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jsgilbert · 04-11-2008, 07:28 PM

First things first - Will you be signing any paperwork, and if so, will that stipulate to usage. The problem is that sometimes one thing is said and another thing happens and if you don't have it very clearly stipulated, very often voiceover work can be considered as work-for-hire.

I have seen situations where actors where told that the spot would only be airing for a few weeks and then the talent signed full-out buyout clauses.

So, if indeed the work is going to be used as stated, the consideration then becomes minimum rates for usage. There are of course other considerations whne quoting prices. Do you have to travel to a studio or are you recording it from your own studio? Will you be directed? What happens if a pickup is required? Can your work be rejected for any reason and payment withheld? Have you worked for these people before? Is it possible they may give you regular work? What are the products or services? Lots more other considerations, but you get the drift.

It's such a good reason to have an agent assist you in these matters. If not an agent, then an advocate. Find someone who knows business and can handle negotiations for you. That way you can and always will be the happy-go-lucky voice guy and not the guy who calls to ask where the check is.

So saying all of that, if you're a longtime talent then I would recommend the following in general as possible rates

Political Tag $200 - $350

30 second t.v. for one day with spot markets and some major market $350 - $750

Minor Market cable buys (13 weeks or less) $350 - $500 each

I would also look at an agency fee of 10 - 15% on top of this.

04-11-2008, 07:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
jsgilbert jsgilbert Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: San Francisco, California Posts: 277	First things first - Will you be signing any paperwork, and if so, will that stipulate to usage. The problem is that sometimes one thing is said and another thing happens and if you don't have it very clearly stipulated, very often voiceover work can be considered as work-for-hire. I have seen situations where actors where told that the spot would only be airing for a few weeks and then the talent signed full-out buyout clauses. So, if indeed the work is going to be used as stated, the consideration then becomes minimum rates for usage. There are of course other considerations whne quoting prices. Do you have to travel to a studio or are you recording it from your own studio? Will you be directed? What happens if a pickup is required? Can your work be rejected for any reason and payment withheld? Have you worked for these people before? Is it possible they may give you regular work? What are the products or services? Lots more other considerations, but you get the drift. It's such a good reason to have an agent assist you in these matters. If not an agent, then an advocate. Find someone who knows business and can handle negotiations for you. That way you can and always will be the happy-go-lucky voice guy and not the guy who calls to ask where the check is. So saying all of that, if you're a longtime talent then I would recommend the following in general as possible rates Political Tag $200 - $350 30 second t.v. for one day with spot markets and some major market $350 - $750 Minor Market cable buys (13 weeks or less) $350 - $500 each I would also look at an agency fee of 10 - 15% on top of this.