Hiring a voice-over professional almost always requires outsourcing (unless you happen to manage a major movie studio!). This means you’re depending completely on a veritable stranger. You’ve done your due diligence checking reviews, certifications and samples, but how can you know the expert you’re hiring is the best fit for your needs?
It’s Simple
Seek out a specific set of qualities — it’s well worth the effort. Technically, anyone can call themselves a voice-over professional. You can’t get a degree in it, and there are so many low- and no-budget projects out there that volunteering to be a voice-over actor is easy. However, this doesn’t mean every person who’s ever lent their voice is a professional. The process gets even trickier when the job requires translation.
You’ve picked the voice you want, but how do you know everything is being translated correctly? Here’s your checklist of must-haves:
1. Certified Translator
If your requirements include translation, a certified translator is the only way to go. With certification, they’re showing they’re culturally competent as well as fluent in the language(s) you require. Ideally, they speak at a near-native level and have lived in a region where their adopted language of choice is spoken.
2. No Glitches
A soothing, steady timbre is a must for any voice-over artist. You don’t want to hire someone with any kind of characteristic that might be considered grating. Think about your audience. It might be prudent to request a male or female voice-over artist, depending on the piece. For example, a video about breast self-exams in multiple languages (probably) should use a female voice-over artist.
3. A Smashing Portfolio
Those touting themselves as voice-over experts better have the samples to prove it. Many will be able to send you video files, live links or other examples of their previous work. You’ll likely know right away if their voice is the right fit for your needs.
4. Reliability:
It doesn’t matter how great a person’s translation or voice-over skills are if they can’t show up on time. One of the best parts of working with a company — instead of a freelancer — is greater reliability. After all, the voice-over pro has someone to report to besides the client.
5. Studio Familiarity
You don’t want to be the very first voice-over gig the translator has. They should be familiar with studio settings, software and other technology related to voice-over creation. If not, you’ll spend precious time training them.
Movies aren’t the only industry that requires voice-overs. From public transportation to company training videos, you never know when you’ll need the services of these experts. Contact Verbatim Solutions for a generous roster of seasoned voice-over professionals.
