3. Look for a clear breakdown of rates
When you book professional voice actors, it's good to have a clear price structure. That way, you know exactly what to expect.
A commercial voice-over involves a fixed basic rate for the studio recording and direction. On top of this, there's a buy-out for the use and rights of the audio. This depends on the medium and the campaign duration. For non-commercial recordings like an internal corporate video, e-learning, or an audiobook, we charge per word or per project.
4. Give the voice actor clear direction
Here's a practical tip from the studio: before recording, give the voice actor not just the script, but also background on your audience. Explain when and in what situation someone will hear the audio.
Ask the voice actor to record two different variations in the first take: one with a bit more energy, and one that's slightly calmer. This gives you the flexibility to choose the right balance during the final edit.
5. Pay attention to pacing and breath
Because Dutch spoken language is often quite direct, some voices tend to rush the text. However, a professional voice actor maintains calm and lets the sentences breathe.
The listener needs a moment to process the message, especially when you're conveying a complex explanation or technical instruction. Good audio is about balance: not too fast, not too slow, but exactly at the listener's rhythm.