Question 1

Overseeing the session

Accepted Answer

You can join the recording session and give me directions and feedback as we go along or let me record on my own and I will send you the files after the session. If we go for the latter, I’d send you a minute of the recorded script in advance to make sure we’re on the same page and you agree with the direction I have taken.

Question 2

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

I am in line with industry rates but rates are so project specific so don’t hesitate to get in touch and I will give you a quote. The two main things to consider are the BSF which is the ‘basic recording fee’ per hour and whether usage applies or not. Usage depends on how you will be using the recording, as in which platforms (online, TV, radio), where (the territories) and how long for (3 months/in perpetuity). No usage applies if for ex. it's for internal use only. As costing is case specific, I suggest looking at the rates card created by this brilliant voiceover company called Gravy For The Brain.

Question 3

What if you want changes after the recording has been done?

Accepted Answer

If I have made a mistake, of course, I’ll re-record at no extra cost. If it’s a script change you’ve made after I’ve sent you the recording based on the final script, another recording fee would apply, however I am always happy to find a happy compromise and make sure the client is happy.   I always read & prep the script in advance and I will point out where I can see a mistake, or make suggestions that I believe would definitely enhance the script. If I’m recording on my own and a hesitation comes up on a word, I record alternatives which I send to you in a separate audio file. I am very used to self-directing like all professional voice overs. With my experience, I can listen back to a take, and immediately know where to make the improvements. I would always advise to listen into the session where possible and together we get to a delivery you are happy with.

Question 4

Tips on you directing a session

Accepted Answer

Unless you are experienced, it can be daunting to know what to say to the voiceover artist. Don’t worry, I am very flexible and never feel you can't comment. I will help YOU help ME deliver the best performance for your script. A few basic tips to help with the directing would be to confirm who the target audience is and the tone of the script (for ex. aspirational, confident, serious). Try not to give too many directions at once. I’d say 1 to 2 maximum before each take, so that the voiceover artist knows what to focus on & try differently each time. My job is to give you choices anyway, and I always make sure I have understood your directions. There are some exceptions, but a golden rule in this industry when directing a voiceover session, is to avoid what we call the parrot style method. It means not directing by reading out the lines yourself in the way you want them read out by the voiceover artist. It’s more productive to give specific words for direction for ex. ‘more authoritative on this paragraph, less urgency on this line, a slower delivery for the opening line etc.

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