We previously discussed marketing yourself as a professional filmmaker and its benefits in casting. In this week’s post, we will discuss the actual casting of a voice-over actor; however, these tips can also apply to your non-stop motion productions.
Websites. There are many websites that offer voice over services and host talents’ pre-recorded auditions: Envato, Fiverr, Voice Jungle and Voice123. My recommendation is to think of the role and tailor your search criteria to narrow down extraneous results. We did receive more responses by reaching out directly via the talent’s personal website versus communicating through these portals. Also, do not rule out social media. Facebook has many voice-over online groups where you can host a casting call. I received a few responses directly from this method with one audition resulting in his casting.
Pricing. Do not rush to buy the the advertised cost on some online portals until you review the actual license. It is crucial that you have the appropriate license for your content. This is where a $30 quick job becomes a $100 job with no change in quality. I would budget around $200 USD for approximately 150 words with film festivals and social media viewing licenses. Our standard line was in essence, “In the spirit of transparency, we can only afford a flat rate inline with SAG Ultra Low Budgeting guidelines.” Include a total word count in your responses to ensure accurate quoting and avoid wasting each other’s time.
Audio Format. It’s important to specify the desired format in your casting call. For reference, we requested the following to ensure the greatest latitude and compliance:
File-type: Waveform Audio File Format (.WAV)
Sample Rate: 96kHz (preferred), 48kHz (minimum)
Bit Depth: 32-bit (preferred), 24-bit (minimum)
Channel: Mono (preferred, but not required)
Readings. Prior to acceptance, the voice-over actor will more than likely ask to see your script. We didn’t pay for script-writing software. Instead, we entered everything in Amazon’s now-defunct online Story Writer and exported as a PDF; then, we provided a read-only Google Drive shared link in our response. Include descriptive parentheticals for each line of dialogue in your script to reduce subsequent revisions. I even provided additional character background, desired emotions and intent in my email responses to help tailor their performance. For the cost, you should expect at least one revision. We had talent send us two distinct readings per revision to give us choices in editing. If you have done your homework and accurately articulated what you are after, it shouldn’t take much more than that. If it becomes a struggle, then you either failed to convey what you wanted or you hired the wrong talent for that project.
Legal. The benefit of an online voice-over portal is that the terms and services are already worked out; whereas, direct talent contact will require an agreement. My recommendation is to Google and download an “Actor Agreement” or “Play or Play Contract”; then, work with your talent to come to acceptable terms. The 48 Hour Film Project also has legal documents published, such as release forms, and for use as templates.
Random Tips. The following is just an assortment of tips that really didn’t fit into the above subheadings.
You will find that you are basically writing the same thing to each actor. I kept all emails in a Google document and copy/pasted the contents (with minor edits) to quicken my response and save some time.
Set up a PayPal account as every voice over artist and their respective online platforms seem to accept it now. PayPal charges the recipient a 2.9% fee, so take this into account when you pay your actor or actress. I tried to subsidize this cost.
To cut expenses, try to find a public domain performance (film, cartoon or audio book) or purchase gaming vocal sound effects for use as smaller, one-off characters.
Give yourself adequate time for responses (60 days), so you don’t miss an opportunity to audition someone who was out of country on vacation.
To help those still in the fight, we’ve uploaded our script, casting call letter and film festival cover letter on our stop-motion's project page.