Precisely What Does A Professional Voice Over Artist Do?

For anyone unclear about what a voice over really is (see hire a British voiceovers), officially it's referred to as a narrative approach in which an actor's (who remains hidden) lines are heard over visual elements, such as a movie or an advertisement. For example, the narrator of a documentary, would be classed as a voiceover artist. Voice overs are commonly used at the beginning of a film to help set the scene.

How Long Does a Specialist Voice Over's Career Last For?

For a accomplished voice over artist, you are likely to have a job that lasts for years. The occupation of a voice over is an incredibly lucrative career, for many. Yet, as with any jobs within the performing arts sector, the role of a voice is extremely competitive. For those voice overs with particularly distinctive voices, this will go in their favour as distinctive voices are usually more highly in demand for commercial voice over work. Patrick Stewart is a prime example of this.

What Script Will A Voice Over Be Given?

Scripts can vary greatly however a typical voice over script for a commercial is broken down into several different parts. Each section of the script is timed down to the last millisecond. It has to be incredibly precise to work.

How Should A Script Be Interpreted?

An expert voice over artist (see male voice over) will sometimes be allowed to make their own interpretation of a script, but a lot of the time the director of the advert or film will suggest ways to read the lines. By doing so they can gain a style that suits their audience or client. Working as a voice over can take a lot of patience, especially when spending hours in the recording studio re-reading individual lines until the director is satisfied.

Lines can be amended to suit the voice over if it proves too difficult to read or if it runs over an allotted time slot. Certain words may require emphasis within a commercial, where a voice over artist may be expected to make a unique sound to make the word/s stand out.

How Do You Find Voice Over Work?

Voice over roles are generally found via open auditions, as well as through talent agencies. There are certified schools that provide training for voice over artists. Classes are designed to strengthen the voice and improve interpretive skills.

For more information about professional voice over artists, see contact.