VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

vox1 · Contributor IV Joined: 14 Nov 2004 Posts: 126

or is this insane. Guy calls me cold offering web-audio work....something along the lines of 4 or 5 "bullets" of copy (:20 to :35 secs) which he'd want posted as .wavs for retrieval and quick turnarounds. His rate? uhh...
5 bucks each. Given that the mark-up on this service from a website-audio producer is likely substantial, combined with "no guarantee" of any particular minimum quantity per week but at least 4 or 5 "per request," i have to say
that as a talent with 30 years experience, this is a ludicrous offer.

Any other VUs on the subject?

Mikey
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Mikey ... Vox-Versatiliti

Saying something since 1970-
something

Philip Banks · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 12:24 pm Post subject:

As a starving newcomer to the business I am reluctant to turn down any job offer. Had the offer above been made to me I would take a deep breath and then decline in the full knowledge of the consequences.

Hart · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 12:27 pm Post subject:

As someone who is desparately trying to get his voice heard outside of the Southeastern U.S. I have to agree. That's just plain crazy.

brianforrester · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 12:45 pm Post subject:

Crazy, but still the reality of what is out there. Innevitably, he'll get someone to voice them and end up with results in line with what he is paying!

Hold your head up high, and take the high road!

There's one thing to be said for building a relationship, but at what point do you simply degrade not only your reputation as a talented and capable professional, but the reputation of the industry as a whole! We're not bottom feeders and we don't subsidize the cozy livings of those unwilling to pay fair market rates!

Cheers,
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Deirdre · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:15 pm Post subject:

I must say-- I am not fond of voicing stuff for an amount of change one could find in one's car ash tray.
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Hart · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:15 pm Post subject:

It's at times very disheartening to me. But then I have a friend tell me about the 3000.00 gig he gets occasionaly and it makes it all better. 5 bucks...3000 bucks... There's a whole lot of room in between I'm willing to accept.

Hart · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:16 pm Post subject:

VO-Guy · Guest

I got one the other day that was great. He wanted a quote for imaging his internet station. I gave it too him and he proceeded to explain how the station had no money but if I would do the imaging for free now he would pay me double my rate when it started making money. Shocked

Needless to say I said no and he honestly couldn't believe I would turn down an offer to make twice my asking price down the road. I explained that it was the "down the road" part that bothered me. Guess it takes all kinds. cool

dhouston67 · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 3:31 pm Post subject:

Chris ---

Had one of those myself recently. Got an e-mail from a podcaster who wanted to have a character impression (of one of my listed voices) on his daily podcast. That'd have been just great, except that he wanted to pay $20.00 for 30 minutes of narration. Done in a character voice. That may seem reasonable to some, but I doubt any VOs on this board would take $20 for 30 seconds of voiceover, much less for a half-hour.

I politely told him it was just too low, and quoted the "standard" non-union rates for a 30-minute narration. The sight of it probably caused his eyes to pop, hence the lack of a reply.

Later, I get an e-mail from a non-profit organization that performs a lot of community services here. This one's easier to swallow, as it's a legit NFP asking for short narrations (2 to 3 minutes), and I expect I'll do it pro bono. Still, I'm more interested in paying gigs...
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Deirdre · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 3:39 pm Post subject:

Dude-- even Non Profits have budgets.

I only do pro bono work if EVERONE INVOLVED with the project is doing it pro bono.
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marko · Guest

I agree with Deirdre-that's the only way I will perform gratis work.

The old adage "you get what you pay for" rings very true within our business. Most of the 'clients' that pay a dollar for a holler get exactly what they deserve.

If I'm in a particular smarmy mood, I will gracefully decline and ask to be considered for the re-record.

Bruce · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:07 am Post subject:

The only concession the unions give to non-profits is they can get a full year's use of a voiceover for the 13-week rate.

audiogenic · Guest

...tis the reality of the Internet...which in some ways has opened doors to new markets/opportunities and by the same token others would argue has prostituted the VO industry.

Bill · Guest

that reminds me of an old joke....

Guy says to a woman, "Would you sleep with me for ten million dollars? She waits a moment and says, "yes." Then he says "Would you sleep with me for ten dollars?" To which she responds "NO, what do you think I am?"

He says, "We've already established that, now we're just haggling price."

carry on. Smile

Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 4:07 am Post subject:

This arrived in my inbox last night. I wonder how much he is prepared to pay?

Dear Philip,

We are a newly established adult lifestyle company that require the
services of voices to record highly professional, erotic stories.

Would you be able to support our requirements?

Confidentiality can be assured; if you are interested in principal, then
please provide us with an indication of your rates and terms.

If there is anything you would like to know then please drop me a note.

In the meantime, thank you.

Kind regards,

Jack Winters
Exhibit House
Hans Apel Studios
102 Holland Road
Holland Park
London
W14 8BD