Running a live session - My recommendations
Great news, you’ve got a client who’d like to book you for a live recording session! However, despite the excitement of the booking, you might be feeling a bit apprehensive because it’s your first time running a session, or perhaps you haven’t run one for a while and you’re feeling a bit rusty. Worry not! Here are my top tips for making your session run as smoothly as possible.
Update your software.
Reduce the possibility of glitches by updating your DAW software and the platform over which you’ll be connecting, i.e., Zoom, MS Teams etc. More often than not annoying glitches occur because you’re using an older version of the software. I check for updates every time before a live session and zoom always seems to need an update.
Have a test run.
Set up the session in advance and check that your software is working properly, e.g., that when you press record, it will record and that you can export out a file from the session. If you’re worried about the connection over your meeting software, have a test run with a family member from a different room/location.
Be prepared.
Get that bottle of water ready next to your recording space, warm up your voice and read through the script as many times as you can to get comfortable and create that muscle memory with it. Once I’m really familiar with the script, I find that I can remember the words more easily and this allows my brain to be more creative with expression and pacing.
Set out your stall.
Let the client know how you will run the session. Are you happy to record locally as a back-up if they’re recording you over something like Source Connect or SessionLink Pro? Are you willing to do a quick edit and a play back during the session? Do you want the client to note which takes they prefer or are you willing to note it down yourself (I would always recommend that you ask the client to do this!). Explain that you will send over all of the takes in the file of their choice (usually wav), unedited and raw.
Take Direction.
The client has asked for a live session because they would like to direct you as you record. Therefore, you must be prepared to listen to and take on board what they are asking for during the session. It is worth considering how the script would be delivered prior to the session, so you are prepared. BUT be aware that it may not be what you are thinking at all! You must be able to listen to a few points of view too, as a live session is often attended by directors, producers and sometimes the end-client, all of whom may ask for different options. If you need to, take a notepad and pen into the studio and/or a paper copy of the script to jot direction notes onto.
Offer more.
Once the session has ended, I think it’s always worth offering a further round of pick-ups and the option for the client to come back to you if they need to. I usually offer this free-of-charge, but you may wish to charge a supplement, depending on what the client would like.
Have fun!
Live sessions are a great way to enjoy the creative process of delivering a voiceover in the company of other professionals. This is also a chance to chat to new and existing clients and build up a good rapport. I always come away from live sessions having really enjoyed the time and having had a lot of fun!
