We asked Barnaby, one of our favourite British voiceover artists, to share some tips and tricks about the voiceover industry. He discusses an exciting project for Kellogg’s, plus some great advice on making your first professional voiceover demo.
Barnaby is a talented voiceover artist working at GoLocalise, our international voiceover agency in London, UK. Don’t forget to check out his demos too. We added English subtitles because we’re also a subtitling agency, and the transcript is also available below.
Transcript
Talk us through one of your days as a British voiceover artist?
My daily life as a British voiceover artist usually starts with a trip to the gym or a nice walk. The reason being is because I am not a morning person so those things are pretty good at getting me up and about and making sure I’m switched on and ready for the day. Usually my sessions don’t actually start until after 11 o’clock in the morning. So, until then, I’m often… reading and replying to emails, tweaking reels, or having a poke around on my website. Generally marketing or making sure I’m ready for what’s coming up later in the day.
I’m really lucky that I have a great home studio, which is great because it means I get to do most of my sessions at home. But what’s also really nice is that sessions nowadays are often directed remotely. So that just makes it really good. Nice and collaborative but also nice and convenient. Once I’m done with that, I often get to enjoy lovely relaxed evenings with my partner and my cat.
What has been your most exciting project so far?
The most exciting job I’ve ever done was a series of ads for Kellogg’s that was actually booked by GoLocalise, no less. What made it exciting was that firstly, it’s Kellogg’s, and then secondly it was that I was told that the ads were going to be run during the breaks of the Great British Bake Off, which is my mum’s favourite show. So, she saw the adverts but what made it even more memorable is that she saw them but didn’t even realise that it was me voicing them which is a sign of a job well done in my eyes.
Can you share any tips for British voiceover artists just getting started?
A piece of advice I would give to new British voiceover talents creating their first reel would be… do it as soon as you can. Don’t wait. Imposter syndrome is real, but it’s so important to have something that really properly represents your talent out there. In the beginning it’s really tempting to spend loads of money on equipment and gear but, in my mind, nothing beats the investment in a proper, professionally produced reel. There is, of course, lots of merit to making your own reels. But also, some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten in my career was actually given to me by the engineering producers who helped whip up my first reels.
What advice do you have for a client working with you for the first time?
Then the tip… A tip that I would give a new client working with me for the first time, to make sure the session runs smoothly. I’d say: keep an open mind. It’s easier said than done! And of course there is absolutely nothing wrong with going into a session with a very clear idea of what you’re looking for. But I just find that, sometimes, going that little bit off-piste can really take a script to a new level and bring results that you just couldn’t possibly imagine. It’s scary. You never know what’s going to come out of it, but in my mind you really don’t know unless you give it a try.
End of transcript.
British Voiceover Agency
Remember, if you’d like to discuss your next project, then give us a call on +44 (0) 207 095 5730. Or get a quote from the Client Services team.
At Golocalise, as well as providing English audio translation and English video translation services for several years, we also provide voiceover services in any language and subtitling and captioning services. We’d love to hear from you whether you need translation, voiceovers or subtitling services.
FAQs
What is a British voiceover artist?
A British voiceover artist is a professional who provides the voice for various types of media content, such as audiobooks, commercials, podcasts, documentaries, films, animations, radio, and more. They will have native-level proficiency in the English language and possess the ability to convey emotions, accents, and intonations effectively.
What qualifications and skills should I look for in a British voiceover artist?
When hiring a British voiceover artist, it’s important to consider their qualifications and skills. Look for artists who have native-level proficiency in English, as they will have a better understanding of the language’s nuances and cultural context. Additionally, they should have a versatile voice range, good pronunciation, clear diction, and the ability to interpret and convey emotions effectively.
What factors should I consider when selecting a British voiceover artist?
When selecting a British voiceover artist, several factors should be considered. Firstly, listen to their demos or previous works to assess their voice quality, tone, and suitability for your project. Secondly, consider their experience in the specific type of content you require, such as IVR, ADR, commercials, audiobooks, or e-learning modules. Lastly, factor in their availability, professionalism, and willingness to accommodate revisions and feedback.
How much does it cost to hire a British voiceover artist?
The cost of hiring a British voiceover artist can vary depending on factors such as the artist’s experience, the professional studio costs, the length of the script, the type of project, and the usage rights required. Rates may be based on factors like per-word, per-minute, or per-hour. It’s best to contact the voiceover agency directly to discuss your project details and agree on a price that fits within your budget.
