The voice over industry is said to be make more than $4 billion per year. Voice actors work in a very competitive industry that serves numerous other industries. If you have a project that requires experienced voice over talent, you should know a few things about these professionals.
Types of Work
Voice actors provide recordings for the entertainment industry, including animated productions, movies and TV shows. They also work in marketing, providing voice over commentary in commercials. They may provide recordings for podcasts, audiobooks and other narrative audio recordings. AI technology uses voice artists for virtual assistants, robotics, voice messages and GPS audio. Finally, voice actors are often used in live events, such as conferences, concerts and other events.
Skills and Knowledge
Professional voice actors typically have extensive training and knowledge. Most dedicated voice talents pursue acting training so they can properly portray a character. They also complete voice training that focuses on their inflection, enunciation, tone, pitch, cadence and other language and voice characteristics. They must treat their voices like instruments, which require constant tuning.
Voice professionals typically have a working knowledge of sound production. Many can produce high-quality recordings because they understand how to record, edit and mix their recordings. They have professional equipment, software and sound-proof studios where they produce their work. These actors also remain current on new technology and equipment.
Personality Matters
Just like other industries, individuals’ personalities can impact their success in the industry. For example, the voice over industry is highly competitive, so it requires dedicated professionals who know the value of perseverance. They also cannot be oversensitive. Just like those who act in movies and on TV, voice actors receive a lot of criticism and rejection. They need to be able to bounce back quickly and pursue the next opportunity. They should also be flexible and have the ability to adapt to new environments and circumstances quickly. Finally, they need to be willing to put in the time to care for their instrument, their voice, and consistently pursue new knowledge and training.
Professional voice over actors produce high-quality work, even on short timelines. If you need voice talent for a project, take the time to find a professional.
