How to Format your Script for a Voice-Over Project

You’re almost done with your production, but you still need to record a voice-over during the audio post-production stage. Sounds easy, right? Of course, large-budget productions approach this stage with their scripts already formatted and the talent already chosen. What does this look like for small-budget films? How do you format the script for a successful and engaging voice over? 

Just like with anything else under the audio post-production overarching umbrella, many scripts are subject to ongoing changes and re-recordings. Below you will find several pieces of advice that will help you avoid this and get the most out of your audio post-production budget.

Given the fact that the vast majority of voice-overs are recorded at the very end of the production process, the deadlines are usually tighter and the margin of error isn’t as big as with other stages of the audio post-production chain.

The following steps will help you minimize error potential, additional stress, and unnecessary (sometimes endless) recordings.

Find the right talent

This step is crucial and requires all your attention. Not all scripts are created equal, and all projects are different in nature. Ideally, you should work with someone capable of delivering the tone and color you desire for your project.

If you have a specific style in mind, you should keep that always present when choosing someone to work with, and if you don’t know how to put that idea into words, send your video to different people and see how they react towards its vibe. The connection between talent and your project is paramount.

You can also use video references with voices that you like so the talent can try to match them; however, try not to sacrifice potential originality for simply choosing someone right away. That being said, having a clear idea of what voice you’re looking for will certainly speed up the process of finding the right talent for your film, while lowering the chances of falling into continuous edits and re-recordings.

Review your script (several times)

Now that you have found the right talent for your voice over project, it’s time to move on. When submitting the script to be recorded, it should be its final version. 

It is recommendable to share your script with a professional editor so they can carry out a quick grammar and syntax check and any additional edits your text may need. This is crucial because some voice-over actors charge extra for any script revisions after they start recording, and the idea is to optimize your budget.

In order to make this process as seamless as possible, when looking for the right voice actor you can also have editors take a look at your script. This way you will do these activities simultaneously and avoid any drawback after the recording starts.

Formatting your script

Before submitting your script, you need to first take care of the format. This step is critical if you really want to minimize the chances of making a mistake or facing possible setbacks. The format in which you submit your script totally depends on the type of production.

Some scripts are formatted in a way so the talent knows how to approach each section of the script. Traditional formats include a column with the time code, next to it the voice over script, and next to it additional comments that provide clarity. It looks like this:

Time codes are highly useful for properly syncing the audio to the video once the talent has recorded the script, but they can also help establish the pace and the cadence at which you want them to record the lines.

Another common format is applied to e-learning videos. It looks like this:

When formatting your script, add as many comments as necessary to explain how the terminology you have included in your lines is to be pronounced. The last thing you want is to go over the same section over and over again, consuming your budget and your time.

A good idea is for you to record the lines and send me alongside the script. That way the talent will have an idea of what it should sound like and will narrow down the possibilities of making mistakes.

And there you have it! Following these steps will definitely help you get your script ready to be recorded in no time while meeting your deadlines and making the most out of your budget.

*The images used on this post are taken from Pexels.com