Commercial Voice Actor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of media and advertising, the demand for commercial voice actors is continually rising.

As multimedia platforms evolve, so does the need for versatile voices who can breathe life into various roles, promote products, and captivate audiences worldwide.

But let’s delve deeper: What does a commercial voice actor really do?

Whether you are:

• An aspirant trying to understand the intricacies of this profession,
• A recruiter crafting the perfect job specification,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of commercial voice acting,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable commercial voice actor job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Commercial Voice Actor Duties and Responsibilities

Commercial Voice Actors provide their voice talent for various media, especially in advertisements and promotional material.

They must possess excellent vocal skills, along with the ability to convey different emotions and attitudes through their voice.

Their duties and responsibilities typically include:

• Reading and interpreting scripts, and understanding the requirements of the project
• Collaborating with directors and producers to understand the character, tone, and style of the performance
• Providing a range of voice tones and accents to fit the character or narration style
• Recording voice in a professional studio or a home setup with high-quality sound equipment
• Editing and reviewing the final product to ensure it meets the required standards
• Practicing and rehearsing lines before recording sessions to deliver the best performance
• Respecting deadlines and delivering the completed work on time
• Continuously improving voice skills and acting abilities through workshops, classes, or training
• Promoting themselves to potential clients and maintaining a professional portfolio of their work

 

Commercial Voice Actor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a talented and professional Commercial Voice Actor to join our dynamic team.

Your duties will include providing voice overs for our commercials, interpreting scripts, understanding the storyline to create the right voice modulation and tone, and adjusting your performance to suit the requirements of the role.

Our ideal candidate has a versatile voice capable of creating different characterizations and emotions, has excellent spoken language skills, and can take direction well.

 

Responsibilities

• Interpret scripts and provide voice overs for commercials
• Create unique voices and characters in order to suit the requirements of a particular role
• Collaborate with writers, directors, and sound engineers to ensure the quality of the final product
• Take direction from production staff during recording sessions
• Ensure voice quality control throughout the recording process
• Attend auditions and callbacks as required
• Understand storyline and purpose of the recording to correctly interpret scripts
• Meet deadlines for recording and production

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Voice Actor or similar role
• Experience in acting, broadcasting, or speech-related fields
• Ability to create different voices, speech patterns, and regional accents
• Excellent understanding of rhythm, pitch, and timing
• Ability to take direction and adapt performance to suit the needs of the role
• Strong reading skills with the ability to interpret and understand scripts
• Sound editing and recording skills would be a plus
• A degree in Acting, Broadcasting, or related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Commercial Voice Actor
• Work Environment: This job typically requires working in a soundproof recording studio. Flexibility to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director or Producer.
• Salary: Salary is based on experience, the length of the recording, and the complexity of the character or role.
• Pay Range: $30 per hour minimum to $300 per hour maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: This can be a full-time, part-time, or contract position.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a demo reel showcasing your voice acting skills to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Commercial Voice Actor Do?

Commercial Voice Actors provide the voice for multimedia that is intended for commercial use.

This includes commercials for television, radio, and the internet, as well as narrations for corporate videos, animations, video games, and more.

They work closely with directors, producers, and sound engineers to deliver the desired voice-over performance.

This involves interpreting scripts, conveying the appropriate tone and emotion, and matching their voice to the character or brand they are representing.

Commercial Voice Actors typically have the ability to manipulate their voice in order to portray different characters, ages, and accents.

Their job may also require them to perform various voice skills like voice modulation, inflection, and pacing.

In addition to their vocal talents, Commercial Voice Actors need to have excellent reading skills, as they often work with complex scripts and may be required to read technical or specialized content clearly and effectively.

They may work for advertising agencies, production companies, or as independent contractors.

Many Commercial Voice Actors also have agents who help them find work, negotiate contracts, and manage their careers.

 

Commercial Voice Actor Qualifications and Skills

A professional commercial voice actor should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job requirements, such as:

• Vocal skills to convey different tones, emotions, and accents, catering to various commercial needs.
• Interpretation skills to understand the scripts, characters, and messages that need to be communicated.
• Technical knowledge of audio recording equipment and software to record high-quality audio.
• Communication skills to coordinate with directors, producers, and sound engineers.
• Persistence and patience to repeat lines until they meet the desired quality and tone.
• Versatility to adapt voice to different characters, situations, and styles as per project requirements.
• Time management skills to deliver projects within deadlines and handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
• A professional attitude to take and implement feedback from directors and clients, and maintain a good working relationship with all stakeholders.

 

Commercial Voice Actor Experience Requirements

Commercial Voice Actors generally start their career by gaining relevant experience in acting, radio broadcasting, and public speaking.

Many also attend drama schools or take voice acting courses to hone their skills and understand the nuances of the profession.

Entry-level candidates for commercial voice acting may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through part-time roles, internships, or community theater performances.

They might also have experience in recording demos or podcasts, which can help to develop their voice modulation, articulation, and projection skills.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often considered as seasoned voice actors, having worked on a variety of projects ranging from commercials and animations to video games and audiobooks.

They may also have experience in using professional recording equipment and software, and may be well versed in various voice acting techniques.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a broad portfolio that showcases their versatility in various voice roles and genres.

They may have also developed a strong professional network within the industry.

These seasoned professionals are generally ready for high-profile roles or voice directing positions.

They may also delve into teaching or coaching aspiring voice actors.

 

Commercial Voice Actor Education and Training Requirements

Commercial Voice Actors typically have a background in drama, theater, or communications, with many holding a bachelor’s degree in these fields.

They are required to have voice training, often from drama or vocal coaches, to develop their voices and ensure they can perform a variety of accents, tones, and characters.

Although not always required, a certification from a reputable voice acting school or program can improve a voice actor’s credibility and professional standing.

In order to stay relevant in the industry, many voice actors pursue ongoing training and workshops to improve their skills, learn new voice techniques, and stay updated on new voice acting technologies and trends.

Some Commercial Voice Actors may also opt for training in related areas, such as singing or stand-up comedy, to diversify their skills and increase their marketability.

Experience in working with microphones, sound equipment and software, and understanding how to adjust voice for acoustics are also valuable for a career in commercial voice acting.

Additionally, many Commercial Voice Actors build portfolios or ‘demo reels’ of their work to showcase their abilities to potential employers.

 

Commercial Voice Actor Salary Expectations

A Commercial Voice Actor can expect to earn an average salary of $40,000 (USD) per year.

However, earnings can fluctuate significantly based on the number of projects, the actor’s experience, reputation, and location.

Some well-established voice actors can earn significantly more, especially when working on high-budget commercials or projects.

 

Commercial Voice Actor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a commercial voice actor need?

Commercial Voice Actors should possess exceptional vocal abilities, including a range of voices, accents, and impersonations.

They should also have excellent reading skills to interpret scripts, and be able to vary their vocal expression to match the mood of the script.

In addition, they need to have good timing and pacing, as well as a thorough understanding of diction, pronunciation, and intonation.

 

Do commercial voice actors need a degree?

No, commercial voice actors do not necessarily need a degree, but some formal training in acting, voice modulation, or related fields can be beneficial.

Experience in radio, television, or theatre can also be valuable.

However, a successful career in voice acting largely depends on talent, versatility, and the ability to deliver a convincing performance.

 

What should you look for in a commercial voice actor’s portfolio?

A commercial voice actor’s portfolio should include a variety of voice demos showcasing their range and versatility.

These may include different types of voices, accents, or styles of delivery.

Additionally, the portfolio should provide a clear indication of the actor’s ability to interpret and convey a script’s message and tone effectively.

 

What qualities make a good commercial voice actor?

A good commercial voice actor should have a versatile voice, capable of adapting to different characters, accents, or moods as required by the script.

They should also have good interpretative skills to understand the tone and message of the script.

A good voice actor should also be reliable, able to meet deadlines and be comfortable taking direction and feedback.

 

Is it difficult to hire commercial voice actors?

Hiring a commercial voice actor can be challenging due to the highly specialized skills required for the role.

It’s important to find someone whose voice fits your brand or product and who can deliver a compelling performance.

However, with the rise of online platforms and voice acting agencies, finding and hiring voice actors has become more accessible.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve thrown the spotlight on what it really means to be a commercial voice actor.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about having a great voice.

It’s about bringing scripts to life, one word at a time.

Armed with our user-friendly commercial voice actor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into the limelight.

But why end the show now?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ticket to crafting the perfect listings or refining your resume to stardom.

Remember:

Every spoken word adds to the bigger narrative.

Let’s narrate that story. Together.

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