I've been recording a lot of revisions lately. It's been for clients both new and returning, both foreign and domestic.
Before we go any further, let's make sure we're on the same page about what "revisions" means...
My definitions of retakes vs. revisions hasn't changed since I last talked about it in this blog from 2017, but let's lay it out for those of you who have more recently arrived to the party. (is blogging a party?)
“Retakes” are when you have to re-record audio because you made a boo-boo (a mispronunciation, misread, etc.).
“Revisions” are when you have to re-record audio because the client made changes to the script after you have submitted the audio files.
Revisions can happen for a number of reasons. For example:
Facts/data have changed since the script was originally written
The client forgot to send the script to their legal department for review (this happens A LOT)
Now that the client heard what they wrote, they just don't like the way it sounds
Anyway, many of my clients have been sending me a copious amount of revisions lately. I have charged them accordingly as per my Change Request Policy and it's mostly been smooth sailing.
I think it's happening because the COVID-19 pandemic has displaced many employees. Since so many people are working from home now, lines of communication are not as efficient as they used to be so things are falling through the cracks. My theory is substantiated by the fact that lately when I've been live-directed, some of the clients on the line don't have the same version of the script.
TIP OF THE WEEK
As an effective voice actor, you need to have your Change Request Policy approved by the client BEFORE you record anything. This will save both you and the client time, energy, and headaches. You can see mine by downloading a free copy of the 'Voiceover Project Service Guarantee Template' at the VO Strategist Shop.
RESOURCES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Here is where I occasionally suggest stuff that may help your voiceover business. Some of these suggestions may include an Amazon Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you click on the link and purchase the item in question, I get a few cents at no extra cost to you.
Today's recommendation: audio interfaces! I heartily recommend the Steinberg UR12 USB Audio Interface.
This thing is a workhorse! I've had mine for a few years now and I love it. It's small, sturdy, portable, easy to use, and very reasonably priced. I use it for recording both at home and on the road. It's a winner!
You can see more recommendations at my Studio Gear & Recommendations page.
NEWS AND NOTES
Saturday, November 13th @2PM ET: The Voice Actors Studio "eLearning Performance with Guest Coach Tom Dheere!" eLearning, training modules, and instructional content is a leading category in voiceover opportunity! Join special guest coach Tom Dheere for a focused eLearning Performance workshop! Every voiceover genre has a unique set of “performance rules.” Get a clear understanding of what is required when voicing educational/training content. Soak up helpful pointers from Tom, a busy eLearning VO talent and coach, as he directs you on a variety of eLearning-specific scripts. Don’t miss three hours of script reading with Tom Dheere! You’ll be sure to “learn” a thing or two and have a lot fun while doing it!
Sunday, November 14th @1PM ET: Edge Studio "Managing Your Marketing Mindset". You’re looking to book voice over jobs but you don’t know how to best market yourself as an actor. In this one-hour webinar, you will learn how to think like a professional marketer and develop a positive and sustainable mindset to set yourself up for success in the industry, while keeping clients coming back.
November 12-14: The Mid-Atlantic Voice Over conference. I won't be speaking there this year but this is a FANTASTIC conference and I strongly encourage you to attend.
HAPPY HAPPYS
Happy Scrapple Day and Zero Tasking Day!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Tom Dheere is the VO Strategist, a voice over business & marketing coach and demo producer since 2011. He is also a voice actor with over 20 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voiceover you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, he produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.