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Voice Over Genres

Oftentimes, when I’m at a networking event and I tell someone that I’m a voice actor, the first response is usually, “Really?! Cool!” Followed by, “Where have I heard you? I love animation!”
I proudly say, “Voice actors are everywhere!”

Here’s a quick rundown and examples of various genres of voice-over.

Commercials: Advertising and/or a call to action. Voice actors can be heard on radio, online, or on TV.

Promo: Promos typically have more energy than trailers. “Tonight at 7 on ACN news!”

Movie Trailer: “Gremlins. Rated PG-13. Only in theatres.”

Video games: Not only are voice actors having conversations with other characters, but they are also making sounds called exertions. i.e., grunts during a fighting scene.

Animation: Voice actors are characters in children’s and adult programs seen on TV or in the movies.

Radio Imaging: The voice of the radio station. “WBRG FM. Only in the Burg!”

In-show TV Narration: The voice guiding the audience through a story i.e., a documentary, reality TV show.

E-Learning/Corporate Narration: Training modules. The voice actor’s job is to make the script sound engaging to the listener.

Voice of God: The voice you hear in the theatre. “Ladies and gentlemen, please silence all mobile devices. The program will begin in 5 minutes.”

Live Announcer: This could be the sports announcer or the announcer at an awards ceremony.

Telephony: The voice guiding you through a business phone directory isn’t always automated. Oftentimes, it’s a friendly voice actor!

Radio Drama: This genre is reminiscent of a play, but the audience is brought into the story through an auditory experience.

Voice over consists of many exciting genres, and there’s a different set of skills for each. Next time you run into a voice actor at a networking event, ask them what genre they work in. They’ll
be pleasantly surprised.

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Tips For a Successful Directed Session

You’ve listened to over 100 auditions, waited for feedback from the client, and have finally decided upon the perfect voice actor for the project. Now it’s time to decide whether you want
the voice actor to record the script on their own and send you the audio files, or if you want a directed session.

A directed session ensures you get the dynamic read you’re seeking the first time, rather than listening to multiple files from the voice actor, trying to capture the tone you want, or correcting
pronunciations.

How can you make a directed voice-over session a positive experience for you, your client, and the talent?

1. Make sure time zones are clear when scheduling the sessions. Is your session at 10am EST, CMT, or UK?

2. Inform the talent of expectations. What platform will you be utilizing? Is it a Source Connect session with an audio engineer, or do you want the talent to record the session?
How soon do you want the audio file after the session? What format do you want to receive the audio file? Getting these questions answered upfront will avoid confusion and
frustration later.

3. Provide the final script to the voiceover actor at least 24 hours before the session, if possible. Give the talent an opportunity to review and warm up to the words before the
session. Reviewing the script helps prepare the voice actor. You’ve heard Alexander Bell’s saying, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” This statement
includes directed sessions. The last thing you want is the voice actor to stumble over words in front of your client because they haven’t had a chance to review the script. Of
course, there are times when alt lines are added during the session, and that’s fine. At least the voice actor understands the script.

4. Provide a pronunciation guide before the session. This saves time for people who have to make calls to figure out how names should be pronounced.

5. Finally, identify the person who will direct the session. A directed session runs smoothly when there’s an identified director, the creative team, and the client are all on the same
page. It’s also helpful if the director is the individual speaking to the talent during the session.

6. Enjoy the collaborative process of bringing the script to life.

Hopefully, these tips will lead to successful directed sessions. Happy recording!

–Kenita Hill, Voice Actor

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What “In Perpetuity” Means in Voiceover (and Why It Matters)

Let’s talk about the phrase that makes voice actors twitch: in perpetuity.

On paper, it sounds harmless. Fancy even. Latin! But for most of us in voiceover contracts, it’s the equivalent of hearing “forever-ever, forever-ever” (yes, cue OutKast).

Now, before you clutch your pearls—not all “in perpetuity” is bad.

Non-broadcast? Internal training video, e-learning, archives? No big deal. Keep it forever. We’ll even tie a bow on it for you.

Broadcast? TV, radio, digital ads? Yikes. That’s where things get sticky.

## The Coffee Story ■

Imagine this: A brand-new voice actor lands a job for a small, unknown coffee company. They’re
thrilled. The pay? $1,000. Great for a beginner.

The company asks for “in perpetuity” rights, and the actor—green and excited—says yes. Why not? It’s
only coffee.

Fast forward two years.

That same actor has built a career, sharpened their sound, and suddenly Starbucks calls. They want
the actor’s voice for their national campaign. The offer? $50,000.

BUT… there’s a catch. Starbucks requires exclusivity. No other coffee campaigns can be live during
that year.

Guess what’s still running? Yep—the little coffee ad from two years ago.

Cue the sad violin music. Our poor voice talent waves goodbye to $50k—all because they didn’t
understand what “in perpetuity” could cost in a voiceover contract.

## Why We Say No to Forever

It’s not that we don’t love your project. We do!

It’s just that voices—like actors, athletes, or musicians—can get locked out of future opportunities if
their sound is already tied to another brand “forever.”

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t sign your house over to someone forever for a one-time payment,
right? Same logic.

## What Voice Buyers Can Do

• Be specific. Tell us exactly how long you want to use the voice—3 months, 1 year, 2 years.
• Name the platforms. Is this for TV? Radio? Social media? Events? Spell it out.
• Put it in writing. Contracts matter. Always.

“In perpetuity” isn’t always a deal-breaker. But when it comes to broadcast ads, it’s usually a no-go because it limits talent’s future opportunities in ways that aren’t always obvious at the start.
So let’s keep things clear, fair, and friendly. Voiceover is about collaboration, not confusion.

And if you’re looking for a voice talent who understands both sides of the mic—I just might know someone who can help you out.

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What’s a Fair Rate to Pay Voiceover Talent? Here’s What You Need to Know

I got a delightful email from a potential client.

They needed a 2–3 minute corporate video narration—wonderful, I love those projects.

They asked for a quote—no problem. I sent it over.

Then I heard back: “That’s way too much for just a couple of minutes of work.”

I get it. Voice buying can feel a little confusing if you’re new to it. So let’s make it simple with a few tips:

■ Check the GVAA (Global Voice Acting Academy) Rate Guide.
The Global Voice Acting Academy publishes a rate guide most voice actors use. Think of it as a
menu—clear, fair, and industry-accepted pricing so you know where to start. You can find it here:
https://globalvoiceacademy.com/gvaa-rate-guide/

■ We’re open to working with you.
Most of us will do our best to meet you where you are—so long as the budget is reasonable.

■ Share your budget upfront.
It actually helps. We’ll still show you the industry rate, but being transparent makes the conversation
easier for everyone.

■ Usage matters.
A voice for one event or a short campaign is different than using that same voice to advertise your
product forever. Why? Because someone else might want to use our voice for the same type of product
later—and that could get tricky. Clear usage terms keep everything fair and respectful.

Voice buying doesn’t have to be complicated.

When you understand rates, budgets, and usage, it becomes a smooth and positive collaboration. At
the end of the day, we’re here to help you tell your story in the most impactful way possible.

And if you’re not sure where to start, the GVAA (Global Voice Acting Academy) Rate Guide is a great
resource to bookmark—it’s the industry go-to for fair, transparent pricing:
https://globalvoiceacademy.com/gvaa-rate-guide/

And if you’re looking for a place to start, I just might know a voice talent who can help you out.

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