How to Hire a Voiceover Artist

So, you've got a script. You've got a video. You've even got a pretty good idea of how you want it to sound.

Now you just need a voice.

But how do you actually go about hiring a voiceover artist?

Thankfully, it's pretty simple.

1. Know what you need

Before you start contacting voiceover artists, it's worth having a few details ready.

Things like:

• What is the project?

• How long is the script?

• Where will the voiceover be used?

• Who is going to hear it?

• How long will it be used for?

• When do you need it?

• Do you have a particular style or accent in mind?

You don't need to have every detail figured out. But the more information you can provide, the easier it is for a voiceover artist to give you an accurate quote.

2. Find the right voice

This is probably the fun bit.

Listen to a few demos and think about what actually suits your project.

Looking for something friendly and approachable? Authoritative and professional? Energetic? Warm? Quirky?

Don't just pick a voice because you like the sound of it. Think about whether it fits your audience and your brand.

And remember, a voiceover artist may have a much wider range than you hear in their main demo. If you're not sure whether they can achieve the sound you're after, just ask! (I promise - we don't bite :-) )

3. Ask for a quote

Voiceover pricing isn't usually as simple as "£X per minute".

The price can depend on the length of the script, the recording itself, and most importantly, how and where you're going to use the voiceover.

A 60-second internal training video and a 60-second national TV advert are very different jobs.

When requesting a quote, be upfront about your intended usage. It'll save everyone a lot of back and forth.

4. Book the session

Once you've agreed on a price, it's time to get recording!

Your voiceover artist should confirm what they need from you, when you'll receive the audio and what format it'll be delivered in.

If you need a particular style, pronunciation or performance, it's also worth mentioning this before the session.

And if you want to direct the session live, many professional voiceover artists can accommodate this too.

5. That's it!

Honestly, hiring a voiceover artist doesn't need to be complicated.

Find a voice that suits your project, provide the relevant information, agree on the price and let the voice artist do their thing.

If you're looking for a professional British voiceover for your next project, I'd be happy to help - feel free to get in contact at elliotphardman@gmail.com.

Whether it's a corporate video, commercial, e-learning course, animation or something completely different, get in touch and tell me what you're working on.

I'll take it from there.

Peace out. Be kind.

Elliot