Documentary filmmakers and producers often use voice overs to provide the audience with relevant information over the film's soundtrack.
Documentary voice overs tap on the art of storytelling, allowing the filmmaker to push their message in a way that's easy for the audience to understand.
The soul of a piece of documentary work resides within its narration. The voice over you choose may make or break your film.
Poorly narrated documentaries will distract the audience from the visuals and the message, resulting in lack of attention.
A voice over actress can help create the mood, set the tone, and engage the audience till the end of the film.
Here are four tips you can use to give your documentary the best chance for success.
1. Define Your Goals
You may need to nail down what you wish to achieve with your documentary.
Documentaries present factual information weaved through a storyline that's compelling and truthful.
From a nature film about humpback whales to a historical narration of King Henry VIII, the right voice over can have a greater impact.
Determining the project goals allows you to choose a voice over actress that can resonate with your audience.
You need a voice that will act as a guide, creating an intimate connection with your target viewers.
2. Set a Tone for Your Project
Documentary voice overs are an art.
The narration needs to match the documentary's tone. The wrong voice for your TV documentary may set the wrong tone, which hurt's the film's receptivity.
For instance, a nature film narration may require the use of a smoothing, slow voice, which may be different for a celebrity documentary that may be upbeat and lively.
The voice over actress should match the passion that went into the creation of the documentary.
Successful documentary voice overs create a mood that makes the story flow.
3. Find Creative Voice Actresses With Versatile Voice Over Skills
You may need to use documentary voice overs to capture the attention of target audiences with an appealing voice.
Remember that the end goal is to keep the viewer focused on the content of the documentary.
The voice actress should feel free to give additional opinions and contexts to enhance the film experience.
Find narration voice over services with actresses that can complement the written and visual scripts, effortlessly bringing your documentary to life.
4. Provide Constructive Feedback
As a filmmaker or producer, you may need to create a safe space for collaboration with your voice over actress.
Give the voice over talent some time to live the film. Provide the script at least 48 hours before the recording.
Find ways to provide constructive feedback, conveying respectfully what you expect from the documentary voice overs.
Documentary voice overs are vital for grabbing the audience's attention and passing the desired message.
You need to choose the right voice to capture, and best portray your storyline.
Jamie Hill is a voice over actress that can help you connect deeper with your audience on your documentary film project.