Read This If Are You Training To Be A Voice Over Actor
Training voice over talents for television is not quite an easy task. However, you can have a good start by having your prospective voice over artists go through a personal training program that can surely have a positive impact on their performance. Initially encourage your voice over talents to watch TV programs and to study each promos and commercials.
What are the key things they notice about these sound bites? What type of promos are similar in scope to what you need?
As suggested by the “Voiceovers” author, Janet Wilcox – voice over artists can hone their craft by familiarizing themselves with several genres and acting techniques. A good way to do this is by exploring all the TV networks’ branding campaigns. The next step can be devoted to citing each campaign’s strengths as well as limitations.
All the major networks – CBS, HBO, ABC – run specialized campaigns or promotional commercials that give the audience a snapshot of what to expect in the coming season. Voice over talent can record these promo pieces and start practicing with these sound bites to get a feel of the energy level, volume, tone and intensity of the voice needed to perfect this style.
Reviewing a variety of styles can provide a good deal of understanding to voice over talents as far as style, tone, and rhythm of voice is concerned. In like manner, studying each networks branding and campaign materials give an idea on the do’s and don’ts in the field or what works and what does not. It will also help much to ask each voice over trainees to come up with samples based on what they learned from each styles and genres.
Voice over artists can learn a lot and develop core skills simply by practicing; they can time themselves to make sure they are delivering the essence of the message in the tight 20-30 second promo spot, and stretch their skills and abilities. As a trainer, you can get them started by doing some online research for samples of TV promo transcripts.
A simple way in utilizing online resources is to use your favorite search engine and look for TV promo or commercial transcripts. It’s easier and manageable as well since straight from the Internet, you can produce a printout of the materials that voice over artists can refer to when they practice. There may be instances when despite the artist’s familiarity with the ads or promos, he may be alienated with his script and vice versa. In any case, it is best to be proficient by practicing and timing each session in order to send across the message as precisely as possible.
Aside from the ones previously mentioned, you can introduce breathing exercises each session. Awareness on how breathing takes place, its patterns, and other related habits can surely have positive effects on the trainees. Make sure a log or monitoring chart is prepared to make them follow what pattern helps them and those that do not. In addition, let them practice in a place where they can maximize their voice projection.
Last but not the least, they can join a ‘personal training program’ and be assured that their TV voice over skills will improve at a faster pace. Other than collecting promo copy and scripts as reference, they need to allot at least 15 – 20 minutes per day to polish up their craft and eventually be an expert in the near future.
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