Female British Voice Over artist rates – what, why and how
Like many professionals in the service industry, pricing is not straightforward. No two jobs are really the same and there are many factors involved which contribute to the price.
If you are after a price for voice over work, without a lot of information, it can be a case of ‘how long is a piece of string’.
So first, WHAT comprises the rate for a voice over?
- • The talent, quality and experience you are seeking: Like any professional, the more experienced, the more you should expect to pay. For example, if a Voice Over Artist has worked with leading brands, across every type of media, performing a wide variety of roles, you would expect to benefit and therefore pay, for this experience. Not least the added value of a VO’s experience with scripts and what does and doesn’t work.
- • The nature of exposure; Content can be defined as non-broadcast, broadcast and now also streaming such as on YouTube and Netflix. The variation and complexity of media channels, and the number of people reached by the content, will impact on the price.
- • Editing and production – facilities and quality of work: Many voiceover artists, like me, have recording studios and this is an additional aspect of the service. In my case, I have invested in state-of-the-art soundproofed recording studio, leading-edge recording equipment and editing software, fast broadband to deliver your project quickly, ISDN and other communications facilities. This will benefit the quality of the final product, and therefore has a significant value.
WHY pay good money for a professional and skilled Voice Over?
- • You’ll get great quality (don’t take their word for it though, check out their samples and showreels).
- • You’ll get a speedy, efficient and helpful service.
- • You’ll get the most talented people in the business with a depth of experience gained from a broad portfolio.
- • You’ll get added value advice and guidance.
- • Your campaign will be more effective; whether a corporate, explainer or promotional video or commercial or online game, the voice will be crucial. The voice can build the brand, bring the story to life, engage your customer and help you sell. The better quality and more experienced the artist – the more successful the project can be.
- • You’ll get the versatility that comes with experience. I can range from a little girl or boy to a husky female adult. I have certain styles for corporate compared to commercials, documentaries to games, animation and character work. The ability to add softness to the voice or make it a hard sell. These are all high-value qualities.
HOW will your voice over fee be put together?
Before I quote for my services for British female voice over work, I find it helpful to know the following:
- • The approximate length of the script (or you can simply send me a copy)
- • Whether it is intended for broadcast, streaming or non-broadcast purposes
- • The deadline
- • Any accent /dialect or style specifications
- • The format in which you would like the finished product (mp3 / wav / etc.)
- • Your approximate budget
- • As a registered British Equity member, in accordance with standard Equity price guidelines – always striving to be fair, reasonable and competitive when quoting.
TV Commercials
If you are trying to work out a price for TV commercials, the website that is used across the industry to work out the fees is http://www.usefee.tv/. The website explains in detail what TVRs are exactly (“Television Ratings”) which you’ll need to know.
For a TV commercial, ensure you are equipped with the number of TVRs (television ratings) from the TV channel or production company, as this will affect the price of the advert and the costs of elements such as the Voice Over. Being armed with your TVRs will help the professionals involved including Voice Over Artists work to your budget.
Where longer recording time is required, hourly rates become more cost effective; I certainly would always work on a discounted fee for larger volumes of work.
So don’t……
Compare apples with pears when getting quotes from a voice over artist. Make sure you know exactly what goes into the fee, and the experience and quality you are getting.
Do……
Give a full brief. Be honest about budget. Factor in the added value and benefit to your project of having an experienced professional voice over artist with editing and production skills and high-quality equipment – versus a low fee.