VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[JBarrett]

I heard something yesterday from one of our audio engineers that just made my blood boil. He told me about several situations he's been in where the client had plans to create a whole host of variations on a certain commercial, with lengths ranging between :60 and :05. However, they only told the VO artist that they were hired to voice the :60. Once they felt they had a good take on the read for the full :60, they would make some comment about wanting to get reads on individual lines so they could tighten things up even further, when their true intention was to use those line reads to help build the other shorter versions.

From what my buddy told me, there have been a few really awkward moments -- with the VO talent working either in-house or remotely -- when the VO artist figured out what was going on and asked the client if there were plans for shorter spots. In every case, the client tripped all over themselves trying to assure the VO talent that they were only recording for one spot.

I imagine some of you have encountered such situations. If so, how did you handle it? Now that I know about such tactics, my gut reaction would be to refuse to continue the session unless the client agrees to pay me appropriately for every version of the spot that they cut. I'd like to say that's spine, but it could just be stupidity.

Thoughts?
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Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/

[Drew]

We'd be having a polite but pointed conversation in the hall. And if that didn't bring about a resolution...the parking lot. What bulls*it!
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Skype: andrew.hadwal1
Although I have a full head of hair, I'm quite ribald.

[CarynClark]

It depends. There's been one time that I've called them on it... only b/c the agency was such a PITA to work with, that it pissed me off even more that they would take advantage of me.

There are other times when it happens, and I know it's happening, and I will admit, I haven't mentioned it. I guess b/c I like the folks I'm working with and decide not to make a stink.

I probably should, I guess.
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

[Frank F]

Now you know one of the reason for unions. O.K., I just had to throw that in here.

I have had derivations of spots which aired, I heard them on-air, and sent the client/agent a LARGE invoice. I have only had one client refuse to pay - at first.

This type of client is why I have the all important contract/agreement which explains things in detail and protects me from unscrupulous parties. My attorney likes it too.

There is nothing like a signed contract/agreement from a producer with/her initials on the line which reads: "I have read and understand the above contract/agreement and fully agree to adhere to the clauses and limitations as defined herein ".

The unions protect talent in scenarios such as described with tracking checks (mostly on national commercials however) and their fines are a LOT larger than mine.

Toodles

F2
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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