Choosing the right voice over artist can truly elevate your project and make it stand out. Whether you’re producing a corporate video, crafting a compelling advertising campaign, or bringing an animation to life, the voice you select has the power to captivate your audience and give your script the flair it deserves. This guide will take you step by step through the process of finding and hiring the perfect voice over talent, ensuring the journey is as smooth and enjoyable as the result.
Featured voice artist in picture: Ellie, represented by deVine Voices.
Before you dive headfirst into the search for a voice over artist, take a moment to really think about what your project needs. Taking the time to clarify these details upfront can save you from unnecessary hassle later and help you zero in on the perfect match.
To get started, think about the type of voice your project calls for. Consider the language, tone, and style. Are you after an engaging but formal voice for a corporate video? Or perhaps an energetic and quirky tone to bring an animation to life? Pinpointing these characteristics early on will help narrow your options.
It’s crucial to consider your audience. Think about who they are and how best to connect with them. A younger crowd might prefer a fun, conversational tone, while a more formal delivery could resonate better with business professionals.
Be clear about your project type. Each type of project, from advertisements to gaming characters, comes with its own unique requirements. For example, if you have an existing video that requires a voice over to be lip synced to the on-screen character, this requires more precision and skill from both the voice over artist and the sound engineer. Advertisements are shorter and require punchy and exact voice over. Gaming projects may involve a lot of high energy reads or multiple characters and can range from simple to very complex. Each project is different, so knowing as much detail up front as possible will benefit everyone.
Speaking of details - take note of specifics like accents, pacing, age or even emotional nuances that may need specific voice artists or techniques and can take your project to the next level.
Finding the right voice over artist means aligning your needs with the talents and skills of an appropriate artist. Most professional voice over artists will have an agent representing them. This means you will be able to lean on the knowledge and advice of the agency to guarantee the talents capabilities, rates and professionalism.
Take note of past projects they’ve worked on, the age range they work in and other elements like accents or even singing talents. Working with an agency means that they know their artists best - what they are capable of, how they would suit your project, and providing you with alternatives to choose from if needed. Going this route - as opposed to trawling for freelancers or navigating unreliable online platforms, not only gives you peace of mind but also ensures fair practices for artists, agencies and clients.
Specialised agencies like deVine Voices are a fantastic balance. We give you access to a curated selection of professional artists across a variety of languages, accents, and styles, making the hiring process not just easier but also more reliable.
Once you’ve identified potential talent, the hiring process can begin. Let’s break it down into a few manageable steps:
Kick things off by reaching out to your chosen agency with a quick overview of your project. Share your script and clearly outline your expectations, including details like the type of voice you’re after, the desired pacing, and the emotional tone you’re aiming for.
When you’re in touch with a voice over agency, there are a few key questions to ask. Request demo reels. Listening to these yourself is a must - it’s the best way to gauge whether an artist’s voice aligns with your vision.
Confirm their rates and make sure they have access to a professional studio. Lastly, discuss turnaround times to ensure their availability aligns with your project deadlines.
One key benefit of working with a voice over agency like deVine Voices is they can save you time and effort on the recording side of things. Unlike other agencies, deVine Voices ensures their talent has access to a local professional studio or top-tier home recording setup, so you won't have to handle the logistics of finding a studio on your own.
Take the time to collaborate on the finer details of the project. Whether it’s pronunciation guides, video, music, mood boards, or creative references, sharing this information can help the artist deliver exactly what you’re envisioning.
The cost of hiring a voice over artist can vary widely depending on a few key factors, but are centred around two main costs; the artist’s rate for recording and usage rights. Partnering with a reputable voice over agency ensures you are paying fair, industry-standard rates that support both the talent and the industry. An artist’s experience level often plays a big role, with seasoned professionals or celebrities commanding a higher fee but delivering exceptional results.
The voice over recording fee is usually charged by the hour, so shorter ads will cost less than longer narrations, for the actual recording. However, usage fees are a separate factor and can vary widely depending on which media platforms the content will be shown, how long it will run, and the specific countries it will be shown in—usage fees for an advert, in particular, can be much higher than for a corporate or pharmaceutical project. Additionally, be aware that costs tend to rise if the recording will be broadcast on TV or Radio or be used commercially in any way due to usage rights.
Booking a voice over artist is an exciting and satisfying part of your creative journey. By taking the time to define your needs, exploring your options, and following these straightforward steps, you’ll find the perfect voice to bring your project to life - and maybe learn a thing or two!
We’re passionate about people, their voices and the industry, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any further guidance or advice. Book your ideal voice over artist with deVine Voices today - where professionalism meets a friendly, personal touch.