Though there is certainly no shortage of potential voice talent for the hiring, picking through the thousands available to find the voice actor that is perfect for the job can seem like a daunting task. Since the actor or actress you choose will affect the tone and message of your project, it's essential to make the right selection.

The internet offers many resource and options for putting together your multimedia project. You can locate scripts from a database, or create a script of your own and find just the right tone and theme by reviewing samples of other companies in a few clicks. The web allows you to view artist portfolios and samples with ease; many professionals upload clips of previous projects as samples which saves you time during your hiring process, and can help you narrow down your search. From reviewing resumes to conducting online interviews, the internet is making the voice over talent search much easier and effective.

Still, when you are trying to find the right match online, you'll need a strategy and process that will maximize your efforts. You can waste countless hours searching and sourcing candidates, only to find out that they won't follow through on a project or even submit a quality sample. Knowing what to look for and how to proceed online can make your interviews and auditions much more valuable. Here are the steps involved when hiring a voice over artist over the web:

1. When you first contact a voice actor or actress, ask that they send you samples of their work. Any professional voice actor or actress is sure to have some .mpeg files that they can send you, or a website showcasing their work. Actors without any samples can safely be written off as amateurs. This simple screening step will save you a good deal of time and effort.

2. Request a formal resume. All potential candidates should be able to submit a professional resume that includes references and experience working with various clients. Don't be afraid to contact previous clients for a testimonial or reference, and be sure to pick at least two different companies for a fair assessment of the talent's ability to deliver on the project.

3. Request a preferred rate. Many voice over professionals have an expected rate for each project, and you'll want to know about both hourly and per-project rates. Some professionals will request payment only after final delivery, while others will require a portion upfront with the remainder due at the end of the project.

4. Interview voice talent over the telephone. If you do not have the opportunity to conduct a face to face interview, a telephone interview is the next best thing, as it will give you a clearer picture of his or her personality, experience, and level of confidence. An interview conducted on the telephone will also give you the opportunity to hear a short sample reading from your potential hire.

5. Ask if the candidate can complete the assignment digitally. Many professional voice actors have home studios in which they can records, save their performances as media files, and upload the finished product to the Internet. If this is a possibility, it's a great way to save on the usual costs associated with enlisting the services of a voice actor or actress.


Author Terry Daniel is a Professional Voice Over Artist from Minneapolis, Minnesota and Has Been Providing the Voice Talent for Hundreds of Projects and Advertisements Since 1991.