VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Bish · Posted: Fri May 13, 2011 6:32 am Post subject:

There is no doubt that the audiobook market is growing, and as with any growing market, there will be various options floated that will be either cleverly entrepreneurial, or downright exploitative. There is no doubt that the "per finished hour" rate being offered in many areas is ludicrous, bordering on minimum wage.

However, there is something very appealing in becoming a stakeholder in a project. There are many formulas, some with a minimum up front and a cut of the sales, others (like this one) where there is an option of a 50/50 split with the author and nothing up front.

Most VO work is delivering what the customer wants for a flat fee... walk away and move on to the next (gross over-simplification I know), but I think there are areas where a speculative investment of time may be a good business model... audiobooks certainly, maybe even games.

I just like the idea of ownership... but, as Jeffery says, with such a low barrier to entry, this model could easily break under the weight of 1500 Gaiman hopefuls... some of whom were downright scary!
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dhouston67 · Posted: Fri May 13, 2011 7:05 am Post subject:

melissa eX · Posted: Fri May 13, 2011 10:46 pm Post subject:

Brings up lots of interesting questions. Now I understand some of the comments I've been hearing recently. Will have a lot to ask at APAC.

AFTRA's involvement is also interesting - although expected as Audible does work under AFTRA contracts. As Diane said, it'll make for an interesting conversation. I know everyone will be there.

Diane Havens · Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 4:48 am Post subject:

I also noticed one can apply to be a "preferred" or "sanctioned" (or some such titled) narrator -- they'd then put a little icon by your name saying you're "pre-approved" by Audible. In the criteria, though they say anyone may apply, it suggests you'd need to have 25 titles up on Audible already.
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bobsouer · Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 8:52 am Post subject:

Diane Havens · Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 9:16 am Post subject:

Absolutely you should, Bob. I've only six on there, so I've got a way to go. (Though I might apply anyway -- nothing to lose by trying.) Those meeting the 25+ title criteria should be a relatively small group.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 3:58 pm Post subject:

Thanks for mentioning this, Diane. I knew they were going to do something, but I couldn't find the info. I've got 30+ titles, so I'm guessing I get the little SAVOA, er, Audible Approved logo. Smile

Of course, with almost 1000 demos up there now, hopefully they'll provide a way for those approved to be filtered. otherwise the icon is kind of pointless.
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Diane Havens · Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 6:44 pm Post subject:

The real advantage to having it is when you submit an audition. I don't think they have a search filter in place. I doubt many publishers/authors/rights holders will browse the narrators at random.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 6:48 pm Post subject:

That's a good point, Diane. I think all of the demo parking that's going on is useless. How many of these narrators are actually going to check the site and audition?
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 11:49 pm Post subject:

OK, we're fighting fire with fire.

We've decided to dive into the ACX thing as a company "representing" voice talent. But we're doing it better. For gigs that pay $400 per finished hour (and there are hundreds) we're offering the talent $300 per finished hour for the narration and editing and taking $100 pfh for 3rd party quality control and mastering/mixing.

So we're looking for audiobook folks to join us. If you'd like to be considered for auditions, shoot me a mail.
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Diane Havens · Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 6:02 am Post subject:

Good for you, Jeffrey. I think many narrators will find that the honey is often sweeter in another hive.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 10:01 am Post subject:

ha! I see what you did there.
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melissa eX · Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 6:36 pm Post subject:

So did I - HAH! There was talk.

localvocal · Joined: 11 Nov 2009 Posts: 9

This is obviously a way for audible .com to expand their stable of narators.There will doutless be quality control however.I auditioned for a book and received on offer which will not make me rich but affords me a way to add a book or two to my credits.

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 12:50 pm Post subject:

Actually, the lack of quality control is going to be a problem. Audible isn't going to do it. The publisher isn't going to do it. It's on the shoulders of the talent to do it. Yet on more task the talent has to do that lowers the overall rate they're getting paid, if they're getting paid at all.

I don't poo poo those who want to do a book to get their name on Audible. It's great egoboo. But let's be clear: Simply having your name on Audible for a random title won't get you more paying work. It's not a foot in the door.
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