watermarking audio files

  • Thread starter Thread starter tokyofan
  • Start date Start date
T

tokyofan

New member
What's the best way to watermark voiceover audio files before submitting them for auditions? I'm using Pro Tools LE...can I use a plugin or is there some special software I could use?
 
watermark

Tapped out some notes in Garage Band (electric piano) in 4 sec intervals and saved it as an MP3. Will import and use as a bed with any auditions. Will that do the trick?
 
chances are no one is going to try and steal your voice over recording. the chances someone is going to try and use the exact same words you said is slim.

however, try just adding a signal generator to parts. using the selector tool, select one frame of an empty track and go to Audio Suite-->other-->signal generator. Then make a 1kHz tone or even something like pink/white noise. Then process it and just duplicate it and put it wherever you want.
 
bennychico11 said:
chances are no one is going to try and steal your voice over recording. the chances someone is going to try and use the exact same words you said is slim.

Unfortunately, there are those lowlifes who will request audition samples, then use one of the samples for the final product without paying the performer. This gives some small measure of protection.
 
whyseye said:
Unfortunately, there are those lowlifes who will request audition samples, then use one of the samples for the final product without paying the performer. This gives some small measure of protection.

that's why the best thing to do is to offer a sample of something that you wrote or of a peice you did awhile back. if the client or talent agency or whatever asks for a specific script to be read for "audition" purposes, refuse to unless you get some compensation. you can tell if someone is going to sound good on your script just from hearing them read something that they did awhile back that was similar. and if you're really worried about it, become union.
 
As somebody who has worked for a number of years in commercial VO casting, I can tell you that our auditions are, without exception, the client's material - even the celebs audition the same material as the rank & file. Most of the ad creatives are too busy to try to imagine what something will sound like, and are too married to their own words to hear anything else. And yes, many of our auditions have been lifted directly to air - a source of pride to our engineers - but never without appropriate payments to the performer - union or otherwise.
The agencies and unions offer some protection and legitimacy, but even they can't prevent someone unscrupulous from ripping you off - they can only go to bat for you if it happens. Most legit companies wish to keep in good standing with the unions, so they play by the rules - many flybynights don't care - they just open with a new DBA and keep ripping people off. If you're trying to find work outside the agencies, you're totally out there on your own.
The best thing you can do is cover your back end, and stuff like watermarks can be really useful for that.
(I was similarly ripped off on a photographic deal, to the tune of at least $20,000+.....so once burned.....)
 
Back
Top