If you’re still wondering whether voice-over agencies or online voice over casting is better for hiring voice actors, we’ve got a fresh list of pros and cons to help you make the best choice. Now arguably, the days of voice over talent agencies are about as relevant as a Blockbuster video rental store. Since the rest of the world has moved on to digital sites and platforms. Why go to the store when Amazon delivers? So why meet a voice agency when you can handle all your voice casting online – without moving from your desk or needing a middleman?
We speak from experience on this because, in the two decades since we’ve been around, we’ve learned that trusting a digital pro like Voice123 helps you find a pro! But since some production houses still require voice over agencies, we’ll take a quick ride on the magic carpet of traditional voice agencies compared to online casting platforms and the pros and cons of both methods.
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What are voice over agencies?
Voice over agencies are the brokers of the voice over industry, facilitating the casting, auditions, negotiations, and contracts between voice actors and clients. These intermediaries usually act as in-person go-betweens for voice actors and clients, offering clients a roster of specific vocal talent, casting expertise, and the benefit of industry connections. On the other hand, voice actors work with an agent to secure voice over work from reputable companies.
The appeal of a voice agency has often been to find voice over, editing, scripting, directing, and other related features under one roof. For companies who wanted to simply hand over their project and receive the final recording without involvement in the day-to-day decision-making. But recently, online voice over casting sites have experienced a 245% sign-up increase, with 31% of brands hiring voice actors weekly. But just why are voice over casting sites the more popular option?
What are online voice over casting sites?
Online voice over casting sites like Voice123 are essentially marketplaces that allow clients to hire and work with voice actors directly and remotely – in two ways. First, clients can post a project for free to receive electronic audition recordings from voice actors. Second, clients can browse vast selections of vocal talent, listen to sample audios, and read reviews to get recommendations before selecting a voice actor.
It offers producers, casting directors, marketers, and more the ultimate convenience of finding the perfect fit for their audio or video project. All from the comfort of their office without taking their eyeballs off their computer screen. They’re also the best sites at adapting to AI tech and AI voices, a complete voice over game changer—an area where talent agencies are trying to catch up.
The appeal of online casting sites is that you can communicate and negotiate directly with the voice actor for a more collaborative and personalized experience. And with the need for remote outsourcing, you can have voice actors from anywhere in the world perform in any language. Though it requires a little more involvement, you maintain complete project control, and there are no hidden commission fees.
To better understand how voice over talent agencies and casting sites operate, here’s a quick rundown of their pros and cons.
Voice over agencies vs. online casting sites: pros and cons
Pros of using voice over agencies
- Flexible services
A voice actor agency offers multiple services under one roof, like casting, recording, and editing. So, in addition to finding a voice actor, voice over agencies can take control of the project, and you just wait to receive the end result.
- Quality voices
Voice over agencies maintain a rigorous screening process, from the voice actor to their equipment. So, you’ll have a small pool of high-quality voices to choose from.
- Personalized assistance
Working with a voice actor agency means you have a dedicated representative that helps you through the entire process, from selecting the right voice to negotiating rates and contracts.
Cons of using voice over agencies
- Higher costs
Voice over agencies typically charge higher rates than online casting platforms and a commission in addition to voice actor fees. This makes it challenging for small businesses or individuals with limited budgets to find a voice.
- Lack of project control
When working with a voice actor agency, you may not communicate directly with the voice actor or have any specific input during the recording process. So project control remains in the hands of the agency.
- Limited vocal talent
Since voice over agencies have a strict screening process, their vocal talent is somewhat limited, and you may not find the specific voice style you’re after.
Pros of using online casting
- Large talent pool
Online casting platforms provide access to a large pool of global voice actors. So you’ll have a superb choice of talent for your project. Whether that’s a voice for a gaming trailer or an audiobook.
- Lower costs
Hiring a voice actor through an online casting platform can be more cost-effective as no agency fees are involved. And you negotiate directly with the voice actor.
- Easy platform access
Online casting platforms are easy to use, letting you post job listings and receive auditions from voice actors instantly. And you maintain control by liaising with the voice actor through the platform’s security.
Cons of using online casting
- More hands-on involvement
While online casting platforms provide access to a large talent pool, you’ll have to sift through different voice actor samples to find the sound that resonates with you.
- Limited personalization
Online casting platforms offer voice actors but not personalized services like editing, directing, or producing. So you’ll need to look elsewhere for other video or audio professionals.
- Direct interaction
You don’t have a dedicated representative with online casting, so you’ll need to handle aspects like the contract and fee negotiations independently and directly interact with the voice actor from start to end.
Voice over agencies or online casting: how to make your decision
In general, clients choose voice over agencies if they want a voice agency to take over the project and just submit the final result. And though they offer clients a dedicated support team, there’s limited project control and increased costs. So, in a vastly digital world, it’s like opting for a paper map over GPS, an outdated method that takes you longer to reach your destination but is sometimes useful depending on your needs.
With online casting sites, however, you maintain project control throughout the voice over process. You can even handle negotiations and contracts more cost-effectively with a little more hands-on effort. Now, most casting sites also offer hybrid production services, making them the new one-stop shop for everything voice. Take the Voice123 Managed Services team; from casting and directing to delivery and payment, they manage audio projects from A-Z, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget. Regardless of whether you need 4, 40, or 400 voice overs. And it all starts with a free 15-minute consultation. Get your free project advice here!
Final thoughts on voice over agencies vs. online casting
Although voice over agencies once offered exclusive voice actor access and personalized services, they also incur higher costs and provide little project control. This means digital platforms have rendered their exclusivity obsolete. Making them as suitable as a telegraph in a world of cell phones. So, if you’re ready to move over to casting platforms – search for the best talent on Voice123. It’s quick, easy, and even has a Secure Payment Service to make payment issues a thing of the past.
So, on that note, we wish you well in searching for extraordinary voices. And whatever route you opt for, choose a voice actor that doesn’t just read lines. Choose a pro that will bring your audio project to life!
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FAQs
Voice over agencies are the brokers of the voice over industry, facilitating the casting, auditions, negotiations, and contracts between voice actors and clients. These intermediaries usually act as in-person go-betweens for voice actors and clients, offering clients a roster of specific vocal talent, casting expertise, and the benefit of industry connections. On the other hand, voice actors work with an agent to secure voice over work from reputable companies.
Online voice over casting sites like Voice123 are essentially marketplaces that allow clients to hire and work with voice actors directly and remotely – in two ways. First, clients can post a project for free to receive electronic audition recordings from voice actors. Second, clients can browse vast selections of vocal talent, listen to sample audios, and read reviews to get recommendations before selecting a voice actor.
