VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Monk · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 11:54 am Post subject: how to make a fast $5.oo

So, for eLearning, this one company balked at my rate, saying,"Your quotation is way too high. We are already working with other voiceover artists in US and they are charging us around $5 per minute of finished audio.
Can you please lower down the price."

Are people really working for that little? or am I just not reading it right..
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:03 pm Post subject:

not sure about your reading it right or wrong, but they're writing it wrong. Mello

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cyclometh · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:03 pm Post subject:

I would say they're getting what they pay for.

Thisi s relevant to me, because I had a conversation with another VO friend just yesterday about a request for an audition I got that said they'd offer $10 per finished minute. I was debating whether to try for it or not because it seemed a bit lowball. I've done a moderate amount of eLearning and that was definitely at the low end of most projects I'd done. However, it was for a project that, if I got it, would be long-term with plenty of ongoing work.

His advice to me was that eLearning projects often have lower budgets, so to keep that in mind, and to pick a number I was comfortable with and stick to it.

I did some math, and responded with an audition and a schedule of fees that didn't ramp down to that until it was more than 60 minutes of finished audio. They responded positively (liked my audition) but haven't heard whether I've gotten the gig or not, as they were sending it on to their client.

I would definitely not take $5 per finished minute personally. It's not worth it when you consider how much you'd be making per actual hour.
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KarenL · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:06 pm Post subject:

What's the problem? That's, like, $300 per hour, dood!

Sarcastic

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Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

I have to state that if somebody is saying 10$ PFM with promise of ongoing work, then you know how much that ongoing work is going to pay.

Ed Gambill · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 1:43 pm Post subject:

Monk

I would guess that you have room for negotiation. They came back with a counter; they must like what you did.

The e-learning I have heard is so damn poor maybe some providers are getting the message that quality in the read and articulation is important.

Many are the time I have seen,” we can do it cheaper, faster and better”. In reality any two of the three is possible. I think they know you can do it better, if they want cheaper then suggest the faster is out of the question. Give them some time parameters for each size script and stick to it.

But then who am I to give any advise, I’m moving to the production side.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 2:34 pm Post subject:

Based on a session I did 5 mins ago my rate per minute of my time (not per finished minute) is around $90 ...I am SO out of touch. I will revise my rates to $5 per finished minutes from Thursday until next Monday evening and if I do no job at the new rate by then I'll revert back to my original YWHM* structure.

* You Want HOW MUCH!!!

Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 3:17 pm Post subject:

As a result of my most recent session my German producer, Stefan, has given me a new branding statement as he said ""schneller als die Polizei erlaubt" ....That'll work!

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 4:40 pm Post subject:

I think Corey has the right approach. Give them a bulk discount, but don't have the discount kick in until you actually get the bulk.
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Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:12 pm Post subject:

My e-learning rates vary from $600 - $800 pfh.
$5/minute is, of course, $300 pfh. While on the low end, it's not insulting.

Realize, folks, that e-learning doesn't have the budgets that broadcast spots do. They're not being seen by millions of consumers, and being put out on the air by corporations with million-dollar budgets, using Hollywood talent.

keep things in perspective. Even if, after adding in editing time, etc, you're 'only' making a paltry $75/hour, then I'd suggest you ask your friends and neighbors if they'd be upset to earn $75/hour.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:32 pm Post subject:

We protest too much! Most VOs would be delighted with $75 per day or double that if they got paid per audition.

We live in a ridiculous world unlike our friends and neighbours.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 4:25 am Post subject:

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:37 am Post subject:

glittlefield · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:44 am Post subject:

I'd love to find a thread that features rehabilitated low-ballers. Surely, there must be some out there by now.
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heyguido · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 7:49 am Post subject:

I'm bettin' most of them got tired of workin' for nuthin' and went back to their former careers....

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