VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

CC Heim · Backstage Pass Joined: 27 Sep 2010 Posts: 401

I posted this on another VO board, and thought I'd share over here too. I've found it is very necessary for me to specify the scope of work with any new client. AND... it seems like when I forget to, of course, they make MASSIVE changes and then get all pissy when I want to charge them more to basically REDO the entire project Angry

Here's what I'm using. Maybe someone here can benefit....

Dear (Name),

I’m thrilled that you’ve selected me for your project. My goal is to deliver 100% satisfaction, including completing your job on time and on budget.

Just to be clear, the job description is as follows:
(insert here)

My fees that we agreed upon will cover this job as outlined in your description. If you have additional requirements, or need to change the scope of work, please let me know as soon as possible so we can adjust the compensation accordingly.

The most important thing you can do is provide me with an accurate and final script. If after the project has been recorded, you need to make changes to the script, additional charges will apply. This includes revisions due to text changes, timing changes, etc.

Once you have the completed files, please take a listen at your earliest convenience. If any revisions are necessary, such as proper emphasis or changes to pacing, please let me know so I can correct it; I am happy to include reasonable revisions as part of my service to you. Also, any mistakes I make I will correct at no additional cost (pronunciation errors, etc.).

Thanks again for selecting me! I look forward to working with you on this and future projects!

CC Heim

JBarrett · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 9:15 pm Post subject:

CC, thank you kindly for sharing this. It does indeed pay (in more ways than one) to clarify all elements of the working agreement up front. Previously I've been composing each agreement on the fly, but I like the template you've outlined, and will probably begin using something similar.

Cheers!
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Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/

whalewtchr · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 9:43 pm Post subject:

Excellent template. It helps to put important items in writing as it adds clarity to the task at hand.
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jonahcummings

imaginator · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 7:14 am Post subject:

good idea, cc.

i wonder, though, if the type of person likely to cause a stink would be the type of person who would bother to read through the message.
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rowell gormon
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"Mr. Warm & Friendly Voice...with Character!"
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JBarrett · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 7:40 am Post subject:

Perhaps a condensed bullet-point version of the same info would be helpful?
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Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/

Deirdre · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 12:54 pm Post subject:

There's another VO board?
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DBCooperVO.com
IMDB

paddyo · CM Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 975 Location: New York City

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Mike Harrison · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 2:27 pm Post subject:

This is outstanding, CC. And to handle the very real possibility that Imaginator brings up, a simple statement in the beginning that reads something along the lines of the disclaimer on so many websites these days: "Your use of this website constitutes an agreement with our terms and policies." In the case of VO work, "Your go-ahead to complete this work means you have read and understand this agreement."

By gum!

(We know that the clients who offer the least compensation are usually those who are the pickiest. I have just delivered a job for a new client whom I already believe epitomizes that character.) Please pass the Valium.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 3:42 pm Post subject:

The only slight change I would make would be to put the happy things you'll do for free before you put the "and here's what I'll charge you for".

Minor, but might set the mood better to offer positive customer service first.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

Bruce · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 6:39 am Post subject:

Whatever works for you is good I'm guessing, but on the other side of the coin I've been doing this kind of work for over 30 years now without issuing any kind of written guidelines for clients and I've had very close to zero problems of the kind you're trying to prevent with these. Even with my newest, greenest clients a one minute conversation seems to cover all of these bases without the need of invoking formal written language.

B
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