There are many fabulous agents & managers out there who nurture your career and truly advocate for both the voice actors on their roster and the voiceover industry in general. They demand industry rates and fair terms and fight tooth & nail to get them.
However, lately I’ve seen quite a few posts on social media about the pickle that a lot of voice actors are in. They get casting notices from their agents and the terms are terrible. I'm talking about low paying gigs with in-perpetuity usage, unlimited cut-downs, and crippling exclusivity.
Yes, there are voice actors willing to accept these shabby rates & terms (which is a big problem) but why are some agents agreeing to these terms in the first place? Is it a form of market correction? Are commercials just not worth as much as they used to be?
I do think a contributing factor is some of the “Voicebank/Voice Casting Hub” generation of agents. They don't truly represent you or nurture your career. All they do is flip as many auditions as they can by sending them out to as many voice actors as possible and hope one of them books it. It’s a numbers game for them and usage be damned.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Ask yourself:
What kind of agent represents you?
When you were initially interviewed by your agent, did you ask these agent-vetting questions I posted awhile back?
Or did you even know or care because you were so excited at the prospect of having an agent?
Always be prepared to walk away from both the gig and the agent if they don't align with your values and the values necessary to uphold the integrity of the voiceover industry.
We are all responsible for the integrity of the voiceover industry. Do your part!
NEWS AND NOTES
Thursday, August 12th @8PM ET: Time Management. In this one-hour Edge Studio webinar, this class will give students a game plan of how to best utilize their day and where you need to focus your time as a voice talent.
Saturday, August 14th @5PM ET: Be a Practical Voice Actor. In this Voice Actor Studio webinar, you will learn how to develop your decision-making skills so you can move your voiceover business in the direction you want it to go. You’ll also learn to determine what questions you need to ask yourself and how to find the right answers in order to be the voiceover artist and business you truly want to be.
Wednesday, August 18th @8PM ET: Tracking Your Stuff. In this 90-minute "VO How-To" webinar, we will discuss how to effectively and efficiently track your clients, your Cash Flow, and your invoices. This webinar will be recorded so if you can't attend you can still sign up and get a copy of the video.
Thursday, August 26th @8PM ET: Brand Yourself. In this one-hour Edge Studio webinar, students will be given insights on how to brand yourself as a voice over talent in order to get the right kind of attention and grow your business.
HAPPY HAPPYS
Happy Ice Cream Sandwich Day and Assistance Dog Day!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
