The phrase, Id’ love to be a fly on the wall.  Can I listen in, as you record my voice-over project.  It’s a pretty common question.  And the answer is, at least from me, always a resounding YES.  In fact, it is one of the best ways that I’ve found to perfectly extract “the way you heard it in your head” to the way that it comes out of my mouth.  Over the years, I’ve had active listeners, to active direction, while in one of these sessions… both, of which are perfectly normal and welcome.  To shed some light on the whole subject, whether it’s a narration project, commercial campaign, or even radio imaging – a “Directed” session, as they are called can often interject  exactly what you’re looking for, when it comes the “Voice” of your brand.  A “Directed” session, is very common with production houses, video producers, and more.  And of course, some clients opt for a “Self-Directed” session, which simply means, Rob – here’s the script, do your thing.

Keep in mind, the more specific you are with what you’re looking for, the more insight I have to nail the exact sound, you’re looking for.

You don’t have to ask, here are a few of the basic ways to connect with me when I record your project.

Even though, it feels like everyone knows about this one, you never know.  So, one of the most common connections to “listen in” or even “direct” is Skype – Which, is super simple to use.  On my end, I record the copy for you, while you listen for inflection, volume, and even the color of my voice.  Don’t worry, you won’t be part of the recording.  On my end, the technical side of your project is handled through my equipment.  You’re basically in my ears, only.  If you’ve never used it, it’s also available on your smartphone, tablet or desktop.

Another commonly used connection is called Source Connect NOW – it allows you to listen with a little better quality.  I’ve even been in sessions with video producers, that use this method to record me on their end of the connection.  That’s a possibility, but I always a record a back up in my broadcast quality studio too.  More often, though – when it comes to “directed” sessions – most producers prefer to use Source Connect Standard.  My studio is equipped to connect, either way.

Another easy way, is over the phone.  Believe it, or not, that is one of the easiest ways to listen in on your recording. ipDTL is another option too.  This technology connects with mobile, landlines and ISDN.  And of course, all of these options require you to have a fairly fast internet connection.  I’ve also started doing some directed sessions with Zoom too.  Basically just about any online conferencing site or tool can be turned into a way for you to listen to me record your project.

The bottom line is this.  Can you listen in, as I record for you?  Yes.  But even if that’s not a possibility for you, please know that the more direction you give me, the more personal and more crafted, your audio will be.  To this point, sometimes it’s very helpful, if you’ve seen a particular actor on TV or a voice that you like on YouTube – include that as a reference to me, as something you like, or the sound you are looking for.  This often gives me a great reference point, even if you don’t want it to sound exactly like Sam Elliott or Morgan Freeman.  It could be, that you just like the style, with which they “Tell the Story”.  These are helpful things that allow me to create “the sound you heard in your head”!

There are many emotions that go into creating the right message for your brand, for your service, or…even your product.  That is another topic for another blog, in the future.

Back to the topic of “Can I listen to you record”…  During the “session” don’t be afraid to say, “that’s just not really what I want” – after hearing my version of your script.  My ultimate goal is to give you exactly what you want.  So, if you want it more conversational, or more of a growl, or a smile in certain words – those are ways you can help me, as you listen in.

So, let’s get to work, and create the voice for your “Brand” – Whatever that might mean, and you can listen in, as I record your project, and make sure that it’s 100% what you want.  And the “Brand” voice – can stay consistent, whether we’re creating Explainer Videos for your website, corporate anthem videos that say who you are and what you believe in, commercials for radio and TV, or a message that you plan to share on social media – let’s talk, and I’ll listen.

info@robreedvo.com

How long does it take for you to record and finish my Voice Over project?

Easy answer, no time – at all.  For me, since I work from my home studio, I don’t have to travel to another studio to record.  I simply back up my chair from the desk, spin around to the left, and walk into my vocal booth, and record your audio.

I also pride myself in not only “turn-around time” (which, truly is usually less than an hour) but also in responding to you.  It always surprises new clients that start working with me, how fast I respond to emails, text messages, even instant messages on facebook, twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

It requires no talent to say “Thank you” or… to respond in a timely manner.  I’m a Voice Over Guy, Voice Actor, Voice Talent, whatever you call me…. There are lots of names for what I do.  Here’s a perfect example…of doing what I do.

It was a Monday morning.  It was an early Monday morning (Meaning, I’m on the west coast, so this email happened to arrive at 8 a.m., Central Standard Time, 6 a.m., for me).  In typical fashion for me, I responded almost instantly with my phone, and said “I’ll have this right back to you!  Thanks – have a GREAT day.” His reply, “Is there ever a time, when you aren’t working?”  He went on to tell me that, I might be the first person he’s eve talked with on the West Coast, that thinks about time zones, and clients on the other side of the country.  And he thanked me for being awesome – his words, not mine.

It’s pretty easy to be courteous, grateful, and polite.  For me, it goes without saying, that’s just how business is done.  Thank you!  And…by the way, You’re Welcome.

So, how long does it take to record your copy? Assuming there are no revisions, you’ll generally have audio back from me within the hour.  And if you’re a producer, work in the creative department at an ad agency, or a business owner, that has a handle on things yourself.  You know how important that is, and understand deadlines.

Let’s talk – anytime.

info@robreedvo.com

Problem Solved

A very wise friend of mine, not in Voiceover once said… “If someone does something for a living, you should hire them.”  Pretty simple, yes.  But, I think you can take that one step further.  If someone does something so well, that they are able to get paid for doing it, you just “Hire Them” to solve your problems.

We’re busy.  There’s no doubt about that.  So, when you find someone that can help you become more efficient – then you become partners.  They become part of your team.

Over the years, one of the greatest compliments I had, while working with marketing businesses in the radio business, was when my clients, or as I call them, my friends would say, “Rob, someone from…(even a competitor) came by today, What do you think of this?”

They valued my background and experience enough to ask my opinion – I was part of the team. That friend trusted me.

For me, becoming that problem solver is one of the greatest things I could ever do.

For instance, doing what I do, voiceover…  I turn things around quickly, without putting it off (just ask my clients)…  the quality is terrific, and the job gets done right.  That’s a problem solver.  That’s a friend.  For me, being part of the team… Solves Problems.

You’re welcome!

Let’s Talk.  Contact me here

So, it occurred to me today… that what we want is partners.  Think about it, it’s always better to have partners.  Whether you’re headed out for a night on the town, a Saturday trip to a college football game, or seeking reliable relationships in business…  Partners are pretty valuable-  Don’t you feel better when you have a partner to help you make everyday decisions?  I do.

As a marketing professional in media sales, I had a very good client, who also turned into a partner in many aspects of the word.  I didn’t consider him a customer.  Any time I approached him, I jumped at the opportunity to “partner” with his company to help us market…. Not advertise.  Do you know the difference?  Whether it was a partnership to educate our listeners and followers about something important in our community…or to get the word out about his business.  Often times, the two things go hand in hand.  Or… a PARTNERSHIP.  Get it?

A “Partner” doesn’t see you as a job. A “Partner” has a role to play.  In Voice over, that’s what I strive to be.  After all, many times I am the VOICE of your brand.  The way I approach a project gives me a chance to learn your business…or your service… or your brand.  Think about it –

A “Partner” also cares about quality – that’s the difference between, a employed contractor or a vendor and a Partner.  That’s where I separate myself from others…  a VOICE that embodies your brand.  That tells your story.  Partners also share visions, ideas and dreams.

Yep…  I think Partners are good.  Reach me anytime info@robreedvo.com

This is not exactly ground-breaking news – But it all depends on who is listening to you.

So, every day—and most nights, for several hours, I work on auditions for all kinds of projects. Ok, I’m not going to lie…. (many hours, actually) …  I wrote in earlier blogging that I found it interesting that a lot of people don’t know what voice over is.  Well, it can also be described as voice under, as my VO Coach put it.  That makes a lot of sense, when you think about a TV spot, video narration, e-learning…  and many of the other various projects that I audition for on a regular basis.  It’s the voice that goes under images, video or even animation.

Well, it can be very subjective.  As a voice-actor, voiceover artist, or whatever you call yourself, you never really know who is listening, when your audition gets opened.  Is it the copy-writer?  Maybe the producer, or casting agent.  It could even be the actual client, who will be ultimately paying.

For me, I can honestly say I enjoy the entire process, even if I am not booked for the project, it’s always interesting and fun, to imagine exactly who is listening…and what they hear.  I will admit that sometimes it would be nice to hear back, in whatever fashion that might be.

Hopefully… it will be my version that you like –  Reach me anytime info@robreedvo.com

Thought it might be interesting to peek behind the curtain… or inside the booth to answer some questions that I get about voice over from both clients and friends alike.

Friends ask, “What exactly is voice over?”  My standard answer is – it’s all around you.  Commercials on Radio and TV.  It’s the voice behind that documentary that you watched last night.  When you saw that animated video on You Tube about how to get more sales leads.  That voice of the character on Family Guy or American Dad.  When you called that automated phone line, or even when you talked to Siri (her real name is Susan Bennett, and she’s a Voice Over Artist) on your iphone…  Voiceover and voice acting is everywhere.  Quite honestly, I left quite a few other outlets off the list.

“So, how’s that work?” is often the next question.  The process is quite different for everyone, actually.  But most of the time we start with something like you’re reading right now.  Words.  Words on a tablet, a computer screen, or on a sheet of paper.  But, hopefully when you’re done, you have a magic piece of audio that sells, informs or entertains.  We as voice-actors strive to become that voice inside your head.

You can reach me anytime here – info@robreedvo.com