My Blog Webjam atom@webjam.com en 1d96df5c-1744-4cec-b61c-7bf773720843 Finding A Voice Over Talent Over The Internet 11-Nov-2008 Though there is certainly no shortage of potential voice talent for the hiring, picking through the thousands available to find the voice actor that is perfect for the job can seem like a daunting task.  Since the actor or actress you choose will affect the tone and message of your project, it's essential to make the right selection.

The internet offers many resource and options for putting together your multimedia project.  You can locate scripts from a database, or create a script of your own and find just the right tone and theme by reviewing samples of other companies in a few clicks.  The web allows you to view artist portfolios and samples with ease;  many professionals upload clips of previous projects as samples which saves you time during your hiring process, and can help you narrow down your search.  From reviewing resumes to conducting online interviews, the internet is making the voice over talent search much easier and effective.

Though the web can definitely make your search for talent quicker and more efficient,  without the appropriate strategy it can turn into a gigantic waste of time. Potential voice actors you find online, for example, may not be as reliable as they first appear, and may delay your progress by failing to submit their samples in a timely manner. These kinds of obstacles can be easily surmounted, however, with a little bit of know-how.  Here are some valuable tips on hiring voice talent on the web:

1. Ask for web-based samples after initial contact.  Professionals will be able to send over an .mpeg sample or direct you to samples they have available online; this can make it much easier to distinguish the professionals from the amateurs, and save you time in sending and receiving demo tapes, or setting up an audition.  You can use this step as the first part of your screening process.

2. Ask potential hires for a resume. Any serious voice actor or actress should be able to provide a formal resume, complete with his or her employment history and references.   Speaking of references, they're there for a reason; you should make sure to contact two or more of the past employers listed in order to get a balanced assessment of the performance you can expect from a potential hire.

3. Request a preferred rate.  Many voice over professionals have an expected rate for each project, and you'll want to know about both hourly and per-project rates. Some professionals will request payment only after final delivery, while others will require a portion upfront with the remainder due at the end of the project.

4. Conduct a telephone interview.  Telephone interviews are best for any talent you may not have the opportunity to meet with in person.  Telephone interviews can touch upon previous work, a brief script reading, and to gauge the confidence level of your candidate.

5. Ask if they can provide all services digitally.  Some professionals have the equipment and skills to record the voice over in their home studio, convert it into a media file for review, and allow you to download it directly from the web.  Find out what your options are, and plan accordingly to save on mailing fees, travel expenses, and other costs typically incurred for projects of this scope.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, MN and Has Provided the Voice Talent for Dozens of Companies and Agencies Since 1991.
]]> Published 50580702-84c1-4763-9931-896bf41837b8 Selecting Sample Scripts For Voice Over Actor 22-Sep-2008 If you're considering hiring voice over talent for an upcoming project, you'll need to schedule an interview, review demo tapes, and request a sample script reading from potential applicants. Voice over scripts make it easier to find just the right match for your business, and can make the interview process much more valuable. Think of the script as a sample of work your applicants can produce for you.

There isn't a hard and fast rule as to how long you should give your applicants to rehearse the sample script. In most cases, an hour or two should be sufficient. This is because this type of reading is most commonly conducted in a studio setting, in which the applicant is free to read off of the script. Once the actor or actress has had time to familiarize him or herself with the script and practice lines, he or she should be ready to perform a reading.

The general demographic group that you are targeting will be the chief determining factor in the style and tone of the sample script you ultimately choose. Deciding in advance as to what vocal styles will be appropriate for your target market is important for the efficiency of the hiring process, as you will otherwise find yourself performing excessive numbers of interviews with applicants who are not right for the job.

No matter what type of business or industry you're in, you'll need to compile a collection of different types of scripts to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of each applicant. The best way to do this is narrow down your field to a few key themes. Is your business producing a comedic advertisement? A serious monologue? A public service announcement that requires a more journalistic or reporting tone? Once you've established the general theme and tone of your campaign, the next step is tracking down a similar script that encourages the talent to adopt, or in some cases create, the unique voice.

In order to find a suitable voice over sample script, possibly free of charge, all you need to do is consult on of the many script databases available on the Internet. With the resources at your disposal, it should be a cinch to find something that matches the tone and style you have chosen. Even if you've decided to write your own sample script, the scripts you can find online, free of charge, can provide invaluable help as reference materials, if you have a good idea of what you're looking to create.

The final step involves completing a demo script. Demo scripts need to be recorded so you can review them side by side with the entire applicant pool; it's important to capture at least two to three different scripts per applicant that demonstrate the talent's ability to be flexible, and gauge their comfort level with various styles. Demos can be recorded in your own recording studio, or requested as part of the initial application.

Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, MN and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Dozens of Companies and Agencies Since 1991.

]]> Published