Whether it’s a brand film, explainer video, internal communications piece or corporate content, the voice needs to work hard. It has to sound professional without feeling stiff. Conversational without losing authority. Engaging without drifting into hard sell. And crucially, it needs to build trust fast.

I’m Claire Wyatt, a British female voiceover artist specialising in conversational voiceover for brand videos, explainer content and professional online video. I work with agencies and production teams who need a reliable, broadcast-quality UK voice that understands tone, pacing and how audio supports visuals — not competes with them.

The result? Videos that feel clear, confident and human

Let’s make content that audiences actually want to listen to!

— and a voiceover process that fits seamlessly into agency workflows.
Corporate videos have changed. They’re no longer formal presentations read aloud by a voice that sounds like it belongs in a lift. Today’s audiences expect a more natural, conversational VO. They want clarity, warmth and a sense that a real person is talking to them, not at them.
My voiceover style is often described as:

• Warm, smooth and credible
• Conversational, chatty and genuine
• Clear, soothing and confident
• Natural, intimate and engaging
• British and English

That makes it particularly well suited to:

• Corporate video VO
• Conversational VO for explainers
• Brand and product explainers
• E-learning and internal communications
• Animation and digital content

In short, if you need a voice that explains rather than performs, you’re in the right place.

Explainer specialist, not just a voice

Explainer videos are a special skillset. They’re about taking complex ideas and making them feel simple, clear and legitimate without ever sounding patronising.
That’s where my background as an explainer specialist comes in.

I focus on:

• Meaning, not buzzwords
• Pacing that supports visuals and animation
• Emphasis that guides understanding
• A tone that feels human and reassuring

Whether it’s a corporate explainer, a brand story or an e-learning module, the goal is always the same: to help the viewer understand, trust and engage.

Trusted by leading brands

I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wide range of professional organisations, from global brands to fast-growing UK businesses. What they have in common is a commitment to clear communication.

Smith & Nephew – inspiring, but not tub-thumping

This project required a calm, confident and credible British voiceover. The delivery needed to feel authoritative and inspiring without becoming overplayed. They wanted hope and emotion, whilst explaining the complex medical work they do.

Gigaclear – bright, conversational, informative.

Gigaclear’s explainer content is all about cutting through confusion. This conversational VO was designed to feel friendly, bright and genuinely helpful, supporting the animation without overpowering it.

Virgin Atlantic – Lux, but not exclusive.

Virgin Atlantic’s brand voice is warm, polished and unmistakably human. This corporate video VO needed to feel premium, sophisticated and natural, while still remaining approachable and engaging.

A professional UK voiceover with a broadcast-quality home studio

I record from my own professional home studio, delivering clean, broadcast-quality audio suitable for commercial, corporate, animation and e-learning projects.

Working with a home studio VO means:

• Faster turnaround times
• Easy revisions and pickups
• No studio booking delays
• Consistent sound quality

For producers and agencies, that flexibility makes a real difference – especially when deadlines move or scripts evolve.

Easy to work with (which matters more than you think)

A great voice is important. A great working relationship is essential. Clients often tell me they value how easy the process feels. I’m responsive, flexible and comfortable working to briefs, brand guidelines and feedback – whether that’s detailed direction or a simple “make it sound more conversational”.
I regularly work with:

• Video production agencies
• Corporate communications teams
• Marketing departments
• Creative studios

I understand approvals, stakeholders and last-minute changes. I also understand that sometimes you just need it turned around quickly and done properly.

Warm, polished and characterful – without the hard sell.

My voice sits comfortably in that space between professional and personable. It can be smooth and soothing, dynamic and confident, or witty and characterful depending on the brief.
I don’t oversell. I don’t underplay. I aim for balance.
That’s why my voice works so well for:

• Corporate videos that need trust and personality
• Brand explainers that need warmth
• Conversational VO that feels genuine
• Premium content that still sounds human

Why clients come back

Clients come back because the voice fits the message – and the process fits their workflow.
They often mention:

• How natural and authentic the VO sounds
• How quickly I understand the brief
• How smoothly revisions are handled
• How well the voice supports the visuals

Voiceover isn’t just about sound. It’s about storytelling, credibility and connection. Let’s make your next corporate video sound right.

If you’re looking for a British female voiceover artist who delivers conversational, credible and polished corporate VO, I’d love to help.

Whether you’re producing an explainer video, brand film or internal communication, we can find the right tone for your audience and your message.
👉 Request a quote for your next project and let’s make your video sound as good as it looks.

The post Your Video’s Secret Ingredient: A British Voice That Connects appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

If only there were a neat, one-size-fits-all answer. The truth is, UK voiceover rates vary depending on a whole range of factors: project type, usage, duration, and—crucially—the experience of the voice you hire.

This blog will give you a clear sense of what to budget for different kinds of projects, plus a reality check on why the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest investment.

The two parts behind every quote: session and usage

Professional voiceover quotes usually break down into two main elements:

1. Basic studio/session fee (BSF) – the cost of recording, editing, and delivering the files. (My BSF is £300 by the way.)
2. Usage/licence fee – the cost of using the recording, which depends on where and how it will be heard (internal only vs. national TV ad, for example) and for how long. Because having a voice heard across TV or social is more “valuable” than internal training, and that needs proper compensation.

So when a client asks you “How much will the voiceover be?”, remember that size isn’t everything! The script may be short, but the price is really driven by how the audio will be used. And there are so many different types of voiceover job – and this is where it can get complicated.

What drives the cost of a voiceover? (Or, why your “cheap voiceover” sometimes comes back to bite)

Here are the biggest factors that influence the price:

• Length and word count: A two-minute internal explainer is cheaper than a 10-hour audiobook. But a 60 second TV ad can be as much as a decent new car!
• Usage and reach: Internal training? Modest fee. National TV ad? You’ll need broadcast licensing. There’s a simple algorithm based on TVRs.
• Complexity and style: Technical scripts, medical narration, multiple characters, or niche accents need more prep.
• Turnaround speed: Rush jobs usually come with rush rates.
• Revisions and retakes: A pro like me will include fair revisions, but extensive rewrites aren’t free.
• Studio vs home setup: If I use my own professional home studio (as I do) it lowers overheads for you vs booking big studios.
• Experience and quality: You’re paying not just for a voice, but for reliability, consistency, experience and the ability to nail the read first time. Trust me, it adds real value.

Sample UK voiceover rates (ballpark figures you can whisper to your clients!)

Here’s a rough idea of what different types of projects might cost in the UK market. These aren’t rigid rules, but they give you solid benchmarks for client discussions:

These ranges cover the “average” professional. Experienced, in-demand voices may charge more, and rightly so (more on that in a minute).

Price vs value: why the cheapest voice can be the most expensive mistake

Here’s where things get interesting. Clients often fixate on cost, but for agencies and most clients, what really matters is value. You’re not just buying a few minutes of recorded audio—you’re buying everything that comes with it.

Think about it this way:

• Experience saves you money: A pro can deliver the right tone in fewer takes, meaning less editing, fewer revisions, and faster project turnaround. Time saved = money saved.
• Cheap voices cost more in the long run: If the recording isn’t up to scratch, you may need to re-record with someone else, explain delays to your client, or worse—deliver subpar work. That “bargain” £50 read suddenly looks very expensive.
• Professionalism matters: Deadlines, consistent quality, file formats, availability. An amateur might leave you hanging; a pro voiceover artist won’t.
• Your client notices: A polished voiceover elevates the entire production. A ropey one can undermine all the great design and strategy work you’ve put in.
• Creative polish: The difference between “reads the words” and “makes your message land.”
• Peace of mind has value: Knowing the job will be done right the first time means you can focus on everything else your client needs.

So yes, you could get a cheaper voice from, say, a freelancer in a less saturated market. But there’s a reason some voices cost more—and why creative agencies and clients often prefer me:

FAQs agencies ask about voiceover pricing

Why do voiceovers cost so much for ads?
Because the reach (TV, radio, online campaigns) massively increases the value of the voice. A national ad that airs for months is very different to a one-off internal training video.

Isn’t there always someone who’ll do it cheaper?
Yes, but if they can’t deliver broadcast-quality audio on deadline—or if their performance falls flat—you’ll end up paying more to fix it. Plus, a pro knows how to approach the script with minimal direction and adds ideas and experience to the mix. My clients often come in with one idea, I offer my take – and that’s the one they use!

Can’t AI just do it now?
Synthetic voices exist, but they can’t capture nuance, humour, or subtle persuasion the way a real human can. If your client cares about brand identity (and they should), a professional voice is non-negotiable.

Tips for getting better value from your voiceover budget

1. Be specific in the brief – usage, audience, tone, file format. Clear briefs save money.
2. Bundle jobs – recording multiple scripts in one session keeps costs down.
3. Plan ahead – avoid rush fees by scheduling voiceovers early in the project timeline.
4. Ask for usage clarity – always confirm media, territory, and duration up front.
5. Work with the same voice over time – long-term collaboration builds efficiency (and trust).

The bottom line: what’s a voiceover really worth?

So, how much does a voiceover cost? In the UK, a simple narration couple start around £200. A broadcast commercial could run into four figures with usage fees. An audiobook may be hundreds per finished hour.

But the real question isn’t “How much does it cost?” It’s “What’s the value of getting it right first time?”

A pro voiceover doesn’t just tick a budget line. It makes your client’s content sound credible, trustworthy, engaging—and by extension, it makes your agency look brilliant.

Why hire me?

I’m Claire Wyatt, a professional UK voiceover artist with 20+ years’ experience. I offer:

• Broadcast-quality recordings from my own studio.
• Versatility across corporate, commercial, e-learning, IVR, Gaming, Drama and more.
• Transparent pricing and clear usage rights (no nasty surprises).
• A friendly, reliable partnership with agencies who want to impress their clients.

In short: great value for money, because I bring the skills, speed, and professionalism that save you time, stress, and revisions.

If you’d like your next project to sound as good as it looks, drop me a line at claire@clairewyatt.com

Let’s make your client’s brand unforgettable—without the budget headaches.

The post How much does a voiceover cost? (and why value matters more than the sticker price!) appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

With 20+ years of professional experience, exceptional vocal range, and a reputation for delivering high-quality recordings, Claire has quickly become the go-to voiceover artist for a wide variety of projects. Whether you’re working on an animation, commercial, corporate video, or e-learning project, Claire Wyatt’s voice brings an unparalleled level of expertise and artistry to every project. Here’s why she should be your first choice for your next voiceover.

1. Exceptional Vocal Range and Versatility

One of the key reasons Claire Wyatt is a standout choice for your voiceover project is her remarkable vocal range. Whether you need a warm, soothing tone for a narration or a high-energy, animated performance for a commercial, Claire has the ability to adapt her voice to fit the needs of your project perfectly. Her versatility allows her to voice a variety of characters, from serious and professional to quirky and humorous, and everything in between. Claire’s flexibility means that no matter the tone or mood you’re seeking, she can deliver it with precision and flair.

2. Professional Quality Recordings

When it comes to voiceover work, the technical aspects of the recording process are just as important as the voice itself. Claire Wyatt brings professional-grade recording equipment and editing techniques to every project she works on, ensuring that you receive crystal-clear audio with minimal noise and distortion. Whether working from her fully-equipped home studio or collaborating with top-tier production houses, Claire ensures that her recordings meet the highest industry standards. The result is a polished, professional sound that will elevate your voiceover project and make it shine.

3. Tailored to Your Project’s Needs

Every voiceover project is unique, and Claire Wyatt knows that. She takes the time to understand your vision and works closely with you to ensure her voice complements your specific needs. From the tone and pacing to the pronunciation and emphasis, Claire tailors her performance to capture the essence of your brand or character. Her attention to detail and dedication to perfection means that you won’t have to worry about the final product. Claire provides the kind of personal touch that makes your voiceover sound as though it was made just for your project, rather than a generic performance.

4. Proven Experience in Various Industries

Claire Wyatt’s extensive portfolio speaks for itself. She has worked with clients across a wide range of industries, including advertising, corporate videos, e-learning, animation, video games, and more. Her diverse experience ensures she has the right skills to take on any type of voiceover project, no matter how specialized. Whether you’re looking for a soft, authoritative voice for a corporate training video or an engaging, energetic tone for an animated character, Claire’s adaptability makes her the perfect fit for virtually any type of voiceover work.

5. Client-Focused Approach and Excellent Communication

One of the reasons Claire Wyatt is so beloved by her clients is her commitment to clear, effective communication. From the moment you reach out to her, she prioritizes understanding your goals and requirements. She’s responsive, approachable, and always ready to make adjustments based on your feedback. Her collaborative nature ensures that your vision is realized, and that you’re completely satisfied with the final product. With Claire, you can be confident that you’ll receive a top-notch voiceover that meets your project’s specific needs.

6. Timely Delivery and Professionalism

Deadlines are critical in the world of voiceover work, and Claire Wyatt is known for her punctuality and professionalism. She understands that time is of the essence and ensures that you receive your recordings promptly, often ahead of schedule. Her ability to deliver high-quality work within a set timeframe makes her a reliable choice for projects with tight deadlines, whether it’s a quick-turnaround commercial or an audiobook with a fixed release date.

7. A Voice That Resonates With Audiences

In addition to her technical skill and professional demeanour, Claire Wyatt possesses a unique ability to connect with audiences. Her voice has a warm, engaging quality that captivates listeners and makes them feel emotionally invested in the message. This is particularly important for commercials, e-learning modules, and narrations, where you want to hold the listener’s attention and leave a lasting impact.
Whether you’re trying to establish a strong connection with customers or draw people into a compelling narrative, Claire’s voice will resonate with your audience, helping to build trust and engagement.

8. Affordable Without Compromising on Quality

While some top-tier voiceover artists can come with a hefty price tag, Claire Wyatt offers competitive rates without sacrificing the quality of her work. Her pricing structure is transparent, and she’s committed to providing excellent value for every client, whether they’re working with a large corporation or a small business. You don’t have to break the bank to get professional-level voiceover work. With Claire, you’ll get premium quality recordings at a fair and reasonable cost.

9. Positive Client Feedback and Testimonials

It’s not just Claire’s skill and versatility that make her an exceptional choice for voiceover work—it’s her reputation. Claire has built a loyal client base over the years, and she’s consistently praised for her professionalism, creativity, and ability to deliver outstanding voiceovers. Many clients return to Claire time and time again, citing her excellent communication, dedication to quality, and talent as reasons they trust her with their voiceover needs.

10. Passion for the Craft

Claire Wyatt isn’t just a voiceover artist; she’s an artist who is passionate about her craft. This passion shines through in every project she takes on. She approaches each voiceover with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to deliver her best work, making her a standout choice for any project. Her dedication to her art and her clients ensures that every voiceover project is treated with the care and attention it deserves.

In Conclusion: Choose Claire Wyatt for Your Voiceover Project

With her vast experience, unmatched versatility, and unwavering dedication to quality, Claire Wyatt is the best choice for your next voiceover project. Whether you’re looking for a commercial, animation, e-learning module, or audiobook, Claire brings a unique combination of technical skill, creative talent, and professionalism that sets her apart from other voiceover artists.
By choosing Claire Wyatt, you’re investing in a voice that will captivate, engage, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Get in touch with Claire today to elevate your next voiceover project!

End note – thanks to AI for this. If you can’t beat them, join them right?

The post Why Claire Wyatt is the Best Choice for Your Voiceover Project appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

Now sure, I could have waffled on about how to be a narrator; the technical skills required to be a voiceover, what it takes to set up and manage the studio, the brands I’ve worked with or the skills needed to market and manage the business. But these are primary school kids. Do they care about all that? I doubt it.

I thought a little deeper and I realised it’s not narration that’s interesting, it was my journey that was key. And discovering that storytelling is at the heart of everything I’ve ever done.

Where did it begin?

All I ever wanted was to be an actor. It started with escaping into TV dramas as a kid and finding I had a talent for it in primary school shows (I even dug out a clip of me performing as Nancy in Oliver aged 10 to show at my daughters’ assembly). I studied drama at GCSE and A Level and finally went to drama school to train as a professional.

I was a successful working actor for many years. I performed, produced, and set up my own company writing and devising my own work too.

My first professional job was in voiceover while still at drama school for an e-learning firm. And voice work followed me throughout my career. It was always there. The work was steady, interesting, diverse and the people were wonderful to work with.

I set up my own studio and started promoting myself as a voiceover alongside acting work.

But the truth is, it wasn’t that linear

As is often the case with a career in the arts, you also find yourself working outside your chosen profession to pay the bills. As well as classic jobs like waitressing and cleaning, I also took on some more…well, alternative paths!

I was working as a barmaid in an East-End pub when I was head-hunted by a major insurance company! The boss got to know me, he saw my skills and asked me to join his aviation broking team. Yeah, I know, mad right? I had no experience and couldn’t offer him commitment as I was still working as an actor and voiceover; disappearing for days or weeks at a time as creative work came up. So, what did he see in me? Why would he want me?

It was my ability to tell stories; to read people’s emotions, understand people’s needs and be highly persuasive in negotiations. I took to it like a duck to water and it gave me the confidence to move on to other things.

I wanted to put this new-found skill for communications, and my ability to move in corporate as well as artistic circles, to good work. I’d always cared deeply about the environment and social justice. The theatre company I founded was dedicated to making work that promoted sustainability.

Fast-forward a few years and I’m working as a communications specialist at renowned sustainability charity Forum for the Future. I helped the organisation tell its story better, found innovative ways to help the staff connect with their audiences better, used narrative techniques to design and create better work, pioneered storytelling training programmes to help Forum’s partners identify their brand values and won a Global Green Award for the Farming Futures project I helped design and manage.

Again, at the heart of it all was storytelling. Understanding my audience, being empathetic and persuasive.
And, of course, voiceover was there too!

Many of the projects I worked on needed visual and animated content. It made sense for me to provide the narration. That work lead to more external narrating work and, of course, my acting career was always there too. So, it wasn’t long before I left Forum for the Future behind.

Now I work full time from my home voiceover studio narrating work for businesses and individuals around the world.

What’s the thread that ties it all together?

Acting, running my own theatre company, voiceover, setting up my own business, working in communications, training fellow performers, insurance broking…they are all rooted in storytelling and persuasion.

That’s what I do.

Whether I’m selling a product in a commercial, explaining how to use complex medical devices in a corporate film, teaching new skills via e-leaning, or taking people on a journey through their imagination with audio drama – it’s all story.

The vocal choices I make with tone, pace, pitch and accent tell a story about the brand, the product and the audience.
All communication is storytelling. So, marketing my business, writing this blog, finding new clients and promoting myself – it’s all storytelling in order to persuade.

So, how did the talk at my daughter’s school go?

It was magical. I talked about following your dreams, pursuing interests in the arts even if you don’t want it as a career because its just essential to human life. I talked about my journey, my set-backs, how I wandered off track but it lead me to exciting new roads. And yes, I showed off a few showreels and talked about running the business. But the talk was really about the power of story. And how the story you tell yourself is the most powerful one.

My career story is one of dreams, hard work, set-backs, tangents and coming full circle back to what I loved in the first place; home, narration and security.

The story I told myself to get here is that I’m strong, I’m creative, I’m talented and I deserve success.

If I was to narrate your story – what would it be?

The post Storyteller, narration, and voiceover appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

It’s all a blur. A strange haze. Where did 2020 end, and 2021 begin? Are we really in 2022 already?

I’m confused. Foggy. And I know I’m not the only one.

This strange time and space continuum we call the pandemic has left many of us feeling at sea. But I can’t tell if my confusion is also just part and parcel of getting older. Time flies by quicker and having two kids to manage with naps and school routine and after-school clubs and meals, meals, snacks and endless meals to prepare…it’s dizzying. The ground-hog day vibe of middle-aged life with kids is merging with the pandemic confusion to muddle my brain.

If you hadn’t guessed it yet, I’m a person that likes a plan. I’m linear, focussed, results driven and project focussed. It’s what makes me great at my job. But it makes life in a pandemic hard. Unable to plan, unable to access support, having to pivot as plans constantly change or are cancelled, not being in control. It’s stressful and anxiety inducing. I feel as if I’ve been stuck on repeat with a constant sense of holding on for now as it will have to end soon…right?

Voiceover work has been my rock

But among the domesticity, anxiety, cancellations, sense of flux and standing on shifting sands, there has been work too. And it’s been my rock.

Looking back I can see that work was always there. The one thing I could rely on. Great clients (new and old) and wonderful people. The chats I’ve had with producers have often been the only contact with people outside this house I had for days on end and it was bliss to laugh or feel connected.

I’m really proud of the work I did in 2021:

• I’ve continued my relationship with Unmind lending my voice to many essential and fascinating courses to help people with mindfulness and mental health
• Global continues to be an incredible company to work with. I love the diversity of the commercials I work on and the opportunity to have a laugh with the producers and writers. I was particularly proud to be the brand voice of Sainsbury and the Food Warehouse.
• I am the voice inside the incredible My Little Morphee audio players. A storytelling device for children to aid sleep, mindfulness and wellbeing. My girls love it!
• I’m the brand voice of the British Business Bank.
• The Diary of Riversong, my latest audio drama with Big Finish, was released.

What’s amazing is that I gave myself permission to take my foot off the peddle last year and yet it was one of my most financially successful years ever!

I’ve just re-read last years review and I can see that my aims for 2021 were quite different:

• Meet financial needs, but don’t forget to meet my needs while I’m doing it.
• Rest, play and enjoy the simple pleasures of a normal life seeing friends and family and watching the kids grow

Usually it’s a list of business targets and challenges and some personal ones too to do with self-improvement. This list was kinder. And it was what was needed.

Meeting my goals

I’m pleased to report that I have shifted the focus from life just being about work and domestic duties, to finding time for ME a little in 2021. It’s so important. I’ve taken breaks with friends, managed a few dates with my husband and just taken time to stare out the window and dream. The to-do list will never end and there’s always more laundry in the pile. So, take a break and smell the flowers.

As for 2022? More of the same I think. It’ll take a while for the bruises of new babies and pandemics to heal so I’m no rush to set myself huge targets. But, me being me, I still like to make lists and plans. So, here are the goals for 2022:

• Maintain the wonderful life I have.
• Spend more time one-on-one with the girls.
• Craft more, garden more, read more, rest more!
• Take every opportunity to have fun and go out now that we can!

And as for work:

• Improve my website to show off my video content better.
• Win new radio commercial clients
• Take time to study and improve my voice – mainly in new commercial styles and brushing up my accent work.

That’ll do I think.

The focus has to be on wellbeing for a while. Looking ahead to 2023 I can see myself having more energy and time for bigger challenges. Ada will be older and the pandemic will be a distant memory (I hope) so I can get back into the ‘building the business’ mind set.

Thanks for listening and stay well.

The post 2021 – A review of a life as a Voiceover appeared first on Claire Wyatt Female Voiceover.

How much?!!

I’m sure you’ve screamed that when you’ve heard what a voiceover can earn for voicing a TV spot for a major brand; many thousands of pounds in a matter of minutes.

And I’m sure you’ve been agog at how little some, supposed professionals will record 200 words of audio for any use, in perpetuity for $5 via certain websites. So, who’s right?

Well, the truth is, pricing in the voiceover world can be confusing. I charge e-learning work by the word, TV commercials are based on TVRs, radio is based on listening figures, negotiated with the stations/producers by Equity, IVR can be charged per prompt and the internet is basically the Wild West! Plus there’s all the acronyms to get used to; IVR, TVR, BSF etc.

So how does it work?

All too often when I quote new clients reasonable, fair prices they tell me they can get it cheaper by going to various dubious websites. These places are stuffed to the gills with people offering voiceover services at crazy rock-bottom prices. So why shouldn’t you just use them?

I hope this blog will help clients understand why paying more makes sound business sense, as well as helping new voiceover artists understand why experienced artists rates are higher.

It’s all about price vs. value. Here are my five top reasons why experienced voiceover artists give you real value for money.

1: Experience delivers

I’ve been doing this a long time. So I make it look easy. That’s experience.

It might take a beginner twice as long to record the vocals on a corporate video. The director may have to coach them on every sentence. It might even mean you have to pay them more, as you haven’t managed to do the job in the allotted studio time. Now, beginners have to start somewhere. This isn’t about doing them down.

But I’m talking about value.

I can have a brief conversation with the client about the tone/style/energy they’re looking for, think about the audience it’s designed for and usually nail the job within the first few takes. If they want it 30 seconds faster without sounding rushed, I can do it. Or, if they want it professional, but friendly, energetic but at a slow pace, authoritative but not aggressive – I can do it. That’s experience and that’s added value.

That ability to give an uncertain client options, to work fast to keep studio costs down, to be able to take direction and build on it; all of that is what you’re paying for.

2: Time’s a ticking

Obviously part of the cost of the voiceover is how long the job takes. Again, the added value with an experienced professional is that I’ll often complete the job within the first or second read, so recording is fast. And as an experienced editor, I’m saving you time there too. Less time, less cost. Simple.

3: Does it have to be SoHo dahhing?

You’ll always need to record the VO somewhere. Usually a client will have to hire a sound studio (and engineer) which the VO will travel to.

I have a home studio which adds huge value to my clients.

I’ve invested time, energy and thousands of pounds in building a broadcast-quality audio booth. My studio is so well insulated and quiet that I don’t require any post production or noise removal. What you get is perfect clarity and all the warmth and depth you’d expect from a fully acoustically treated professional space. It has all the latest kit for recording and editing and involving the client. You can listen in live to session via Skype, Google Hangouts, ipDTL, ISDN, Source Connect Now or good-old-fashioned land line.

In comparison, there are VOs out there who have cheap mics, shove their head under a duvet and hope. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, you can hear the difference.

4: Your colleague with a ‘nice’ voice is just that

There is a world of difference between ‘Susan from Accounts who’s got a nice voice’ and a professional voiceover artist. Just listen to most small businesses voicemail messages. Susan may be clear, but she has no charm!

Voiceover is an art form. It’s not just talking. The subtle vocal manipulations required to nail the exact tone a client wants, in the exact time to fit the visuals takes talent. And hard graft. I’ve trained for 14 years (I never stop learning) and so, I can work in e-learning, corporate work, character and accents, advertising, drama and more. Each sector of the industry needs different vocal skills – and that’s before we even start to talk about the business of managing a home studio and all the audio kit.

5: Where? When? How? Usage counts

How the content I voice will be used and distributed has a huge impact on the final cost. This is the bit most people get confused about or forget. It’s all about how many people will see/hear it and for how long. So, a commercial for Coke during the X Factor final will cost more than a commercial for a local plumber on a small local radio station at 4 o’clock in the morning. It’s about exposure.

We use the term ‘buy-out’ a lot. A client is buying the right to use our voice for a specific purpose for a set amount of time. If I voiced a massive and distinctive campaign for Tesco they would have to give me a generous buyout to compensate me for the fact that no other retail brand is likely to use my voice for a long while, as I’d be associated with them.

So, that’s why usage costs vary. But if you’re reaching more people or requiring exclusivity, you pay more. And that’s fair.

So where does that leave us?

With a simple choice. And it’s a choice we all make, whatever we buy. You can pay less and risk getting a poor product or pay more and be sure you’ll get what you need. My family has a saying, ‘Buy cheap, buy twice’ I think that applies here. Pay for the experience, knowledge, skills and facilities you need – and you won’t regret what you’ve spent. Go cheap, and that’s exactly how it will sound.

Everyone wants a bargain. And sometimes we’re willing to take a risk on a lesser-known brand to get that bargain. And that’s fine if we’re talking about your favourite soft drink. But as professionals, with clients, deadlines and little room for a miss-step, going cheap is a risk that’s just not worth taking.

Other resources:

• Gravy for the Brain has an EXCELLENT example list of voiceover rates for all types of voiceover work
• They also have a great video on Voiceover Licensing

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I was thrilled to be asked by the fantastic director Barnaby Edwards to be part of a three-part narrated audio drama for Audible. Not only is it narrated by the legendary Miriam Margolyes but it meant being reunited with with fantastic colleagues and friends. These included Helen Goldwyn, Tracy-Ann Oberman Richard Earl, Nicholas Pegg, Sarah Sutton and Niky Wardley.

The original drama is called Apprentice – Scarlet City – Part I. I played a couple of parts, but most notably the sassy and seductive Lillian who uses her looks and wit to great effect! I won’t say more as it will spoil it for you.

Pre-order a copy on the Audible site.

So, what’s it all about?

Here’s the Publisher’s Summary:

This Original multicast drama blends history with fiction to tell the story of Jonah, a young apprentice from London who raises himself from poverty by wit and luck to become one of the most powerful merchants of the age.

A rags-to-riches tale, Jonah’s journey spans the breadth of human experience, from the intricacies of Edward III’s political intrigues to the cutthroat world of international trade, from the triumphs of war to the agonies of personal loss – love, friendship, joy, heartbreak and glory. Set largely in London, the Scarlet City, the centre of medieval England, the Scarlet City trilogy is a thrilling portrait of the age and the people who made it so rich, colourful and extraordinary.

London, 1330. Jonah Durham grows up in the household of his tyrannical cousin Rupert, and only his grandmother, the calculating Cecilia Hillock, recognizes his talent and intelligence. After her death he inherits a handsome fortune, bestowing him with both wealth and independence but also the wrath of his increasingly dangerous cousin. However, a fateful encounter with the young King Edward III is set to radically change Jonah’s life and the future of English cloth production.

Cast information

Narrated by Miriam Margolyes, OBE (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Romeo + Juliet, Mulan) and starring Douglas Booth (Riot Club, Loving Vincent, Shelley) as Jonah, and Alison Steadman, OBE (Gavin and Stacey, Orphan Black, Shirley Valentine) as Cecilia Hillock.

Also featuring: Daniel Anthony, Josephine Arden, John Banks, Tim Bentinck, Clare Buckfield, Oliver Coopersmith, Beth Chalmers, Elliot Chapman, Trevor Cooper, Ray Coulthard, Gareth David-Lloyd, Richard Earl, Andrew French, Helen Goldwyn, James Joyce, Tony Millan, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Katarina Olsson, Steven Pacey, Nicholas Pegg, Nigel Planer, Siobhán Redmond, Christopher Ryan, David Schofield, Dan Starkey, Sarah Sutton, Niky Wardley, Alexander Wlahos, and Claire Wyatt.

My other audio drama and audio book work

If you’d like to hear more, then please visit my audio book and audio drama page. I’ve created characters for Doctor Who and Torchwood, narrated children’s stories and adult fiction!

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