Many years ago, when I started doing voice-over, about all you had to have
were a deep voice and an agent. My agent would call a few VO guys into
their office for a “live” audition for the client. The client would choose one of
us and we would be booked into a recording studio. When we arrived, we
would be placed in front of a huge microphone in a recording room and on
the other side of the double paned glass would be the engineer and a
director. That’s the client’s guy. All we had to do was follow direction. “Up
here, down here. Faster here, slower there”. You get the picture.
were a deep voice and an agent. My agent would call a few VO guys into
their office for a “live” audition for the client. The client would choose one of
us and we would be booked into a recording studio. When we arrived, we
would be placed in front of a huge microphone in a recording room and on
the other side of the double paned glass would be the engineer and a
director. That’s the client’s guy. All we had to do was follow direction. “Up
here, down here. Faster here, slower there”. You get the picture.
Yep. It’s all different now. Most auditions and hired jobs are done from the
Home Studio. YOU are the owner, janitor, accountant, engineer, director,
talent, and sometimes editor and mastering person. And much of the time
you do this without ever communicating with the client and receiving little
information. But that’s another blog. Back to the Directed VO Session.
Home Studio. YOU are the owner, janitor, accountant, engineer, director,
talent, and sometimes editor and mastering person. And much of the time
you do this without ever communicating with the client and receiving little
information. But that’s another blog. Back to the Directed VO Session.
In the modern dynamic world of audio production, the Directed Voice-Over
(VO) Session is a little different than the “old days”. It may not be done in
the commercial studio. It may be done remotely from your home studio
using one of the many technological advances of recent years. But whether
it’s a remote session or in a commercial studio, it gives the opportunity for
creativity to meet precision. It’s a collaborative effort between the voice
talent, director, and sometimes clients, ensuring that every word spoken
resonates with the intended emotion and message.
(VO) Session is a little different than the “old days”. It may not be done in
the commercial studio. It may be done remotely from your home studio
using one of the many technological advances of recent years. But whether
it’s a remote session or in a commercial studio, it gives the opportunity for
creativity to meet precision. It’s a collaborative effort between the voice
talent, director, and sometimes clients, ensuring that every word spoken
resonates with the intended emotion and message.
At its core, a Directed VO Session is a guided recording session where the
voice actor performs under the direction of a director or producer. It allows
for real-time adjustments, fine-tuning, and exploration of different delivery
styles with more than just two ears involved.
voice actor performs under the direction of a director or producer. It allows
for real-time adjustments, fine-tuning, and exploration of different delivery
styles with more than just two ears involved.
Before the session, a director meticulously reviews the script, identifying
nuances, tone shifts, and character motivations. This allows for effective
communication with the talent, ensuring they understand the vision behind
the voice-over.
Once the session begins, the atmosphere buzzes with creative energy. The
director articulates their vision, providing context, emotional cues, and
specific instructions. This guidance empowers the voice actor to embody the
character or message, authentically, enhancing the impact of the recording.
Experienced Directors often leverage their expertise to push boundaries and
inspire creativity. They encourage experimentation, allowing the talent to
explore different interpretations while ensuring alignment with the project’s
objectives. This collaborative synergy breeds innovation, resulting in
performances that captivate and resonate with audiences.
The Directed VO Session transcends mere recording; it’s an art form where
words come alive, painting vivid images in the minds of listeners. It’s about
capturing the essence of a narrative, evoking emotions, and leaving a lasting
impression. Through meticulous direction and talent (the ability to follow
direction), these sessions breathe life into scripts, transforming words into
powerful auditory experiences.
The Directed VO Session is a testament to the power of collaboration and
creativity—a journey where every inflection, pause, and emphasis is crafted
with purpose, ensuring that the final product leaves a lasting impact on its
audience.
communication with the talent, ensuring they understand the vision behind
the voice-over.
Once the session begins, the atmosphere buzzes with creative energy. The
director articulates their vision, providing context, emotional cues, and
specific instructions. This guidance empowers the voice actor to embody the
character or message, authentically, enhancing the impact of the recording.
Experienced Directors often leverage their expertise to push boundaries and
inspire creativity. They encourage experimentation, allowing the talent to
explore different interpretations while ensuring alignment with the project’s
objectives. This collaborative synergy breeds innovation, resulting in
performances that captivate and resonate with audiences.
The Directed VO Session transcends mere recording; it’s an art form where
words come alive, painting vivid images in the minds of listeners. It’s about
capturing the essence of a narrative, evoking emotions, and leaving a lasting
impression. Through meticulous direction and talent (the ability to follow
direction), these sessions breathe life into scripts, transforming words into
powerful auditory experiences.
The Directed VO Session is a testament to the power of collaboration and
creativity—a journey where every inflection, pause, and emphasis is crafted
with purpose, ensuring that the final product leaves a lasting impact on its
audience.
Bill Brooks
