Thoughts on working on spec

Rachel Feldman · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008, 22:42 (GMT) Post subject: Thoughts on working on spec

Curious about your thoughts on doing things on spec.

Someone just contacted me to potentially do an ad he's producing that's on spec. So, I wouldn't get paid unless he does/the spot is bought.

It seems like it's a good good-will thing to do, assuming he's for real. I have the potential for a paying gig and, at the very least, I have a new connection with a producer who might think of me for future projects.

Of course, I can hear the voice of a friend of mine who's in the business who would say, "If I'm doing the work, they should pay me for it." That makes sense.

I can also hear my mother saying, "He's out to stiff you. It's gonna be broadcast all over and you'll never see a dime." Which, of course, occurred to me.

With all of these voices, you can see how I might need a mild antipsychotic.... Shocked

Anyway, I've made up my mind, but I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on the topic. Thanks.

- Rachel

Kara Edwards · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008, 00:10 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm sure everyone deals with these differently, here's how I do:

If the production company is one I can look up online, or I know folks associated with them- I have no problem doing spec spots that only earn me money if picked up.

If I can't find a website, call an actual business, or find someone associated with said production outlet, then they must pay my full rate.

I have been asked to do spec spots in which a celebrity would replace my VO if picked up. I charge a fee for those.

Of course, all that being said...I recently offered to do a 'spec spot'-type project for a potential client and told them they could pay me if it was approved by corprate, otherwise there would be no charge. It was a big company, and a good gamble as they not only approved the first spot, they hired me to make many more!

The best advice I can offer is to trust your gut. If it feels right, it probably is. If it seems 'off'...it probably is.

Good luck!

Connie Terwilliger · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008, 02:14 (GMT) Post subject:

I was approached the other day by a student to do some lines for a film. Eh, I thought and after a bit of research (I didn't have an email address at the time - he contacted me through a website), I told him that I would consider it. So he sent me the lines and a link to his webpage.

After reading the hyperbole laden, typo riddled, visual cacophony of animated gifs and miss matched graphics and fonts (not to mention lots of navigation errors) that was his business website selling his web design services, I decided not to do the lines and sent him a long email explaining my reasons, as well as suggesting a couple of options for finding talent for his film

I hope he takes the criticism to heart. We all have to start somewhere, but there are so many resources that show what a good website is (or what a good demo is) that there is no reason to showcase something that is clearly sub par. Particularly if you are selling your business or service as a professional. All credibility is lost.

This is a little off topic, in that it wasn't spec, it was pro bono, but the same kinds of criteria can be used to decide to do a spec without pay.

Robert Jadah · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008, 03:11 (GMT) Post subject:

I won't do VO on spec, Rachel.
And here's why:

A few years ago, I auditioned for and won a role on a "Spec Pilot" about plastic surgeons in Miami.
I was to play a breast enhancement surgeon "with the demeanour of Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter."

"If it's picked up," vowed the producer, "You'll get every chance to win the role FOR NETWORK TV."

It was. I didn't.
It became Nip 'n Tuck.
Admittedly, I've never watched an episode, and don't know if such a character exists. Still; 92.5% of producers will do and say anything...anything!....to get a prototype into their hustling hands.

Woes On!

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008, 03:31 (GMT) Post subject:

Robert,
I would have LOVED to see you on "N/T", as it is one of my favo....

oh....

erhm....

Know what you mean, Bro, and btw, "N/T" sucks.... Rolling Eyes

Rachel,
I never do "specs" anymore. I actually started my pro VO-career working this way, and this was for a regional TV-network. I did seven gigs for them, and only two were actually paying off - never got an explanation about those that didn't, other than: "They didn't buy it". Maybe I sucked at the time, but nevertheless, I did the work.

Basicly my point is, that if you feel your time and talent is worth it, get paid . It's the client/seekers problem, if the production dosn't pay off in the end, not yours.

Just my .50 DKK...

Robert Jadah · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008, 04:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008, 14:23 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm still trying to work out why someone would make a "spec commercial". The questions to ask would be:-

Have you had many of these picked up before?
Please name them?

If someone is an experienced producer why would they ask a stranger for a favour? Surely they have a list of satisfied voices they've hired in the past who would be delighted to help.

Kara Edwards · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008, 16:11 (GMT) Post subject:

We have a local studio that occasionally does spec spots. Most of the time they pay the VO a small session fee (around $75). Other times there is no pay. They are kind and professional, and there are no hard feelings if a VO doesn't want to participate.

I'm always happy to help them if I am available, as they've helped me with my own projects a number of times.

I view spec spots much like auditions...we are all just trying to show the client why it is best to use us, and what we are capable of! Smile

Edited to add: In my experience, there is about a 60% chance a spec spot will be sold. So, if you are comfortable with the studio...consider it a chance to see your friends, help someone out, and know there is a 60% chance a check will show up in 30 days Very Happy

Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008, 21:09 (GMT) Post subject:

Lance Blair · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008, 22:54 (GMT) Post subject:

Bobbie West · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008, 01:08 (GMT) Post subject:

Connie's experience is not rare if you are out there in the world offering your talents so just be shrewed. I would've taken a hint from the guys writing, web site, etc. There are sites out there for non-professional VO's to find bush league, pro bono gigs. Send them there.
On the other topic, unless you are an on-camera actor, I doubt that the N/T VO would have been helpful for the talent and probably was used for the producers, shopping the show; using *your* great delivery as a read thru for a demo or a scratch track (when non actors read for 00:00 time while the scripts are still being tweaked).

Regarding spec: I have hired the majority of my VO talents after they have come in for some gratis reads. If I like them (or the voice) I want to see how we work toether or how they work out.
I audition copywriters the same way.

I've made a lot of spec spots too. You are lucky if you get the opprtunity to work on spec and should seek them out with gusto. Most specs get done and that means you get paid if it sells. What's not to like? If not this job, the next spec may sell. The producers job getting the sale is a lot harder than what voice actors do to get paid so have patience and count your blessings.
If you are good at what you do then rest assured. You will get more jobs, more contacts and more opportunities to make money than if you are not forth coming with your talent. I say, give 'em a little taste and show 'em what you can do and if not them, maybe they have leads for you and you never know...they may turn into a big time producer someday and guess who owes you one?

BTW I think this swapmeet for pros is a good idea. Let's see what happens.

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008, 01:18 (GMT) Post subject:

Joe Rodriguez · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008, 23:01 (GMT) Post subject:

I recently did a spec spot for an agency that was pitching an idea to a Honda Dealership. They paid me $100 for the session.

Bobbie West · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008, 00:16 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008, 19:16 (GMT) Post subject:

I've been reading this thread with nothing to contribute and wouldn't you know it, one of my long-time regular clients called me this morning to ask if I'd consider doing a spec spot.

This client doesn't do a lot of volume with me, but they've been a good client for several years, throwing me a bone here and there.

The situation is they'd like me to voice a :30 or :60 that they're pitching to Sears for use either regionally or nationally that MIGHT turn into a series of regular radio bits, anywhere from 2 to 10/month. And then it might not.

This is a case where I have no problem doing a spec. The client is a regular, they've paid me promptly in the past, and if I turn down this opportunity, they'd probably just go find another talent who WOULD do it and this could be too nice of a gig to lose. So in this instance, for me, at least... it's a no brainer.