Myth 1: "Anyone who speaks English can do an English voice-over"
Here's the truth: English is a global language. But that doesn't mean every native speaker is a talented voice actor. A professional voice understands how to deliver a message. They use microphone discipline, timing, and the right pitch. Our database has 92 professional voice actors. We select them carefully. They master this craft completely. An amateur simply reads a text. A professional tells a story that stays with you.
Myth 2: "There's no difference between British and American English for European listeners"
Here's the truth: This is a common misconception. It's completely wrong. Your choice between British or American English sets the tone for your entire production. A British voice often projects tradition, luxury, and authority. An American voice, however, is often linked to dynamism, innovation, and accessibility.
Let's set out the facts about English language variations clearly:
- British English (UK) is perfect for formal business presentations and industrial sectors across Europe.
- American English (US) is the standard for international software tutorials, younger brands, and social media.
- Local variations (like Australian or South African) are specifically for those regions. Outside those areas, they often distract your listener needlessly.
Myth 3: "A Flemish voice actor with a good English accent is more than enough"
Here's the truth: We may speak foreign languages fluently in Flanders. But a native speaker hears the difference instantly. A tiny difference in intonation or a slightly too strong consonant pronunciation can give away your origin. This damages the credibility of your international campaign. Our Flemish voices, like Mark or Eveline, excel in their own language region. They speak perfectly to that audience. For an international production, however, always choose a true native english voice over.
Myth 4: "Professional voice rates are unclear"
Here's the truth: Rates in our sector are clearly structured. You just need to understand the logic behind them. We make a clear distinction in how the price is calculated:
- Commercial work (like radio, TV, or online ads): You pay a fixed basic rate for the recording session. Plus, you pay a buy-out for usage and rights. This buy-out depends on the channels where your video appears and the campaign's duration.
- Non-commercial work (like an internal corporate film or e-learning): Here, we charge a rate per word or per project.
This means no unexpected costs later. For an exact price, we always create a transparent, custom quote for your project.
Director's Tip: Pay Attention to Breathing and the 'th' SoundAs a voice director, I often see this happen with non-native speakers: they focus so intensely on correct English pronunciation that all spontaneity disappears from the recording. A professional native voice speaks naturally, allowing smooth transitions between words. During direction, pay special attention to breathing. An English sentence has a very different rhythm and structure from a Dutch or Flemish sentence. Give the voice actor space to breathe at the right moments. This ensures a credible and calm recording.
Our clients appreciate this professional approach. As Joost wrote in his review: "Very professional and smooth cooperation. We could use the recorded texts immediately without any retakes."
