Tag Archive for: Booking Voice Actors

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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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Calendar with Red Mark for Date
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What’s your availability? How to book a Voice Talent without pulling out your hair.

Here’s the deal: voice actors live and die by their calendar. It’s their lifeline, their rhythm, their holy grail of scheduling success. You might think you’re just reserving a time slot – but to a VO talent, that calendar is sacred ground.

And the number one thing every voice actor wants? To be available for your project. We really do want to say yes. So if you’re hoping for an effortless, drama-free recording experience, here’s how to make it a win/win.

  1. Be transparent: We CAN handle the truth

(if you didn’t get it… Reference to movie a few good men)

Still wrangling that final script edit? Not totally sure when the legal team will bless the copy? Just say so! We’d rather hear, “The script’s still cooking,” than get ghosted after we’ve lit a candle and warmed up our pipes.

Tell us what stage you’re in – planning, editing, or full-blown panic mode. It helps us help you.

  1. Don’t hold the calendar hostage

Voice actors typically book hourly and often juggle multiple clients in one day. Holding two hours “just in case” is like putting a reservation on every table at a restaurant and showing up with one friend.

Book what you need—and if you’re unsure, over-communicate. We’ll appreciate the heads-up and can likely build in flex time.

  1. Directed Sessions are like GPS for Your Project

Want to avoid multiple rounds of revisions and emails with timestamps like “00:42 – can we make that less smiley?” Then opt for a directed session. (there is normally a session fee for a directed session but if its not in your budget just let the Voice Talent know – directed sessions are a good thing)

It doesn’t matter if you use your cellphone,  Zoom, Source Connect, carrier pigeon—whatever it takes. Being present while we record means you can guide the tone, pace, and style in real time. You’ll get exactly what you want the first time around (and we’ll feel like superheroes).

  1. Ask about upcoming Avails: Ocean Wifi is not our friend

Picture this: You need urgent pickups and your voice actor is somewhere between Egypt and Greece with zero WiFi and a drink in their hand. Not ideal.

Most voice actors won’t proactively share their vacation schedule (we’re optimistic like that), but if you ask, we’ll tell you. So if your project may need pick ups or alt lines, check in about our availability over the next few weeks. It’s a simple question that can save everyone

  1. More work on the horizon: Heck yes please let us know

Working on another script that might get approved but might not and you are already thinking about how your chosen Voice Talent is perfect for the script? Let us know.  Voice actors *love* repeat business and we’ll bend over backwards to make space for a returning client.

Tell us that, “We may have something else coming.” This is music to our ears—and we’ll mark a mental Post-it for you to make sure we are available when you email us.

Bottom line: this is the relationship you didn’t know you had!

The more you share, the smoother the session. We’re not just voices—we’re partners vested in telling your story. Transparency builds trust. Timing builds ease. And good communication builds brilliant audio. (that sounds kinda smart. I love a good quip!)

Need a voice that’s warm, relatable and a tad bit conversational, and just might record from a closet for the right project? (Spoiler alert: it’s me.) Let’s put it on the calendar – and make magic together.

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