Voice Over Voice Over Business and Marketing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'directed session' in voice over?
- A recording session where a director or client guides the performance in real time (Correct answer)
- A session where you record without any client contact
- A type of session for animated characters only
- A session that includes pre-written direction notes in the script
Correct answer: A recording session where a director or client guides the performance in real time
A directed session involves the client or director listening live via phone, ISDN, or Source Connect and providing performance direction in real time.
Question 2: What is 'Source Connect' used for in voice over work?
- High-quality real-time remote studio connections over the internet (Correct answer)
- Connecting to client FTP servers for file delivery
- A platform for finding and connecting with voice over agents
- Syncing audio and video in post-production
Correct answer: High-quality real-time remote studio connections over the internet
Source Connect is software that enables professional real-time audio streaming between studios over the internet, replacing legacy ISDN connections.
Question 3: What does a 'talent agent' do for a voice over artist?
- Secures auditions and negotiates bookings on the actor's behalf in exchange for a commission (Correct answer)
- Trains the actor in vocal technique and performance
- Manages the actor's recording equipment and studio setup
- Handles audio post-production for the actor's recordings
Correct answer: Secures auditions and negotiates bookings on the actor's behalf in exchange for a commission
A voice over agent pitches talent to casting directors, secures auditions, negotiates fees, and takes a percentage commission (typically 10–20%) on booked work.
Question 4: What is the typical commission rate a US voice over agent charges?
- 10–20% (Correct answer)
- 25–35%
- 5%
- 50%
Correct answer: 10–20%
US talent agents typically charge 10–20% commission on booked jobs; union regulations cap agent commissions for SAG-AFTRA work at 10%.
Question 5: What is 'self-direction' in a non-directed voice over session?
- Recording and producing your own performance without real-time client feedback (Correct answer)
- Directing yourself using a teleprompter
- Using AI software to analyze and improve your delivery
- Recording multiple takes and sending all of them for the client to choose
Correct answer: Recording and producing your own performance without real-time client feedback
In a self-directed session, the voice actor interprets the script independently and delivers polished takes without live producer guidance.
Question 6: What is a 'usage fee' in voice over contracts?
- An additional payment based on how, where, and for how long the recording is used (Correct answer)
- A fee charged for using studio equipment during the session
- A charge for each individual file delivered to the client
- A monthly fee for keeping your demo reel on an agency's roster
Correct answer: An additional payment based on how, where, and for how long the recording is used
Usage fees are compensation tied to the media type, territory, duration, and reach of the campaign, paid on top of the recording session fee.
Voice Over Voice Over Business and Marketing 2
What is a 'directed session' in voice over?