Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Who's Who in Voice-Over Production
As discussed, it takes a lot to produce convincing voice-over content for
games. In fact, the list of factors involved is wide ranging and may even
include places and objects, not just people. So with that, let's introduce
our Cast Of Characters involved in voice-over production.
Producer
A good producer is a good person to know. Producers are the ones who
have to make the project work. They must be detail oriented and good
at dealing with people. Their job is to coordinate all the parties involved
in the process. They will plan the meetings, set the schedule, deliver
feedback, and make sure that everyone is on the same page as the
production moves forward. Producers will also in some cases, help to
write the scripts and oversee recording sessions. Whatever needs to
be done, they will make happen. If they don't have the budget, or the
resources to hire somebody else to do something, they'll do it themselves.
It's the producer's reputation (as well as their posterior) that is on the
line. When it comes to getting things right the i rst time, they have to
be prepared, because nobody wants to re-schedule and re-record high
powered voice talent—it's not easy—or cheap.
Writer
Creative writing is a growing and important market in the game world.
After all, the writer is the person who imagines the lines that the
actors will perform. They must be creative and practical at the same
time. Voice-over just like any other media in games takes up space,
so they must work with the game designers and producers to craft
the appropriate characters and situations. Writing for video games is
complex and very dif erent from traditional media. A writer needs to be
very well rounded and understanding of the challenges in interactive
media.
Talent Agent
When the script is approved and ready to go, a talent agent is brought
in to the process. They will contact the voice talent the producer has
requested and negotiate the fee and contract terms for the specii c
person and project. Now, in the Internet age, it has become quite
common for voice services to of er up talent online. There are a
multiplicity of places that allow producers and designers to audition
demo reels online and in some cases even hire the talent directly.
