Monday, November 24, 2008

Understanding Voice Over Jargon

By Terry J. Daniel

Voice acting has become more and more important in modern marketing campaigns, and there's no indication that this trend will change anytime soon. Voice overs are a great, effective way to make a human connection with your target while extolling the virtues or your product or service.

If you're considering adding a voice over element to your business's marketing plan, here are some of the key industry terms, definitions, and terminology you'll come across:

Audition Tapes: These are the demo tapes that your voice over talent will submit during their application. You'll need to keep these on hand as you gauge and interview each submission, and are a simple way to keep track of all applicants to determine the best fit.

Demo Tapes: Demo tapes are also part of the interview and audition process, and can be recorded in your own studio, or completed by the voice over talent. These tapes will be a recording of the sample scripts you provide as part of the interview.

Recording Studio: In order to obtain a demo tape, audition tape, or other vocal performance, you'll need a studio in which to records. If your voice actor or actress has a recording studio setup in his or her, you may be able to save on renting a space for your project.

ISDN Voice Over: Recording studios used for professional voice over work should be equipped with ISDN technology. ISDN produces clearer, better-quality recordings than you could obtain from a run-of the mill studio.

Commercial Voice Overs: Intended to push a service or product, commercial voice over scripts take a direct sales approach. With the right actor or actress, a commercial voice over can make your campaign much more effective and memorable.

Narrative Voice Overs: These often accompany a film, video, or story and are scripted to entertain and inform, rather than sell. However, you may require a narrative voice for a portion of a commercial or sales segment.

Impressions: A voice actor or actress who can impersonate a famous voice can add an extra layer of humor to your ad campaign, and advertisements including impressions never fail to capture the attention of an audience. This is an easy way to make your product or service stand out from the pack.

Performers' Unions: Voice actors and actresses are often part of these professional organizations, which assist them in developing their craft and negotiate market rates. The Screen Artists Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) are the unions you will most frequently encounter in working with voice talent.

Actors: Many actors choose jump into the voice over market because of their skill set and background in impressions, imitation, and being able to dramatize concepts. You may find many talented actors who can read scripts and develop creative and unique voices for a specific project.

Whether you're working with actors, professional artists, or just sourcing for new talent, you'll need a process to find the right match for your project. Being comfortable with the terminology of the industry can help you work with professionals and find the right fit with ease.

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