducting interviews.

    2. Podcasts are also perfect for storytelling

    As a small business owner, your stories are what will help you to attract people to listen to your podcast and get them involved in your business. Your podcast can encourage them to choose your company over the competition. Hopefully, you’re always searching for ways to share amazing stories, generate interest, send people to your website, or forum, engage on social media, and sign up to receive newsletters and email notifications about your business or services.

    Podcasts allow you to leverage more communication power as an audio-based medium than written words alone. Instead of reading the words and understanding them (or misinterpreting them) on their own, your listeners will be hearing your stories straight from the source. You tone of voice, your excitement, your seriousness – all of it – comes through the audio they hear!

    3. Podcast are extremely convenient to absorb.

    Podcasts offer listeners the gift of multitasking rather than blog posts or videos, which demand someone’s full attention.

    This is why, through their smartphones, laptops, or other mobile devices, most people who listen to podcasts listeners will do so while doing other things. As they are getting ready for work in the morning, on their commute to work, or preparing dinner, they are able to listen to podcasts.

    Video, on the other hand, requires people to concentrate on the video and not on other things. This is one of the major advantages of podcasting!

    Podcast listeners can easily integrate listening time into their everyday schedules, which is why statistics reveal six or more podcasts a week are consumed by one in five weekly podcast users.

    The Future of Podcast Is Looking Bright

    I am excited to see where podcasting will go next. Personally, as a podcaster, I really am encouraged by what I’m seeing right now. As Apple continues to invest heavily in podcasting, I think there will be many more big names in entering the podcasting sphere of influence. Despite the big names entering this market, you and I also have an equal opportunity to create our own programming and see it grow into something huge as well.

  • How to Start Your Voice Acting Career?

    How to Start Your Voice Acting Career?

    Voice acting may not necessarily be as glamorous as other types of acting, but in recent years, it has definitely become a legitimate art form all unto itself. Think about a commercial that you’ve seen on television with a voice actor who was less-than-right for a particular part. A poor or miscast voice actor can completely fail to sell a product, which defeats the purpose of a particular advertisement. On the other hand, a great voice actor can make you want something even if you have no real reason to do so.

    Voice acting as a career can be a great way to have fun while getting a steady paycheck, if you approach things from the right angle.

    The Mindset

    One of the most important things you need to have when starting your voice-acting career is the appropriate mindset. If you want to get into voice acting for fame and riches, you’ll likely be disappointed. If, on the other hand, your goal is to practice a particular craft and convey various types of emotions using only your voice, you’ll likely never be disappointed with your decision.

    Training

    Much like other avenues of acting, a wide variety of training is available to voice over actors. Some of the training can be completed on your own, while others will require outside help. Start by listening to the demo tapes of successful voice over actors and making notes. Go to the websites of voice over talent agencies and look for demo tape examples. If a particular tape is great, write down all of the reasons why. If a particular tape is bad, keep in mind that the reasons why are equally as important. Listening to a bad tape will teach you just as much, if not more, than listening to a good tape.

    Also work on strengthening your voice and making it more versatile and flexible. A successful voice actor will be one with a wide range. You’ll also likely have to play a particular “role” for a long period of time, so make sure that your voice is up to the task by performing voice exercises on a daily basis. You should also take acting classes, as a big part of “voice acting” is still “acting.”

    Finding Jobs

    Finding jobs in voice acting is something you can do in a few different ways. You can produce a demo tape and send it to voice acting casting agents, production companies, studios and other businesses who may be in need of such services. You can also watch Internet resources for local auditions to find companies who are in need of actors. Don’t be discouraged – companies are always in need of voice talent.

    An Agent

    An agent is absolutely not required to begin a career in voice acting. An agent will, however, make the process easier. Landing an agent is similar to landing a job in the first place. Find a listing for a voice acting agent online who represents clients engaged in the type of work you want to do. Send the agent your demo tape and hope that they see the quality that you know you have. An agent can help send you on auditions, can help you land jobs and can even help negotiate for higher salaries.

    Voice acting requires the same level of time and commitment as any other art form. If you put in the work now, you’ll be well on your way to a successful voice acting career sooner rather than later.

  • How to Get Ready For Online Voice Overs?

    How to Get Ready For Online Voice Overs?

    Sacramento Press’s David Alvarez reports on the recently held “Winter 2012 SacAnimé” convention at the Woodlake Hotel in Sacramento. Over 5,000 visitors came to see their favourite voice actors who joined them in playing games, how-to workshops, music video contests and live concerts. Fans of the multi-talented Vic Mignogna, well known for his roles as Vega in Street Fighter II, Edward Elric in Full Metal Alchemists, Dark in DN Angel, Kurz in Full Metal Panic, Broly in Dragonball Z, Hikaru in Macross, and Takanaga in Wallflower, participated in and enjoyed the Q&A session with their voice actor hero. Currently involved with the new Iron Man and Wolverine series on G4, Mignogna was asked for insider tips by his fans about voice acting, so to encourage his fans, he shared with them how he started and became involved in voice acting. Together with fellow voice celebrities, they made the convention an exciting and memorable event for their thousands of fans.

    The Popularity of Voice Acting

    Online voice overs are getting popular this decade because of the surge of Japanese animé shows, foreign soap operas and movies, cartoon and computer-animated films, and video games. Even Hollywood celebrities are voice acting for animated films, like the star-studded Shrek series with Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, and Eddie Murphy, and the exuberant cast of the Kung Fu Panda series with Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, and Lucy Liu. Voice acting is totally different from on-screen acting. In voice acting, your face and body is obviously not seen so you have to show your full range of emotions and expressions through your voice alone. You have to know how to group the words in the script, when to pause, and how to control the tones in your voice, so that your voice and emotions match that of your animated character. When voice acting, you have to let your creative imagination work for you as well, because you usually won’t be interacting with other actors and their characters.

    What it takes to execute great Online Voice Overs

    If you’re wondering how you can be a voice actor or how to have a good voice for acting, then you have to understand that it isn’t just all talent. It takes more than just a great voice to succeed. Besides your passion for the craft, you have to develop the skill by involving yourself in educational and practical endeavours that will help you enhance your vocal range artistically and technically. To achieve this, you can:

    • seek guidance from a coach who will identify your voice type, provide a training program that suits your voice, hone your strengths, and assess your weak areas

    • join voice workshops where you can improve particular vocal skills

    • participate in chat groups, blogs, forums and other social networks that share information, insights, and feedback about voice over skills, techniques, job opportunities, etc

    • voice over literature can also be handy to guide you from the basic to professional careers

    Voice Over Jobs: A Flexible, Well-paid and Satisfying Career

    Pursuing a career can be very fulfilling, especially now that more industries are moving online. Whether it’s television, films, radio, online games, smart phones, cars, computers, websites, elevators, buses, trains, or on-hold messaging, there’s a need for voice talents. And the demand for freelance voice over work is increasing every day.

    Most of us may not notice a lot of voice overs because they have become a part of our everyday life. But they are everywhere – and they are voices of real people. Let’s take a look at some of the voice over jobs we have today.

    • TV, movie trailer, radio

    o Advertisements for consumer products, events or public services

    o Preview of a new TV show or upcoming movie

    o Variety shows, game shows, talk shows

    • Audio books

    o Different characters, from best-selling novels to children’s fairy tale storybooks, require different voices

    • Video games, animated films

    o Different game players and cartoon characters, including the narrator, need voice actors

    • Car GPS, elevators, trains, buses

    o Spoken directions, instructions and “next stops” need voice talents to guide passengers

    Whatever industry you’re in, you’ll need artists to help you promote, operate or aid your business. Contact us today and we’ll show you the gallery of our talents.

  • Tips For Voice-Over Actor

    Tips For Voice-Over Actor

    If you are entertaining the idea of breaking into voiceovers, your voice over demo is an absolutely essential marketing tool. Not having a voice demo is like an actor trying to get work without a head shot. Your voice demo is your business card to the voice industry and you cannot work without it.

    Just as models include tear sheets in their portfolios, established voice talent make a short (usually 90 second) compilation of current voice over work. They duplicate this on CD and send the discs to producers, casting directors, and clients who keep them on file for future voice work consideration. Often, talent are hired right from their voice over demos. In many cases, they must audition for the job.

    No one in the voice over industry wants to work with a beginner who has little, or no voice over experience. To break into voiceovers you must produce a voice demo that sounds like you have worked before. The samples you include on the voice demo you make (or have made for you) should sound like they are actual spots that could have been on the air.

    If you can find a good voice coach, this is something that is highly recommended. If you do look for a voice coach, be sure they have good references. You need a coach who understands what the advertising agencies and producers are listening for in professional voice over talent. Don’t make your voice over demo before you are ready. Find a coach who will help you build your skills before you make the investment in the studio. If there is no voiceover coach in your area, search the internet for reputable long distance coaching.

    Every great voice demo starts with good commercial copy. Well written voice over scripts showcase your reads with different emotions – roles – energies, and that the market requires. Be sure to strive for variety on your voice over demo. Select voice over scripts that show the full range of what you are cpable. Good voice over scripts can be hard to find. Make sure the resource your choose has multiple script categories including Commercials, Corporate, Narration’s, Promos, Public Service announcements – just about every kind of voice over recording you may come up against.

    A competitive voice over demo should produced in a professional recording studio which has the proper background music and sound effects to put behind your voice. Studios can be expensive. Costs average $50-$100 an hour or more, depending on the caliber of the facility and location. It can take as long as 8 hours (or more) for a beginner to produce a professional voice over demo, including recording, editing , music selection and the final mix. Once the voice demo is produced, you’ll also have to pay for the duplication of your demo and mailing costs.

    Be sure to shop around before committing to a studio to record your voice over demo. Recording studio rates are competitive. Many studios even offer special voice over demo package deals for voice talent. Check out the studio before you invest in making your voice over demo. Make an appointment with the studio to just go in a take a look at their facilities. Is it soundproof? Is the recording staff pleasant? Will you feel comfortable recording there? Do they have voice over scripts available? Have the studio play you samples of other voice talent demos they’ve made.

    You will want to choose a studio which is used by voice over artists. They’ll have lots of experience in working with voice talent and should have everything you need.

    It is good practice to warm up before your voice over session. Athletes, Dancers, and singers warm up. Voice over actors should do the same! After all, you are The specific muscles used to perform your craft should be kept ‘toned’ by using voice warm-up exercises. Relax your neck, stretch your face and shoulders, open your mouth wide, or perform your favorite tongue twisters. By warming up your voice you speak more clearly. and also relax you. When you enter a studio for your session, being relaxed is very important in order to zero in and find your character quickly. Follow this advice and you will make the most out of your voice over session.

    Don’t duplicate more than 50 voice over CDs at a time. After you’ve sent out your first 50 cds and received feedback, you’ll know whether or not you’ll have to go back into the studio for some fine-tuning to your voice over demo!

  • Voice Over Hiring: Top 10 Reasons

    Voice Over Hiring: Top 10 Reasons

    At one point most businesses will type “need voice over professional” into Google. Odds are that they learned the hard way how using the low-voiced employee to do their voicemail outgoing message was perhaps too simple an approach. Mind you, I’m sure the guy has a very nice voice. But in voice over, how to use it is the key.

    Indeed, there are over 100,000 people on the web who want to sell you their voice over services. Out of that number, maybe 1000 can actually deliver the goods on a par with national TV advertising. The art of voice over is simply not that simple!

    #1: Voice Mail Let’s start with the basics. A voice over professional will know how to set the right pace and feel for your IVR, on-hold and voicemail greetings. It needs to reflect the feel of your business, be understandable and, most importantly, engaging. Having one of your employees do it will work on a perfunctory level, but it won’t elevate you to the same level or higher than your competitors.

    #2: Web Presentations Many times businesses will let whomever their media production guy is do any narration required. Sometimes because they forget that Hollywood caliber talent is available online – right now! Sometimes because they think the price is beyond them. Well, you can have a professional announcer for a reasonable fee for your project quite easily. Having top-notch voice talent perform all your internet based media gives you that leading edge your corporate identity needs.

    #3: Radio Commercials Many businesses think that having the owner just “talk to the people” will instill a community-minded notion in the listener’s head and ears. Unless said business owner is a very persuasive speaker, it’ll have a different effect – the listener tunes out. Why? Because we listen to music on the radio or dynamic talk-show hosts. If there isn’t any music or a certain level of interesting dynamics to the voice, it’s just background noise. And in small markets the air waves are full of non-professional announcers. Hire a pro and you have just graduated to the Big Boys & Girls level. (Also, beware of using DJs as they tend to be somewhat inauthentic when reading prepared scripts. Their talent is with the impromptu.)

    #4: Television Commercials Okay. Your company has just pulled together a budget for their first television commercial. Good times! Ah, but wait… There isn’t a line item for voice over! And, unless you specifically know you will not need a voice over, you better put it in the budget. Nothing can rip the professional sheen off a tv spot quicker than a bad, amateurish voice over! Hire a pro!

    #5: Narration Long form narration is the hardest kind of voice over. To have a non-professional talk on and on for ten minutes is just plain cruel to your audience! Have a heart and hire a voice over talent. They are trained to speak in a way that elucidates and intrigues – not just dole out information. And don’t worry, rates for narration can sometimes be cheaper per word than commercials.

    #6: Imaging/Promos If you happen to be someone who works in the niche category, such as radio imaging or TV promos, then hiring a voice over pro is a no-brainer. But, just in case you’re reading this and needed the reminder – here it is! (And no offense meant regarding that “no brainer” comment.)

    #7: Recording Studio Another big perk to hiring a voice over professional online is that you don’t have to pay for a recording studio. That alone cuts your costs in half! You now can get a Hollywood level voice over, performed on state-of-the-art sound recording equipment, delivered right to your email! Not a bad deal.

    #8: Copywriting Sometimes you may need the help of a writer to flesh out your script – or just create it from the start. You could look online for a freelance copywriter, but you’ll see millions – literally! But a good voice over artist will have the name, number and website of a trusted copywriter. That right there will save you hours or even days of trial and error. However, be careful with voice over talent who also offer copywriting services. If they have the time to write all their client’s scripts in addition to recording the voice over, then they aren’t fully focused on the task at hand… And there may also be a reason they have enough time to do all those things.

    #9: Advertising Agency Bypass If you’re a big corporation with big advertising ideas, then you definitely want to go with an advertising agency (The Martin Agency, Gail & Rice, DDB, etc.). Even if you’re a smaller company, but have the money and time, an advertising agency is the way to go. But if you’re working with a 24 hour deadline or have a limited budget, then you just need to go directly to the horse’s mouth, er voice over talent’s website. This kind of “in a pinch” delivery is really only available when you hire a voice over actor directly.

    #10: Voice Over Sizzle But arguably the best part of hiring a voice over professional is the sizzle cachet they come with. True pros will be known for many of their national campaigns and signature style.

  • Successful Career As A Voice Over Artist

    Successful Career As A Voice Over Artist

    Are you thinking about a career in voice overs? It is strongly advised that training is sought out and taken on with interest and vigor.

    While there are many different avenues that education can be consumed there is one definite way above all others that rises to the top as not only the preferred method but also the most effective: receiving personal instruction from a voice over coach.

    Many voice over coaches have worked in the voice over industry as voice actors themselves and have reached a point in their career where they have much to share and pass on to other people who perform voice overs for a living. Just as a voice actor may specialize in a particular niche of voice over, some teachers are renowned for specific areas of expertise.

    Some examples are coaches that focus on commercial voice over, coaches that are expert narrators, others who create character voices, and those who tend to have musical or theatrical backgrounds that add to their voice acting instruction in general.

    There are many different ways you can study with a voice over coach or instructor:

    1. Private instruction in person

    2. Private instruction over the phone

    3. Group instruction in person

    4. Group instruction over the phone (teleseminars)

    5. Group instruction over the Internet (webinars and podcasts)

    Private Instruction In Person Private

    Instruction in person is most effective when pursued on a regular basis. It is through consistent live instruction that a voice actor will be able to track their efforts and further develop their skills one on one. The teacher is able to observe the student and demonstrate the lessons physically with more ease than attempting to provide instructions over the phone.

    Private Instruction by Phone

    Private instruction by phone is one of the more convenient ways to learn about voice acting as you don’t have to be in the same city as the voice over coach. Students who live outside major voice over hotbeds find this option works best for them so that they can study with a world renowned coach without ever leaving the comfort of their own homes.

    Group Instruction in Person

    Group instruction through workshops and seminars are conducted in person and give the attendees a different kind of education, similar to a classroom where the teacher is responsible for reaching a variety of different people as they present their material. Offering workshops are a popular choice allowing teachers to do tours all across the nation. Many students will fly in for a workshop to a central location to study with a specific teacher, honing a particular skill, or simply for the sheer enjoyment of community that these educational opportunities provide.

    Group Instruction by Phone

    Group instruction over the phone is known as teleseminars. They feature an instructor presenting a specific topic with callers on the line who are generally muted. The instructor will usually open up the lines so that questions can be asked or clarifications made near the end of the call. Feedback from the callers is usually appreciated and the end of the call is a great time to let the coach know how the session was helpful and gives them the opportunity to thank the instructor for their efforts.

    Group Instruction over the Internet

    Online training is a great way to compliment other forms of training a voice actor is already receiving. Webinars and podcasts are excellent ways to join in on a lecture or discussion.

    Webinars are usually free to attend but may require that a long-distance phone charge be incurred in exchange for listening in. Questions can be asked in real time of the instructor and a Q&A period opened up toward the end of the webinar.

    Podcasts are nearly always free unless stated otherwise. While they are not as interactive (you can’t ask a question and get a response in real time from a recording), they are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be listened to from anywhere. Follow up questions can be sent to the instructor, usually by email from their website. A podcast is more a less a “taste” of what you could learn from the coach if you decide to study with them.

    Just as a voice actor uses their voice over demo as a free sample or calling card, voice over coaches are able to promote their services via podcast or writing articles for blogs and online publications. Another way for teachers of voice acting and voice over to promote their services is through writing books or producing training CDs. Many instructors are also authors. You can get a really good feel for how a teacher will be in person from reading their books.

    Through their publications and podcasts, you’ll learn more about what they can do for you, but one of the best ways to measure how qualified a teacher is to teach you is by reviewing student testimonials and reviews.

    You can determine whether or not the voice over coach is reputable by the success of their own career and the achievements of their former students.

    Studying with a credible teacher is very important. Request references and research any biographical information related to their education, experience, and teaching credits. Referrals are often the best way to connect with a teacher and students who love their teachers are very good ambassadors for them.

    Some teachers even help students create or reinvent their voice over demos. The price for this kind of service ranges depending on the overhead and any other services that may be included with the production of the demo. Prices generally start from about $800 and can go up to a couple thousand depending on where you record your demo and with whom.

    A sign of a great teacher is that they care about you as a person as well as a student. Teachers who invest this level of interest in their students are more likely to help them succeed throughout their career and connect those individuals with opportunities for advancement in the field of voice acting.