Wednesday 29 October 2014

Levels Of Voice Over Commercials

By Roseann Hudson


Many people have vocal talents that could serve them well as a career choice. Perhaps it is a speaking timbre that is soothing, captivating, or alluring enough to command an audience, or maybe they simply have a very unique sound. For these individuals, working in voice over commercials, a field that is actually rather diverse, just may be the perfect option.

For this career path, vocal talents are utilized to entertain, share information or to sell and promote services, ideas or products. Here, an actor's body and face are of little consequence as it is only their sound that is utilized in the spot. Their goal is to effectively convey the ambiance, emotion and overall intended impression of a script provided by the client using just their power of speech.

The situations and circumstances under which these types of roles are required are actually quite varied. Though radio ads and television spots with narrators or animation are the most popular, they are far from exclusive. Vocal skills are also used to create the clips heard during telephone hold sessions, auditory internet advertising and the trailers and informative pieces played before a feature film.

Not everyone is suitable for this job as there are certain qualities they must possess and particular skills that must be mastered. The obvious requirement would be vocals that translate well when recorded, because though someone may sound great while talking, not everyone sounds the as good on electronic devices. One must also be able to speak clearly, even when using a pronounced accent of any sort.

Most people do not realize that it takes a lot more than just a great vocal ability to find success in this career field. In reality, just as film and theater call for a cast of actors with a wide range of looks, auditory spots often requires varied voices. As important as one's sound is their acting skills because this type of role generally means painting visuals for the audience using only words and inflection.

The three main categories to this genre are animation, narration and commercial work. The branch of this trio that deals with advertising is then split into the levels of national, regional and local. One is no more important than the other, though they each come with different employment requirements and varied pros and cons.

Local level jobs usually include doing spots that will be aired just within a generalized area for clients such as car dealerships and privately owned businesses. Regional gigs are those that usually require the actor to work out of a large city and deals with ads that will be shared over multiple closely positioned broadcast zones. National positions are heard throughout a country and are commonly based in major metropolises and often call for union membership.

Generally speaking, all levels will require the same basic protocols in order for an actor to gain employment. The first thing most do is hire coaches to help fine tune and improve their vocal techniques and acting skills. A quality resume' and professional grade demo tape are necessary as copies of each should be submitted at all casting calls and to all advertising agencies that meet one's criteria.




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