Recent developments: the first 25 pages of one book finaled in another contest, and will be judged by an editor. Yea.
However, another book, the one my agent sent out... got its first rejection. Ouch.
Supposed to have a 1/2 day shoot for a commercial tomorrow. Interestingly, I didn't have to audition, just e-mailed my headshot/resume as requested. Then, via e-mail, was asked for a few more pics so they could assess my "look," and told they'd call Friday afternoon to discuss. I didn't get a call, so I assumed they didn't like the additional pictures. But Saturday morning, I had another e-mail that I was cast and would receive info when I responded. Which I did. Have not yet received copy or shoot details...hmmm.
As someone who prefers plans to sponteneity, this is a bit stressful....
And remember that VO job I bid on...? On 2/21 the contact said the person chosen would be notified in a few days. No notification for me. Sigh. I'll never know how many people I was up against, if they ultimately didn't like my voice/interpretation of the copy or if my bid was too high.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Bidding Wars
I'm registered with a voiceover directory that sends e-mails with audition info. If interested, you record the audition copy (on your professional quality microphone with software you've bought) into an mp3 and send it to the client. Then the client listens, and if interested, asks for your rate.
This week I recorded potential copy for a Web site and got asked for a quote for 3-4 minutes.
What is 3-4 minutes of my voice worth? A friend who has done literally hundreds of voiceovers says this is a long time (as opposed to a 30 or 60 second commercial) and that I should get $500. But if I wanted the job I could say $300.
Several months ago I got $500 for voicing two 3 minute scripts, which took me about an hour to record. That's $83 per minute of my voice. Or $8.30 per minute of my time. But I haven't gotten another gig since then.
I have no idea how good the competition is, or what they are bidding. Should I go below $300 to increase my chances of getting the part, which may or may not lead to more work in the future? Or would doing so undervalue my skills? Go with the $83/minute rate and charge $250?
I told the client $300.
And haven't heard back...
This week I recorded potential copy for a Web site and got asked for a quote for 3-4 minutes.
What is 3-4 minutes of my voice worth? A friend who has done literally hundreds of voiceovers says this is a long time (as opposed to a 30 or 60 second commercial) and that I should get $500. But if I wanted the job I could say $300.
Several months ago I got $500 for voicing two 3 minute scripts, which took me about an hour to record. That's $83 per minute of my voice. Or $8.30 per minute of my time. But I haven't gotten another gig since then.
I have no idea how good the competition is, or what they are bidding. Should I go below $300 to increase my chances of getting the part, which may or may not lead to more work in the future? Or would doing so undervalue my skills? Go with the $83/minute rate and charge $250?
I told the client $300.
And haven't heard back...
Monday, February 05, 2007
The Superbowl and the Average Joe
Ten lessons the average Joe or Jane can learn from the Superbowl:
1) Second is never good enough.
2) Athletes get paid to catch the ball, but don't get fired when they drop it. No matter how many times.
3) Practice does not make perfect.
4) Companies were willing to pay $2.6 million for their commercials but couldn't be bothered to communicate what the product was in a way we could remember.
5) Viewers jump up and down and scream for every good play. Yet most of us don't get nearly that excited about important things that happen in our own lives.
6) Even stars can screw up under pressure. (Billy Joel sang way off key).
7) Watching fans wave their arms is boring no matter the venue (during Prince's half time show).
8) Don't wear black while dancing on a dark stage.
9) Don't wear white when it's not flattering.
10) Next year, TiVo the game and save hours on recaps and useless commentary.
1) Second is never good enough.
2) Athletes get paid to catch the ball, but don't get fired when they drop it. No matter how many times.
3) Practice does not make perfect.
4) Companies were willing to pay $2.6 million for their commercials but couldn't be bothered to communicate what the product was in a way we could remember.
5) Viewers jump up and down and scream for every good play. Yet most of us don't get nearly that excited about important things that happen in our own lives.
6) Even stars can screw up under pressure. (Billy Joel sang way off key).
7) Watching fans wave their arms is boring no matter the venue (during Prince's half time show).
8) Don't wear black while dancing on a dark stage.
9) Don't wear white when it's not flattering.
10) Next year, TiVo the game and save hours on recaps and useless commentary.
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