Q: How do we get started?
A: The initial step is to give me a call or send an email about your project’s needs. We’ll discuss your requirements, the deadline, budget and the essence of the voiceover you need. This conversation allows me to provide you with an accurate quote and an estimated timeframe for your project’s completion.
Q: Is Sumara available for live-directed sessions?
A: Indeed, I am available for live-directed sessions, it’s my favourite thing! Plus, it means you’ll get the exact result you need, quickly and joyfully. These sessions can be conducted in person within a studio (I can easily travel anywhere in Central West NSW, or to Sydney or Canberra studios) or remotely via Source-Connect or SessionLink Pro.
Q: What is your average turnaround time?
- Average Turnaround Time: Long story short: fast. You can expect your project back within a few hours to a day, give or take, based on how lengthy it is and where we are in the world, time zone-wise. Projects over 3000 words will be a day or two, and audiobooks will take several weeks.
- Handling Urgent Requests: Got a voiceover red alert? Hit me up with an email, direct message, or SMS, and I’ll be on it like lightning, giving you the lowdown on when I can get it done, what it’ll cost, and when I can jump into action. If it’s a quickie job and we’re in business hours (or even “hey yeah I’m awake!” hours), I can turn it around typically within the hour.
- Business Hours: My time zone is AEDT or AEST (Sydney/Melbourne time). I’m generally in work mode from about 9am to 6pm but I’m pretty flexible.
Q: What is the format of the finished sound file?
A: Just let me know exactly what you need. It’s almost always a .wav or .mp3 file, but if you have specific specifics, let me know and the magic software fairies in my computer will make it happen.
As a general rule:
- Clear, clean audio, edited and refined to your specifications.
- Additional takes to offer you a palette of choices (for character voices or short scripts).
- Breath sounds are gently edited out to suit your project.
- The audio files are supplied as .wav, .mp3, or any other file type you desire, and delivered via email, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Q: What is the approach towards reworks or revisions?
A: Your satisfaction with the final voiceover is paramount. If something isn’t quite to your liking, I am committed to tuning it to perfection. If there’s an error on my part, I will promptly amend it free of charge. However, should there be script changes, additions, or a shift in the desired performance style post the initial recording, a portion of the original fee will be applied for the rework. This ensures fairness while maintaining the high-quality service you anticipate.
Q: How is the cost for your voiceover services determined?
A: Pricing is based on Australian industry standards and considers two primary factors:
- The scope of the work, includes the length of the recording, whether it needs to align with a pre-existing track, and whether you prefer a live-directed session.
- The intended usage of the recording, such as its placement (website, internet, television, radio, etc.) and the duration of its use.
You have the option to either pay for a license for a predetermined length of time, which can be extended later if needed, or opt for a “buy out” of the usage, which allows you to use the recording indefinitely. This flexible approach ensures that you can choose the option that best suits your project’s needs and budget.
Q: What are the rates for your voiceover services?
A: As an independent voiceover service operating from a home studio, I can offer competitive rates without any additional agency or studio fees. All charges are in Australian Dollars, which is great for clients from the US, UK, or EU due to the current exchange rate. You can use the XE currency converter to convert $AU to your local currency for an estimate of the final pricing.
Here’s a gentle guide to my rates in Australian dollars ($AU):
- Corporate and Explainer Video Narration: from $450
- Medical Video Narration: from $500
- eLearning Narration: from 35c per word ($350 project minimum)
- Medical eLearning: from 40c per word ($400 project minimum)
- Commercials: radio from $370 – $525, TV/online from $400 – $1160 per spot
- Audiobook narration: $440 per finished hour
- Long-form narration (e.g., documentary): from $1200
- Telephone / IVR messaging: from $250
- Character voiceover: indie gaming/animation from 25c per word ($150 project minimum); commercial gaming/animation from $300 per studio hour.
For an exact quote and for other services such as live announcement, tour guide, promo, and imaging rates, feel free to reach out with as specific information about your project as possible. If you have a specific budget in mind, do let me know.