Question 1

How fast can you deliver?

Accepted Answer

This industry works fast, and so do I! 
As a full-time, professional voice artist, I aim to deliver all jobs inside of 24 hours during the working week.
It’s really important to me to be transparent with my clients so, if for any reason, I’m not able to deliver inside that timeline (whether that be my availability or due to it being a particularly large job), I will always give you a clear delivery window so you know exactly when to expect your new audio.

Question 2

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Voiceover rates are generally calculated on a per-project basis. 
This is due to just how incredibly variable each project can be.

The way I put together a quote is using a few bits of info;
-          What type of project is it?
-          What’s the usage?
-          How long will the audio be used for?
-          What’s the word count of the script?

The more info you can send me at the start of a project, the more accurate I can be with my quote.
But don’t worry if you’re new to this or it all seems a bit confusing; I’ve been doing this for close to a decade and I’m here to help!
We can chat it all through together and I can advise on anything that isn’t clear.
You can read up on my personal rates guide here.
If you’re working with a specific budget then please let me know upfront and we can see if we’re a fit for each other.

If you’d like a couple of quick (and excellently put together) resources on standardised voiceover rates, then check out: 
Gravy For The Brain’s Rates Guide (the UK’s most comprehensive voiceover rates guide).
Global Voice Acting Academy’s Rates Guide (for international and US markets).
Gravy For The Brain’s Licensing & Usage Guide

Question 3

Can I use your audio for AI projects or use AI to re-record sections of my script?

Accepted Answer

The only thing I explicitly do not allow my audio to be used for is AI.
That means you can’t use my audio to clone an AI voice, create a Text-To-Speech (TTS) application, or research or develop a synthetic voice. 
Crucially, this also means that you cannot use AI to create new audio of my voice in order to re-record small amendments to the script. 
Script changes that need to be re-recorded must always be done by the OG, flesh’n’blood version of Barney.

For more information on AI usage exclusions please do drop me a line, I’m always happy to chat, or see the AI Clause in my invoice-contract.

Question 4

What if I don’t like the voiceover? Do you do revisions?

Accepted Answer

I sure do! 
I want each and every client to love the product we create together!
I have an unlimited revisions policy for my projects, which lasts all the way up until the project releases.
If you’d like me to make some changes then just let me know what needs tweaking and I’ll dive into it as quick as I can.

Please note; revisions assume there are no changes to the script. For script amendments that need re-recording I do reserve the right to charge an additional fee. 
I do also reserve the right to charge an additional re-record fee for particularly large projects such as audiobooks and eLearning jobs over an hour in length.

Question 5

Do you offer free demos?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! 
This is standard practice in the VO world and a great chance for us to get a head start on things like voice tone, style and project aims. 
Send me a sample of your script (a few lines to a paragraph at most) along with any notes, instructions or directions for the performance, and I’ll have a demo back to you as fast as I can manage.

Question 6

What if I want to direct you live?

Accepted Answer

Say no more! 
(In fact, let me say it for you – that’s my whole shtick after all). 
I offer live sessions inclusive with all quotes, and it couldn’t be a simpler system. 
We can hop onto a call via any video conferencing platform (Google Meet, Teams, Zoom) or specific voiceover live session platforms (Source Connect, Cleanfeed) and you can listen to me live as I voice, adding in your creativity and direction to the process.
I’ll happy send you as much of the session audio as you like once the session’s over.

Question 7

How do I pay for my new voiceover?

Accepted Answer

I accept payments via Bank Transfer, PayPal & Revolut. All my payment details will be on my advanced invoice.
I prefer payments via Revolut for non-UK buyers and I can send you a direct-payment-link in these cases.
Please note; I always quote in my native currency, £-GBP, and my payment terms require payment in 30 days or less of receiving the initial delivery.

Question 8

How will you send the audio to me?

Accepted Answer

I generally send audio via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) systems. 
The most well-known of these is WeTransfer, although these days I prefer TransferNow as it has longer expiry dates for its shareable links.
I can also send audio via email attachment (if the file size is small enough) & G-Drive.
If you’ve got another way you like things done then let me know and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

Question 9

What format will the audio be in?

Accepted Answer

My normal audio format is a WAV file type, 48kHz, 24 bit, mono. 
But I can adapt to whatever you need. 
If you’ve got specifics then just let me know what they are and I’ll make it happen. My audio chain can handle audio up to 96kHz & 32 bit float.
Demos are delivered in MP3.

Question 10

Is there anything you don’t do?

Accepted Answer

I like to go the extra mile for my clients and I’m up for pretty much any challenge! So, there’s very little I’ll say no to.
The only thing I explicitly do not allow my audio to be used for is AI. Please see the AI drop down (above) for more info here.
I do also reserve the right to refuse extremely sensitive or offensive material such as NSFW/explicit material, and highly sensitive social or political issues.

Question 11

What project info should I provide for the recording?

Accepted Answer

I’m a professional and can work with as much or as little detail as you’re happy to send me. 
I know some projects are under strict NDAs so it’s completely up to you how much info you send to me.
Some useful things to send across, if you are able, are:
•  Written, audio or visual project materials e.g. storyboards, mood-boards, backing music, scratch videos or final project videos.
•  Tonal references e.g. other videos/audio that you’d like us to mirror or references from my own voice demos and previous projects.
•  Direction and notes from yourself e.g. pacing, emotional qualities, key points or words to stress.         
•  Target market & demographic info i.e. who are our audience?
•  Pronunciations: any unusual words or organisation names that need to be pronounced in a specific way.

Question 12

I’m not seeing my question here.

Accepted Answer

Cool, you’re a details person; so am I! 
I’m also super easy to contact and effortless to chit chat with.
Get in touch with me at: 
- barney@barneycoopervoiceover.com 
- Via +44 7791 403 177 
(Whatsapp messages tend to be best, in case I’m recording with my phone on silent when you reach out) 
- Or via the contact me page on this website.
I can’t wait to have a natter with you!

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