A Voice-over artist is somebody who uses their voice to give narration or commentator on a game, movie, TV show, radio, theatre, or presentation. They might also be in a dialogue in a scripted radio play, thus this profession is often referred to as off-camera or off-stage commentary or narration. The work of a voice-over artist is all unseen and only heard.
There are different ways you can work as a voice-over artist. some of these include:
- Commercials – You record a script usually about 5 minutes long. Then it goes out over the airwaves. When the ad plays, you speak the script. This is called “voice acting”.
- Documentary or Narrative – You record a script for a documentary or narrative piece. Usually, you talk about what is happening in the story.
- Narrating – You read scripts. Often, the person reading the script doesn’t know what happens next. So you narrate the action.
- Voice Acting – You record a script. When the ad plays you speak the script.
- Narration – You read scripts. Usually, the person reading the script knows what happens next. So, you tell them what happens next.
- Script Reading – You read scripts. But you don’t act out the parts. Instead, you just read the words.
Voice-over Job
The voice-over industry is constantly evolving, and one way you can make sure you are prepared for whatever changes come your way is to learn about the different aspects of the job. To start, it helps to know what the requirements are for becoming a professional voice actor. When searching for voice acting jobs online, look for companies that list the required qualifications for the position.
These usually include the experiences working with clients as voice artist, having good communication skills, being able to read scripts, and knowing how to use software programs such as Adobe Audition or Pro Tools.
As technology continues to advance, there are many different ways people will consume media online. For example, video games, podcasts, blogs, social networking sites, news articles, and even educational resources like Khan Academy tutorials will increasingly use voice-over artists to narrate online videos and explain how-to information in auditory form.
The global rate for voice actors is around $150-$500 per seisson. However, the top 10% could earn $145,000 annually. And the employment of voice-over artists as a whole is expected to grow faster over the next decade than the overall labor market.
Skills
If you are looking to become a full-time voice actor, you might consider taking classes that teach you how to act. Some schools offer courses that focus on developing acting skills while others focus on teaching students about the technical side of voice acting. If you decide to take classes, find out what type of training you need in order to qualify for certification. You can check with trade organizations like SAG-AFTRA, ASTA, and IATSE to see if there are any certifications available.
Once you have acquired some basic acting skills, it’s time to think about the tools that you will need to succeed. A microphone is essential, and many voice over actors prefer to use wireless microphones because they don’t interfere with their voices and allow them to move around freely. Other equipment includes headphones, a computer, and a headset. In addition to these items, you may also need additional software to edit audio files.
Finally, remember that you must always do your best work. Be honest with yourself and ask whether you are capable of delivering high-quality work. If you feel that you aren’t ready for the big leagues, try starting small projects that involve smaller budgets and less pressure. Once you prove to yourself that you can handle those tasks, you can begin applying for bigger roles.
Work Environment
Voice over artists works in studios recording their voices for various kinds of media, including television programs, commercials, movies, radio, video games, etc. Many voice over artists works from their own home studio. Some voice over artists may work from their own home offices.
Most voice-over artists work as freelancers and record their voices on a per project basis. They may work long hours meeting deadlines and may have to perform multiple times to secure a role. They may travel to different cities and countries to attend auditions and/or to work on location. There are many opportunities for voice-over artists to make money doing what they love.
Voice-over Job Trends
The number of people interacting with voice-enabled technologies is growing rapidly. These devices include smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, and even household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. In fact, according to Gartner, there will be nearly 4 billion voice-enabled devices sold worldwide by 2020.
As more consumers interact with these technologies, there will be a corresponding increase in demand for voice-over artists. To meet this demand, voice over artists must be prepared to adapt to changes in the industry. For example, many voice over artists used to working exclusively in traditional studio environments now finds themselves recording in clients’ homes, where it is difficult to control ambient noise levels.
In addition, voice-over artists must learn how to record audio files in multiple formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV, OGG, FLAC, AIFF, and others. And, because most voice-enabled devices don’t always offer built-in microphones, they often require additional equipment, such as external mics, lavalier microphones, wireless lapel mics, and shotgun mic systems.
Finally, voice-over artists must master the art of multitasking. Because voice-enabled devices allow you to do so much while talking, it becomes increasingly important to be able to complete tasks simultaneously. For example, you might want to take notes during a meeting, send text messages, check email, and make calls without missing a beat. You’ll need to know how to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and juggle priorities across multiple projects.
