For Voice Over Talents

eLearning Manufacturing Training

August 2, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

In the world of voiceover, the eLearning genre really shines, mixing the depth of traditional education with the ease of online access. Voiceover work is a massive field, and eLearning is one of the busiest areas within it. Voice actors have mastered the craft of using their voices not just to deliver information, but to make it interesting. This is especially true in this niche of eLearning manufacturing training, where achieving the right tone is absolutely essential. Let’s explore what makes eLearning manufacturing training work so well.

Introduction to the Manufacturing eLearning Workload

Narration is a huge part of the voiceover industry, offering tons of gigs for voice actors everywhere. eLearning narration is a specific slice of this pie, focused on educational content that’s delivered online. Unlike those outdated high-energy announcer roles, eLearning calls for a tone that’s both engaging and informative—basically, you want to keep listeners interested without losing their attention. For voice actors, this means finding a balance between clarity and a natural, conversational style, making complicated stuff easier to understand. It might sound tricky, but the pros have been doing it at the highest level for years.

The Technical Elements of Manufacturing Training Narration

Manufacturing training as a voiceover niche is a mix of corporate narration and general eLearning. It’s educational, but also has a formal touch, combining the informative vibe of eLearning with the buttoned-up tone of corporate communication. This genre is both challenging and rewarding because it demands a voice actor who can be authoritative yet approachable, keeping technical content from becoming a snooze-fest. The way manufacturing training voiceovers are handled can really make technical content come alive. A good voice actor’s ability to inject a narrative with sincerity and clarity makes them a hot commodity in this field. Manufacturing training often involves detailed explanations of complex processes and technologies. Here, the right voice can turn all that fancy jargon into clear, engaging content that clicks with professionals at every level.

The Shift Towards Authenticity in Manufacturing Narration Content

These days, with everyone craving authenticity and transparency, the voiceover industry is leaning more towards natural and conversational styles. This trend is super clear in manufacturing training, where companies are picking voices that sound like knowledgeable friends rather than some far-off authority figure. This shift doesn’t just make the content more human—it also boosts the learning experience, making it feel more relatable and effective. A voice actor who can deliver voiceovers that are both genuine and professional is a true asset in this changing market. Their work in manufacturing training doesn’t just teach; it pulls people in, creating a learning environment that feels both informative and personal.

The Future of eLearning and Manufacturing Training

As businesses keep evolving and online platforms become even more popular, the role of voice actors in eLearning, especially in manufacturing training, is only going to grow. Voiceover professionals are leading the charge, using their voices to change how people in the manufacturing world learn and adapt. With talent like this at the helm, the future of manufacturing training voiceovers is looking pretty essential.

eLearning-Manufacturing-Training by Debbie Grattan

Voiceover Agents in 2024

May 7, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

Let’s talk voiceover agents! Ok, backing up a bit – It is without a doubt the advancement of technology has changed our industry forever. When I first started, there were so few artists in the industry in comparison to today. But at the same time, voiceover was somewhat restricted exclusively to the bigger brands and projects. Don’t misunderstand me, there was a lot of work on the market, but small companies and content creators did not tend to use voiceover in their mediums. Much of the work available came via the voiceover agent.

Introducing the Voiceover Agent

Pay-to-play sites, casting platforms, marketplaces, and a better understanding of technology have allowed almost anyone to utilize a voice to service their projects and companies. So, what about the voiceover agent? Let’s first explore what they do. The voiceover agent will seek to collaborate with a potential employer. This could be a brand, company, casting director, or someone else in a position to hire a voice. In the early days, most voiceover work came via these avenues.

Voiceover Agents in the Modern-Day

In the modern day, many companies utilize the simpler and cheaper option of heading to a pay-to-play site, or worse, an AI service. In one respect, the countless avenues to obtain voiceover work have increased the amount of voiceover work out there, whilst allowing more people to venture into this area. But on the other hand, it has hugely plunged the rates in the industry, even at the highest levels. Agents are still absolutely relevant in the industry, they tend to be the gatekeepers for the better-paying work, which, even that has decreased respectively over the years.

The Relationship of Voiceover Agents

Two decades ago, getting an agent was not an easy task. Not because of over-saturation, but because the industry was so closely protected. A small number of voice actors had access and a small number of agents navigated that. Today, agent’s books are a lot bigger and this ties in with the current trend in the industry to deliver an authentic read. No longer will they have a voice actor take on the accent of a race that is not their own, they instead will find a voice actor of that race. This means the need for a bigger roster is vital. The relationship between actor and agent is that of a business relationship. It is not a one-way street where one party sits back and enjoys the ride whilst the other works hard on their behalf. Both the voice actor and agent work as a team to achieve the goal.

Voice Actor and Voiceover Agent Roles

The voice actor will follow the direction of the agent. They will keep their material up to date and necessary. Voice actors will develop and work hard to ensure they keep up with trends and styles. The agent will find work and present it to the actor who will deliver the audition on time and to the brief’s direction exactly. The agent will also navigate the relationship between clients and voice actors as well as negotiate the best rate, contracts, and commitment on behalf of the voice actor.

Voiceover Agents in 2024 by Debbie Grattan

The Magic Behind Radio Commercials

April 28, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

Hey there! Let’s dive into the world of radio commercials—a realm where voiceover artists shine and truly connect with you, the listener. It’s not just about having a great voice; it’s about bringing emotion and connection to the products we talk about. Radio commercials are a big chunk of what I do, and trust me, it’s as exciting as it is challenging! So I will share with you everything I know about this amazing part of the industry in a way that offers context, prospects, and also valuable information. If you are looking to hire a voice talent, or if you are a voice talent looking to work more in this field, this article has something for everyone.

Why Radio Commercials Are Unique

Radio ads are quite the specialty in the voiceover industry. Unlike TV or online ads, radio commercials rely completely on sound. This means the voice actor has to capture your attention with their voice alone—no visuals to help out! It’s all about being conversational and genuine. Making you feel like the actor is right there with you, having a chat rather than selling you something. This personal touch is what makes radio commercials stand out; they fit so naturally into your day that you might not even feel like you’re listening to an ad. I love this part of my job because it invites that perfect blend of casual and compelling. Imagine a voice actor telling you about a product in a way that feels like they are sharing a helpful tip with a buddy opposed to a sales pitch. That’s the essence of a great radio commercial.

Engaging You Through the Airwaves

Radio is always on the lookout to keep you engaged, especially when you might easily get distracted, like during your commute. High-energy and cleverly integrated ads make sure you stay tuned in. It’s about creating content that’s entertaining enough to keep you from switching stations. We often weave commercials into drive-time shows or contests to keep the energy up and the interaction lively. This part of the job means the voice talent needs to be adaptable, energetic, and always ready for a retake. They even need to be ready for a last-minute script change. The competition is tough, but it’s thrilling to nail that perfect take and know you’ve kept another listener engaged.

The Future of Radio Commercials

Looking ahead, the role of voice actors in radio ads is continuously evolving. With all the new digital audio platforms and shifts in how you consume media, talent is always learning new ways to leverage their skills. However, the essentials of a successful radio commercial—authenticity, engagement, and emotional connection—haven’t changed. Radio commercials remain a vibrant field for voice actors. Those of us who excel here do so because we master the conversational tone that makes you feel like we’re speaking directly to you, keeping you engaged and interested. As the industry grows, the demand for distinctive voices that can bring scripts to life is only going to increase.

Wrapping this up, being a part of the radio commercial world is about connecting with you on an emotional level. Using just the voice and your imagination. It’s a powerful, unique aspect of advertising that requires skill, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how to reach out and touch someone’s heart, even through the airwaves. And let me tell you, it’s a wonderful place to be!

The Magic Behind Radio Commercials by Debbie Grattan

Why You’ll Fall in Love with New Animated Show ‘MechWest’ (Featuring Mother-Daughter Voice Over Team)

April 11, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

Mech West branding for mother daughter voice over interview — Mech West Featuring Mother Daughter Voice Over Team

Who doesn’t love a good Western? OK, we’ll admit the typical Western may not be everyone’s cup of, say, homemade whiskey. But the new animated series “MechWest” is definitely not typical.

“MechWest” is an enchanting cartoon world where robots, known as mechs, meet the Wild West. While the mechs are generally treated (and mis-treated) by everyone as mere hunks of metal, that’s not the case for the story’s hero Pearl West. She sees beyond their steely exterior, which prompts the most intriguing events to unfold… especially when she meets a special mech named Six.

The delightful concept is just one of a whole saddlebag full of reasons to fall in love with “MechWest.” Here come several others:

It Features a Mother Daughter Voice Over Team

And we’re thrilled about it! The mother and daughter characters in “MechWest” are voiced by myself and my daughter Natalie Rarick. Not only do we have the pleasure of working together on the series, but we were able to share a bit of our background and experience with the show in two local Michiana news outlets.

Check out our interview on ABC57 by clicking here.

Here is an image of two characters played in MechWest from the Mother Daughter Voice Over Team — Shot from MechWech – Mother Daughter Voice Over Team

Take a peek at our interview on Experience Michiana WNIT (PBS affiliate) by clicking here.

Image from the new animation 'MechWest' representing the Mother Daughter Voice Over Team — Still from MechWest – Mother Daughter Voice Over Team article

While we don’t want to give all the details away, we will share a few more tidbits highlighting additional things to love about “MechWest.”

It Has a Behind-the-Scenes Michiana Angle

My family and I have lived in Michiana for years. When show producers asked if I knew any voice actors ideal for the role of the father, another Michiana local came to mind. He got the part. (Get more details in the above interviews.)

Created by Father Son Production Team Voiced by Mother Daughter Voice Over Team

As if the local angle wasn’t notable enough, the series is also a family affair. Father and son created it. (More details in the above interviews.)

The Hero is Adorable

Main character Pearl West is not the type of hero who reins in stampedes or leaps tall buildings in a single bound. She’s actually a bit dorky and anxious. But that’s what makes her relatable, while her compassion makes her loveable.

Learn more about Pearl West as well as Natalie’s take on playing the part:

It Was Funded by Enthusiasm

“MechWest” met its Kickstarter self-funding goal well before the deadline. That means people were definitely excited about the show. Self-funding also means the producers, writers and other crew members get to retain creative freedom – while serving up free viewing of the indie animated Western on YouTube.

Check out the first episode here:

Animated Alt Western Creating Instant Fans

This show has been in the making for several years, and the interviews tell you why. If you become an instant fan, let the “MechWest” crew know by showing your support.

Like and subscribe to the YouTube channel here
Visit the MechWest website here

Hope you enjoy the show as much as we have so far – and ride happily off into the “MechWest” sunset.

Navigating Voiceover Rates – The History!

April 10, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

Navigating voiceover rates… That is a tough one! If a time machine was available to us the voiceover world would look very different 25 years ago. It is an industry that has accelerated, evolved, and changed dramatically in a very short space of time. It is an industry that 100 years ago did not exist outside of live performances such as ventriloquism. So, now it is hard to believe looking at the modern-day industry that only 25 years ago the voiceover industry was a closed club. Very few voice actors were working, voiceover-specific agents held pretty much all the cards and it paid… well… brilliantly! So has that died a death? not entirely… but it is complicated! So let us navigate the history of voiceover rates together in this article and also explore the changes in the industry as a whole.

Navigating Rates? How About Navigating Tapes!

Yes! It might sound bizarre or like something from a museum but actually sending demo tapes was the norm in the 80s and 90s. A lot of time and effort not only went into getting material recordings but also getting them copied and posted out to prospective representatives. Home studios were just not a thing! Perhaps the rich and famous may of had something but no doubt 99.99% of people were heading into studios. In fact some of the stars would be driven around in limos going from studio to studio – sounds nice right?

Say Goodbye to Good Rates!

Ok maybe I am being dramatic, we have not said goodbye to good rates entirely, but the landscape is different. Agents no longer hold the gates to all of the work but they do typically host the better jobs. Bigger budget organizations don’t have the time to be wasted on unorganized and unprofessional wannabee voice actors. So they typically avoid marketplaces, AI, and pay-to-play sites. By the way, not all voice actors on the marketplace and pay-to-play sites are wannabee talent, but you can be sure you will find some there.

This reminds me of a story a friend told me. A client of his needed a project done within 24 hours and could only pay $100. My friend told him his rate for that project was $250 and usually it would be an additional $50 for the quick turnaround time but he was happy to give him a $50 discount. The client said no and went to a pay-to-play site. He spent his $100 easily but two days later needed a pick-up. The voice actor he used was a 19-year-old guy in university recording the audio on his phone under a blanket. The client could not get ahold of the student and in turn went back to my buddy! This time my buddy did not let him off for the quick turnaround as the client needed it immediately. So instead of paying $250, he spent $400 all because he chose to lowball and use a platform that invites unreliability.

Navigating Voiceover Rates Wrapped

So there you have it? What else can I say? You can find a harsh accent trying to imitate American English on Fiverr. Or you can find a young guy looking for beer money whilst he is studying via the pay-to-play sites. Oh, and we did not even touch on AI – but that’s ok I have a whole article about that here. The alternative, of course, is to hire experienced, talented, professional voice actors and adhere to the industry standard rates. So to close, I will leave you with one final gimmick. If you are paying with bananas you will get monkeys, but if you pay properly you’ll get everything and more. Sometimes the cheaper option is more time-consuming, expensive, and damaging in the long run.

Navigating Voiceover Rates – The History! by Debbie Grattan

Commercials vs Narration

April 4, 2024 by Debbie Grattan

In the realm of voiceover work, the distinction between commercial voiceover and narration voiceover represents a fascinating study of contrast, skill, and application. This exploration sheds light on the nuanced differences and unique demands of these two genres, helping both aspiring voice artists and their clientele to appreciate the diversity within the voiceover industry. One thing can not be argued, and that is that both genres are a lot of fun and are exceptionally vast. Let us delve into commercial vs narration voiceover.

The Essence of Commercial Voiceover

A commercial voiceover is an art form designed to captivate and persuade. It’s the voice behind the short, impactful pieces that introduce us to products and services across various sectors like automotive, healthcare, retail, and financial industries just to name a few. The primary aim is to invoke emotion, create a connection, and compel action—all within a brief, often 30 to 60-second slot. This requires a voice that can quickly adapt to different brands’ tones, from upbeat and friendly for retail to trustworthy and reassuring for healthcare.

The World of Narration Voiceover

Narration voiceover, on the other hand, is the storytelling voice. It guides us through a variety of longer-form content such as medical videos, audiobooks, documentaries, and political campaigns. The narrator’s voice serves as our trusted guide, providing clarity, context, and continuity. This genre demands a voice that can maintain a listener’s engagement over time, adapt to the content’s tone—from educational to inspirational—and handle complex terminology with ease.

Commercial and Narration Skillsets

The skill sets required for commercial and narration voiceovers vary significantly. Commercial voiceovers need to master the art of selling without sounding salesy, often needing to convey a wide range of emotions within a short span. They must be versatile, able to switch between different brand voices quickly and excel in delivering lines with a punch. Narration voiceovers, meanwhile, need endurance and consistency. They must keep their voice engaging over long periods, often needing to modulate their tone to match the narrative’s pace and emotion. A strong understanding of the subject matter is also crucial, especially in technical or educational narrations.

Commercial and Narration Demos

Even the demos for these two genres highlight their distinctions. Commercial voiceover demos are like a quick tour through a voice artist’s range, showcasing different styles, tones, and emotions within a minute or so. Narration demos are longer, allowing the artist to demonstrate their ability to maintain interest and energy through a more extended narrative. All demos share some common ground regardless of genre. For example, the need for them to be professionally recorded is essential. In a competitive industry like voice acting, you have to own the very best content you can produce as your advertisement tool if you want to go toe to toe with your competitors.

Commercial and Narration Comparison

At their core, commercial and narration voiceovers serve different purposes. While commercial voiceovers are the sprinters of the voiceover world—quick, dynamic, and designed to leave an immediate impression—narration voiceovers are the marathon runners, requiring stamina, consistency, and a capacity to hold attention over time. Each genre not only utilizes distinct skill sets but also plays a unique role in how we consume information and storytelling in our daily lives. In spite of all of that, a fundamental commonality is that both demand the voiceover actor to produce a truthful performance. The commitment to trust reigns supreme in all avenues of voiceover.

Commercial vs Narration Wrapped

The voiceover industry’s diversity reflects the myriad of ways in which the voice can influence, inform, and entertain. Understanding the differences between commercials and narration voiceovers is crucial for both voiceover artists striving to hone their craft and clients seeking the perfect voice to bring their projects to life. Whether through the brief, impactful nature of commercials or the engaging, sustained storytelling of narration, voiceover artists bring words to life, adding depth and dimension to the messages they convey.

Commercial vs Narration by Debbie Grattan

VERSATILE

EXPERIENCED

PROFESSIONAL