The sheer number of voice actors vying for jobs today can be a little overwhelming when you're looking for the one perfect candidate to represent your project. Take your search online can be a great way to streamline the process of finding the right voice actor for the job.
Those working on multimedia would be wise to take advantage of the great online resources available. Need a script? There are plenty of script databases available on the web, and some of them are even free. In order to make the hiring process quicker and more efficient, you can peruse potential hires' websites, which will often contain portfolios. This will help narrow your field of candidates, and give you an idea of what to expect from a candidate early on. In addition to checking out voice talent's rsums and portfolios, some even use the Internet to conduct interviews.
Though the web can definitely make your search for talent quicker and more efficient, without the appropriate strategy it can turn into a gigantic waste of time. Potential voice actors you find online, for example, may not be as reliable as they first appear, and may delay your progress by failing to submit their samples in a timely manner. These kinds of obstacles can be easily surmounted, however, with a little bit of know-how. Here are some valuable tips on hiring voice talent on the web:
1. Ask for web-based samples after initial contact. Professionals will be able to send over an .mpeg sample or direct you to samples they have available online; this can make it much easier to distinguish the professionals from the amateurs, and save you time in sending and receiving demo tapes, or setting up an audition. You can use this step as the first part of your screening process.
2. Ask potential hires for a resume. Any serious voice actor or actress should be able to provide a formal resume, complete with his or her employment history and references. Speaking of references, they're there for a reason; you should make sure to contact two or more of the past employers listed in order to get a balanced assessment of the performance you can expect from a potential hire.
3. Ask the candidate for a preferred rate. You should make sure you understand how much the actor would like to be paid, and when. Actors may want to be compensated either per hour or per project, and though some do not mind being compensated on delivery, others may want a portion up front.
4. Interview voice talent over the telephone. If you do not have the opportunity to conduct a face to face interview, a telephone interview is the next best thing, as it will give you a clearer picture of his or her personality, experience, and level of confidence. An interview conducted on the telephone will also give you the opportunity to hear a short sample reading from your potential hire.
5. Ask if the candidate can complete the assignment digitally. Many professional voice actors have home studios in which they can records, save their performances as media files, and upload the finished product to the Internet. If this is a possibility, it's a great way to save on the usual costs associated with enlisting the services of a voice actor or actress.
Author Terry Daniel is a Professional
Voice Over Actor from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Provided the
Voice Talent for Dozens of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.