What Video Producers Wish Voice Actors Knew - And Vice Versa

Closing the gap between the booth and the edit bay

The voiceover world and the video production world share the same mission: make something that works. Something that informs, sells, teaches, moves, entertains, or maybe all of the above.

But let’s be honest: the process can get messy. Timelines shrink. Scripts change. Revisions fly. And somewhere in the chaos, VO and video folks don’t always see eye to eye.

I’ve been on enough projects to know: a little clarity between these two camps goes a long way. So here’s a look at what video producers often wish voice talent understood, and what voice talent (yep, speaking for us) wish they could say right back.

🎬 Key No. 1: VO Comes in at the End - So Timing is Tight

If you're a VO talent, it’s important to understand this: by the time you get the script, a lot has already happened. The producer's already gone 12 rounds with clients, edits, and approvals. When they drop the script in your inbox, they’re not just starting the process. They’re wrapping it up. So when they say, “Can we get this by end of day?” it’s not because they don’t respect your time, it’s because they’re up against a wall, too.

Takeaway: If you can be the talent who delivers quickly without stress, you're gold. Fast, easy, reliable. That's a winning combo.

🎙️ Key No. 2: “Make It Shorter” Isn’t a Dig

Voice talent, we’ve all been there. You send what you think is a perfectly timed read... and get asked to shave off five seconds. Or ten. But here’s the thing: it’s rarely about you. The edit changed. The animation got locked. The pacing no longer fits.

Takeaway: Flexibility is a big part of the gig. If you treat timing adjustments like routine tune-ups, not personal attacks, you’ll be the go-to voice for a lot of editors.

📁 Key No. 3: Organized Files Make a Bigger Impression Than You Think

“Final_V3_Read_CJMerritt.wav” is clear. “Voiceover.wav” is not.

Producers are juggling scenes, timelines, assets, and approvals. They’re probably balancing four projects at once. So clean labeling and a simple folder structure? That’s not just helpful, it’s professional.

Takeaway: Treat every file you send like it's going directly into the final project. Because it probably is.

🎯 Key No. 4: VO Pros Want Direction - Not a Vague Vibe

“Just do your thing” might sound supportive, but it leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Most of us aren’t looking for micromanagement, but a little clarity helps. Do you want warm and casual? Upbeat and confident? Serious and slow?

Takeaway: The clearer the tone, the cleaner the read. Even three words of direction can make a huge difference.

📝 KEY No. 5: Script Formatting = Session Flow

If the script looks like a copy/paste from a Word doc, or a wall of text without scene breaks, it’s going to trip things up. Especially in longer projects like eLearning or explainer videos.

Takeaway: A clean format with line breaks, logical pacing, and clear notes means fewer pickups and a better end result. We notice when you put in that effort, and we really appreciate it.

🔁 KEY No. 6: Pickups Are Fine - Just Be Clear About What’s Off

Most pros expect a round or two of pickups. It’s part of the job. But vague notes like “Can you do it a little better?” don’t help. Instead: “The tone in this section feels too upbeat for the subject matter.” Or: “Can you hit the word ‘compliance’ a little harder?”

Takeaway: Specific feedback helps us give you exactly what you need, faster.

🤝 Final Word: We’re On the Same Team

Producers want a VO who’s easy to work with, sounds great, and gets it done. Voice talent want clear direction, fair timelines, and a little respect for what we bring to the table. None of this is complicated, but it does take communication. The more we get that right, the better the work becomes, and the more fun the process is for everyone involved.

And hey—if you’re a video producer looking for a voice that’s studio-ready, easy to direct, and built to make your job easier? You know where to find me.

—

C.J. Merritt

The Voice to Elevate Your Brand and Leave an Impression

🎧 Let’s work together