Tips for Working with Voiceover Talent

Hey, Tim:

A couple of things that help VOs out:

1. Have a clear template for your script so VO knows what that heck the copy is about (include slide title) and where the slide ends.

2. Don't be afraid to give performance indications, usually these are given as emotions--"please read this section as if very concerned..." VOs dig that, as they are generally not inspired by the mostly "industrial" copy we ask them to voice. 

3. Nail down delivery dates in the contract. "Finalized script will delivered X date and VO files will be delivered by X date."

4. Let VO know what file format and quality settings (sample rate, sample format) you prefer.

5. Do your best NOT to change a script once you've sent it. If you do make changes, know that you will be charged extra, because most likely the VO has already started recording.

6. Do both parties a favor and have a contract: In mine, at minimum, I include who is responsible for what (Geddy Lee will write and format finalized script, Daniel Brigham to record, edit, and publish files), what my deliverables are (Daniel Brigham will record approx. 50 .wav audio files based on a script of 5000 words), and what items are out of scope --  recording more than 50 audio files based on a script of 5000 words, etc.

The biggest risk on both sides is the script changing. Happens a lot, often when the VO has recorded large whacks of it. Ok, back to work, man.