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Rates

R

robnokshus06

Trying to get an idea of what the going rates are for imaging VO. Interested in rate per page for major market (NY/LA) If you're a VO talent, what do you charge? If you're on the station end, what are you paying?

Would like to know kinda quickly. If you don't feel comfortable posting rates in the forum, please feel free to email me at [email protected] . You may also bracket your fees if you prefer.

Thanks in advance!
 
Per page? I don't know anyone of note who would do a per page for those markets unless being used as a shadow voice and even then it would be a retainer fee (meaning not a buyout). Usually radio imaging VO is a monthly retainer with a set number of pages (or unlimited in some cases). It's been my experience that the usual page allotment is approx four-six pages (depending on the talent). For NY/LA....my conservative educated guess... between $1000-1500 for four pages dry voice.
 
Rob. A good way to not get work is to stick to a "rate"

Some markets are more able to afford higher rates..and many smaller markets can afford more than you might think, and it usually comes out in the wash. My stance is to GET the job based on the stations comfortable budget. I don't want to lose a job because of a 50.00 difference. Also it is important to know that if you are ON a station..it is the same as having your demo playing 24/7, and none of us could afford to buy air time to get that done.

That said, when we are talking about major markets..here is where a good talent agent earns their paycheck. Most of the majors don't want to be my pals. They are more comfortable with dealing with a representative as opposed to making the deals with the actual talent. I prefer to make my own deals and learn more about the personalities at each station I deal with, but for the big markets..a talent agent makes the process more precise, and clear to all parties.

Rates from the real world are from what I have seen in the past.

1500-2100.00/month for unlimited in market size 1-7
985.00-1250.00/month for unlimited in market size 8-12
650.00-900.00/month for unlimited in markets 13-20
450.00-500.00/month for unlimited in 21-50
300.00-400.00/month for markets 51-100
200.00-300.00 for all other markets.

I had a set rate of 250.00/page for single rate, but I stopped that because as soon as your voice appears in a market you are basically locked out of any work from anyone else in the market, so it's not worth it doing one or two pages.

That looks about right. However it's always best to negotiate a rate based on the station's comfort zone..so you can keep the job as long as possible. Also I have had a lot of luck doing sample pages for good prospects. It shows a good attitude, and desire to get the gig.

Finally I have a list of cities that I will cut an especially good deal for because exposure in those markets is of huge advantage..they have numerous conventions, tourists etc.

Las Vegas - NAB/News Directors Convention
Chicago - NAB Radio Show/Promaxx
Dallas - the jingle business is still there
San Diego - Direct Response Convention
Nashville - Country Radio Seminar
Miami - Gateway for Cruise Ships
 
Thank you Jeff!

This is is very useful information. I agree with you regarding the need to be flexible and generally price my work on a per project basis. However, in this instance I have no idea what the going rates are so I appreciate you taking the time to fill me in. Big help!

Thanks again!
 
Thanks Jeff! Good post. I was of course quoting based on robnokshus NYC/LA inquiry.

We all do what it takes to get the gig. In fact I just auditioned for a country station today and essentially told them I can work with their budget and needs. Whatever it takes.
 
Between us..it is a smart stance to take with a potential client. They already have a "magic number" and that is what they have to play with.

I got sliced in half once when a rather over blown ego brought me into a GMs office one afternoon. We had a great book, and I KNEW that it must have been because of the superb-ness of ME. I went in and asked for a raise..no..I didn't really ask..I guess I probably insisted.

The GM..pondered my inquiry and wrote a figure down on a slip of paper and slid it accross the desk..it was exactly the same amount I was making!!

He said: "the afternoon air shift on this station pays this much...the fact that YOU are the one doing it, doesn't change that."

I was able to leave his office by sliding myself under the door.

So these days I work well within a budget, or I choose to not take it.
 
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