Voquent

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the content studio manager for a life insurance company called Penn Mutual.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Voquent?

We were looking to have voiceovers recorded and post-produced for a video.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Voquent handles the audio for our video project. First, they help us find specific voiceover talents. We then conduct recording sessions, which are directed by us, with the talents. After the sessions, we hand over the audio files to them for editing. They then send the files back to us, so we could proceed with the production of the video. Once we complete the video, we send the audio files again to their team; they conduct the mix and return the files to us.

What is the team composition?

I work with two people from their team — Michael (Sr. Audio Visual Producer) and Jules (Account Manager).

How did you come to work with Voquent?

We found them through another agency that we previously worked with.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent no more than $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in July 2021, and our engagement is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The materials that they’ve helped us produce have been received well within and outside our organization.

How did Voquent perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management is great. They’re extremely attentive, excellent in terms of communication, and very accommodating — they’re always willing to help us in any way they can. They also follow a well-managed process. Communication is done via email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a business model that offers both booking and mixing services, which is perhaps more comprehensive than others. Their team’s communication skills are impressive as well.

Are there any areas they could improve on?

There’s nothing that comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You should definitely get in touch with them — they’re a very efficient, good, and well-managed company.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Perihelion, the creative agency for the space sector.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Voquent, and what were your goals?

We were tasked by the European Centre for Space Law to communicate the background, mission, and future goals of the organisation as well as benefits of membership to coincide with a rebrand also supplied by our agency. We had a specific requirement to find a voice actor for the narration that would be read as Pan-European, someone who would not be distinguishable as belonging to a particular region, especially one of the larger member-states.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We found Voquent through a google search and started browsing their talent via the filters searching for a general European accent. We found Heli, who fit the criteria perfectly.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

We sent a script to Voquent and requested a quote, after which we were booked into a session with their voice actor the same week.

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

We worked with the Account Manager and Producer to arrange the session and then were given a 1-hour timeslot with the voice artist, Heli. We were given ample time to record as many takes as we liked within the timeslot and were sent a cut-down version of the best takes as well as the full audio to make our own selection.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We have launched the video today and is being cross-posted by the parent organisation - the European Space Agency. Initial response is very good and the client is extremely happy with the video.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The project manager was quick and efficient and was able to book a session with our first choice of voice artist in a prompt manner.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I was impressed by the speed of response after the initial enquiry as well as the quality of their talent.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I look forward to working with them again.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Marketing Manager - Management of budget, brand, advertising and new business strategy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Voquent, and what were your goals??

To find a voiceover artist that fit the professionalism of our brand, and to have this done within a tight timeframe.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Found SVO highly listed on Google, and their team - particularly Jules and Olivia - were very accommodating and quick to respond which made going with them a no-brainer.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package, including any calling tools used.

Everything very straightforward - you are given a catalogue of voices to choose from, availability is booked straight away and turnaround is very quick. We received audio files promptly, and they needed no revisions!

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

Jules and Olivia - They were fantastic. Quick to respond, accommodating and provided a great service. Left with a great impression and would definitely recommend or revisit in future should I handle a similar project again.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the service?

Not yet, but measuring brand perception would be challenging at the best of times. The internal team thinks it sounds great though and we were happy with the 'first draft' of recordings with no edits.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

emails more than phone calls - much easier to move projects along when in and out of meetings during a busy workday. They are always prompt to respond and good at passing over to their colleagues if they are on annual leave.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We were impressed by how quick and easy everything was! I thought it would be complicated but was pleasantly surprised.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

no, very happy!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a sound engineer and project manager for an audio post-production company working on ads, corporate videos, TV series and movies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Voquent, and what were your goals?

A client of ours had a series of videos to produce in various languages. We were tasked with managing the audio aspect of the production, including sourcing and recording voice overs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

After looking into sourcing the voice over talents one by one, we searched for a one-stop-shop that could help us cover all our needs efficiently. Voquent stuck out as having all the contacts we needed. Initial contact confirmed we had made the right choice.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

We submitted our needs to Voquent, who quickly found us various options in all the languages we were looking for. These were submitted to our clients for final selection. Voquent then helped us set up recording sessions that suited everyone involved and handled talent payment.

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

Matt and Alex were super-responsive and quickly found solutions when inevitable hiccups happened.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our clients were very pleased with the results we got with the various voice over talents and the smoothness in project management we could provide thanks to Voquent's responsiveness.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We communicated efficiently through emails. A process that could have become quite messy, running such a multi-faceted project in an email thread, turned out very smoothly. They followed the ball and helped us keep things organized.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The contact network and ability to set up sessions quickly throughout the world was very impressive. Their project management was flawless.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I could hardly imagine how someone could have covered our needs for this project better.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a freelance motion designer, contracted to help a client tell their story using their internal company structure to key stakeholders

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Voquent?

We hired Voquent to record and master a voiceover artist to bring to life an internal video for the client.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed fast turnaround voiceover recordings to add life and character to what would otherwise be a little dry content.

SOLUTION

How did you select Voquent?

After being let down by another company for not having the scope of artists on their database, I found Voquent online and sent out an email. They replied within the day.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail.

It was a little tricky as the script hadn't been finalised until the late in the process, however Voquent were able to pick up the script and turn around the mastered audio file within 24 hours in order to hit the deadline.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The client was extremely happy with the work done by Voquent, and really elevated the video content.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The video was shared internally and really helped explain a complex process within the organisation.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project manager was great and always on hand to help sending back mastered voiceovers that were easy to sub into the video

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have quick turnarounds with high standards, and they are very easy to work with.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not as far as I can tell after the first project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the content and media guy for Bleedkit.com, a bicycle industry brand, manufacturing DIY kits for maintenance of hydraulic brakes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Voquent?

We hired Voquent for voice-over of two of our promotional videos.

What were your goals for this project?

Both videos are supporting our brand, one explaining advantages of one of our products and the other one trying to get some of our marketing messages across.

SOLUTION

How did you select Voquent?

It was the first project of this kind for us and we were browsing through different platforms. Voquent was definitely the best way to find the most suitable voice actor for our needs. The descriptions, filters and samples made the search painless.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail.

The first video is a technical explainer on advantages of our brand of hydraulic oil, mainly for use on our website. The second video is a mountain bike action/lifestyle video for social media. With our scripts and storyboards ready (as well as the graphs for the first video and rough cut for the second video) we did the online directed recording with the voice actor and then went into finalising the videos.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The time for online directed recording session was set and everything went smooth. We received the recordings the same day.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The videos have not been published yet.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication and workflow were perfect.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The vendor was very professional and friendly. We all had a clear goal to do the job the best we can.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We can't think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a lead creative in Sevanta, which is a market research company in the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Voquent?

We hired them for voiceovers for various videos.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Voquent does voiceovers for videos that we produce in-house. Their team worked on a motion graphic explainer video for a client. Their team pulled the voice actors into the project from their list of artists.

What is the team composition?

I’ve come into contact with 3–4 people on Voquent’s team. There was an account manager, a production manager, and two other production specialists.

How did you come to work with Voquent?

We sought a local agency and Voquent’s based in London. That decision was made prior to the pandemic.

How much have you invested with them?

This one project cost between £2,500–£3,000 (approximately $3,300–$4,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them on this project in July 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We sent the video to the client who then used it however they wanted to use it. I had no further contact with the video. However, Voquent was helpful and knowledgeable.

How did Voquent perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re helpful, proactive, and friendly. It was a great experience even though we all entered into a lockdown once we started the project. Their team gives speedy responses.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed by their list of artists and the speed at which they engaged them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think they could do much better. I just pick up the phone and talk to them. However, it would probably be easier if we did more through their web interface.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Research the voices you need to cut down any search time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a global account manager of a BPO firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Voquent?

We needed a quick and professional translation and voiceover service for third-party clients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provide them with a script of what we need to be recorded. We have the voiceover artists that we use on a regular basis. Depending on if it’s in a language other than English, we’ll also get translation services from them as well.

What is the team composition?

We work with a sales manager, a finance director, and a production specialist. There are 19 other people who also work on our projects.

How did you come to work with Voquent?

We found them via Google and had a great first interaction with them. They were really able to be flexible in accommodating our fast turnaround time.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around £50,000 (approximately $68,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working in November 2019, and our work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We’ve been very satisfied with their voiceover artists and their turnaround time. Their quality is top-notch.

How did Voquent perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve never missed a deadline. They under-promise and over-deliver. The process is all very seamless from quotes to execution.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their speed of service truly stands out. I also like how transparent their pricing on their website is.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to have a clear idea of which languages you need, in addition to the tone and inflection of the voiceover artist.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Production Manager of the Specialist Financial Content department at Alpha Grid, the content studio for the Financial Times. I am responsible for the day-to-day running of productions within the department.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Voquent?

We regularly use Voquent to arrange voiceovers for our video projects. We have some internal voiceover artists, however we need to branch out to companies such as Voquent when we're looking for more specific voices.

What were your goals for this project?

Project ID: #6gjv8r To record scripts for a 12-part global video series for our client who intends to use the videos on their website and in internal and external communications.

SOLUTION

How did you select Voquent?

On my guidance/selection, my team have been working with Voquent for some time now - we have worked with a number of voiceover vendors and find Voquent to be very responsive, attentive and reasonably priced. We were first introduced to Voquent through their Senior Account Manager John who I worked with when he was at Matineé Multilingual.

I reached out to Voquent with a brief from the client on tone/accent/gender and Voquent gathered a selection of demos for me. Once the client had decided, Voquent arranged the live-direct recording session and finally, delivered the edited audio files.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail.

Voquent worked with us to understand the initial brief and the type of voice were looking for. They selected a number of suitable demos to share with us. The chosen artist was then selected by the client and the vendor was responsible for providing a formalised quote and liaising directly with the artist on my behalf to organise the recording session.

Voquent attended the start of the (virtual) recording session to facilitate introductions and they are responsible for editing and sharing final files from the artist. Voquent also helped me to re-arrange a pick-up line record a few days later with the artist, free of charge.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

I was in direct contact with two team members on this project - Alex, Senior Producer and John, Senior Account Manager. Alex was responsible for liaising with the voiceover artist to arrange record and sharing final files. John took care of formalising the quote and usage agreement.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The client loves the voiceover on the finished videos - boosting our existing relationship. The videos are not yet live so I do not have specific figures to share.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Really effective. The team at Voquent always works hard to be super responsive - they're very clear communicators and communicate with me over email. We no not use any workflow management tools due to the scope of the projects.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their staff and the talent on their books. Their selection of VO artists is excellent and their website is easy to use and navigate when searching for the right voice. The team is very knowledgeable and happy to help in sourcing demos. They were very responsive which is a huge plus in this fast-paced industry. The team members I've spoken with are always very friendly, helpful and keen to go the extra mile.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None - very happy with our continued working relationship with the company

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I run a small company with about 5–6 folks. We design and develop bespoke e-learning training programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Voquent?

About a couple of years back, I was approached by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to develop some training programs for them. It has something to do with their vehicle fleets. They’ve run about 7,000 vehicles in about 120 humanitarian hotspots around the world, and they were going through a process of making a global fleet management rollout program. 

As a result, they needed a number of training packages put together. In relation to that, my team and I got together and we started developing a course for them, working closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) in fleet management who was based in Geneva and Budapest.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Once my team designed and developed the courseware, I extracted the voice so the narrative was sent out to our third-party client to make sure they were happy with the grammar and other issues. Then, I sent a form of the transcript to Voquent and they recorded the narrative.

After that, the narrative came back to me and I sent it to my external clients to make sure they were satisfied with the narration. Once I completed that, it went back to our third-party client and they did a series of reviews to make sure they were happy with the lesson's flow, the spoken narrative, the level of interactivity, and other factors. As we produced the course, it also went to the third-party client’s SMEs, and unless they were happy with the content and the spoken narrative they were not going to sign off that.

Currently, we’re working for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)and we’re translating most of the courseware into Spanish or Latin American Spanish. Voquent came up again with a number of sample clips from Bogota, Mexico, and other places which were presented to the client. The NRC selected voice talent from those clips and we're busy working on it now. In February next year, we’re also translating the courseware into Arabic for World Health Organization (WHO) and we will be approaching Voquent to do that once again. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with John (Senior Account Manager).

How did you come to work with Voquent?

I used to know John because he used to work for another company I know and he informed me he was working with Voquent.  They asked me if I could consider Voquent when approaching other companies, and I was quite surprised by the wealth of talent he had available to him. 

At that time, I was looking for an English speaker and a French speaker — a native speaker but from Africa or a wider afield than that. Then, John came up with a number of different voice clips for me which I made available to our external clients in Budapest. I went through those clips and selected 2–3 folks which they were quite happy and content with. In the end, they jumped in and provided professional voice services for the training program.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent just over £20,000 (approximately $26,700).

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership for UNHCR's project ran from April 2019–June 2020, but we're still working with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We received results back from all students around the world. I think about 22,000 people looked at the courseware we developed. However, the more important metric would be the fact that UNHCR wanted it to be known that they’re a center of excellence in fleet management and they made this courseware available to many other humanitarian organizations —that in itself speaks a lot on the output of Voquent.

Based on that initial step, I was approached by the World Health Organization (WHO), USAID, UNICEF, and a number of others who’ve taken the courseware and modified it slightly. We’re also going to hire Voquent to do those voiceovers, so it will be a follow-up work based on that initial courseware. Overall, I was content and satisfied with their work on this project. 

How did Voquent perform from a project management standpoint?

They had an excellent project management process. When I sent them a script for a quotation, within 1–2 days, I received my quote back. Once I was happy with the quote, I told them to run with it. I think the longest I got to receive the first tranche of scripts back was about 5–6 days. Overall, their processes were spot on.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their pure range and wealth of talent had been impressive. Awhile back, I wanted an English speaker with a very African accent, and they found someone from Tanzania and someone from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the end, they were able to find someone who has the right accent to talk the piece for that specific country.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t think they have any areas they could improve on. I’m going to see how they do with the Arabic project next year.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

In our case, we made our course training program as interactive as possible. We put the student or the learner in a workshop environment and hit them with challenges. The challenges had options or choices, and learners had the freedom to choose. 

In connection with that, the voice-over talent needed to be friendly but also have a teaching approach to it. The voice should also be encouraging and promotes positive reinforcement — it's a dialog that I think should be shared with Voquent. After all, they are a company that listens and understands.