We enter a world of arcane language, conflicting buyouts, and digital media streams this month on our Rates Roundtable.
“Usage” was something agents handled for their talent…buffering them from predatory and unscrupulous clients — and they still do that (should). But independent freelance voice-actors enter a hazy, ever-changing netherworld of confusing verbiage when negotiating compensation on their own.
Add to that a shifting and developing marketplace of YouTube pre-rolls, internet radio, and creative exclusions, and talent may wonder if they need a lawyer to interpret a job offer.
Check out this mention in an audition I got not long ago:
The principal performer agreement will detail that CLIENT shall have the right to use All audio recordings to be used in any type of media, including but not limited to Broadcast, Internet, Industrial, New Media, Social Media for 1 year from first use. Historical, archival and award show uses for agency and client shall be in perpetuity. Worldwide for Internet, North America for all other uses.
Historical? Archival?
Really?
What do I charge for granting away THOSE rights?
…and don’t think you audiobook or eLearning narrators are exempt. “Reading the fine print” is an absolutely necessity these days.
World-Voices Organization is here to help sort through this esoteric landscape of “usage”. Today I’ll be hosting an hour-long online forum with the considerable aid of my long-time co-host Anne Ganguzza.
October’s Rates Roundtable welcomes the following guests today:
- Chicago-based talent agent Susie de Santiago
- San Diego-based seasoned voice talent Connie Terwilliger
- Charlotte, NC – based voice talent and owner of Groundcrew Studios John Causby
- The CW’s Senior Producer for On Air Promo – Harry Dunn
- accomplished LA-based voice actor Nicole Fazio
- Internationally-established Voice Actor Matt Cowlrick
You can expect to see a posting of the recording of this discussion by day’s end here on this blog and on the World-Voices YouTube page, as well as the WoVO website.
You’re gonna love this one!
CourVO
