When it comes to booking voiceover talent for your campaign, you might have always done things the same way. Pay-to-play voiceover websites are a super popular go-to for industry professionals (though check out my recent blog on common pitfalls of pay-to-play voiceover websites). Agents are another useful tool for helping you recruit top talent.
But when it comes to hiring voice actors directly, there are several misconceptions that deserve a closer look. While there are always horror stories of voiceover hiring gone wrong, let’s take a look at some of the common misconceptions when it comes to hiring voice actors directly:
1. “Booking voiceover talent direct means lower quality”
One of the biggest myths is that hiring a voiceover artist directly, means compromising quality. Many assume that only agents or pay-to-play sites provide access to professional talent.
The reality? Most professional voice actors invest heavily in their craft, from top-tier training to state-of-the-art home studios. AND? Robust marketing campaigns. VOs know they can make their best margins by booking directly – so they’re looking for you, too!
When you book directly, you’re often connecting with seasoned pros who’ve honed their skills over the years and deliver broadcast-quality work without the middleman. (We still love our agents, but we also love working with clients directly!)
2. “Booking voiceover talent direct is too time-consuming”
Another misconception is that working directly with voice actors takes too much time. Some believe that without an agent or platform handling logistics, the process becomes cumbersome.
However, most voice actors are experienced in managing their own bookings and are quick to respond, provide quotes, and deliver files. A seasoned pro will have a whole process laid out and streamline everything. If anything, it’s going to be faster to work with your commercial voiceover actor directly! Direct communication often cuts down on back-and-forth and ensures you get exactly what you need, faster.
3. “You won’t have access to the right talent”
Do you think only agencies can give you access to the “perfect” voice? Think again. Many professional voice actors market themselves independently and have extensive portfolios showcasing a range of styles, accents, and tones. Whether you need a warm and empathetic tone for a healthcare ad or a bold and dynamic read for a car commercial, you’re likely to find a direct-booking voice actor who fits your needs perfectly.
Also, the voiceover actor community is just that – a community. If I’m not the right voice for your project, I have a host of professional voiceover friends I can recommend, whom I trust implicitly to do a good job. And, I am always happy to assist you in casting your project!
4. “Booking voiceover talent direct leads to uncomfortable or risky rate negotiation”
Some clients shy away from booking direct because they feel uncertain about discussing rates. They worry they’ll offend the talent or overpay without agency oversight.
The truth is, professional voice actors value transparency and fair negotiations. They know what the going rate is for their work based on their experience in the field and they’re not going to charge you exorbitant rates. Direct conversations about rates often lead to mutual understanding and a more personalized agreement that fits your project’s budget.
For me? The conversation always begins with me saying, “I understand everyone’s budgets vary, so I do whatever I can to work within your budget while maintaining fair pricing for everyone.”
5. “It’s hard to find the right fit”
Some worry that booking directly means sifting through countless candidates to find the perfect voice.
The reality?
Most professional voice actors have a variety of demo reels to make it easy to assess the reads they can perform, and their capabilities and expertise upfront. Many even specialize in specific industries or tones, so you can quickly narrow down your options.
Direct booking often means you’re dealing with actors who are proactive and prepared to tailor their performance to your needs, making it way simpler to find the right fit.
Hiring voiceover talent directly can be an efficient, cost-effective, and rewarding experience. By debunking these common myths, you open the door to connecting with talented professionals who bring your vision to life.
Ready to give direct booking a try? Let’s connect—I’d love to help your brand shine!
