Voices.com Answers - Recent questions and answers in Business

Answered: How do I upgrade my membership from guest?

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:21:28 +0000

Voices.com offers voice-over talents a number of resources that can be accessed for free, plus valuable extras available when you sign up for a membership. Because each voice-over artist comes from such a distinct background, Voices.com has set up multiple plans. These plans offer different degrees of service in order to meet the needs of Voices.com's diverse community.

Guest Membership

The guest membership is the ideal option for anyone browsing voice-over jobs. Guest members are eligible to create profiles and have them listed in the search directory. These profiles may be supplemented by photos and voice-over demos. Guests have free access to voice-over training, educational podcasts and voice-over scripts.
http://www.voices.com/talent/plans_and_pricing

Premium Lite

Get serious with about your voice-over work with the Premium Lite plan. This package includes all the benefits of the guest membership, plus notifications when new voice-over jobs are posted, online submission statistics and access to audition rankings. All this and more is available for $39.95 per month.
http://www.voices.com/talent/plans_and_pricing

Premium

The Premium package is designed specifically with the voice-over professional in mind. In includes higher rankings in search engines, Google marketing, higher directory rankings, bonus eBooks available for download and 24-hour phone support. The Premium plan can be purchased for $299 per year, a discount of 38 percent compared to a year of the Premium Lite plan.
http://www.voices.com/talent/plans_and_pricing

If you have any questions about signing up, you're welcome to contact us toll-free at 1-888-359-3472 or email ashley@voices.com

Answered: I sent a question via E_MAIL. DO I have to do pay before I get the audio?

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:41:25 +0000

Thank you for reaching out to us. After you have posted your job with Voices.com, you will be prompted to make a deposit, attach a final script and confirm the deadline. SurePay is an escrow service that holds your deposit in a neutral bank account that only releases payment once you have downloaded the files and accepted the work as complete. There has never been an easier way to guarantee your success.

Once a deposit is made the voice talent is notified and proceeds with recording your script. When they have completed the work, the voice talent will upload the files to your account at Voices.com

You'll receive an email inviting you to download your files. If it all sounds good to you, simply click "I accept" or release the funds and pay the talent in full for their work by clicking "Release Payment".

The SurePay deposit is for the full amount displayed in the "Payment Details" of the job offer and is equal to your audition quote. This amount is to be deposited by the hiring client into a secure escrow account and to be held in trust until project files are downloaded and the client authorizes the release of payment.

Benefits of using SurePay, for Clients:

1. Talent do not get the money deposited for their services until client has download and accept the files. This means guaranteed satisfaction.
2. The funds are held in a secure escrow account.
3. Client is dealing with a reputable and well known company.
4. Payment for talent services can be made via PayPal or by phone with major credit card.
5. Dispute resolution and mediation is covered by the Escrow fee. If a resolution cannot be obtained with the hired talent then the deposit is refunded so that a new talent can be hired.

Voices.com Support Staff
support@voices.com

Answered: Do we have to pay for downloading music from your music library? Or is it part of the subscription?

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:56:35 +0000

Each track that you download from Voices.com is $0.99!

Royalty-Free Music Selection

Voices.com is proud to provide royalty-free voice-over music for clients and vocal artists alike. This voice-over background music spans a wide array of genres, with represented styles including acoustic, orchestral, blues, Celtic, teen pop and hip hop. Also represented is background music categorized by purpose, such as music that stimulates positive thinking, themes for newscasters and soundtrack music suited to extreme sport participants and spectators. All these are royalty-free and can easily be found in the vast Voices.com music collection.

http://www.voices.com/royalty-free-music

Answered: What's the best royalty free music site to use to buy music for tracks?

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 17:38:59 +0000

I've been very happy with stock20.com.

It's royalty free... and you can purchase by the track... or purchase their entire library. (which I eventually did)

They cover a variety of music genres and IMHO their prices a very competitive YMMV

I also feel they are customer oriented... for examples I had purchased part of their library and then decided to buy the whole deal... and they did NOT make me pay again for the songs I had already purchased. That says a lot to me.

Good luck...

Answered: Is it beter to post my rates and payment terms on my web site or negotiate by VO job?

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:17:14 +0000

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us. Non-union voice over rates depend on the type of project, size, and location where it will be heard. Rates for local, regional, national and international audiences will vary depending on location. It's recommended to post your rates on your personal website so that clients have an understanding as to what you would charge for specific jobs. Personally, I believe the more information you can offer to someone checking out your website, the better!

Prices for Voice Overs and Audio Production

Radio Commercials
Radio Commercial: Local
:15, :30 or :60
$200

Radio Commercial: Regional
:15, :30 or :60
$300

Radio Commercial : National Network
:15, :30 or :60
$1000

Radio Station Promotion/Station Imaging
:05, 15 or :30
$200

Public Service Announcement on Radio
:15, :30 or :60
$200

Television Commercials

Television Commercial: Local
:15, :30 or :60
$300

Television Commercial: Regional
:15, :30 or :60
$500

Television Commercial : National Network
:15, :30 or :60
$2000

Television Station Promotion/Station Imaging
:05, 15 or :30
$300

Public Service Announcement on Television
:15, :30 or: 60
$300

Business and Corporate Videos

Per minute: $100
00 to 05 minutes: $300
06 to 15 minutes: $500
16 to 30 minutes: $750
31 to 45 minutes: $1000
46 to 60 minutes : $1500
60 + minutes: Request quote

Telephone System Recordings

Per minute: $100
00 to 05 minutes: $300
06 to 15 minutes: $500
16 to 30 minutes: $750
31 to 45 minutes: $1000
46 to 60 minutes: $1500
60 + minutes: Request quote

Narration for Documentaries

Per minute: $100
00 to 05 minutes: $300
06 to 15 minutes: $500
16 to 30 minutes: $750
31 to 45 minutes: $1000
46 to 60 minutes: $1500
60 + minutes: Request quote

Educational Videos and E-Learning Modules
1 Hour recording session: $300
Each additional hour: $100

Audiobooks
1 Hour recording session: $300
Each additional hour: $100

Podcasts

Podcast Commercial
:15, :30
$150

Podcast Bumpers and Sweepers
:15, :30 or :60
$150

Internet
1 Hour recording session: $300
Each additional hour: $100

Cartoons
1 Hour recording session: $300
Each additional hour: $100

Video Games
1 Hour recording session $300
Each additional hour- $100

Movie Trailers
Television Commercial: Local / Regional
:15, :30 or :60
$300

Television Commercial: New York, LA, Chicago
:15, :30 or :60
$500

Television Commercial: National Network
:15, :30 or :60
$2000

Internet Movie Trailer
:15, :30 or :60
$300
Notes

- Rates are in US Dollars and include Full Buy-Outs and session fees.
- Rates are for finished dry voice only. Any post-production required is additional (approx. $100/hr)
- All rates are for reference only. Each talents reserves the right to charge their own fees.

Comments
• Radio and television rates for unlimited airings in a 13-week cycle.
• Rates are in US Dollars for finished dry voice only. Any post-production required is $100/hr.
• All rates are for reference only. Each talent reserves the right to charge their own fees.
• Questions? Contact us at support@voices.com

Download a one-page PDF version of the voice over rate sheet for future reference
For the online version, please visit http://www.voices.com/voice-over-rates.html

Hope this helps,

Ashley Davidson
Social Media Manager | Voices.com

Answered: curious-what is the percentage of jobs that are never completed

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:55:18 +0000

Melinda,

Thank you for reaching out to us. I could look into this information for you and get back to you. Regarding the jobs which aren't marked as complete, there are several valid reasons for why this happens. Here's a list in no particular order.

1. Some clients take an extremely long time to complete their projects, often well past their deadlines.

2. Projects are delayed, deferred or people working on the project change roles

3. Jobs are negotiated off-line. This is our #1 client challenge which has resulted us in changing our terms of service this summer. You can read more about it this difficult decision here:
http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2012/08/voices-com_terms_of_service_revisited.html

4. Clients hire talent via another means, usually working with a local talent who came into their studio.

For an insider perspective, it's our goal to complete 100% of the jobs through the website. This way we can know for sure that a Voices.com talent was hired, paid and feedback received. In essence, we have the same concerns that you have.

I hope you've found this email reassuring.

Support Staff

Answered: How long does it take to upgrade my account after payment is accepted?

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:37:40 +0000

Hello DJ Chiles,

Thank you for signing up with Voices.com. You're account has been upgraded and you now have a Premium Lite membership with Voices.com. If you have any more questions on using your Voices.com membership, please don't hesitate to contact us directly at 1-888-359-3472 or email support@voices.com.

Best wishes,

Ashley Davidson
Social Media Manager | Voices.com

Answered: How can I get an internship with a PR agency?

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:16:04 +0000

Unfortunately, this is not a question that we have a lot of experience with. We do apologize for that.

There are a number of job resource boards online that you can access to look for internships, and you can always contact local PR groups to see if they are looking for interns for their firms.

Best of Luck!

Voices.com Support Team.

Answered: If I like a talent on one job, can I select them for additional jobs?

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:30:45 +0000

Yes, you can send a private audition invitation or message through Voices.com to a talent you've hired in the past or would like to hire.

Answered: How do I add tags to my profile ?

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:22:04 +0000

Tags are added in your demo section of the website.

When you add or edit a demo, scroll down the page to the tag section, select a tag that you want to add and then click the Add button.

Once you've added all the tags that you want, make sure you click save to add the tags to your profile.

We hope this helps!

Voices.com Support team.

Answered: Anyone have firsthand info on, or experience with, voplanet or speedyspots?

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 21:15:58 +0000

VO Planet prices similarly to this site, but has far fewer auditions. I joined them during a holiday special and have been spectacularly disappointed in the number of jobs posted. The interface isn't as good and it's harder to monitor results. They put out the carrot of possibly being included in their LA roster, but even a casual contact e-mail from me (an experienced, LA based talent) brought NO response whatsoever. I have actually seen spots listed both there and here, but the budget was the same.

I don't know about the other site. So far this has been the most reliable, user-friendly and frankly, profitable site I've ever used.

Answered: how do you cancel your subscription

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:11:04 +0000

Under FAQ's, how to terminate accounts. Here's link, hope it helps:

http://www.voices.com/help/faq

Answered: Does any amatures actually get jobs from this site?

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 02:25:12 +0000

Hi Michael -

I took a moment to visit your site. I've been a voice-actor and coach for about 30 years. There are actually a number of jobs that are specifically seeking younger voices, so there is a market for you, but you need to take a few steps first. If you e-mail me, I will send you an article that I wrote about how to break into voice-over. It tells you what you need to do to make a demo and prepare for what's expected of you. In the meantime, be sure to spell check your work. You said you can copy what you "here," when you meant "hear." I'm terrible at editing my own stuff, so always have someone look over what you do before you post, to be sure you sound as professional as possible. Age doesn't define a professional, attitude does! If you present yourself as tentative or too casual (I don't need to check my spelling), clients will avoid you because they think you may be sloppy or unable to do what they want. Contact me through my website (www.deborahsalebutler.com) and I'll get you some info. No charge.

Good luck!

Answered: In the "Answers" section, the questions and answers are followed by points in parentheses. What does that mean?

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:01:19 +0000

If I'm not mistaken, you get points each time you answer a question... so apparently you've answered a bunch. :-)

Answered: Should I receive compensation from a company for re-using my vocal recordings on a new project?

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:58:30 +0000

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.

Answered: letter of introductory for new voice

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:18:04 +0000

This isn't really a question, but if you feel that this is a great way to contact new clients you should go ahead and do it. Do make sure that the letter contains a link back to your profile page and that your profile page is up to date and has good demos for your client to listen to!

Answered: What should/should not be covered in a VO cover letter? How do they differ from corporate cover letters?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:55:11 +0000

Your greeting to the client should contain important information about their project and a brief greeting and that is all that should be included in it.

If you can take care of music or post editing for a client, if you have specific fees or if you wanted to specify that you do have an isdn or source connect session available, this would be a great place to mention that.

You want to avoid overloading a client with information as they are usually trying to scan a lot of information quickly, so polite brevity is your best course of action.

Answered: On the "My Audition" page the “See a Good Example” and “Select a Template” links don’t work. Should I reinstall IE 7.0?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:37:35 +0000

Hi Rob,

IE 7.0 is 2 versions ago for Internet Explorer and may not be working properly with the website.

What you may want to do is upgrade your Internet Explorer to a more recent version and see if you continue to have problems accessing aspects of the website. We apologize for any difficulty you may have had on the website.

Scott

Answered: What methods do you use to track projects and payments? Software?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:51:50 +0000

I use an online service called Freshbooks.com. It's about 200.00 a year, but does everything from time tracking, time sheets for other employees, it will auto email clients you have on a monthly/yearly retainer, it sends auto reminders for late payments at 30/60/90 day net and a lot more.

Definitely worth the investment.

Answered: Are there any voice over talents in Dutchess County NY who would not mine mentoring a couple of newbies?

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:10:03 +0000

Hi there - I just saw your post. I coach voice-over talent via Skype anywhere in the country. You can check out my webpage at www.deborahsalebutler.com. Welcome to voice-over!

Answered: What are my use rights?

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:14:05 +0000

If a client uses Surepay to pay for a project, all rights and privileges for the recording move to the client indefinitely once payment is released via the system.

This is covered in the Voices.com terms of service.

Here's an excerpt from the terms of service that explains this in full.

5. Assignment: If Voices.com's SurePay service is used, then each party using the SurePay service agrees that upon the purchaser Client approving the release of payment pursuant to the SurePay service, the voice talent Client automatically transfers and assigns to the purchaser Client all right, title and interest, absolutely, to the copyright and other intellectual property in or relating to the final product throughout the world, free of all licences, mortgages, charges or other encumbrances, unless agreed otherwise by the parties in writing.

Answered: Where can I have talent release form?

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:54:44 +0000

There currently isn't a talent release form on the site that is available for use.

However, if you do consult the Voices.com terms of service, there is a clear explanation the states that once you have paid for files with the Surepay Escrow service, the files copyright is transferred entirely to you.

Here is the excerpt.

'5. Assignment: If Voices.com's SurePay service is used, then each party using the SurePay service agrees that upon the purchaser Client approving the release of payment pursuant to the SurePay service, the voice talent Client automatically transfers and assigns to the purchaser Client all right, title and interest, absolutely, to the copyright and other intellectual property in or relating to the final product throughout the world, free of all licences, mortgages, charges or other encumbrances, unless agreed otherwise by the parties in writing.'

Answered: What's a fair price to charge for call backs to re-do something the client changed?

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 03:18:51 +0000

A revision, when pertaining to voice-overs, is an alteration made to an existing recording, whether it be slight or significant.

Usually, ongoing revisions are made to recordings that are meant for long-term use, such as telephone systems, but revisions can also be made to ensure customer satisfaction when recording commercials or work that will not need revision in the future.

The request for changes or revisions is inevitable when you are working with organizations for long periods of time, particularly if you have recorded their telephone system.

On the Vox Daily blog, this question was asked a few years back. Here are some thoughts:

"Any extra changes to the script, (such as revisions) can lead to additional charges."

"A revision is nothing more or less than a fresh piece of copy to be given life via voice talent. Yes, there is a charge for revisions and we usually do it on an hourly rate or fraction thereof. For long-term customers, and where appropriate, we will provide consideration."

"It depends on each situation. My clients know that I will cut their approved script to the satisfaction of the agency and/or client. If a revision is requested after the job is finished and time has passed, they are aware that a fee for a revision is expected. If this is a long-term client and you wish to do revisions for a reduced rate or throw in an update due to your relationship, that's just good business. However, my clients expect to pay for any updates and I charge a reasonable fee. You certainly do not want to teach a *new* client that revisions are no big deal and bring'em on. You're then looking for trouble. Train your clients well and under-promise and over-deliver always."

Read more on the subject of charging for edits, revisions and re-dos here:

http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2006/06/do_you_charge_for_revisions.html

Answered: Are there any problems with using a Pseudonym/Stage Name for purposes of voice acting?

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:41:48 +0000

Hello,

There are many reasons people chose to use a pseudonym. Many are brought to light in the following article from Vox Daily:
http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2010/09/should_you_have_a_stage_name.html

In terms of legality, it would depend on where you come from and what the laws are in your area. The best thing to do would be to talk to your bank or a lawyer. Many talent file a DBA (doing business as) in order to legally be able to cash checks made out to a different name. Alternatively, you should be able to set up a pseudonym easily by using PayPal and associating that account with your pseudonym.

I hope that helps!

Lin
Customer Care Specialist
Voices.com

Answered: What is a great way to market myself to local corporations, pr firms, advert companies and video production companies?

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:42:49 +0000

One of the best things you can do in your community is go to all the various school districts and offer to create on-holds for each of the schools for a nominal, where it's still worth your time, but not so pricey they won't do it.

Your voice will be heard by tons of people who own businesses and they will be asking who is that guy on your on hold. It works, believe me - the best word of mouth advertising you can get.

Answered: How often are projects left "open" without changing on Voices.com?

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:40:50 +0000

Hi Laci,

Thank you for your question about jobs that appear to still be open although their deadline was months ago. I hope my reply finds you well.

Sometimes these clients hire talent who have auditioned however the client may choose not to Award their job on the site and or mark their jobs as Complete. Other clients may have not yet made a decision and leave their job in the Open status until they are ready to move ahead.

On a happier note, many talent have reported having been hired for a job they auditioned for months ago or even longer (even after a year!) that they had forgotten about and thought were lost causes. Here's a link to one such story:

http://blogs.voices.com/buzz/2011/06/better_late_than_never.html

While this is more common than we'd like, Voices.com is working toward a solution to minimize the number of jobs that are left as technically incomplete by increasing the amount of follow up and contact with our client members during the critical first days of their posting with us.

I hope my answer has helped you. Feel free to contact Customer Service if you have any follow up questions that you'd like answered or post another question here via Voices.com Answers!

With warm regards,

Stephanie Ciccarelli
Co-founder of Voices.com

Answered: Best voiceover coaches in the midwest?

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:11:59 +0000

I've trained with Terry Daniel. He's a good coach, encouraging person with lots of skills and fun to work with. He helped me to hone in on my voiceover niche. I highly recommend Terry.

Answered: How do you produce & distribute an audio book?

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:32:37 +0000

To distribute your audiobook, you're best option is to work with Audible as they distribute audiobooks not only through Audible, but also Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Kindle as well as the Amazon Affiliate network made up of thousands of resellers.

If you are an audio publisher or producer who has at least five audio programs that will appeal to a wide audience and you would like to offer audio content in Audible's online store, contact us at content@audible.com. In your e-mail, please describe the content and length of your audio programs and let us know how many you have now and how many you'll publish over the next six months.

Answered: How do you encourage repeat business and/or referrals from clients?

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:32:06 +0000

Ask them! There's nothing wrong with simply asking a client to refer you. Also be sure to stay up to date with what they're doing. Add them on Twitter, like their fan page and constantly be interacting with them so you'll stay 'top of mind'.

Also you can send out an email every couple of months or so with any specials or just to say hi and ask how their business is going. Make it friendly and again, don't be afraid to ask. :)