Question

I have been doing voice over work for a company that produces iOS applications. The work I did was for one series of apps and now the company is producing a new series of apps using the voice over work I already produced for them. Is it wrong to feel like I deserve compensation for them using my work on a new product? I agreed to one app. I don't want this company using my voice for every app they make from now on. Any advice?

Answer 1

Hi Douglas -

Most of the work on this site is non-union or done on a "buyout" basis.  That means, once you have recorded your voice, the company owns that recording and is free to use it as long as they like and in any manner they choose.  Union contracts can sometimes include renewal or residual fees for additional use.  If you did not sign a contract which specifically precluded them from using your voice outside of the current project, common industry practices would dictate that they considered the contract a buyout.  Now that you know that this is a possibility, you can ask the client their intent and specify, in writing, signed by both parties, that you must be hired (or paid) again if your voice is to be used on a different product.   That may or may not fly, depending on the client, but it's worth a try.