3 VO's need in Bay Area for production of Edgar Allan Poe's, The Tell-Tale Heart

mswertfager · 06-29-2009, 05:32 PM

Hello,

We are in production for a computer generated short of The Tell-Tale Heart. Casting for the parts of the three police officers and the old man (role information below). The studio recording will be in the Silicon Valley, CA. Targeting final selection of the casting by July 14th.

The compensation is $75 for the session and screen credits.

We have a small fun and passionate group working on this production. I am looking for more to add to the passion, fun, and professionalism. This is what I am looking for in the voice actors:
- A naturally matching voice to the role.
- Someone easy to work with and can follow direction
- Can contribute options and different approaches
- Experience as a voice actor with good vocal range
- Someone who is passionate about doing a good job...reliable.

If you are local and interested please send me a link to your online samples.

To see the trailer and background about the production go to www.TheTell-TaleHeart.com

Best Regards,
Michael
michael@TheTell-TaleHeart.com

Roles:
Police Man 1 - medium tone, experience/confident/steady
Police Man 2 - Low heavy tone (overweight character), agitated/confident/quick
Police Man 3 - high young tone, inexperienced/insecure/quick
Old Man - mid to high tone, older and crackly voice

Kenneth_Bruce · 07-08-2009, 12:54 AM

why can't you be in seattle? I hope you guys get a big turn out though. I love Edger Allen Poe.

Mike Sommer · 07-08-2009, 01:35 AM

Wow... 75 smackers.

I should just do my Wells impersonation of this narration and have fun.

"TRUE! nervous, very, very dreadfully nervous...."

mswertfager · 07-08-2009, 11:08 AM

Hi Kenneth,

It is not limited to the Bay Area, however the recording studio I am renting for this will be in San Jose. The turn out is fair. Lots of Poe fans...many that like the style of the trailer accessible via the website above.

While $75 may not be whole lot compared to a Verizon commercial, I am funding this myself and with studio rental and five voice actors the cost gets up there quite quickly.

mswertfager · 07-08-2009, 12:28 PM

I forgot to mention, the trailer had over a dozen public screenings (foreign and domestic). As the full version is completed, I will be bring the movie back to film festival and TV showings, as well as, the larger Halloween and additional Poe specialized film festivals.

More info including a list of previous screenigns can be read on the production blog at Film Festivals - TheTell-TaleHeart.com Blog

jsgilbert · 07-09-2009, 01:00 AM

I went to the dentist recently and he wanted around $500 or so for some w2ork. I explained that I wasn't seom rich lawyer and offered him $75, since it was coming out of my pocket.

You can feel as justified as you like, but it's still B.S. that people know actrors tend to be desperate and will take all the crap you want to throw at them. It is simply insulting, even if you get a line of folks around the block for your $75.

As for the credit. It's practically worthless. I hired actors for 40 or 50 jobs last year. I wouldn't have cared one hoot about this as a credit. Nor will any agents either, but the lure of credit and a copy of the finished work tends to be a strong aphrodisiac to the unknowing newbie actor. And historically the names of the producers tend to be the ones that lead off the press releases, etc.

I don't wish you success Michael as I don't wish anyone success who establishes a money making venture based on exploiting workers. But the sad thing is how our industry simply allows this. If you tried to pay $75 to migrant farmworkers for a days work, you'd have every watchdog organization in California protesting, but apparently it's a different story when it comes to paying a contract actor wages that are far below minimum.

Might I recommend that if there are any voice actors interested in an acting credit doing Telltale Heart, buy a copy of Poe for$5 or so on eBay and record yourself reading it. Voila, an instant credit.

Michael, If you had integrity, you might at least extend an offer to the actor's of futur royalties based on income from the project. We all know there would never be any, but at least it sounds like you're trying to do the right thing.

mswertfager · 07-09-2009, 03:30 AM

jsgilbert, I am really taken aback by your comments. I did not mean insult nor am I trying to rip anyone off, please read below.

The Old man is 2 two lines read. $75
Police Man 1 is 5 lines, $75
Police Man 2 is about 10 lines, $75
Police Man 3 is 3 lines, again $75.

It is too bad you assumed it was going to be all day recording, big assumption on your part. If you have ever read The Tell-Tale heart it is about 3 pages long and mostly the protagonist, who isn't listed.

I still do not think it is an insult paying $75 per person for between 15 to 30 minutes of voice overs for an independent short. Maybe it would be best to remove the postings all together. Though there might be some starting voice actors who would like to get $75 for a couple of lines read into a mic, while getting some work experience and screen credits.

How much is appropriate to pay for 15 to 30 mins for a voice actor starting out?

Mike Sommer · 07-09-2009, 04:29 AM

Minimum $200 to $375 for non union.

Union Rate: Animation-Television Animation
Session Fee $759.00
Up to 3 voices in a single program or segment. $209.00 per additional voice

You need to figure out what it is you want sweetheart. First you say, "...looking for more to add to the passion, fun, and professionalism," followed by a lis or request or are they needs wants or demands? Then you say you want actors that are starting out. Which is it.

If you really want to play the game, offer sample scripts and ask for auditions. Because what you think is going to be 30 minuets in the studio will quickly turn into a full day of grab ass.

mswertfager · 07-09-2009, 05:42 AM

"You need to figure out what it is you want sweetheart." Hopefully you are not trying to be condescending...cause I am just trying to make a small independent animated short with some voice overs.

Only trying to find a couple of people to read a couple of few lines (3 to 10 lines) $75 a pop. In hind sight, I realize I posted on the wrong site. Because if someone is not ripping on the post then another is seemingly rude. I am very surprised to see such aggression and attitude toward someone who is trying to assemble a small group to make an animated short out of his personal savings.

Oddly enough since, it looks like only big studios are welcome on this site, so I will stop wasting everyone's time and post on the jr college and university boards.

Note: To address your statement about your "grab ass", when I and previous voice actors (yes most were just starting out) recorded voice-overs for the trailer a couple years ago (in another city - unfortunately too far to ask the previous actors to travel) the longest recording set was 20 minutes in the studio...without grab assing... They had passionate were fun and acted very professionally.

Maybe a couple of the posters above were making some assumptions from the earlier postings, that I am a company making big $. Exactly the opposite, I am one person passionate about animation and a story and have gathered a couple others who are excited about the independent production. One of my earlier posts says that the animated trailer was shown in festivals and on TV. Some may not be aware that the producer pays to enter the shorts in the film festivals. When it showed on TV it was a not a paid TV spot, but a fan of Poe that shared it on his show. Again this is a small production, myself creating all the modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, rendering, editing, DVD creating...with hopefully some people to read/act out 2 to 10 lines for $75...by the way animation is very time consuming. 6 months full time to make the trailer...made $0. Cost 6 months of opportunity cost and well over a $1000 in festival submission fees. So maybe jsgilbert could be right, this (the full short when it is completed) could end up making zero dollars..and apparently (due to his post) he will be happy if I (with "no integrity" as I did not know the base rate for voice overs) lose my shirt and house...He could be right, I am not a one man PIXAR. However, there is little reason to berate me for not realizing that for even 2 top 10 lines of voice over I need to pay $200 to $325. I hope, jsgilbert, just jumped the gun and assumed I was living off these productions with a fancy car rather than a passionate hobbist that is hoping he can turn it into someting more...True...As is mentions on my website, I am hoping that 7th and 8th grade teachers may be interested in the final product, and possbily buy some. In any event, it is clear, that this is a site for only big $ postings, and I should have prefaced even more clearly that I am not a company making big $...and apologize for the hornets nest I stirred up..and my and everyone's wasted time. I will post elsewhere.

-Michael

JoeActor · 07-09-2009, 09:56 AM

Ok gang.

Please. Keep the conversations civil.

Some comments in this thread have crossed the line, in my opinion.

Yes, it's a paid gig. No, it doesn't pay much by industry standards.
I am sure it would be fine for a beginner, or someone willing to do pro-bono work.

Don't make me stop this car!,
Joe

06-29-2009, 05:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
mswertfager User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 6	3 VO's need in Bay Area for production of Edgar Allan Poe's, The Tell-Tale Heart Hello, We are in production for a computer generated short of The Tell-Tale Heart. Casting for the parts of the three police officers and the old man (role information below). The studio recording will be in the Silicon Valley, CA. Targeting final selection of the casting by July 14th. The compensation is $75 for the session and screen credits. We have a small fun and passionate group working on this production. I am looking for more to add to the passion, fun, and professionalism. This is what I am looking for in the voice actors: - A naturally matching voice to the role. - Someone easy to work with and can follow direction - Can contribute options and different approaches - Experience as a voice actor with good vocal range - Someone who is passionate about doing a good job...reliable. If you are local and interested please send me a link to your online samples. To see the trailer and background about the production go to www.TheTell-TaleHeart.com Best Regards, Michael michael@TheTell-TaleHeart.com Roles: Police Man 1 - medium tone, experience/confident/steady Police Man 2 - Low heavy tone (overweight character), agitated/confident/quick Police Man 3 - high young tone, inexperienced/insecure/quick Old Man - mid to high tone, older and crackly voice Last edited by mswertfager; 07-09-2009 at 01:57 PM.

07-09-2009, 05:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
mswertfager User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 6	"You need to figure out what it is you want sweetheart." Hopefully you are not trying to be condescending...cause I am just trying to make a small independent animated short with some voice overs. Only trying to find a couple of people to read a couple of few lines (3 to 10 lines) $75 a pop. In hind sight, I realize I posted on the wrong site. Because if someone is not ripping on the post then another is seemingly rude. I am very surprised to see such aggression and attitude toward someone who is trying to assemble a small group to make an animated short out of his personal savings. Oddly enough since, it looks like only big studios are welcome on this site, so I will stop wasting everyone's time and post on the jr college and university boards. Note: To address your statement about your "grab ass", when I and previous voice actors (yes most were just starting out) recorded voice-overs for the trailer a couple years ago (in another city - unfortunately too far to ask the previous actors to travel) the longest recording set was 20 minutes in the studio...without grab assing... They had passionate were fun and acted very professionally. Maybe a couple of the posters above were making some assumptions from the earlier postings, that I am a company making big $. Exactly the opposite, I am one person passionate about animation and a story and have gathered a couple others who are excited about the independent production. One of my earlier posts says that the animated trailer was shown in festivals and on TV. Some may not be aware that the producer pays to enter the shorts in the film festivals. When it showed on TV it was a not a paid TV spot, but a fan of Poe that shared it on his show. Again this is a small production, myself creating all the modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, rendering, editing, DVD creating...with hopefully some people to read/act out 2 to 10 lines for $75...by the way animation is very time consuming. 6 months full time to make the trailer...made $0. Cost 6 months of opportunity cost and well over a $1000 in festival submission fees. So maybe jsgilbert could be right, this (the full short when it is completed) could end up making zero dollars..and apparently (due to his post) he will be happy if I (with "no integrity" as I did not know the base rate for voice overs) lose my shirt and house...He could be right, I am not a one man PIXAR. However, there is little reason to berate me for not realizing that for even 2 top 10 lines of voice over I need to pay $200 to $325. I hope, jsgilbert, just jumped the gun and assumed I was living off these productions with a fancy car rather than a passionate hobbist that is hoping he can turn it into someting more...True...As is mentions on my website, I am hoping that 7th and 8th grade teachers may be interested in the final product, and possbily buy some. In any event, it is clear, that this is a site for only big $ postings, and I should have prefaced even more clearly that I am not a company making big $...and apologize for the hornets nest I stirred up..and my and everyone's wasted time. I will post elsewhere. -Michael Last edited by mswertfager; 07-09-2009 at 07:16 AM.

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07-08-2009, 12:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
Kenneth_Bruce I am a BANANA! Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 116	why can't you be in seattle? I hope you guys get a big turn out though. I love Edger Allen Poe.

07-08-2009, 01:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
Mike Sommer User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,160	Wow... 75 smackers. I should just do my Wells impersonation of this narration and have fun. "TRUE! nervous, very, very dreadfully nervous...."

07-08-2009, 11:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
mswertfager User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 6	Hi Kenneth, It is not limited to the Bay Area, however the recording studio I am renting for this will be in San Jose. The turn out is fair. Lots of Poe fans...many that like the style of the trailer accessible via the website above. While $75 may not be whole lot compared to a Verizon commercial, I am funding this myself and with studio rental and five voice actors the cost gets up there quite quickly.

07-08-2009, 12:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
mswertfager User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 6	I forgot to mention, the trailer had over a dozen public screenings (foreign and domestic). As the full version is completed, I will be bring the movie back to film festival and TV showings, as well as, the larger Halloween and additional Poe specialized film festivals. More info including a list of previous screenigns can be read on the production blog at Film Festivals - TheTell-TaleHeart.com Blog

07-09-2009, 01:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
jsgilbert jsgilbert Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: San Francisco, California Posts: 829	I went to the dentist recently and he wanted around $500 or so for some w2ork. I explained that I wasn't seom rich lawyer and offered him $75, since it was coming out of my pocket. You can feel as justified as you like, but it's still B.S. that people know actrors tend to be desperate and will take all the crap you want to throw at them. It is simply insulting, even if you get a line of folks around the block for your $75. As for the credit. It's practically worthless. I hired actors for 40 or 50 jobs last year. I wouldn't have cared one hoot about this as a credit. Nor will any agents either, but the lure of credit and a copy of the finished work tends to be a strong aphrodisiac to the unknowing newbie actor. And historically the names of the producers tend to be the ones that lead off the press releases, etc. I don't wish you success Michael as I don't wish anyone success who establishes a money making venture based on exploiting workers. But the sad thing is how our industry simply allows this. If you tried to pay $75 to migrant farmworkers for a days work, you'd have every watchdog organization in California protesting, but apparently it's a different story when it comes to paying a contract actor wages that are far below minimum. Might I recommend that if there are any voice actors interested in an acting credit doing Telltale Heart, buy a copy of Poe for$5 or so on eBay and record yourself reading it. Voila, an instant credit. Michael, If you had integrity, you might at least extend an offer to the actor's of futur royalties based on income from the project. We all know there would never be any, but at least it sounds like you're trying to do the right thing.

07-09-2009, 03:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
mswertfager User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 6	jsgilbert, I am really taken aback by your comments. I did not mean insult nor am I trying to rip anyone off, please read below. The Old man is 2 two lines read. $75 Police Man 1 is 5 lines, $75 Police Man 2 is about 10 lines, $75 Police Man 3 is 3 lines, again $75. It is too bad you assumed it was going to be all day recording, big assumption on your part. If you have ever read The Tell-Tale heart it is about 3 pages long and mostly the protagonist, who isn't listed. I still do not think it is an insult paying $75 per person for between 15 to 30 minutes of voice overs for an independent short. Maybe it would be best to remove the postings all together. Though there might be some starting voice actors who would like to get $75 for a couple of lines read into a mic, while getting some work experience and screen credits. How much is appropriate to pay for 15 to 30 mins for a voice actor starting out?

07-09-2009, 04:29 AM	#8 (permalink)
Mike Sommer User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,160	Minimum $200 to $375 for non union. Union Rate: Animation-Television Animation Session Fee $759.00 Up to 3 voices in a single program or segment. $209.00 per additional voice You need to figure out what it is you want sweetheart. First you say, "...looking for more to add to the passion, fun, and professionalism," followed by a lis or request or are they needs wants or demands? Then you say you want actors that are starting out. Which is it. If you really want to play the game, offer sample scripts and ask for auditions. Because what you think is going to be 30 minuets in the studio will quickly turn into a full day of grab ass.

07-09-2009, 09:56 AM	#10 (permalink)
JoeActor Administrator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,896	Ok gang. Please. Keep the conversations civil. Some comments in this thread have crossed the line, in my opinion. Yes, it's a paid gig. No, it doesn't pay much by industry standards. I am sure it would be fine for a beginner, or someone willing to do pro-bono work. Don't make me stop this car!, Joe