Hey there, my fellow human beings and robots alike! Welcome to my guide on the do's and don'ts of hiring a voiceover artist, now with extra humor (because let's face it, everything is better with a side of laughter). As a voice actor myself, I've had my fair share of interesting experiences with clients, from the good to the bad to the downright bizarre. So, if you're looking to hire a voiceover artist for your project, sit back, relax, and prepare for some laughs (and maybe even some useful advice too).
DO: Know what you want
Let's start with the basics. Before hiring a voiceover artist, you need to know what you want. Do you want a voiceover for a commercial, a narration, or an animated project? Figure that out first before you start your search, or else you'll be as lost as a toddler in a supermarket.
DO: Listen to samples
Next up, listen to some voiceover samples. Think of it as going on a first date - you wouldn't go on a date without stalking their social media, right? So, stalk that voiceover artist's samples and get to know their range and style. Just don't accidentally like a photo from 2014.
DO: Ask for references
References are like the voiceover artist's exes - you need to know if they're good or bad. So, don't be afraid to ask for references. It's not like you're proposing marriage, after all.
DO: Communicate clearly
Communication is key in any relationship, including the one between you and your voiceover artist. Be clear about your needs and desires, and don't be afraid to speak up if you're not getting what you want. You're the boss, after all!
DO: Be open to feedback
Your voiceover artist is like your therapist - they're there to listen and provide feedback. So, be open to their suggestions and work together to create the best product possible. And no, crying on the microphone is not an option.
Now, let's move on to the don'ts:
DON'T: Be unclear about what you want
If you're not clear about what you want, it's like going to a restaurant and just saying "food." You'll get something, but it might not be what you want. So, be specific, or you'll end up with a voiceover that's as awkward as your first kiss.
DON'T: Rush the process
Hiring a voiceover artist is like cooking a good meal - it takes time and effort. So, don't rush the process or you'll end up with a burnt and bitter result. Take your time and enjoy the process, just like you would with a fine wine.
DON'T: Choose based on price alone
Sure, you could choose the cheapest voiceover artist out there, but that's like choosing a dollar store wedding dress. It might be cheap, but it won't give you the quality you deserve. Choose a voiceover artist based on their skills and experience, not just their rates.
DON'T: Micro-manage
Nobody likes a micro-manager, not even the voiceover artist. So, give them some creative freedom and let them work their magic. Unless you want a robot to read your script, in which case, just hire a robot.
DON'T: Forget about sound quality
Sound quality is like the holy grail of voiceover. So, make sure your recording environment is as quiet as a church mouse and your equipment is high-quality. Otherwise, your voiceover will sound like it was recorded in a bathroom stall.
And now, for the funniest do's and don'ts:
DO: Provide snacks
The way to a voiceover artist's heart is through their stomach. So, provide some snacks and drinks during the recording session. Just don't expect them to share.
DON'T: Expect miracles
A voiceover artist is not a magician, they can't just magically make your script sound amazing. So, give them a good script to work with, or else they'll have to pull a rabbit out of a hat, and that's not a good look.
DO: Be understanding
Recording sessions can be tiring, and voiceover artists need to take breaks. Be understanding and patient if they need to rest their voice or take a bathroom break. Just don't make them hold their breath for too long, or else you might end up with a very uncomfortable recording session.
DON'T: Expect them to be a mind reader
Voiceover artists are good, but they're not mind readers. So, don't expect them to know exactly what you want without clear guidance. And no, sending telepathic messages doesn't count.
DO: Let them have fun
Voiceover artists love to have fun with their work, so let them try out different voices and accents. It might lead to a more creative and memorable result, or it might lead to a terrible impression of a British accent. Either way, it'll be fun.
DON'T: Make weird requests
While it's important to be open to feedback and ideas, don't make weird requests that will make the voiceover artist uncomfortable. Keep it professional and appropriate. Unless you want a voiceover of a cat singing "I Will Survive," in which case, we're all in.
DO: Be appreciative
Last but not least, be appreciative of the work the voiceover artist does for you. They put in a lot of time and effort to create a quality product, so a little appreciation can go a long way. And if you really want to show your appreciation, send them a cake. Trust me, they'll love you forever.
In conclusion, hiring a voiceover artist can be a hilarious and rewarding experience if done correctly. Remember to be clear about your needs, listen to samples, communicate clearly, and be open to feedback. And don't forget to provide snacks! With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable and effective voiceover for your project. Happy recording, and don't forget to bring your sense of humor!