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Frequently asked questions

If this is the first time you’ve ever hired a voiceover artist, then you’ve likely got some questions. Below are the most popular ones, but if yours isn’t here, then you can always ask me directly.
When will I get my Voiceover?
Once you’ve sent me all the necessary materials, I can usually deliver the completed voice recordings within three working days.
Can you record a sample for me?

Yes of course, I’m happy to provide a free sample of a few lines of your script, so that we can lock down the style for you. You can send me a sample of your script to mark@britishvoiceover.co.uk and I’ll send you back a recording.

Can you provide character voices?
Yes, I’m best known for my award-winning Santa Claus voiceover. But I also provide a series of horror voices for Halloween, a vintage 1940s newsreader style, and many other gaming and cartoon characters. Please ask for samples or check out my “Santa & Friends Voiceover” in my Voiceover Services.
My receptionist records my telephony messages. Why do I need a professional British voiceover?
Using a professional British voiceover gives your company the chance to make an excellent first impression. Sometimes your receptionist, who isn’t a natural voiceover, isn’t able to convey that friendly first touch in a pre-recorded setting. My telephony recordings give you a professional image, use an appropriate tone for your customers, show attention to detail, better connect with your caller, and maintains your brand identity. It also shows you care about every aspect of your business from first contact onwards. I’ve even won industry awards for my Telephony work, so I can guarantee that I can make your customer service shine from the very beginning.
Can I book you on a regular basis for my company voiceovers?

Of course, I’d be happy to become a regular voice for your company. Some companies use me for their website videos, company presentations, telephony recordings, and even as the live announcer voice for their Awards ceremonies (the so-called “Voice of God”).

Can you put the audio directly onto my telephony system?

No, I’m not a telecom engineer and it would be better to ask your supplier to do that. I may be able to deliver in a different format for them so it’s easier for their system.

I want Benedict Cumberbatch or Patrick Stewart on my voiceover, but I can't afford them. Can you do an impression of them for my script?
No, I don’t do impressions of other people, because that damages their brand and takes work away from them. I am happy to emulate a style if there is a particular one you’re after: For instance I did a series of videos for a company who wanted the John Nettles style on “Airport”.
Can I get a racing commentator style?
Yes, I record a lot of voiceovers in an F1 commentator style. I also do football commentator style. Please don’t hesitate to ask me for any samples of my commentator work and I’ll happily provide them, or do a sample of your script if it’s available.
What format will I receive the audio in?
As standard, I will provide high-quality WAV or MP3 – it’s entirely your choice. I can do other formats but please ask to see if your preferred one is available.
Can I get a mix of male and female British Voiceovers?

Yes, I have several colleagues who are professional female British voices, and I’d be happy to work with them on your project. I’ll oversee the entire project, and send you a quote for both voices. As it’s more than one voice, it may take a day or two longer depending on their availability.

Where do you get your rates from?

I follow the rates guide published by Gravy for the Brain (an international voiceover education service) – you can see it here: https://rates.gravyforthebrain.com/

Can you put music on my voiceover?
Yes, but using music or sound effects in your project is slightly more complicated if you don’t already have a track you own the right to use. Otherwise, I can point you toward a free site where you can choose a royalty-free track to use and I can happily incorporate it into the finished piece.
Can I get a discount?
I’m happy to negotiate with you on bulk orders. For instance, with some clients, I offer “buy four full price scripts and get the fifth free”. As with my quotes, it’s entirely dependent on the unique circumstances of the work, so get in touch and we can chat about it.
Can you record a telephony message directly onto my mobile phone?

No, I’m afraid that’s not a service I offer.

My script is medical and has lots of medical terminology. Can you do that?

Yes, I record quite a lot of medical voiceovers for pharmaceutical companies and the NHS. I ask for an audio guide for any particularly complicated terms.

I understand your Basic Session Fee charge (BSF), but I think that you might charge for usage. Why?

It’s all about copyright. Because, even if you own the copyright of the script itself, the voiceover artist, by law, owns the rights to their actual performance. To read more about this please go to https://www.gravyforthebrain.com/voiceover-licensing-a-guide-for-hirers/

I know e-learning scripts are charged by the word - do you do that?
Standard rates for e-learning in the UK are between £0.15 and £0.60 per word (the higher rates usually being for celebrity voices and the lower rates for inexperienced people new to voiceover). The average is usually £0.30 per word. Numbers and abbreviations are treated as separate words (e.g. 4032 is five words “four thousand and thirty-two”). There is sometimes an extra cost for file-splitting depending on how many files you need the audio to be split into. I’m happy to discuss a per-word rate, with a minimum fee of £250. This kind of work includes non-broadcast in perpetuity usage.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?

Please send me a message and I’ll be happy to answer any other questions you have.