VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Mike Harrison · Last edited by Mike Harrison on Wed Jun 07, 2017 9:31 am; edited 1 time in total

I've been asked what the usage fee would be for "a couple of 30-second animations" which would play in the beginning (or perhaps prior to the start) of a video game.

Usage will be, in the client's words, "worldwide and in perpetuity."

Does anyone have any idea what a fair rate would be, or where I might find such information?

Thanks!
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

Part of the video game or part of the marketing for a video game?

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 9:30 am Post subject:

The animations are part of the game itself.

The studio has shared with me what several other talent have requested for usage; the lowest being $250 and the highest $600. But, despite my lack of knowledge in this area, it would just seem to me that an interactive form of entertainment, available globally that can be used forever, even $600 seems quite low.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Bruce · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 10:17 am Post subject:

Almost all video games, like narrations, are "in perpetuity". I've been getting $500 on up into the low thousands depending the quantity of work and fame of the game (company).

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

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 10:21 am Post subject:

It had been suggested to me sometime ago, for a corporate narration that was to run forever on YouTube, that adding 200% to the session fee was fair.

Thoughts?
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 11:37 am Post subject:

With video games you get paid for the session, period. There isn't a mechanism for "usage".
The session is the session.
The game is the game.

This "worldwide and in perpetuity" or "usage" thing is BS
UNLESS
they are planning to use your intro/outro in their promotional media or advertising.

OR
They are making a logo/brand promo of sorts and intend to use it with all their titles. (seems nuts— most logos are 2-3 seconds, but who knows.)

Find out exactly what the script is, and what they intend to use it for.

I make sure all my non-union game contracts say the audio may only be used with the precise title I am recording it for... which means I re-write nearly all of my contracts.
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Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 11:49 am Post subject:

Great feedback, Deirdre. I've posed those questions to the studio. They're in the UK, so I won't have any response until at least tomorrow.

Thanks, everyone. Much appreciated.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

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

What Deebs said. I'd ask for $1500 for game only.

Kristin Lennox · Flight Attendant Joined: 30 Apr 2011 Posts: 858

I agree with DB -- they own your VO for usage within the game. If they ever use it promotionally, you get paid more.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 11:21 pm Post subject:

A red velvet Beret, a Border Collie and 6 bags of Co-op Jelly Babies.

kberkery · Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 8:46 am Post subject: