VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

voicejones · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:28 pm Post subject: The end of a retainer

So I've been on a retainer for commercials for a small chain of stores. Now the owner has decided he no longer needs my services and that's OK, everything has an end. I'm now composing a letter thanking the client for letting me be his voice for the last 2 years.....and that he may no longer use my voice for future spots without compensating me and that he may not re edit existing stuff for future use. My big mistake was not outlining this at the beginning. Do I have a legal leg of any kind to stand on if he uses my voice anyway?
JJ

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:10 pm Post subject:

Depends what your previous contract says. If it was a buyout, then, well, he bought you out.
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Deirdre · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:21 am Post subject:

And no contract implies buyout.

In your letter, you could say it is normal practice to cease using recordings once the retainer is terminated, but unless it's a priori in writing, you are bones.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:41 am Post subject:

On a more important note, the PR value of sending such a letter would be like Bill Gates writing to the Bodelian Library suggesting it saves space by "scanning and shredding all those old books".

Dear Retainerer,

It's been a delight to be of service to your business and I thank you for the support for mine.

May I wish you every possible success for 2012 and beyond

Bruce · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 9:57 am Post subject:

Unless the copy is timeless/ageless, something they really could run forever, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Chain stores ads are usually all about specials and current trends so they're mostly old hat already?

Someone somewhere decided it's time for a different voice so I'm guessing they'll move on totally.

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

Lee Gordon · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 11:01 am Post subject:

The only thing I would add to Philip's proposed message to this client is,
"If there's anything I can do for you in the future, please do not hesitate to ask."
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Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
Voice President of the United States
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:24 pm Post subject:

exactly. Why go out on a negative attitude? It ceases to become a thank you letter and becomes a cease and desist. The only thing your request will do is burn the bridge.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

todd ellis · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 1:31 pm Post subject:

+1 what everybody else said.
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Deirdre · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:19 pm Post subject:

Frank F · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:02 pm Post subject:

"Don't burn your bridges." I have a client who after one year off a long term relationship has come back and agreed to sign a contract. When we parted ways I sent the company a "Thank you" note and my contact a little gift.

They not only remembered this little gesture, but have spoken about it to other folks who have used my services.

"Be nice - and take out the trash."

Frank F
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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

voicejones · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 11:19 am Post subject:

Thanks for the advice. It makes sense to me to take the "high road" and work the future PR angles rather burn a bridge.
JJ