VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Christopher French · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 5:47 pm Post subject: What would YOU do?

Hey gang.

Recently, I've been honing my craft on RadioDaddy.com. I've done a fair amount of work (none of it paid, unfortunately) and I'm getting used to the sound of my own voice. I've even relearned some techniques that I forgot I knew how to do.

I'm sure everyone here knows the premise of RadioDaddy, as I know I see at least a few of you there a good portion of the time (hey, it's good practice). Now, onto my quandry. . .

If someone puts out a voiceover request on RadioDaddy, and I do a spot for that request, I do it of my own free will and time. . .

Now, if someone contacts me OUTSIDE of RadioDaddy, telling me that they heard me on RD, and that my voice would be "absolutely perfect" for their project, wouldn't it only be fair that I ask for some sort of compensation? I'd think so.

So, I lay this before you, my voiceover family. . .what would YOU do?
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Christopher G. French

"The only limitations we truly have are the ones we place on ourselves." -Attributed to Donald Trump

anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

i don't know how RadioDaddy works, but all I know is that if someone contacts you directly about voicing a project, then that is paid work... period, RadioDaddy or not.

EDIT: Although I can almost guarantee you that this guy expects you to do it for free, so you might have a helluva time getting him to pay you. It's the evil, I guess, of being associated with this RadioDaddy to begin with.

-Anthony

billelder · Guest

Wait...hold on... <g>. There is a place where folks go and you can order and they support free voiceovers for projects? Woah! I know that I enjoy my own ignorant bliss, but I need to surf around more often.

Yes! Charge money. It's a good business model!

Also, I need to find a LawyerDaddy or CardiologistDaddy. Even better. HaircutDaddy. DentistDaddy, maybe?

Christopher French · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 9:40 pm Post subject:

dhouston67 · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 11:34 pm Post subject:

Since it's going to be summer in Texas soon, I need to find AirConditioningDaddy.

Chris ---

Not to be snide, but my first response to the "should I charge $$$" question was "If you have to ask..."

If someone contacts you directly, you have every right to ask for reasonable rates, and unapologetically so.

It doesn't matter where or how someone heard of you; if they come to your door, you get to set the terms, and to decide how far you'll extend yourself for the money.

---

My $0.02 on RadioDaddy: Not coming from a high horse, as I've voiced a few things gratis just because I wanted to; two roles in an animated Star Wars fan film, and a couple of podcast intros for friends. That said...

It seems like a nice idea for beginners who want to practice and network a bit, and for pro VO guys with time on their hands and generosity in their hearts, but I wouldn't spend more time there than necessary. Frankly, I get enough requests to work for free just from marketing my professional services, without volunteering.
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VO-Guy · Guest

I kept hearing about radio daddy plus another one that's recently popped up worldwideradioweb.com. I checked'em out for a couple of days and thought hey alot of people are hitting these sites. So, I bought banners on both, already got a couple paying gigs from both. Total investment was $80 for both. Get one gig out of it and it's paid for. Smile

As far as being paid, if directly contacted, of course. Helping out someone by your choice is one thing, being contacted to do free work is another in my book. Just my .02.

Hart · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:51 am Post subject:

That's great to know Russ, thanks for sharing. I've been debating buying ads on both the sites you mentioned.

I've gotten one paying gig from RD, two solid leads, and a whole bunch of "please do it for free" requests that I politely decline and suggest that I can work within their budget.
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Brian Hart Productions

Christopher French · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 6:06 am Post subject:

When I told Jen, this morning, about the guy that emailed me about a job, the first thing she asked me was, "How much is he paying?"
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Christopher G. French

"The only limitations we truly have are the ones we place on ourselves." -Attributed to Donald Trump

Hart · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 6:15 am Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 6:23 am Post subject:

The good thing about RadioDaddy is that the exits are clearly marked. I'd encourage anyone to take full advantage of them.

Bailey · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 6:30 am Post subject:

kgenus · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 6:50 am Post subject:

"SugarDaddy" ain't just for kids anymore......
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Genus

Bruce · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:08 am Post subject:

The elegant way of putting it to people who ask why you're charging for your services after hearing you give them away for free on P.RadioDiddy, is, "I do the ocassional free announcement as a form of advertising, and I'm glad to see it works. Now what can I voice for you today?"

Bruce

Deirdre · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:12 am Post subject:

Elegant and dignified.
Excellent!
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kgenus · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:20 am Post subject:

If you seriously believe you are "honing" your craft on Radio Daddy and other such sites, I believe you need to attend some kind of Scared Straight program as your approach will not lead to the results you're after. It should come as no surprise that those sites were created to use people's work for free.

You need to understand you're selling a product. It's difficult to understand initially because you're approaching it subjectively. When you're able to step back and look at it objectively you'll look at it like Jen does. It's very easy for her because she's interested in your personal and/or professional growth. The fools on Radio Daddy could care less.

You can't expect to do this in a vacuum. Take your time, find a "busy" local producer, not another VO talent, and pay them for coaching services. If you meet with them one or twice a month and your having significant growth, they'll let you know. If they start saying it's good, and you're paying them to tell you what's off, guess what, it's time to start looking.

Any good business pays consultants to analyze process flow and production methods for improved performance/output. Take the time to do it, then you'll understand why giving away your hard work is *not* going to help you at all.
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Genus