0615 – Voice Director Skills

2022.09.07 - 0615 – Voice Director Skills

The skills of a director[1]

·        They are a bridge between the actor and client. They are likely to work with voice artists more often than the script writer or the sharp-suited client, so they can explain what’s going on, know what language to use, how to get the best out of you and how to get the written word to be an effective spoken word. They understand that voice work is an art and not a science. Oh, and that sharp-suited client? They may also be sharp-tongued as well, giving brash and unhelpful criticism of your performance. A director will be a mediator, interpreting and communicating that a bit more helpfully.

·        A director or producer is a ‘second pair of ears’, giving objectivity and suggestions: “try it this way”, “why not alter your pitch”, “perhaps if you slowed down a bit…”. After all a script is not necessarily black and white but fifty shades of grey (no, not like that), there are interpretations and someone else may help you see them. They coax and explain, to bring out your best performance, giving collaboratory ‘notes’ rather than ‘feedback’.

·        They may be your ‘point of contact’ in the session, introducing you to others who may be in the production area, the client, writer, editor, runner and so on; show you into the studio and adjust your mic stand and headphone level, ask if you want to stand or sit, provide water and possibly even give you time and ‘permission’ to prepare with warm-up exercises such as shoulder rolls, neck stretches and lip trills.

·        They have the creative overview of the whole piece, how your character fits in and interacts with other ones, the brand voice, and the overall marketing strategy. They know the character you are playing, the purpose of the project, the tone that’s needed, the target audience, the visuals your voice is part of and so on. Especially in animation and gaming, where the lines are often recorded separately, the director gives you the context for your part so there’s a better overall listen and experience for the player or viewer: what you’re reacting to, what’s happening around you, your part in a conversation or story arc. They may provide lead-in lines for you to bounce off from, and so give a more authentic response.

·        They know about sound, so will press buttons and fade-up, err, faders, to make the very best of your unique voice.

Although you are being given direction and of course the people who are paying you have the final decision, what happens in the studio should be a collaborative process.

Get to know, like and trust studio directors:

·        They may support you and your interpretation of the script if there’s a disagreement in the control room

·        You may get to meet them in the future on another job

·        Heck, they may recommend you for another job.

[1] Again, I am using the term ‘director’, but actual job titles and responsibilities will vary from different studios and stations.

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