Ruth Urquhart
Hire me, Rates & FAQs
To hire me directly, simply fill in the booking enquiry form below. Please provide as much information as possible as this will enable me to give you a more accurate quote. Or you can contact one of my agents listed here
FAQs
A few frequently asked questions answered.
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How long do I wait to receive the voiceover? - I can get it to you as quickly as you need it. Same day if requested (and I'm available).
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Can I live direct you or listen in on the live session? - Yes, this is done using skype or source connect.
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Can I get a free custom sample before committing to hire you? - Yes. The custom sample will however be watermarked.
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What formats can I receive the audio file in? - I can send you the audio in various sample rate and bit rates. I can record in 16/24/32bit rate, 44.1/48/96kHz sample rates. I can send you the mono file in any of the 12 standard audio formats - .aac .aif .mp3 .flac .wav etc
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How do I pay for your services? I live outside of the U.K.? - I use WISE which has simple payment system for payments in most common currencies.
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Is there a contract? - Yes, I do issue a contract. It's best for both of us. It simply states the T&Cs as well as a payment breakdown and usage terms.
Rates
I charge a price per session know as a Basic Studio Fee or BSF for short plus an additional usage* fee if applicable.
These fees can vary depending on the nature of the project.
*Usage fees are for broadcast media such as TV/online content/social media/radio etc.
For an accurate quote please use the booking enquiry form providing as much information as you can
My rates are in keeping with standard UK industry rates, however I can be very flexible and accommodating if the budget is low for genuine reasons. E.g. an indie gaming company trying to get a game off the ground, or an animator starting out and trying to demo their work.
The BSF applies to all work excepting audiobooks which is calculated on a per finished hour basis or where the budget is low as mentioned above.
Before I can quote for a voiceover I need to know some basic info:
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What length is the piece you wish recorded?
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Where is is going to be used? Will it be broadcast? For how long?
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What is your approximate budget?
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Are there any special requirements? (e.g lip synch to video, music composed/added, sound effects etc?)
Fees include:
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Script preparation (pronunciation, annotation etc)
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Professional, noise-free recording using broadcast quality Neumann mic and GML 2032 preamp
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Editing
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Quality control (proof-listening)
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Free retakes (within reason. If a large part of the script is revised after recording or if the retakes are numerous then a new fee will have to be negotiated)
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One alternative read in a different accent or with a different dynamic.
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Mastering, formatting and delivery of audio.
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Optional patch in on Skype or Source Connect to listen in on recording session for any direction that is needed.
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My experience, professionalism and enthusiasm!
For a good general guide to UK industry rates please click the button below to Gravy for the Brain's Rate card.
*NB: I always strive to strike the balance between adhering to proper rates and providing reasonable fees.
I will not be part of the ‘race to the bottom’ where people are competing to provide the lowest price.
(You get what you pay for is certainly true here!)
I am a professional voice artist with 10 years experience and a custom built, professional studio and top of the range equipment. You want the best for your project. Be warned there are so many people out there whose home studio is a wardrobe lined with egg boxes or blankets and a cheap USB microphone.
This is my living and I always aim to give you the best voice for your project.
In the long run getting your project done efficiently by a true professional will SAVE you time and money as well as giving your brand or project the quality audio it deserves!
E.g. Tom wants his corporate video voiced but aims to shave a bit off the price of the VO. After all there are THOUSANDS of voice overs all vying for the job so let them quote low. Tom goes with the one who is not quite offering it for free but saying they will do it for £50 and a mars bar (but is willing to drop the mars bar if that’s too much). The script is sent and he awaits the completed file
Eventually (two days after he asked for it) he receives a flat vocal performance which is crackly, unedited and appears to have been done using a cheap mic into an iPhone in what sounds like their bathroom and there is definitely a dog barking in the background. Tom asks for a re-take with different performance direction but days later receives virtually a carbon copy of take 1!! Because the work has been done, Tom still needs to pay the VO but now needs to scrabble urgently around looking for a proper voice artist having wasted time and money on something amateur.
The moral of the story is ‘pay peanuts (or mars bars) and get monkeys’.
SO alleviate that stress in the knowledge you have hired a professional for your project.
It is definitely worth it!