Kinda Unique Rate Question..

[vox1]

Hi...longtime talent and occasional visitor here. Got a couple non-union/buyout VOs to quote and would welcome your thoughts.

:04 Tag for a Political, 30; TV, airing: One-Day-Only! Some National Cable, plus Broadcast usage in multiple major mkts including NYC, Phoenix, Boston, Philly, Chicago.

While I'm at it, same producer has a few lines that'll be used in two TVs for
a minor league ball team in a Top 25 DMA. Buys are likely Cable Only.
Spots will be good for air from now thru early July.

My favorite Agent isn't around this week to help me out on these so I'd
be happy to get some feedback from my esteemed colleagues.

Thanks much-ly,

MikeS

[jsgilbert]

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.

[vox1]

Thanks for your time and thoughts J.S.

Fortunately this is a trustworthy client and I insist upon usage terms being clearly and precisely stipulated in advance and in writing. This is repeat work for this producer,
tracked in my studio and essentially amounted to several lines of copy, self-directed
and already approved.

I'm with you, I always prefer agent involvement on rate quotes but this was a quick turnaround direct-booking situation. The Political is basically a disclaimer and a one-day
flight. Re: the cable spots, I think I'm right in line with your thinking on these as they
will be in the realm of a full 13-wk Cycle.

Thanks for your input and I hope to visit and contribute here more often.


Mike

[Julie Williams]

Might want to look at union rates on this...to get an idea of the value.
Good luck!

Julie