L’incorporation d’une voix off, qu’elle soit destinée à un spot de pub TV, une formation en ligne, un film d’entreprise, un motion design, un documentaire, ou toute autre production sonore, nécessite une connaissance approfondie du métier de comédien voix off. Depuis le nombre de mots dans votre script jusqu’à la tonalité et l’intonation de l’acteur, l’ajout de voix off est plus délicat qu’il n’y paraît. Lors des castings, l’expérience du comédien est un critère déterminant à prendre en compte en plus de son timbre de voix ou de ses démos et je vais tenter de vous illustrer cet élément.
Dans cet article je dresse un bilan de la plus value que peut apporter l’expérience d’un comédien voix off à votre projet. Je vous livre mes conseils, accompagnés d’exemples concrets issus de plus de dix ans de collaborations avec des marques françaises et internationales. Et pour commencer voici les 10 points qui selon moi sont essentiels pour que votre projet de voix off se déroule dans les meilleures conditions.
1- 10 essential questions to consider for your voice-over project
From experience, the preparation phase of a voice-over recording is an essential step, especially for productions produced remotely or online in a home studio. The essential document that synthesizes all these elements is the brief that will be transmitted. The more detailed your brief, the better your actor will be able to convey the desired emotion and message.
Here are 10 points that I consider essential to determine in order to prepare the recording properly, and that I ask my customers almost systematically:
- What is the aim of your audiovisual production?
- What values should the project represent?
- Who's your target audience?
- What other audio elements are included in your media (sound effects, music, jingle)?
- What role will the voice-over play in the overall picture (particularly in the post-production mix)?
- What tones and intentions should be present in the message conveyed?
- Is the project a one-off or part of a long-term collaboration?
- How will essential information be communicated to the interpreter?
- Do you want to play an active role in the artistic direction, or do you prefer to leave more freedom to the actor?
- What are the deadlines and milestones for your project (preparation, recording, production, post-production, release dates, etc.)?
2- The voice-over actor's experience for your recording: a guarantee of relevance and professionalism for your productions
Le métier de comédien voix off, de par sa nature, requiert une extrême précision où le moindre changement d’intonation peut bouleverser le message. Si de nombreux acteurs de films ou de théâtre s’essayent à l’exercice, la voix off demeure une branche spécifique. L’expérience des comédiens voix off se traduit selon moi par une meilleure qualité du produit fini, un conseil éclairé et un gain de temps (moins de prises nécessaires, des sessions d’enregistrement plus courtes, une gestion des délais plus rigoureuse). Au fil de mes années d’expérience, j’ai ainsi constaté que l’expertise du comédien peut se manifester à chaque étape du processus, de la pré-production à la post-production. Reprenons par ordre chronologique.
My method for complete briefs: the creative memo
Lorsque j’ai débuté cette profession j’étais totalement dépendant des informations transmises par le client. Or, elles étaient souvent incomplètes, imprécises. Parfois même l’objectif n’était pas clairement arrêté et on avançait par “essais”. Cela augmentait le nombre de prises, les allers-retours, rendait complexe le choix in fine, et pouvait parfois créer de la frustration chez l’annonceur, l’agence,… et aussi chez moi.
Pour une définition précise du projet avant l’enregistrement en studio, j’ai donc développé un support technique pratique : le mémo créatif. Cet outil sert à définir efficacement les objectifs du projet et couvre tous les points clés que le comédien voix off doit connaître avant de commencer une session. C’est un document ludique et progressif, un “pas à pas”, qui permet soit de vérifier que tout est correctement défini en amont, soit de finaliser le cadrage.
Mes clients apprécient particulièrement ce document pour sa méthodologie qui les aide également à mieux cerner leurs propres besoins. C’est également un outil précieux lorsque les prises ont été effectuées car il donne un cadre de lecture et d’appréciation objectif de la production. On s’écarte un peu de l’émotionnel pour trouver des points objectifs d’appréciation. Très utile notamment lorsque le message doit être validé par plusieurs interlocuteurs ou à un responsable. Si vous avez besoin de découvrir ce document pour mieux préparer votre brief, contactez-moi simplement.
Mastering voice-over techniques to bring rhythm and relevance to the message during studio recording
An experienced actor works with his or her voice in the same way as a singer or actor, accumulating a wide range of expressions, intonations and vocal techniques. This vocal palette can give your project a unique dynamic. In an advertising campaign, for example, the voice can reinforce the luxurious aspect of a perfume brand, or convey the energy of an advert for a new car. Personally, I've taken many professional training courses over the years to develop and master these different facets of the voice.
In the same recording, it's not unusual for the actor to use 3 or 4 different techniques to bring the project to life.
When the voice-over experience helps combat the uncertainty of choice
I record most of my projects from my professional studio in Madrid. Naturally, I've equipped it with equipment that enables me to achieve a recording quality equivalent to that of any other commercial studio. To this end, I offer several collaboration possibilities, in which the customer may or may not attend the live sessions. However, I have repeatedly found that once the tracks have been sent, the choice can be difficult for the customer. Here again, I see my experience as a voice-over artist as an asset, and my mission is also to act as a consultant.
By way of example, I had the opportunity to collaborate some time ago with an agency working for a brand that had little experience of advertising. The brief was relatively complete, with an original voice-over bias that emphasized humor, and I was to work on it independently. Perfect. One or two addressed takes later, the final client wasn't sure, and wanted to test with other directions. No problem. Then again, the customer was unsure and would like to do some more shots. I suggested a meeting to understand the situation. The customer was in fact unsure of the final result and couldn't project himself onto the finished product. All he had was the voice-over, and he simply had no reference point. I then presented him with several finalized examples and explained which version I would recommend. Once the whole video was edited, all doubts were gone. Without this support, this stage could have taken many extra sessions, potentially incurring costs and delays.
3- Professionalism and quality of working relationships: the 100% winning recipe
A successful audiovisual project is the result of a synergy between several elements: the message, the target audience, the intention and the interpretation, among others. Calling on the services of an experienced voice-over actor can optimize each of these aspects.
With experience, I've gradually learned to deliver a message that adds value to your medium, reinforces your brand image and creates an emotional bond with your audience. Of course, training courses, acting classes and my relationship with the world of music have all contributed to this, but it's the professional opportunities that have allowed me to move forward on this path. When you consider that the actor's interpretation plays a crucial role in the engagement of your audience, the credibility of your message and the overall impact of your production, it's easy to appreciate the importance of choosing a voice-over artist.
The aim of this article was to show that using an experienced voice-over actor makes sense at every stage of your project. However, I'm the first to admit that the actor's experience isn't everything. Of course, for this to be fully beneficial, the working environment must also be conducive to exchange. We're talking about a work environment, human relations and team spirit. If this balance is achieved, then the cost of an experienced voice-over actor compared to a novice voice-over actor, and even more so compared to a computer-generated voice-over, is more than worth it.
And for you, is a voice-over artist first and foremost a partner or a service provider?