Tag Archive for: Kenita Hill

, ,

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.

/by
, ,

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

/by