How to Be the Voice Talent Producers Love

Twelve years ago, in March 2013, I took the leap into full-time voice acting. Looking back there were quite a few things I needed to learn, adapt to and experience to learn what it took to work as a voiceover. Having been around voice actors all my life in the broadcasting world I knew that they took their job very seriously. It was clear they took time to work on their craft, but they also gave me a vibe that being a voiceover is not just something that anyone with a microphone can do.

This intrigued me to want to know more and carefully on the background I started to learn what it took to be a professional voice actor. I was asked to voice for radio and television commercials in the time I worked for these stations, but whilst I loved it, I experienced things that would set the course for what I do now daily. I learnt that there’s a whole etiquette to the voiceover that needs to be understood alongside having a great voice and a demo.

Next to learning things about myself, I noticed that there is also a lot to learn about how producers and agents work. I eventually was able to see the difference between professional voice agents and smaller or less experienced agencies, who often send scripts without key details, no budget is mentioned, no usage information or session requirements.

Professional agents take their time to carefully be the mediator between the client and the voice actor. They will not just drop a custom demo script, but they diligently ask specific voice actor who suit the role, so that clients are not overwhelmed with an array of demos that do not fit. When expectations aren’t clear from the start, it makes the process tedious for both the talent and the client.

So, how do you navigate this? How do you become the voice actor that producers love working with, while still protecting your time and craft?

Think clearly before getting started and ask concise questions

Ask Smart Questions Before You Hit Record

Instead of just hitting the recording button right away, it’s important to think clearly before getting started. I always ask myself concise questions. What is the budget for this project? Where and how will this be used. Is it a commercial, corporate, web or something else? Will this require a live session, or is it a self-directed?

If something is unclear, I go back to the agent and ask for clarification. By asking, you show that you value your work and you avoid wasting time on jobs that may not be right for you. Professionals respect other professionals who take their craft seriously.

Be a Partner

Producers don’t just want a good voice; they want someone who makes their job easier. That means delivering clean, properly formatted files, with the correct label, a clean recording and what I always provide is a read that sounds as if it could be used straight away, including some audio editing.

It shows you go the extra mile, whilst being able to work fast and taking direction as well. Be flexible, but within reason. A little accommodation goes a long way, but no one should be taken advantage of.

Go the extra mile, Be flexible, but within reason

Protect Your Work (Because AI is Here to Stay)

With AI voices becoming more prevalent, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of where your voice ends up. Before sending a custom demo, make sure the client is legitimate. Consider watermarking or lightly altering your read. You can even tell the agent or producer that you have done so.

Be clear about licensing and usage rights in your communications. Your voice is your business, treat it with the same care that a photographer would treat their images or a musician their recordings.

Stay Confident and Humble

As I had some experience with voice acting before I went full-time, I was confidence in my delivery, yet eager to learn to improve with coaching. But there was much more to it. I now realise the value of listening, to producers, agents and other voice actors who had been doing this longer than I had.

The voiceover industry is a professional and a special industry, where etiquette, high standard and great relationships are key factors. The beauty of it is that there are many great people who are willing to help others. The industry grows by ‘paying it forward’ and ‘giving back’. Beginning voice actors can grow so quickly with all the incredible talent around the wanting to share their experiences.

My advice would be to be confident in your ability, but always remain open to learning. The best voice actors are those who bring talent and who want to continuously learn.

Twelve years in, I’m still learning every day and that’s what keeps this career exciting.