Audio Book Techniques

Terry Daniel shares how he records an audio book read.

Popularity: 32%

Getting Voice Over Work Through Social Networking

Last week, I had the honor of being a guest on “Voice Over Experts”, a popular podcast featured on Voices.com. Check it out!

http://podcasts.voices.com/voiceoverexperts/2009/06/voice_over_experts_episode_91.html

Popularity: 2%

Making a Radio Commercial in ONLY 6 Minutes

John Taylor gives us a peak inside his studio as he produces a 30 second commercial. Enjoy!

Popularity: 33%

Hire the Voice-Not the Price

Imagine, you are on a sandy beach enjoying the sun. You hear the waves splashing up over the rocks, the sound of seagulls singing a tune, and the laughter of children playing in the background. Suddenly, you hear footsteps walking toward you and then a voice appears asking to take your drink order.

Ah, the voice…deep yet comforting; bold yet soothing. You realize the power this voice has over you and you have the sudden urge to quench your thirst. Hiring a professional voice talent will captivate your audience whereby convincing them that they need your product or service.

While cost is a factor in any business decision, it should not be the number one objective when hiring voice over talent. Take car shopping for example. Do you look for the lowest price tag or the car that will best fit your needs? The same holds true with a well-versed and seasoned voice talent.

They can interpret a script to make it sound conversational and believable. A specialized voice talent will offer superior sound and quality, which comes at a cost. They take pride in purchasing top-of-the-line equipment and have expenses as with any professional business.

Occasionally, a client will take the less expensive route only to be dissatisfied with the quality of the talent and eventually hire a more experienced talent to record the voice over. Understanding the proficiency and skill that I have as a professional voice talent, the cost should not be a factor as the end product will result in exactly what you are looking for. Keep in mind the old proverb “you get what you pay for.”

Popularity: 4%

Here is a recent email from a voiceover neophyte (newbie) and my advice.

“I have contemplated attempting trying to get into doing voiceover work for a number of years. Though production and film related Meetup groups, a fellow member is assembling a cd of voiceover demos to be distributed throughout Louisiana as well as Dallas, Houston etc. I only just found out about the project, and quickly trying to put together a voice demo to be reviewed for inclusion on that cd. Though I have deejayed previously as well having 7yrs of telephone agent work in my past….I’ve no remnant of any airchecks etc….I do have an aqquaintane who will provide the recording facility. Do you have any suggestions in regards to scripts etc. I am, unfortunately, hurriedly trying to assemble material for my demo. Are there printed scripts available free to use, online? I would make changes in words, brands, etc. – Loma”

Loma,

Thank you for your query.

I believe you should be prepared and always try to put your best foot forward, especially with a voiceover demo. If it turns out to be substandard because of lack of preparation, training, production quality, or because you “quickly try to put it together”, the demo will reflect these factors you may make a poor first impression that could hang with you for a while and work against you.

Your acquaintance with the studio- have you listened to any of the voiceover demos he/she has already produced? And are you being charged a fee for inclusion on the audio CD? You speak of “airchecks”. Never put an aircheck on anything, unless you’re applying for a broadcasting job.

Haste makes waste. I hope you don’t throw money after something that may not showcase your “Best foot”, or voice talent, in this case.

There are certainly free scripts out there for you to use. Check out : http://www.edgestudio.com/scripts.htm

I personally feel you could be rushing into making a demo before you’re ready. But if you feel you are indeed ready, by all means do it.

All The Best,

Bobbin Beam, Voice Actress 760-519-5072
Available via Source Connect, ISDN & phone patch
www.bobbinbeam.com
http://blog.bobbinbeam.com

Popularity: 13%

Leonard Q. Thurston auditions for Willie Wonka

Leave a comment and tell us what you think of this guy!

Popularity: 7%