Voice over artists are people who record narration or characters for audio-based projects. They may be heard in advertisements, film and television productions, video games, podcasts, and telephone systems, among other applications. Professional voice over artists usually work in recording studios, although they can also make recordings at home or other places that have good acoustics. A voice over artist’s career often depends on their ability to deliver high-quality audio recordings that meet the client’s needs and requirements.
While a natural voice is the main requirement for becoming a voice over artist, other skills and abilities are equally important. For example, a good voice over artist can convey the right emotion and tone for each project. They can also understand the meaning of the text that they are reading or narrating, and they can adjust their voice to fit the type of sound recording required. A voice over artist must also have excellent diction, which means that they must not swallow their words or mumble. They must also be able to adapt their speech intonation to the different types of recorded texts, since a voice recording for an advertisement might require more energy than one for a documentary.
As with other acting careers, there is a wide range of talent in the voice over industry. Some voice over artists are well-known actors with impressive resumes, while others have no acting experience but are attracted to the flexibility and portability of this type of freelance work. Those who are just starting out are likely to find it difficult to support themselves solely through voice-over work, but many can supplement their income with other performing gigs, such as singing or radio DJing.
The most common type of voice over is the narrator, who reads out a script for an audio-based project. Narration of documentaries is another common form of voice over, and some narrators are recognizable celebrities. Morgan Freeman, for instance, is a famous voice over actor who has worked on documentaries such as “Planet Earth.” Commercials also typically feature voices that the public recognizes. Actor Jon Hamm, for example, is well known for his Mercedes-Benz commercials.
Other voice over projects might include the creation of a fictional character in a video game or a television show, which requires acting skills. These jobs can be challenging, as the voice over artist must create a distinct personality and tone for each character. They may also need to improvise, as the director or dialogue editor might ask them to perform parts that are not written in the script.
To succeed in a career as a voice over artist, it is important to have good pacing and to respect the time limits of each assignment. Moreover, a professional voice over artist must be able to work under the direction of a director, dialogue editor, or recording engineer and take feedback quickly and professionally. Finally, it is necessary to have the persistence and stamina to practice regularly and build a strong portfolio of work.
