VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[vox1]

Usually mutter to myself about this topic but couldn't help sharing.

Following is an actual reply from a certain major Cable company's local-market producer, when his boss balked at my asking at least a semi-reasonble rate, for what was a major agency buy. A :30 TV to air both Cable and with distribution to all stations in the DMA, in a Top-25 market - for a month. Names have been changed to protect the ignorant.

>>

Thanks for the Chevy audio. Sounds great.

Please see my manager’s response below. Again, I really appreciate your situation, but I’ll have the final two commercials cut elsewhere.

Thanks again.

Herman, (Producer)
(Cable Company Name Here)

------ Forwarded Message

We have a lot of voice over talent that we can use for $20 for DMA coverage. Don’t get hung up on one voice. We need to keep out expenses down.

Thanks,

Newt

So there you have it. A fraction of a single-market radio rate I charged,
what...30-years ago? (he said, dating himself). Did i mention Top-25 DMA?

Just another market where the low-balling union-hating craftsmen have effectively lowered the bar for us all.

And, a Holiday Tip o' the Hat, to the guys that helped get that low-ball rolling at soo many in-house cable and station production facilities many thousands of spots ago -(Name Hint: first part rhymes with Greedy).

You see, once that bar is lowered standards - and expectations - will oft-times never be the 'same.

Sure you and I can justify reduced rates in certain circumstances
on the premise of volume, quantity, retainer market size/single-station usage, budget et.al...but when it comes to a distributed Dealer spot from a major Agency in the hands of a Cable production unit - oh my....

I believe I need my GPS updated to find the High Road.

Best to All,

Mikey
_________________
Mikey ... Vox-Versatiliti

Saying something since 1970-
something

[Jeffrey Kafer]

This is why I don't bother advertising to cable companies or radio stations directly. They've got jocks or station folks who will do it on the cheap. Advertise to those people who have jobs for bigger budgets. Just skip the small fish altogether.
_________________
Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

[DougVox]

Jeff's got a great point.

And remember: The people who you want to work for can't hire you any less than they already do. So make sure they know who you are.
_________________
Doug Turkel (tur-KELL)
Voiceover UNnouncer®
UNnouncer.com

[Frank F]

I also agree with Jeff.

Lowballers are lowballers, don't give them a second thought. Howeever, with that being said I still market to the folks in the low ball category, just not as heavy as I would other clients. You never know when there might be a good contact made by one of the companies you have described.


Frank F
_________________
Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[captain54]

Well, the manager was probably speaking the truth. He probably has a stable of talent that will take the gig for $20, and who knows, maybe HIS manager is on his butt about keeping expenses down.

As long as these people understand that they aren't going to get a quality product, who cares what they do or don't pursue.

It's when the skinflints attempt to get a pro product with pennies and scraps that it becomes intolerable

[Bill Campbell]

Cable spots in all markets are cheap to buy (air time) and generally poorly produced, free of charge, for the client. Anybody with a sat dish or over the air receiver will not see a cable spot, that's why they are cheap.

I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

There's a general cheapening of America in many products and services.
The cream still rises to the top though (see any Apple commercial).
_________________
www.asapaudio.com

[vox1]