3 RULES FOR HIRING A VOICE ACTOR WHEN YOU'RE AN INDEPENDENT CREATIVE.

3 REAL Rules on how to find, direct, and work with a voiceover actor when you're producing on your own.

You've done it! After years of working for "the man" (or woman), you've ventured out on your own to create the awesome content YOU want to!

Maybe you're a producer, rounding up all the talent you can find. Or perhaps you're a badass director with a keen eye behind the lens. Either way, you'll need some resources in your back pocket to ensure the greatest deliverable for your client. And besides having a great DP, copy editor, motion designer, etc...you'll also need a professional voice talent (probably a good coffee pot too).

Build a Creative Toolbox...

Being an independent creative, means you must have tools ready-to-go so you can give your clients the same quality they expect from a large agency. When it comes to finding voice talent, make sure you get someone who understands your business, and can be a true creative partner.

1. Look for a voice actor with REAL experience - When I was a Creative Director, I kept a pool of voice talent at the ready for any project coming my way. However, I cultivated those VA's carefully, because trusting someone with an "interesting voice" wouldn't service my clients well. I needed professional voice talent that have worked with real brands, in real studios, and understands this business. If you find someone, ask for links to work, references or quotes from past clients, or even a talent resume. If you can't get that...time to move along.
2. Get a voice actor with a REAL voiceover studio - Technology is rapidly developing. The access for someone to go buy a USB mic from a big box retailer, plug-in, and call themselves a "voice talent" is too easy...and also scary. Would you buy a set of tools then call yourself "a professional contractor"? Or worse, would you shoot an entire brand video on an iPhone? Nope. My studio is a voiceover studio. Which means, its specifically tailored for voice over work. That gives my clients an edge when they need to direct me (phone patch, ISDN, Source Connect, etc...), loop in their client to a session, get consistent quality on retakes and pickups, and fast turnaround time.
3. Set REAL deadlines, milestones, and/or tech requirements - Get all the details laid out.When do you need it? Can you call in and direct? What file format/quality do you need? Was the script written by someone who understands voiceover? I personally pride myself on being a little tech nerdy when it comes to creative production, but I want to be a valued resource for my clients. I recently did a project where I not only was the narrator, but I also edited a screen capture video along with it! My client was able to have a one-stop-shop and made the deliverable quicker and easier!

One of the things I love the most about working with independent creatives is their spirit, passion, and work ethic. They want to give their clients the best projects, and go head-to-head with a big agency.

Having a proper voice over talent in your creative toolbox, you'll be able to keep producing great content and find another collaborative partner. Want to know more? Let's chat!