VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Mike Harrison · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 12:43 pm Post subject: Handling workday policy

Fully realizing that there may sometimes be exceptions, is it believed that most clients assume we - like them - would prefer to work a typical-length day and to not work weekends?

That's about the only assumption I wouldn't mind others making about me. I'll certainly work off-hours if I have the time or if special circumstances require it. But how do some of you handle conveying your work policy with regard to work hours? If you say nothing until the situation arises, what do you say to diplomatically make your position known? Or, do you still say nothing; believing the client will respect your personal time?

Thanks.
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Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 979

Even union work has deadlines. Now, the majority of my work is done at remote studios during normal working hours. If we are asked to hit the studio on weekends or after hours, we get well compensated.

For the few things I record from home, I have no problem asking for more time if I need to. Now, often I have to audition early in the morning or over the weekend, which I don't mind. But if a deadline prevents me from having down time, I just request an extension. I don't think I've ever had anyone deny this. And, as I've said many times, "no" is the most empowering word an artist can use.

Buyers also understand that a working actor works for many. So if you need to extend a deadline due to a busy work load, it just makes you more desirable.

Bish · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 1:36 pm Post subject:

Up until a dozen years ago, I worked in the corporate world. Most of the time I was locked into the (so-called) five-day, eight-hour system with brief flurries of high activity when cutting over a major system in some "exotic" location (when you just kept going until you dropped... or you cleared all the problem). When my managers and engineers came to me asking for a day off, it was given simply because I knew that these guys would work a week of sixteen-hour days if asked. I've always focussed on the job, not the clock... so since I've been my own boss, I have no issues working at 3am if I want to, or taking off Wednesday because it's the best day to do shopping. I hate being locked into the traditional weekend when you have to do stuff when every other bugger is doing it. So, one of the perks of being the boss is you can do whatever you want as long as your clients are served properly.... and handling them is part of the fun. "Can we book you for a session at 9am?" ... "Sorry, I'm booked then... how about 10:30?" Is code for... You gotta be joking, I don't do anything at 9am that involves verbal communication! ... The other side of that is that I'm perfectly happy if someone is working late in LA (stop laughing), and their 5pm session is my 9pm session.
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Bruce · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 1:49 pm Post subject:

I'm pretty sure most of our clients also like their weekends free and so it's a very rare deal indeed when they ask me to work then. I never bring it up in advance. Unless I have some huge project, I take those days off.

This political season I had a couple of producers ask if I'd be available over a couple of weekends in October which I affirmed, but nothing came of it this year.

I'm just about ready to declare (to myself at least) that I don't work on Fridays, the day before any three day weekend, and the two or three days before Christmas and New Years. All of my clients' brains, if not their bodies, are nowhere near their offices. What, me worry?

B
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Bruce · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 1:58 pm Post subject:

Cueing off of Bish's post, I do get up extra early for European clients if they need to listen in. From the West Coast it's 8 hours to London, 9 to Sweden, and 13 hours to Uzbekistan.

I'm an early riser so it works for me.

B
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I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Lee Gordon · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 3:03 pm Post subject:

I don't have any announced business hours, although on my website I list my hours as "whenever you need me." When somebody sends me something late in the day or on a weekend, I will ask, "How soon do you need it?" If they need it right away, and I have time, I do it. But generally, they don't need it that instant and it can be done the next business day. On the other hand, sometimes I'll get something at an odd hour and I'll do it right then and there, but will delay sending the finished product to the client so they don't become accustomed to expecting instantaneous service 24/7.
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Kristin Lennox · Flight Attendant Joined: 30 Apr 2011 Posts: 858

My favorite time to record is between 11:00pm and midnight... cool

My voice is smooth, the house is all mine. Any auditions or work that comes in late in the day, I do them all during my magic witching hour, then listen back in the morning with fresh ears to edit and send.

Confessions of a Night Owl...
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MBVOXX · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2016 4:30 pm Post subject:

I normally don't work weekends since my clients rarely work weekends.
But over the past few months I've logged several Saturday or Sunday Source Connect sessions for political spots. Fortunately they only take about 15 min.
It's back to normal now though...until the lobbyist spots start up.

todd ellis · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2016 6:43 am Post subject:

Mike Harrison · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2016 10:24 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the feedback. And I'm good with it all. My only concern (from previous experience) is, should I choose to work on a project over the weekend, for example, I don't want to set a precedent where doing so may be expected.
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Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Shiromi · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2016 2:11 pm Post subject:

I definitely make my own schedule. I usually work weekends and take days off during the week. I generally prefer being off when others are at work. However, the compromise is that if I get important email or auditions on those days off (or last minute gigs) I have to spend a a few minutes working, or change my schedule. It's not for everyone, but it works for me, and I still have a good work-life balance.