VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[BBeen]

I know that getting paid had been a subject on this board over and over again. 2 months ago I did a political campaign spot that I mentioned at the time. To this point I have not gotten paid. I invoiced and even made a few polite phone calls. The election is over, the candidate won...so I made another call this morning. the producer was local, told me things have been chaotic lately, which I understand, and that I could come by and pick up a check this afternoon. I was polite on the phone and even found out my voice was never used because the client went in a "different creative direction", .

Am I still entitled to be paid the original invoice amount?

Did I do the right thing with a phone call today?

[bobsouer]

Bud,

You did the work requested of you. Yes, you should be paid. Whether they used your voice or not isn't the issue, unless they arranged with you in advance that you wouldn't be paid if your voice wasn't used.

That's my $0.02, which is no doubt more than the advice is worth.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[Don G.]

Unless you have an established positive history with the client (and sometimes even if you do), conventional wisdom strongly recommends payment in full up front for any political work.

[Dave]

[Frank F]

Additionally, from the legal standpoint (and if you really don't like the newly elected politician), you have the right to contest the candidates election because he/she did not pay. You may also go to the candidate's political party and in many cases they will pay immediately or get you paid within an hour or two.

Next time - get your money at the end of the session!!!!!! Do NOT leave the studio without it.

The above scenario can cause the newly elected candidate and the political party great embarrassment. So be careful how you use this information - but if you want to get paid and are not satisfied completely - go for the gusto.

The candidate must have paid ALL contractors - prior to the election, especially advertising. In other words, yes, YOU are entitled to the full amount you expected - whether or not your voice was actually used for broadcast.

Know your rights and your obligations folks. You are a Professional, an Independent Contractor, and - last but not least - a Voice Over Artist. (Your rights in this situation may vary from State to State, check with a local attorney before proceeding).

Accounting, billing, and collections are your responsibility.

Toodles

Frank F

The forgoing was and is not meant to be legal advice - check your local standards, laws, and policies. I am not a lawyer - I just play one on the radio.
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[bobsouer]

Frank,

Good words from a guy who, no doubt, has been there, done that and have the T-shirt to prove it. Thank you for setting things in such stark terms.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[Frank F]

Yes, at least once... I have several T-Shirts to prove it...

Thanks, Bob.

FF
_________________
Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[Bruce]

You invite a plumber to come into your home and install a chrome faucet because you liked it's looks. Now that it's installed you decide you don't like the chrome faucet and hire another plumber to install a nickel plated one instead. Can you tell the first plumber you won't pay him because you've decided after the fact that you don't like the chrome? I don't think so.

Also, I concur, polical ads pay up front unless you really, really trust the producer and you're certain the candidate will win in a landslide.

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

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