Giving your project a voice
Finding the right actors
For voice-over tasks, you will need someone who can deliver your message in a way that suits your target audience. Consider whether your actor needs to be male or female, and if you need an actor belonging to a certain age group. There are many different types of voices, so hear some demos of various voice actors before making your choice.
For character acting, go for distinct voices that are easily recognizable. Provide any concept art, footage and other examples you might have that can help the voice actor in finding the most fitting voice for the character.
Getting hold of voice samples
You’re welcome to contact us for voice samples in the style and languages you’re after.
We have a large catalogue of voice actors in many different languages and can send you examples for you to pick from.
Click here to request voice samples.
How many actors do you need?
Working out how many actors are required for a specific production depends on the number of characters in your script. Voice actors are usually able to do a number of different voices and post processing can also be applied to give characters a distinct voice.
Fill in your audio director on the number of characters in your production for suggestions on how many actors are required.
Setting the tone
Think about what tone of voice your message needs to be delivered in. Will it need to be:
• Serious
• Funny
• Energetic
• Somber
• Relaxed
… or something completely different? It all depends on your production, your copy and your target audience. Let your audio director know what you’re after.
Finding your target markets
If your production is targeted at users in many different countries, consider making localized versions available. As far as the sound goes, this means getting your original copy translated and bringing in and recording voice actors that speak the language.
We can help handle the entire process, from getting your source text translated, to casting, booking, recording and editing the voices.
Be sure to check out our localization guide as well, as it contains many helpful tips on getting the localization process running smoothly. Read it here.
Need voice actors for your project?
Tips and tricks for better project voices
Tweak your copy
Is your message or dialogue written in a style that is suitable for voice actors?
If your copy was not written to be read aloud, make sure to get it adjusted. Bring in a dialogue editor or rework your copy yourself. A voice actor can often also suggest alternative lines that sound more natural when read aloud.
It’s a really good idea to pay attention to this area, to avoid having dialogue or narration that sounds stiff and uncommitted.
Use dummy-voices
Getting English dummy voices recorded can help you get an understanding of how your dialogue will work in your production. You can also use dummy voices to ensure that the proper expression is used for a given line of dialogue.
Get these recorded before the voice actors are brought in – the approved dummy voices can then serve as a guideline when the voice actors will be recording their lines.
Check your lengths
Does the dialogue need to be synchronized to picture, or are there technical reasons for the lines to have a certain length? Be sure to include this information in the script.
Also bear in mind that some languages are wordier than others, so it can be an advantage to have alternative lines recorded for maximum flexibility during post-production and implementation.
Give directions
Some parts of your script may need to be read out in a certain way – ie. whispered, yelled, etc – or may call for a certain mood or tone of voice. This may not be immediately clear from your copy, so add a comment on the style needed for a given line to get the emphasis you’re after.
You’re also very welcome to sit in and direct the voice actor during the recording – or join in remotely, if that’s more convenient.