The old phrase ‘Get your priorities straight’ feels and sounds a bit aggressive, depending on the context. But the truth behind the phrase is vital for almost everything. So what are the voiceover priorities? This article will look into what they are and the importance behind them.
Voice Actors Need to Pay the Bills
One of the highest priorities is to ensure the bills are paid. The fridge is empty without a steady income stream, and the power is out. That ultimately means the voice actor can not work anyway. So, on this point, it is easy to deduce that the bills need paying. Does that mean it is acceptable to work for low pay? No, and here is why: Working for low pay takes time out of the working day, which could otherwise have been used to source more prominent and better clients who pay better.
Know the Voiceover Rates
Being self-employed offers a great deal of flexibility when it comes to rates. Despite this, it is still good to know what the trends are within the industry. Multiple sites can provide this information. No voiceover artist is expected to know all the rates by memory. The rates in the industry range massively, and overall it is a complicated collection of figures across different genres of voiceover.
Be Accurate with Paper Work
If a voice actor is working for a client regularly, it is essential to have terms and conditions set upon and agreed to. More commonly, the talent will be given agreements or NDAs instead. Looking over these and seeking the support of an agent is fundamental to the performer’s success. Another vital element of paperwork is invoicing. Invoices need to be completed properly and managed accordingly. One of the most common issues when trading as self-employed is waiting for payments due months ago.
Voiceover Priorities Include Marketing
The work sometimes drys up, and this is not the time to be sat relaxing. It is time to work harder than ever to ensure your bills continue to get paid. A voice performer can be the most talented the world has to offer, but if they are not seen, they are not getting paid for their craft. Learn as much as you can about voiceover marketing and invest.
What Are Your Voiceover Priorities?
These priorities are just a start, and there is more to consider. In a later article, we can consider how much time to invest in training, marketing, and being in front of the microphone. We can also address how much flexibility a voice artist should exercise when negotiating a rate. One thing is clear, being self-employed is not for the faint-hearted. The voiceover industry requires commitment, perseverance, and determination.
What are the Voiceover Prioritise by Alan Shires – Actor, Voiceover Artist, and Presenter at www.alanshires.co.uk
