VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

saidthecat · Joined: 03 Nov 2015 Posts: 3

Hi! New to the forums and glad to be here! I'm hoping you guys might be able to answer a couple of questions Smile

1) When working in a Loop Group, should my agents be getting 10% if I procured this work through my own connections?

2) I'm lucky enough to have a television ad airing currently! I haven't had a v/o commercial on TV since I was a kid in the early 2000s (took a too long hiatus to focus solely on on-camera work). I have no recollection of what I made back then and I'm sure rates have changed over the years. So, the actual question here is: Is there a way to calculate what I'll be making from commercial residuals? I've been keeping track of how many times it's aired thus far through iSpot and it's running fairly regularly so... will I *actually* be able to afford rent through the end of the year??

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! I'm excited to be back in the game and want to stay educated.

S

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 8:07 am Post subject:

We don't have a lot of major market union talent on the board - a few, so perhaps someone with this kind of knowledge will chime in. And I am assuming that you are union and in LA?
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Kristin Lennox · Flight Attendant Joined: 30 Apr 2011 Posts: 858

Welcome to the boards! I'll take a stab at your questions...

1) Depends on what kind of contract you have with your agent/manager. In general, no, you don't have to pay a percentage of work you've generated on your own, but if you signed a contract saying you will, then of course you should honor that.

2) The ad is union and is booked through your agent, yes...? Hopefully your agent should be keeping track of all that, and keeping you in the loop. You can get a general idea of what you will be making with this rate calculator, if you know the market and usage:

http://sagaftranumbers.sagaftra.org/

So, do we call you "S"...? Or Mr. Cat? Smile

Oh, and as the New Guy, you're on Llama Duty -- shovel is in the corner...
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Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 9:01 am Post subject:

Sometimes, it's easier to figure out the labyrinth of SAG/AFTRA rates by going to www.producershandydandy.com and looking at their rate breakout.
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ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 9:04 am Post subject:

Without knowing when and where the spots are running, any chart of fees is just wishful thinking.

Better to set a low bar (the one that will pay the bills) and let the residuals be a surprise and go into the retirement (or vacation - or college) fund.
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Bish · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 9:57 am Post subject:

I'll take the simplistic approach.

I have a number of agents, the only exclusivity deal I have is one for the Pacific Northwest, and another for Colorado. Unless you signed an exclusive agreement with this particular agent, you can source work anywhere (even via other agents) and not have any financial responsibility to the agent in question. If, however, you signed one of these onerous exclusive contracts... you owe a percentage of all your earnings to this agent. This is not a normal situation for us mere mortals... it's usually reserved for "names" where the agent needs them nailed down.
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Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 981

You only pay your agent commission on ADR/looping if you are paid overscale, thus plus 10%. Most looping coordinators do not insist on plus 10. That said, I always try to insist on it. If you are a busy actor it becomes a scheduling nightmare if your agent isn't, uh, looped in.

I'm coming from this in LA with a top union franchised agent. Not sure your situation, but here's mine. An agent gets 10%, which means you have to do 90% for your career. Much of the time the work I get is based on my own efforts. I always pay my agent commission whether I get the gig or not. Your agent is working on your behalf for free most of the time. From pitching on the phone, to wining and dining buyers, to casting and listening to auditions. All very time consuming, and can also be very expensive. And they only get paid if you book the job.

As for residuals, they are our life's blood. But it's impossible to know how much you will get paid. Ispot is helpful. We are kind of on the honor system when it comes to our run statements. Below will give you an idea of current rates and residuals for commercials. Not sure where/how yours is running but this should help:

SESSION FEE $472.00
This SESSION FEE is paid for each spot recorded. A like amount is paid each 13-WEEK renewal Cycle for USE or HOLD (Holding Fee).

LA or Chicago Alone 13 - Week “WILD SPOT” USE RATE $758.40
A “WILD SPOT” is for UNLIMITED use in as many cities, on as many stations for any number of airings. When your “WILD SPOT” airs you are paid the USE RATE based on the number and size of those cities.

NOTE: Producers are given, in most cases, one credit for the previously paid SESSION FEE. That SESSION FEE amount is only deducted from the FIRST 13-WEEK USE RATE payment.

ADDITIONAL “TAGS” * (2-25 IN BODY OF SPOT OR AT END) $140.40
Public Service Announcement “PSA” (w/ SAG waiver) 1-YEAR USE RATE $236.00
“NON-AIR DEMO” FEE $236.00
13 - WEEK “PRGM CLASS A / NETWORK” (EACH AIRING) USE RATE

1ST USE 2ND USE 3-13 USES 14 - 18 USES OR MORE
$472.00 $112.65 $89.60 EA. $81.99 EA.

saidthecat · Joined: 03 Nov 2015 Posts: 3

Ah! Thank you all for your help, like I said, I'm definitely still learning.

Yes, union and in LA! And I'm sure my agents are doing their best to keep track of residuals but I don't feel like bombarding them daily asking "any new checks?? now how much?"... I suppose I'm just an impatient person Sticking out Tongue

With on-camera work there's a cool feature on the SAG/Aftra website to track the residuals coming to you so I'm a little spoiled with that.

Seriously, thank you all again!

PS: I'm super excited about this spot so if anyone feels like viewing it, here ya go Smile

- http://www.ispot.tv/ad/A7W_/toys-r-us-clone

- Shelby

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 981

OMG, I saw that spot this morning and was thinking how great it was!!! Are you the doll???? Congrats!!!!!!!!!

saidthecat · Joined: 03 Nov 2015 Posts: 3

Yes I am! Thank you Bob! Smile

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 981

You are terrific!!!