Biz: Contracts

Sometimes losing a booking is actually a big win. Top voice talent/educator Dervla Trainor recounts why and how she recently declined a non-broadcast corporate project when she discovered the fine print of the ‘harmless boilerplate’ contract could have put a big block on her VO career. Read the contract, she urges – and hold your ground!

If your voice over client promises you something (specific rate, usage of your voice – whatever), but it’s not clearly stated in writing – preferably, a contract – then you might not get what you are promised, warns media/entertainment lawyer Adam Weissman. Here’s what he advises to look for in your agreements …

The Non-Disclosure Agreement, or NDA, has typically been the stuff of corporate boardrooms to protect the leaking of company secrets and research discoveries. Yet now it’s increasingly entering your voice over home studio, as clients want to keep the wraps on whatever it is you’re recording. So – how to handle an NDA? VO pro Dave Courvoisier describes how NDA’s work, and software tools you may need …

When the production company sends you a seemingly boiler plate voice over contract to sign, carefully watch items like “usage,” “in perpetuity,” “non-compete” and more, advises Robert Sciglimpaglia, attorney – voice actor – actor

Are you being cheated from income for voice overs that wind up where you hadn’t expected? For example … What happens when you record a spot for use for the Internet for $500, and two years later you get a call from your buddy saying they heard that spot on TV? NATIONAL TV? And it was played over 3,000 times! Voice actor/attorney Robert Sciglimpaglia explains …

Sample Letter Of Agreement – Voice Over Jobs

Gone are the days of handshakes and smiles. Transactions have become faster paced and less personal. That’s why veteran voice talent Lisa Rice gives every client a Letter of Agreement to clarify all points – for EVERY job. Here’s why, plus a sample contract …

How closely do you read the fine print of a contract? Voice actor / attorney Rob Sciglimpaglia wonders if a certain online casting company’s contract and 50% commission is “the beginning of the end of the voice-over profession.” Here, he examines the fine print and explains implications …

Voice Talent, Coach & Attorney The voice-over industry is a contractual-based business. Unions ensure that their voice talent members are protected in the contracts they sign with producers, and that…