KNVO FAQs
So I've received a lot of questions of the past several days and I decided to consolidate them all into one neat and tidy FAQ section!
If your query is not listed, please come on over to the "Ask Me Anything" tab and submit your questions there! (here it is)
With that sorted, let's begin!
1. What genres or styles of voiceover work do you specialize in?
I currently provide narrations for YouTube videos, but my preference had always been characters of both comedy, drama, and the like. I had previously lent my voice to a video game project that you can play over here!
2. What is your turnaround time for projects?
This heavily depends on the length of the script and the complexity of the lines provided. My normal narration service typically demands turnarounds that are within the day of handing over the script. I'd say, for about 2600 words, you can be sure that I'll get it done within at least 3-6 hours, unless certain circumstances arise, then I'll communicate with the client and give an updated ETA.
3. What are your rates and how do you structure pricing for different projects?
My rates are generally priced according to GVAA guidelines. You've got your services fee, broadcasting licensing fee, commercial rights fee, all the good stuff in order for you to legally use my work in your project. However, like shoes and hats, my prices are not a "one fits all" number. It will be specialized according to your needs, and they tend to teeter towards the more inexpensive side.
4. Can I listen to samples of your previous work or your demo reel?
Sure can! They are plastered all over my Demos and Stories sections!
5. Do you offer revisions if the client wants changes to the voiceover?
As with any standard VO service, there is an entitled "first one's on the house" policy. If you decide that there needs to be a bit of a tweak, or the delivery of the lines is not meeting your expectations, we can work out what needs to be improved and I will gladly incorporate the revision, free of charge! ...for the first time.
Afterward, a revision fee will be included.
6. How do we collaborate if I need directed sessions or specific voice direction?
I am available on all sorts of messaging apps! Whatever works best for you!
7. What file formats do you deliver voiceover files in?
I typically deliver in WAV format, but if the client wishes certain parameters to be changed, I'm happy to abide!
8. Can you provide a custom audition for my project?
Only if it guarantees me a spot! ;)
(The answer is yes, although lines must be provided with the proper context).
9. Do you offer translation or localization services for scripts?
This is not quite a skill that I normally advertise, because it's a painstaking process to proofread translation and making sure that it makes sense to the audience. But I am quite good at it, so it's something that I do, indeed, provide, but for a cost all on its own.
10. What is your policy on confidentiality and usage rights for the voice recordings?
It's all up to the client. I know how to lock it up and throw away the key, so to speak!
11. Are you available for live sessions or directed recordings?
Scheduling comes first, but absolutely!
12. How do we handle any technical issues or quality concerns during the recording process?
This is a simple matter, everything should be addressed at the initial point of communication and we'll go through the motions together.
13. Do you have access to a professional studio for high-quality recordings?
For the past 2 and a half years, I've been working exclusively from home. I currently use an Audio Technica AT2020+ with intentions of upgrading to a new(er) microphone in the near future. My space is treated so it is 9/10s of the way to a professional studio. Remember to check my samples in order to gauge the quality that I provide and to see if it suits your needs!
14. What is the best way to communicate with you regarding project details and updates?
For matters that require immediate attention, please contact me in the email that will be provided after the initial point of communication.
15. What is your process for handling script revisions or changes after the initial recording?
First, the client explains the manner of the revision (inflection, speed, tone, mood, astrological sign (that's a joke)), and then I'll go through a sentence or two in order for them to provide real-time feedback. Once everything is squared away, I'll return to my little hole and redo the takes (please refer to FAQ #5 for further details).
16. Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
They are all on my Upwork profile, but I can copy paste it here:
...I still get goosebumps reading this!
17. Do you offer any additional services, such as scriptwriting or post-production?
I do offer a once-over proofreading service so that the ideas in the script flow more smoothly and coherently. No one likes it when the person they are listening to are jumping from one conclusion to another without any sort of transition! (And grammatical errors).
18. How do you ensure the voiceover matches the intended tone or emotion of the project?
That's where the "Acting" in Voice Actor comes in! I find it helps me to be aware of the context, and, even moreso, the state of the character and their past, what grudges they hold, what aspirations they have.
Also, asking the director would help out a great deal!
19. What sets your voice acting services apart from others in the industry?
While there are numerous options out there in the sea of VO, I can only assure the client that my voice is the speaker of my soul. I am hardworking, dedicated, and always go (reasonably) above and beyond for my clients.
20. What do you need from the client to ensure a successful voiceover project?
I am but a simple man. I only need:
-Open/Clear Communication -Compassion -Respect
I'll briefly underscore what each of these mean:
Open/Clear Communication: If it wasn't made self-evident, this means that both I and the client must be honest in our expectations for each other. For example, the client requests a reading of a 1000-word script. I expect the script to be no more than 1100 words (as we can't be so fickle about word count). However, if it's any more than 1100, say, 1500? I have to draw the line and call the client out, respectfully.
Compassion: Everyone's got a lot on their plate sometimes, and that means we blast through deadlines occasionally. Inversely, you may be getting stressed out or are dealing with stuff in your life and replying to messages is all too much for you. I get it, but there's only so much anyone can endure. That being said, I will extend to the client a decent grace period to reply to my messages, as I know they would do the same for me if I needed more time on my end to deal with certain life events.
Respect: Above all else, I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't respect the people who gave me the opportunity to utilize my talents. In turn, if they hadn't respected me by allowing me to audition without any snarky remarks or making snide comments, they wouldn't have had the pleasure of working with me. (Just kidding, but still. Be nice!)
Hey, you've made it to the last item of the FAQs! Good job! Here's a link to a game that I've had the pleasure of being a part of! Mysterious Mystery: The Demo Chapter by Walker Sheets (itch.io)