Voice Actor Q&A Series: Sakshi

Leaving behind a steady corporate job to record voice overs can seem daunting.

But after being fascinated by voice actors conveying their emotions through their voices in audio dramas and radio adverts, Hindi voice actor Sakshi S was drawn into the world of voice overs, and she has never looked back since.

1. How did you get started in the voice over industry, and what do you enjoy most about it?

My previous corporate job often had long commutes, and this was during the pre-Covid-19 days. During those commutes, I enjoyed listening to audio dramas, often fascinated by how much a voice actor can convey emotions just with their voice.

That is how it all started really. Once I was hooked onto the idea of voice acting, I did a lot of research, took training courses, started building my profile within the industry and not too long after – I got my first few paid projects!

One of the reasons why I LOVE being a voice actor is that I get to be creative and bring a wide range of characters to life. Plus, every eLearning, corporate or IVR project teaches me something new.

2. How would you describe a typical day as a voice actor?

I don’t think there is a “typical” day for a voice artist. I could be travelling to a recording studio for a voice over recording, trapped in my voice recording booth with different scripts all day, or seated in front of my laptop or phone, either managing my accounts or making silly videos for social media.

The only thing constant in the ever-changing routine of a voice artist is auditioning…I sometimes feel that auditioning (for voice over projects) is my full-time job really!

3. What has been your favourite project that you’ve worked on with Matinée so far?

I speak Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and English and I’ve done some interesting seasonal commercial ads with Matinée which were a total blast and an immense learning experience for me.

4. What is the best project brief to receive? Is there any information that you find particularly helpful to include before a project takes place?

The best project brief is detailed but to-the-point.

Sounds conflicting, doesn’t it? A brief which has details on project type, target audience, length of script, language, usage fees, timelines and budget, is all very helpful and makes it easy not just for me but also for the client to understand if we are a right fit for each other.

I would also add that behind almost all successful projects, there is effective collaboration.

In some cases, I provide clients with a custom voice demo for a portion of their script, so that they can finalise the tone and feel of the message before I record the whole script.

Once I’ve received client feedback, I will then proceed to record the voice over.

5. How do live-directed voice recording sessions benefit you?

Oh, I personally LOVE live-directed sessions! Firstly, because doing voice overs can be a bit lonely, since we are mostly on our own, talking to ourselves in a booth. A chance to have someone else dial in while we record is always welcomed.

Secondly, there is nothing like having your clients dial in and give you instant feedback! It takes so much guesswork out of the equation.

I get a chance to listen to their vision for their project, ask questions, do my bit, get immediate feedback, and work on it till we are happy.

Again, it’s very collaborative and in the end when we log off, we’re all happy…client gets exactly what they were looking for, and I have another satisfied client.

Though self-directed sessions can be quicker and more flexible, it can get tricky especially when script directions are vague. One could also run the risk of second-guessing a particular tone, and that can affect the overall recording. To avoid being in this situation, it is always best to ask the client as many questions as you can about the project.

6. What are your top tips for somebody wanting to get started in the voice over industry?

Develop your listening skills and be persistent! Though there is a need to learn the art of interpreting scripts and perfecting a voice recording, it is important to also develop your listening skills, treat voice over as a business and do it consistently.

In fact, there is always so much to learn in this ever-changing industry that I post interesting tips and pointers on my social media regularly.

7. Why do you like working with Matinée?

Matinée collaborates on a diverse range of projects across many languages. This means I not only get consistent work but challenging and satisfying projects. Also, the team at Matinée is always helpful, friendly and understanding.

8. What are your thoughts on AI voice over and has this affected your work thus far?

AI is something we can’t ignore, neither in our personal lives nor in the voice over industry. It is impacting us all and the best we can do is to make ourselves more aware of what it can and can’t do. Read contracts carefully, create your own if the client doesn’t have one, and make sure you are not signing away with your work or your voice.

Although there are projects being done with AI voices due to time or budget constraints, ultimately it means that all the voice over work coming to me now are ones that need a genuine, feeling and thinking human being. So, I already have an edge over AI in that department 😊

Listen to Sakshi’s demos here