VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Mike Harrison

I've got one of those clients. You know, a teeny-tiny two-person company with a microscopic budget but who loves to micro-manage? They've already approved my sample read (of a short driver training script), but now he wants to be "on the phone to make any suggestions regarding my tone, etc."

I'll be honest: I've worked for this guy before. He's not a bad person, but he drives people crazy. Frankly, and especially with the stress I'm under at the moment, I don't need him turning a simple thing into a monumental production, and would be just as happy if he were to just go away.

Suggestions for turning him down respectfully and diplomatically?
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 981

Blame it on your busy schedule. Just tell him you appreciate his needs but you are so back to back booked you need to be able to get it to him at the discretion of your schedule between other bookings. And if this doesn't work for the buyer you totally understand if he needs to go with another talent.

Lee Gordon · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 12:57 pm Post subject:

I think your upcoming hip replacement surgery should provide you with all the excuses you need to give anyone for anything you don't feel like doing.
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Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
www.leegordonproductions.com
Twitter: @LeeGordonVoice

Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 2:19 pm Post subject:

You could always just tell him you would be happy to do a live session for $xxx in addition to the agreed upon rate.

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2017 1:53 am Post subject:

Dave, you're paying me for a Kia and I am happy to sell you a Kia but not a BMW.

Always delighted to be of service to you but you must understand that my minimum session fee for the type of work you need from me including, specific direction, revisions and an audio sample before agreeing to hire me is $X. Our agreed fee is $Xminus.

The above suggestion is a last resort.

A few weeks ago I recorded something for a company in India for $60 as it was easier than to argue. The client was a billion dollar management consultancy.

Producer asked me if what I sent was a custom audition, did I realise that he had not been given to go ahead to use me from the client yet and oh never mind here is something for which I could audition for a fee of $120 IF I got the job.

I wrote back and told him my minimum session fee for ANYTHING was $250. Silence.

The lesson. Break your own rules and you will get bitten.

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2017 7:14 am Post subject:

DougVox

Ummm...

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2017 8:07 am Post subject:

Thanks very much, guys.

From my previous experience with his over-complicating the simple, I chose to politely opt out by "blaming" my current state of mind over the upcoming surgery.

I knew even before asking your help that I should've known better. The red flag was that he asked for a sample read for this project... when I had done several projects of the same type for him a few years ago.
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Quicksilver · Been Here Awhile Joined: 29 Oct 2012 Posts: 217

Ah, the Low Budget Picasso...

I bet he's always in a rush too..

Be strong, Mike!