We all want to work, right? Big, healthy, frequent, and well-paid jobs are the dream! Oh, and if they just so happen to be an amazing role too, that’s even better! Sure, we can get paid a few grand for a long narration piece, but how much more attractive would it be to be the next big star? So many of us aspire to do these things. From booking well-paid jobs to having a frequent flow of regular work, and landing big roles – voice actors certainly have a lot to work towards. But what about a conflict of interest in voiceover? What does that look like, and how do we navigate that? Well, ladies and gentlemen, let’s unpack this together.
Define Conflict of Interest
There is a couple of ways to define this concept. Often you could have two competing companies who have an unresolvable concern regarding a situation. Another example is where an individual benefits personally from actions and decisions made in their official capacity. There is an element of trust, integrity, and honesty that goes into the workplace and the voiceover world is no different. So let’s explore how this concept may apply in the day-to-day life of a voice actor.
Voiceover Conflict of Interest
Imagine for a moment, after being approached by a production company, that you have just delivered a phenomenal TV campaign for McDonald’s. The ad is going out globally for two years and you are enjoying a nice six-digit payout. 12 months in, and the bank account is starting to dry up and you have been without work for a good couple of months. Good news! Your agent just called and has an exciting project for you! It is another massive global TV campaign. Once more you are staring down the prospects of a six-digit sum and all your problems are starting to go away again. Sounds fantastic right? That’s the dream! But wait one moment, what’s the brand this time? You have just found out it’s Burger King! Uh Oh!
Outcome and Summary
In this situation, there is a massive conflict of interest. Having just worked for McDonald’s, it would be very inappropriate for you to then work for their biggest rival too. Taking on that original job in many ways prohibits you from working with any rival company for a considerable period of time. This is why bigger clients pay usage on the work you carry out. But for a moment, let us pretend you did take the Burger King job, what would happen? Well, if Burger King noticed along the way they would probably drop you! In addition, they may fine you if you work for a competing brand, since they are likely to have asked you.
Moreover, McDonald’s may try to sue should the campaign go live with Burger King. The likelihood is they locked you down for a certain amount of time prohibiting you from working with any rival brands to their company. Best practice? Speak to your agent about big jobs, read the contracts, and don’t try to work for competing brands within short spaces of time.
Conflict of Interest in Voiceover by Alan Shires
