Hiring voice actors?

[danielsangeo]

Howdy!

I've been tossing around the idea of hiring a voice actor (or maybe even voice actors) for my upcoming video (or maybe even videos). However, this kind of thing is something I haven't the first clue about.

Has anyone hired voice actors for their projects in the past and, if so, what has been your experience? What have you learned that you wish you knew prior to hiring the actors? What can one expect in terms of cost?

Basically, any information would be spectacular at this point.

I don't really know yet if I would do such a thing but it's an idea I have.

Thank you so much!

[Prof_Sai]

http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/forum.php

[danielsangeo]

That's the problem I'm having, frankly. I know about these resources for voice actors, but since the voice actors would be doing really niche stuff (TG transformations), that kinda cuts into my options. So I'm looking for people with experience in stuff like that.

[Prof_Sai]

http://www.fastcocreate.com/1681618/...sting-director

[Blake Isaac Gordon]

That's two favored web sites in one thread.

Thank you.

[danielsangeo]

Thanks for the links. However, what I'm looking for is personal experiences with hiring voice actors and such for such niche projects.

[Blake Isaac Gordon]

Originally Posted by danielsangeo

Thanks for the links. However, what I'm looking for is personal experiences with hiring voice actors and such for such niche projects.

I can give you a little advice for hiring individuals for a niche project.

If its something simple (and easy for the actor) and the cash payment is low then a contract isn't always necessary.

I have no idea how much you have budgeted for payment but definitely less than what you would pay an illustrator.

BUT... If you have something very specific you need done... aka act out a very specific scenario with X, Y, and Z then I would recommend a contract.

Contract
1. What you want (maybe include a copy of the script)
2. When you want it
3. How much you will pay for it
4. Terms for if the work is sub par or corrections need to be made.
5. An exit clause... I.E. if work is not completed by X no further payments will be issued. OR If after 3x attempts/takes and nothing usable is generated then no further payment will be issued.

Signature:
Yours (date)
Actors (date)

People think contracts are hard or a hassle but as long as you have something in writing and signatures you can tie somebody down. Do not give any money to anyone unless you have some form of tangible agreement .

[Prof_Sai]

[BillPratt]

+1 for Blake. When something goes wrong, and for anything moderately complicated it will, a contract can save a lot of time and money.

[Dr. Otto]

I'd KILL for a talented voice actress who would happily accept payments through Paypal to send me audio files of her performing various lines for one of my videos. Alas, we can't always have what we want. Let's face it, this would still be some pretty weird stuff to ask a woman to do.