VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rognog · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:27 pm Post subject: Voiceover Consultant?

So a friend of mine is sending a guy my way who wants to make a VO demo for himself. I'm going to help him figure out what "his voice" is, select appropriate copy, and coach him. What would you charge for a service like this?
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Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

How much time are you prepared to spend?
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:31 pm Post subject:

Nancy Wolfson charges $150 per 50 minute sessions. Marc Cashman is $100. Are you as good as they?
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Rognog · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:54 pm Post subject:

I'm sure that I'm not, Jeff. Do you know specifically what those rates include?

As to time, I'm not sure exactly how long something like this would take. Back in 1995, my VO coach charged $60 an hour and she seemed to be fairly established. We had 13 sessions, including the recording session. I had no VO experience at the time so I don't know if 13 sessions was too many or not.

Your continued input would be greatly appreciated!
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bobsouer · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:22 pm Post subject:

Tom,

I'm busy enough that when I do offer guidance to someone in a context like this I charge absolutely nothing. But, I do so very seldom. Very.
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Rognog · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:38 pm Post subject:

Yeah, Bob, I was thinking this could fall in the "Good Karma" arena. My friend assumed I would charge for helping his friend with his demo. What to do, what to do...
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:42 pm Post subject:

I think it goes back to the initial time expectations. if you do it for free, make sure all involved parties understand that you're free to answer email correspondence, spend a few moments on the phone answering specific questions, evaluate his recording attempts at your convenience, etc. I don't think I would offer true "coaching" for free. Not only because it's a burden on my time, but I'm also not qualified to give sound advice on someone else's career.

Set the ground rules and make sure everyone knows what they are ahead of time.
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paddyo · CM Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 975 Location: New York City

It's your call on the rates or the "good" karma but do set some rules down or at least know what you're walking into.
Most NYC coaches charge $100 an hour ( I say most). Why so high people ask? Well, it's one on one private coaching so a higher price is given as opposed to improv classes or scene study classes where you are with a group of people (usually 10-20) Some people offer it at a discount if you buy it in blocks of ten.
Personally, I'm not a teacher so I don't charge if someone reaches out for advice.
Those are just rates that I'm aware of .

Edo · Guest

I have been doing a sh*tload of one on one coaching sessions and charged 90 euros an hour (to the current exchange rate that would be $134). And I know guys and gals in Holland with half my experience -and age- that charge up to 250 euros ($370) an hour.... In Antillean Guilders that would be even more! Wink

Don't forget you should also consider some reward for all the money you invested in your recording equipment and studiofacilities.

Bruce · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:09 pm Post subject:

Edo brought home a good point: they'll be renting your valuable equipment...

And they'll be soaking up your expertise that you sweated to obtain, and taking up your time that could probably yield you a lot more money doing something else, and the little %*(&*^#@!! wants to go into competition with you!! Admittedly if they sound nothing like you they won't be much competition, but still.... So a rate somewhere between reasonable and "up the wazoo" sounds about right.

Of the last 100 people who came to see me about doing demos, I told about 33 to go away and think of doing something else (nicely of course), I told another 47 that they had some basic talent but that they needed more training and experience and theater was the best route (I'm sure most stopped right there). Of the remaining 20, about 4 dropped out after one or two sessions (I now get several hours payment up front) and I fired 6 of them for fooling me (I thought they'd be hard working, creative professionals and they weren't). The remaining 10 worked hard, took direction, and got good demos.

This monologue made me look for all the talent demos I've created. I found 35. Ten were professional VO's who were just upgrading to a new demo. Of the remaining 25, I only know of 7 who have gone on to make some real money with their demo (maybe more, but some don't write anymore...sigh). They were all worthy of at least moderate success (or I wouldn't have worked with them), but the majority didn't or couldn't market themselves. I give guidance on marketing but don't teach it.

So is it worth it? Considering how little I charge? I think I'll be re-thinking this.

B
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Rognog · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject:

Thanks to all for your remarkable insight, especially you, Bruce! The gentlemen in question just emailed me asking what my rates are. I'll let you know what happens...
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Tom Dheere - The "H" is Silent, but I'm Not!
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