From Script to Performance: The Voice Over Process Explained

Cromerty York - Female Australian Voice Over

WHO IS THE BEST VOICE OVER ARTIST?

The best voice over artist is one who understands that voice over is an art form. It is a type of production where a voice is used to narrate or provide commentary on a video or film, or characters in animation or games, and it requires a great deal of skill and expertise to pull off effectively.

But what do you need to succeed in the voice over industry?

The Script

Cromerty York - A Professional Female British Voice Over Talent

Cromerty York – A Professional Female British Voice Over Talent

The script is the foundation of any voice over project. It contains all the necessary information about the project, such as the tone, pacing, and overall message that needs to be conveyed. The voice talent needs to understand the script fully to deliver a successful performance.

The Voice Over Artist

The voice over artist is the person who provides the voice for the project. They need to have an excellent command of their voice and be able to deliver the message effectively. A good voice over can bring the script to life and create a compelling performance. The Voice Artist will have their own list of voice over rates, usually based on their country’s union recomendations, and their own experience.

Choosing the Right Voice Actor

Choosing the right voice actor for a project is essential. Voice actors come in different styles, tones, and accents. A British female voice over, for example, may be perfect for a project that requires a refined and sophisticated voice, while a more casual project might require a different type of voice actor.

Recording the Voiceover

Recording the voiceover is where the real magic happens. The voice over artist needs to deliver the script in a way that captures the essence of the project. They also need to work with the sound engineer to ensure the quality of the recording is up to par. The voice over artist will ideally be recording in a professional broadcast-quality studio.

Editing the Voiceover

After the voiceover has been recorded, it needs to be edited. This involves cutting out any mistakes or unwanted noises, adjusting the timing and pacing, and adding any necessary sound effects. The voice over artist themselves will usually provide some editing on a file before sending the audio to the end-client.

Adding Music

In some cases, music is added to the voice over to create a more emotional or dramatic effect. The music needs to be chosen carefully to complement the voiceover and not detract from it. Remeber that there are fees and usage involved in selecting music tracks.

Mixing the Audio

Once the voiceover, music, and any sound effects have been added, the audio needs to be mixed. This involves adjusting the levels of each element to create a balanced and cohesive final product.

Revisions

After the audio has been mixed, the client may request revisions. These revisions can range from small tweaks to major changes. The voice over artist and sound engineer need to work together to ensure that the final product meets the client’s expectations.

Final Approval

Once the revisions have been made, the client needs to approve the final product. If they are satisfied, the voice over can be delivered to the client.

Delivery

The final step in the voiceover process is the delivery of the final product to the client. This can be done in various ways, such as through email, cloud storage (eg WeTransfer), or (less likely) physical media.

Usage

Once the client receives the voiceover, they can use it for their intended purpose, such as in a video or on a website. The voice over should be used in a way that complements the overall message and enhances the viewer’s experience. Usage rates must be included in the client’s expectations when requesting a voice artist. Quite simply – the more people are going to hear the voice over, the higher the usage. It is important to understand the scope and usage of a project before recording commences.

Creating a successful voiceover requires a combination of talent, skill, and technical expertise. From the script to the final performance, each step in the process is crucial to creating a compelling and effective product.

By working with a skilled voice over artist and sound engineer, clients can create a product that stands out and delivers their message with clarity and impact.

Why Not Choose A Great Real-Life Voice Over Artist?

There is a tendency for some clients to want a quick and dirty solution and just use an AI voice. Unlike AI, I am available for discussion on the sound, pace, accent and even language of a voice over script, with the option of re-recording until you are happy with the outcome.

Call me today, and let’s talk about how I can help you get your voice over right, first time.