VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

ACF Guy · Guest

Hi, everyone:

Been a few weeks since I've visited; happy to see that everyone still seems to be doing well.

As one or two of you may remember, I'm currently employed as a voiceover artist for a company that does long-form narration. I've run into a situation I'd like some advice on.

For the past two years, the content I've been recording has been owned and distributed (sold) entirely by my employer via the internet. I'm currently paid on a fixed salary, with no residuals or anything of that sort, and for the work I do, I'm well-paid and happy.

The issue is that we've recently agreed to record another company's content (long-form, similar to what I already do). I've already started recording for this content, which will be re-sold by the other company in the form of CDs. This jump to a physical medium has somehow set off a chain of ideas in my mind, and I'm seriously considering requesting a small percentage of future sales of this product that will be voiced entirely by me.

I guess I'm asking for opinions on whether I should ask for this, and if so, what kind of percentage I should ask for. I'm not really interested in putting my foot down and risking my job over this if the answer comes back "no" -- but, should I be? I know most of you guys do professional freelancing, and are represented by agents -- neither of those things is true in my case, and our worlds are quite different. But, basically ...

... what do you think?

Philip Banks · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:39 pm Post subject:

As a member of Staff you do the hours and you take the pay and benefits. Within reason you must take any job that is handed to you by your employer without comment even if it is a sub-contract. In your unique position, how other links in the chain make their money is no concern of yours.

As your company are now taking work from other businesses you make like to suggest to your Boss some form of bonus structure (profit share) for you bringing in work. Good negotiating starts with adding to the pot of money not taking more from what is already there.

KaraEdwards · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:44 pm Post subject:

paddyo · CM Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 975 Location: New York City

You have to know WHEN to choose your battle and this doesn't read like one of them.

Paddyo
www.thepatrickoconnor.com
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ACF Guy · Guest

ACF Guy · Guest

brianforrester · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:42 pm Post subject:

ummm forgive me here, but I'll just have to echo Banksey on this one and take it a bit further...

You're fortunately a full time, full pay, staff voice talent. In my experiences, this doesn't sound like much of a battle front, sounds more like a requirement of employment.

I in no way mean to belittle here but my advice is this, while a good number of voice talent are pounding the pavement to drum up enough business to keep KD on the table, you have obviously worked your butt off to get to where you are... Advice - arrive at work at 8:30am, enter booth, own the copy, record the copy, leave office at 5pm, play with children, spend quality time with wife, appreciate the regular pay cheque every 2-weeks.

How your employer distributes, allocates, sells, re-sells or redistributes the product he's paying you a salary to complete is his right in the world economy; as a salaried employee you have sacraficed some of the privledges that a freelance talent may enjoy, however many would argue that you also benefit every 2-weeks without worrying about invoices that are past due by 120 days Cry

Just my opinion, other's mileage may vary!
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Philip Banks · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 5:58 am Post subject:

Amen. I speak as someone who needs three credit cards just to pay attention.

ACF Guy · Guest

Just wanted to say thank you for the feedback, guys. Upon reflection, you're right. A few years of being screwed over in the freelance acting world via one-time "buyouts" with unlimited distribution rights, with my image being used years and years after I shot a spot, etc., coupled with the input of some of my more jaded compatriots, have sort of made me hypersensitive to what is and is not "mine" insofar as my creative product goes. I just wanted a second opinion, and you folks helped a lot.

BTW, "battle" wasn't exactly the right word to use in the thread title -- sorry if I misrepresented myself there.

And thanks, also, Brian and Philip, for the perspective, and for forcing me to re-appreciate my good fortune.

Cheers, everyone!

Mandy Nelson · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:56 am Post subject:

We have this situation in my house. I do freelance work for a company and get paid well for my VO work. I've been doing this for them (and lots of production) for over 11 years. Now my husband works FT for the same company, has for 10 years (not how we met) as their head geek extrodinaire and often gets called on to voice things for which he gets no extra pay. It is a part of his job and who he is and we are more than grateful for the regular paycheck, health insurance and other perks that come with it, like the ability to work from home often. He looks at it as more vo training and enjoys it when he can.

Sounds like you've already come to an understanding in your head but I thought I'd just let you know you're not alone!
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