Voice-over art is considered to be any vocal offering made to a production in which the speaker is not visible. For instance, animated films employ voice-over talents, such as television and radio commercials, radio stations for on-air personalities; documentaries; audible educational materials, and books on tape, to name a few.
What Does a Voice-Over Artist Do?
The primary responsibility of a voice-over artist is to, in most cases, read a script and speak. That’s it. Sounds simple? Think twice.
First and foremost, a voice-over actor must have a great voice. However, they should also be able to narrate and articulate well. Usually, this means that they need to understand whatever script is in front of them with the right tone and attitude. In general, these actors must be able to convey the correct type of message, with real feelings and emotions, to make it believable.
Depending on the assignment, a voice-over artist might be called upon to read scripts in several different ways. A voice-over artist working on a television commercial, for example, might be asked to sound genuinely cheerful and excited about a service or product. A voice-over actor working on a public service message, on the other end, can be asked to communicate a message in such a way that it makes an emotional effect on its listeners.
Artistic voice-over actors may be able to read a script a handful of times before his clients are delighted. There are times, however, when a voice-over position may require a voice-over actor to read through a script multiple times before the clients are happy. This is not always the artist’s flaw, though. Occasionally, a message might be read a few diverse ways, such as with different words emphasized each time or pauses in multiple places, every time until it’s impeccable.
Even though it may seem like a simple job, it does require talent, hard work, and dedication for a successful voice-over profession.
[Also Read: How to Become a Freelance Voice Over Artist]
Voice Over Actor Training & Education Requirements
A great voice is obviously one of the most important things to consider when a voice-over career is your voice. To start this type of job, your voice should be one of your best assets. You should also be able to read and speak well, even expressively.
However, a good voice is useless without the proper education or training when trying to start a voice-over career. Many professional voice-over actors recommend taking voice lessons, for example. You can also go for some acting programs or even get an acting degree since a large part of voice-over work is basically acting work.
How Much Do Voice-Over Artists Make
Careers in the U. S:
Determining the average salary for a voice-over actor can be challenging, but typically, more talented and experienced voice-over actors will be able to make a higher salary. Generally, voice-over actors are paid per assignment. They can make anywhere from $25 to a couple of hundred dollars for just a few hours of work. According to the BLS, though, television and radio announcers made an average salary of $33,320 in 2018, and actors made roughly $17.60 per hour(1).
Careers in Europe:
Similar to freelancers – and can make anything from over £16 to hundreds of pounds for one hour of work? Surprising but true! So if you were to become a part-time voice artist working for £16 an hour, five hours a day, four days a week, you’d have earned £1280 by the end of the month and £15,360 over the year not too bad for a starting salary, which only has you working twenty hours a week.
Careers in Asia:
The average salary for a Voice Over Artist is ₹ 17,794 per month in India.
Job Outlook
Getting voice-over jobs is a little more complicated than actually performing them. Because of the fierce competition, you’ll be faced with and the tendencies of clients to use a handful of experienced voice artists, finding a voice-over position is often no cakewalk. To begin, you’ll first need to have a demo audiotape made. It is usually best to record these demos on professional recording studios with the help of professionals in the voice-over field.
Some reputable agents, for example, might be able to help you create a voice-over sample tape. Agents can also help you land voice-over gigs and auditions as well. Connecting with recording studios might be another choice. Some of these studios allow prospective voice-over actors to record their voices, which are kept on file. Potential clients can then listen to various voice-over professionals and select the one that suits their requirements. These clients might work for movie studios, television studios, radio stations, advertising agencies, and theaters.
