Audio Book Techniques
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Terry Daniel shares how he records an audio book read.
Popularity: 11%
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Getting Voice Over Work Through Social Networking
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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: 1%
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Making a Radio Commercial in ONLY 6 Minutes
Filed under Free Videos
John Taylor gives us a peak inside his studio as he produces a 30 second commercial. Enjoy!
Popularity: 15%
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June 23,2009
Alex Tarlue @ 7:03 pm
I am voice over tech in training, would you or someone sent me dvd or cd to
help me with my training? I will let people know all over the world that you help
me with my career. Not only that, I will also want to train with the best . So what
do you think? respose please. -
June 23,2009
Lou Costa @ 7:38 pm
Very amazing stuff..Thanks for sharing this. As a past Speech Communications Major, a past College Radio Announcer and a current Mobile DJ/Entertainer, seeing the work behind the scenes in actually creating this short commercial spot is fascinating utilizing the software tools shown.
Thanks again for sharing this.
Lou
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June 23,2009
Konstantine @ 8:03 pm
It was intriging. I wish you would of went more in depth on what the presets were and why you chose them. Also how do you exactly know when something is leveled and not leveled. These are the things in editing that rely keep me from perfecting an edit.
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June 23,2009
Earl West @ 11:04 pm
That was fascinating.
I have been messing with Audacity and Sony Acid to make hypnosis cd’s for friends in order to teach myself about recording. I suppose just like anything else the more you work at it the less confusing it seems.
I do wonder if the commercial you are showing is something you put together year after year to sort of freshen it up. That must be why you are able to use the childs voice from several years ago.
Sort of like the car company that uses the voice and image of the dark haired boy for the “Vroom Vroom” ad campaign.
Again, very cool.
Thank you for the lesson.
Earl W. – hypno-biz-mall.com
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June 23,2009
chris @ 11:06 pm
Wow that was very cool to see. John looks exactly like a neighbor down the street. I was told by my roommate that the neighbor dose recording stuff, so I wonder if it’s him. I will have to introduce myself and see if it is actually him. I would love to talk with him, hope he wouldn’t mind talking shop to a newbie wanting to get into the biz.
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June 27,2009
John Taylor @ 9:33 am
Hey Y’all, thanks for the kind words. This was really more for family and non business friends, just a way to show what I do for a living. This video doesn’t really offer much training info. I will get a video together that offers some nuts and bolts step by step info that may be really helpful in the future.
MICHAEL M: Processing settings depend on so many variables. Your mic, your voice print, room acoustics, the type of project, the client. The best way to ascertain the perfect settings is to listen to your own stuff with good monitor speakers, and a crummy computer speaker. MOST of what I do has NO processing…..it’s up to the client to process. So having the most natural sound to you rig is second only to acting ability. Processing is kool, but acting performance books gigs.
GREG: Yup this is an assembly line spot for sure. I did look at the copy in order to open the pre-set files, but that was the first time I read this version of the script aloud. It’s probably the 500th time I have done the commercial in the last 10 years. If it’s any consolation, I DID have to recut the tag cuz I mispronounced the town, Havelock is HAVE-LOCK not HAVE-EL-LOCK.
CHRIS-get in touch. johntaylorzone@aol.com if you live in Hollywood we probably are neighbors. I pretty much share everything I know…so if you wanna have a coffee at the Bourgeois Pig and you don’t mind my second hand smoke, let’s hang
All the BEST to y’all
JT -
October 11,2009
Dave @ 2:23 pm
Enjoyed that video, in the life of man that wears many hats. I had a question concerning the software John is using? As a voice talent I am just putting my home studio together, is a program like Sound forge Pro 10 pretty user friendly. I appreciate any assistance you can give me. Best wishes in your endeavors, and look forward to hearing from you soon. Dave
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November 18,2009
Hussein Hamis @ 1:48 pm
Men! That was HOT i can’t imagine that hot thing could happen in such type, Congrats for showing us what u get!
One thing I need to know what type of plugins used there for voice compresion? I’m asking such because I am one among those who want be Voice-Over artist, I think I have a problems on how to sound and making punch with my voice, Please could anyone tell me what I have to Do? -
April 6,2010
Jim Dunn @ 3:40 pm
What, no razor blade and editing block?
Cool video, John. I’ve heard the little voices in my head talk about Adobe Audition but I never really listen them. They have a tendency to get me into financial trouble. Maybe I’ll make an exception.
Thanks for the vid.
Jim -
September 18,2010
Scott Burns @ 9:41 am
That was fun! I used Adobe Audition 3.0 as well and love the myriad of tricks it offers. It’s always fun seeing the tricks and shortcuts others use. Thanks John!
By the way, I work for an advertising agency that uses company spokespeople to voice their own spots. Some are good, and others not-so.
I know it’s a little more specialized, but it would be entertaining to see how you can “Frankenstein” bits and pieces of a persons bad delivery to make a smooth sounding sentence.
I unfortunately have to do that more often than not…
Thanks for the show and tell! -
November 7,2010
Ed @ 1:10 pm
John, Loved your 6 minute commercial. I realize this was a time matter in presenting your spot, but sure would like to know what you were clicking on to enhance the voice sound to make it fuller. And how can I record in multitrack with Adobe Audition 3? It keeps telling me to arm a track and when I try I get feedback. Recording in multitrack with Cool Edit is no problem. I was also fascinated at how quick you were editing in multitrack mode. Great presentation. Hope you have more production tips to watch. Maybe you can do one on how to get that trailer voice sound.
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December 12,2010
Wayne @ 11:26 am
John, just saw your spot. Man, I’m giddy as a school kid! I want to break into this so bad. I would love the opportunity to speak with you as to how to get started, equipment, software, music… the whole 9 yards. Would appreciate a shout back when you get a minute. Thanx
Wayne
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January 13,2011
Terry Daniel @ 9:14 pm
Hi Carol!
Thank you for your comment. I can send you some information but in the meanwhile, try our members area. http://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now
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February 16,2011
Drew @ 7:05 am
Where do you get your scripts? Do you need or have an agent? And can all this work be done at home with the right equipment????or$$$$$$$$.
Great work but you have been doing this for a while right?
Start me out I have Demos, I have done radio on-air and voice overs but, as you know it is not what you know but who you know……Any ideas and/or suggestions..Drew -
March 24,2011
Noël @ 2:06 pm
I enjoyed, unfortunately like others have replied, to fast especially since you are working with a program to put this all together for the final cut.
I realize 6 minutes is to short to squeeze it all in but for those of us, me, who are trying to learn this profession are set up with a program to produce, mine Pro-Tools M Powered 8, it really needs to be shown in such a manner that isn’t lickity split.
Thanks though, it is nice to see what others are doing and to hear the end results.
Have A Great Day.
Noël
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March 24,2011
Hi Noel,
Thank you for your comments. We go into a lot more detail on recording softwares in our members area. Try us out! http://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now
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Hire the Voice-Not the Price
Filed under Blog
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: 2%
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August 4,2009
Alison Cromie @ 5:42 am
This is so true, and sometimes just the opposite is just as true. When I was just starting out, my first big job was re-doing a voice over where the client had been disappointed with the original voice actor they had hired. The real funny thing about it is that I was probably cheaper (being new to the business-less than two jobs under my belt) than the professional they had previously used. They immediately hired me on for the next 5 videos in their project.
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June 28,2010
Mike Elmore @ 8:20 pm
Going along with what Alison said and also unleashing some alarming news..;0)>> a client that I do a lot of editing for…doesn’t use me much for Voice Over…because she doesn’t have the budget after paying for my editing and everything else involved. She told me that she uses one of the pay to play sites for EVERYTHING (and she does a ton of stuff for a WB afflilitate) voice related. She said she goes straight for the low bidders and finds almost every time that a good portion of them are just as good if not better than the ones that are bidding 100 and some even into the hundreds for a 30 second spot (not a smart thing to do on one of these sites)…
So the market is NOT what it used to be and there are some decent actors out there that are working by the “sell em cheap and stack em deep” model~
Here is a recent email from a voiceover neophyte (newbie) and my advice.
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“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: 9%
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Leonard Q. Thurston auditions for Willie Wonka
Filed under Free Videos
Leave a comment and tell us what you think of this guy!
Popularity: 2%
Superior presentation.
One question if I may: How do you get such a great, dead’n'deep sound on your mic with a set-up that looks like it’s basically just sitting on your desktop? You’re not in a closet or sound booth, just right out in the open.
Great, concise, instructional on audiobooks! What percentage of your business would you say is audiobooks, and do all of your publishers edit your files themselves, or have you ever been expected to edit before you send to them (Deb Munro had an online article where she indicated she was responsible for the editing. I was curious if this was the norm or not.)
I appreciate your extending a helping hand to those on their way up.
Thanks,
Ann
I enjoyed the your presentation on audiobooks. Your presentations give me great insight into the real world of voice acting, and are a huge help. I would also like to know how you create that great dead’n'deep sound on your mic.
Thanks
Gary
Thanks Gary! The mic I use is a Neumann TLM 103. It’s perfect for my style of delivery. Thanks again for the kinds words!
Great info, Terry – Thanks (as always) for sharing!
Fantastic. But repeating what Greg asked, may I know which is your hardware and software setup?
Many thanks,
Paulo Eduardo – Brazil.
Excellent tips! How do you record with the computers sitting on the desk? Doesn’t the sound of the cooling fans interfere with the audio?
Thank you so much for this sample, I posted it on our website where we coach sci-fi writers how to produce their own audiobooks and radio drama. Godspeed!
Terry, Thanks for sharing your techniques. Great info to keep in the folders.
Terry,
Thanks so much for that ‘realtime’ session, it seems more accessible and attainable.
Terry,
Thanks for sharing!
Always nice to see how other VO artists work.
Best,
Lauren
Thanks Lauren!
I enjoy your work as well. We’re also connected on facebook!
Hi, Terry. It’s great you share your tips – it helps our industry to be a community, and that’s treasured when so many of us work solo, particularly newcomers like me. I would love to know which part of the USA gives you those warm and friendly tones? Also I often wonder how English ‘received pronunciation’ a la BBC sounds to American ears? Best, Howard Ellison
Hi, Terry. It’s great that you share your tips, it helps to make this industry a community – appreciated by people who work solo, and newcomers like myself. I would love to know which region of the USA gives you your warm and friendly tones. I wonder also how English ‘received pronunciation’ sounds to American ears? Best wishes, Howard Ellison, Devon UK.
Excellent presentation Terry!!
This is so very exciting to me now that I’m really able to take this very seriously. Currently I have a couple of friends who have a Multi-media production studio and they asked me to do some voice overs for 15 second commercials. I would like to ask you 2 questions if I may?
1. When you have more dialog/script than what time allows, what is your best suggestion if the client still wants to keep all the lines in the script?
2. What is the best way to mix/compress/Bass boost your voice Over recordings so it has presence and substance but still hear the mid ranges so as to ice over clearly and not to be too Bassy? I have done these VO commercials and when they air, they sound like the volume is too low and that my voice is not predominant.
What is your advice sir? Thanks- David Van Sise
http://voice123.com/David_Van_Sise
Hi David,
Thank you for the nice comments and the good questions. Most of these can be answered in our members area of the club. There is a some great modules on recording and script delivery. Check it out when you get a chance. Again, thank you so much for the compliment and good luck to you!
Hi Terry,
Thanks for the video of your technique in reading a book. What recording program do you use and are you familiar with the Harlan Hogan sound proof box for the microphone to cut down on room noise? I use Adobe Audition 3
and for noise restoration I use also use what Adobe has. It seems to work OK, but I hear the sound proof box is superior. What do you think?
Thanks
Hi Ed!
Thanks for your comments. My studio is 100% soundproof, so I don’t use any sound proof boxes. I have heard the Hogan box works well but it’s tough if you read your scripts off of a computer monitor.
Adobe Audition rocks! I’ve been using it for 10 years and I love it. Nice choice!
Hey, that was cool for a beginners look into the field of voice recording opportunities. Thanks for taking the time to share the experience. Bright ideas and good training always help to make people more flexible and comfortable when it comes to doing professional entertainment.
Cool insight and training review. You are an awesome coach. I like knowing what opportunities are available step by step. Thanks for the technique.
terry you are very talented, i my self would like to become a voice actor but i have no idea how to get stated. do you thank you could give me some advice it would be very appreciated if so email me, thank you.
Thanks Clay! A great place to start is the Voice Over Club members area. You can try it for a buck and then upgrade to a consultation, if you would like to discuss the VO industry and all your options with me. Click on the link below to join. Thanks Clay!
http://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now
Thanks Terry, loved the example. Maybe some day I’ll be able to work my way into audio books.
Thanks, Terry. What you didn’t cover in reading an audio book is how to you read dialog in a book? Do you have to assume 2 or 3 (or 5) different character voices?
I find I get lots of lip noise and it DRIVES ME CRAZY!!! I wonder if it has anything to do with nerves and a dry mouth, but I can’t find anything too useful on the web as to how to stop it or even how to edit it out – sometimes it is bang in the middle of a word and sound worse when it is cut out.
Also it is so-o-o- time consuming. Do you have any advice on that? (Apart from your “join the club” line, that is?)