VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

swduncan · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 9:46 am Post subject: Bad idea?

As you know I'm a beginner, just getting started, and getting work at this point can be a challenge. As it happens, I know some folks who are starting up a site that provides video content. They're doing their own VO currently, at the quality level you'd expect from crackerjack web developers, and I know I could do it a
lot better. This is the kind of industrial narration work I'd like to be doing.

I was thinking of making a proposal to them to do their VO work, and structure the deal so I would be paid for the work if/when the venture takes off if necessary.

I would get experience and a client, they get better VO, and don't have to pay unless/until they become profitable. It would seem to be a good deal for all.

Are there any aspects that I should look out for?

Best case is the site takes off, I get paid, and have a good client with lots of future business. Worst case is I end up doing a ton of VO for free, but getting a lot of practice.

Any thoughts?
_________________
Steve Duncan
www.recordingthoughts.com

ballenberg · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 10:28 am Post subject:

It sounds like a good deal for you and them--I'd do it.

Lizden · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 10:55 am Post subject:

Hey Steve!
Sounds like a win-win at this point for all.

I'd maybe ask for a nominal fee ($100?...or whatever you're comfortable with) just so they realize that you're a professional (even if you are just starting out ~ keep in mind...so are THEY Smile

) and that they have some investment in you doing a good job as opposed to it being "just a freebie"

Just a thought, but in any case GO FOR IT!
Keep us posted!
_________________
Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com

Bish · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 12:09 pm Post subject:

I agree with Liz... win-win. As far as billing is concerned... regardless of what you actually end up charging them, bill them for a "real" amount, and then apply a heavy discount. This sets a precedent for future billing. So, if the work is reasonably priced at (say) $500, bill them for that but with an 80% discount. There's your nominal $100, but a paper trail of what the work is really worth.

Cheers
peter
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

asnively · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 1:17 pm Post subject:

Ditto what Bish said!
_________________
the Amy Snively family of brands for all your branded thing needs.
Amy Snively
Faff Camp
FaffCon
TalkerTees

heyguido · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 4:44 pm Post subject:

Bish +2
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

melissa eX · Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 1:04 am Post subject:

Bish +3

ballenberg · Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 6:03 am Post subject:

Make it 4.

Ed Gambill · Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 10:17 am Post subject:

Steve

While your idea has merit and you have the endorsement of many fine folks, I am not sure of what kind of video content they (your friends) are providing and who there clients will be.

I use to produce more video than I have been doing lately and depending on the type of video delivery and their client, you might want to restructure your offer just a little bit.

As a P.E. you might know one of my larger clients ABB.

Ed
_________________
Esse quam videri "To be rather than to seem"
www.SaVoa.org

No. 07000 Member AES

Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

Ed, I interpret the underlying meaning of your post to have the same message the other guys provided.

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 8:44 pm Post subject:

Let's slow this horse down a bit and think, first of all, how you are going to approach them.

No matter how gently you broach the "I can do it better" tactic, you run the risk of insulting them. They may think their VO is amazing in which case, you come across as a boob with an ego.

Tread lightly.
_________________
Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

Gregory Best · Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 8:55 pm Post subject:

Are the website developers? If they are good and you need a website or improvements to yours perhaps a trade or barter is a consideration. Then it ois not free.

Jeff is right keep it positive. Approach it as what you offer them (save time) don't put down what they do.
_________________
Gregory Best

greg@gregorybest.com