Guide · BriefingBrief and casting

How to brief a voice over, as a checklist.

Most delays in voice-over projects start with a brief that is missing one thing. This checklist covers what a supplier needs, in the order that matters.

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  • Reading time2 min

01What to send first

The script, final or close to final. If it is not final, say what may still change.

Where the audio will run: media and territories. It is the item most often forgotten.

The languages and the variant for each market, for example Mexican or Castilian Spanish, Canadian or European French.

Script
Final or near-final, with line IDs if you use them.
Usage
Media, territories and term.
Languages
The language and the variant for each market.

02What shapes the performance

Tone, in a few words and with a reference if you have one. Friendly, authoritative and playful are three different casting briefs.

Timing: the length of the spot or the picture the voice plays against. It decides how the script is adapted.

Pronunciations: names, terms, abbreviations and numbers, with a recording if possible.

Tone
A few words and a reference.
Timing
The length or the picture.
Pronunciations
A list, with audio if you have it.

03What decides delivery

The files you need: format, sample rate, loudness, how they are split and how they are named.

The deadline, and who approves the takes. Name the approver, and how many rounds of changes you expect.

Whether your client must stay anonymous. We sign your NDA before you share the script or the client name.

Files
Format, sample rate, loudness, split, naming.
Deadline and approver
Date, approver and rounds of changes.
Confidentiality
NDA, and whether the client stays anonymous.

Questions

Quick answers.

What is the one thing most briefs miss?

The usage. Without media, territory and term, a quote cannot be final.

Can I brief without a final script?

Yes, with the estimated length and the languages. The quote is updated when the script is final.

How much detail does the tone need?

A few words and one reference is enough to start casting.

Have a script? Get a quote.

Send the script, the languages, the usage and the deadline.

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Or write to hello [at] voicepros [dot] com

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