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Question for VO Talent

F

FMDawg

Guest
Obviously in a recording studio with a client, you keep doing the read until the client is happy.

But when dealing with talent who are sending the files across the internet, I occasionally get the feeling that they're irritated when a 3rd or 4th take is requested. Sometimes it's because they didn't follow the directions, sometimes it because the client didn't like the way they said a word or 2.

Either way, you wouldn't cop an attitude in the studio with the client on the other side of the glass, yet when it's over the internet, I feel the attitude is there.

Is there a different standard for the acceptable number of takes on the internet as opposed to the studio?

Just wondering.
 
I think it's just some people feel it's ok to be snotty on the net! Really! Take a look at posts on this forum as a prime example. More often than not you'll have a disagreement about a topic and somebody will "express themselves" in a manor they'd never DREAM of, if you were standing in the room WITH them! It's a cowardly "anonymous" slap or sucker punch. No class! No home training. No fear of reprisal because they're hiding behind their computer screen. ;)
Your Voice Talents may suffer from the same symptoms! Some folks have a little more class than others. Still other may fully understand that it's a "SERVICE BUSINESS"! You quit giving service, more often than not, you STOP getting the business!
That having been said, if you need a voice talent, halla at me! Here's my rules for redo's If I make a goof on a word or pronunciation. I fix it FREE! If you or the client mess the copy up and I read it like it you wrote it, it's your fault and I may wish to charge for a redo! If YOU require a special inflection or delivery and want to direct me, you call me on your dime and I'll read it while you listen on the phone. That last part is something most V/O talents refuse because it CAN be time consuming. Let me know if you need my help or want a demo!
 
If I make a goof on a word or pronunciation. I fix it FREE! If you or the client mess the copy up and I read it like it you wrote it, it's your fault and I may wish to charge for a redo!

Thanks for the insight. But here's the way I look at it: If you're in a studio with the client, you're not going to do 1 good read and tell the client any additional takes to get it just right will be an extra charge. Or at least that's been my experience. So why should it be an additional charge just because it's going through e-mail to get the take the client wants? I do try to do everything possible up front to keep re cuts from occuring but it's just the nature of the game.

It appears that you at least let people know your rules upfront which is very good and more professional than a couple of people I've dealt with.
 
Obviously I want to make all my clients happy and the key phrase there is "I may wish" to charge for a redo. If mistakes become habits, a little cash penalty may get a client to focus on the task at hand. Try getting out of a $20.00 bad check fee with your bank! You make a 25 cent miscalculation and it costs you $20.00! I think my policy is much more conducive to a friendly "let's all get along" relationship! :) I'm NOT hard to deal with! I promise!
My redo fees are usually LESS than what I ask for a fully produced add! Besides, if you call me on the phone and direct me, why would we need a retake? I'll do more than one inflection or delivery if that's what you or any client requires. I'm not affraid to work bro.
 
I've started frequently doing live sessions (phone patch, ISDN, etc.) with the voice talents I deal with. That's the way to go! It really doesn't take much time at all! A couple weeks ago, it took us 15 minutes to get through 9 pages of material.

Now, I still sometimes just send out the copy without a session, because I trust my talents' judgement on many things. I have never, ever gotten attitude for a re-cut...Even if it is my own fault. It's the talent's job to make sure it's right. I'm not paying those high-dollars for their time...I'm paying for the right to air their voice. If I can't use it on the air, then what was the point of paying for it?

If you're being reasonable about re-cuts, the talent shouldn't be giving you attitude. On the other hand, you should probably try to set up a live session so that this won't happen.
 
Here's a question to add to the discussion....


How much does the rate affect your feelings about recuts? For example, would you expect the same attitude toward recuts if you are only paying $30 instead of hundreds of dollars?
 
How much does the rate affect your feelings about recuts? For example, would you expect the same attitude toward recuts if you are only paying $30 instead of hundreds of dollars?

It's just like going to restaraunt. I expect better service at Chez Pierre than at Shoney's. But I still don't expect the waitress to be uhhappy if I ask for more iced tea.

if you call me on the phone and direct me, why would we need a retake?
Because the client may not like the final spot even with my input.

Don't get me wrong, I do everything in my power to make sure it all gets done in 1 session. Since I'm paid a flat fee for delivering a produced commercial, I have an interest in getting it done quickly too.
I'm just trying to get a feel for what's expected in these situations, so I better educate my clients and reach a mutually acceptable agreement upfront with talent when I hire them.

BTW, I'm always willing to listen to demos, so if you wish to throw your hat in ring you can send it to [email protected]
 
Cool enough! I'm all about negotiations on the front end. I'd add to that I'm also a man of my word. So if we agree on a system and a price, that's the deal and I'm wit cha till you're tired of me! ;) My experiences have been on a regional level here in the mid south. More often than not I'm the producer and talent AKA the production house for some regional clients I have. So my prices and "rules" have been without dealing with outside sources to reach finished product. I'll send you some mp3s.
 
Solid advice all around.

Be upfront about your recut policy.

Be generous with your recut policy.

Voiceover talent is "a dime a dozen", you'll WIN and KEEP good clients with your professional courtesy and customer service.

It's their money, give them what they want...with a smile!

Rock with respect,
wang
 
SERVICE is the product. There are a TON of really good VO people around..and many (expecially me) will work within your budget. There is a facet of this business that a lot of people don't think about..and that is this:

I couldn't buy the airtime (to showcase my demo) that I get when I do a spot for a client and it gets played a lot.

It really is like having a recurring demo being played to "who knows who might be listening" while being paid for the opportunity. I have gotten some great retail projects that came from "someone" hearing a spot or promo in a small market, or medium retail outlet.

The phrase "you get work when you DO work" couldn't be truer than in our business. Some of my recent work has been on a slightly larger scale than I have been used to, and the amount of recutting has increased immensely. especially with car dealers who get numerous price changes, product updates..incentive differences etc. It's just part of what we do. I never have a problem with recuts..If I ever do, I will resign the account as not-servicable.

But it's fair for a client to ask for a redo or two. It's bad form to expect it over and over and over...and over. Somewhere there has to be a meeting place..and a healthy dose of mutual respect is useful.
 
When a client wants a retake - I'm grateful for the chance to "make it right". I'd rather do six retakes than have it sound sub-par in any way.

If the retakes are for a difficult client, then a phone patch usually gets everything straightened out quickly. Phone patches in general are definitely more time consuming - but I find my reads are better (and with better outtakes) when the client is listening in.


JeffB
www.jberlin.com
 
The challenge everybody in VO faces is balancing quality of work (its job one for most us where as at Ford, its only a car slogan) versus value of time.

A VO's fee is based on a number of things but one of the major things is time spent doing a project. A VO's business is no different than anyone elses...you have to monetize the time spent working on a project to figure your profit. Retakes that are the VO's fault are at the expense of the VO. Retakes that are the client's fault (pronounciations etc) are at the expense of the client.

It should only take one recut, if that, to get the project done correctly. If it takes more than that, there is a bigger flaw in the process.

- Peter O'Connell
www.audioconnell.com
 
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