Character Quote Question...

Rajiv Hasan · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008, 18:14 (GMT) Post subject: Character Quote Question...

Just wondered if I could pick your collective brains for a little quoting advice... I've checked out the V123 rate guide, but as I'm still a bit of a novice in this area, would appreciate any takes on the specifics of this job.

It's for a character voice - in English with a French accent. About 500 words.

Here was the initial client pm:

"We are an interactive agency and I am currently seeking voice talent for a high-profile website. We have a script of responses that an animated character will say when a website user makes an entry. The site is for a Conservation project/website and is funded by a major International corporation. The character is to speak English but with a French accent - more details to come."

Like most of us - I guess - I'm used to replying to projects where the budget has been set by the client. Any ideas on what else I need to know/ask before presenting them with my quote? Or is there already sufficient information to suggest a fee? Should I charge higher because it's a character voice? Either way, I'd love to know what a fair rate for this might be. Any opinions welcome.

Many thanks,
Rajiv

PS. Should I ask for a buyout? Question

Connie Terwilliger · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008, 18:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Rajiv - in this case, I would set my rate on the use - not the character. If they wanted several characters, then you could charge more, but a single character isn't really something that I would charge a premium for.

Bettye Zoller

Website vo work is the "great unknown" today...even the unions AFTRA and SAG struggle with it but are much more advanced today with rates for this type of work. You may want to check www.aftra.org and www.sag.org and look at union information on "new media" there or phone your union office cause they are always willing to help even non-union members. The phrase" a major corporation" signals "ok. big dude" to me and I quote higher when corporation involved...seems only natural...but it is a very small job with short script...Good luck!

Rajiv Hasan · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008, 02:23 (GMT) Post subject:

Connie, Bettye - thank you.

Interestingly, in the cat-and-mouse 'you-go-first' game of negotiating, the client has gone from "...currently seeking voice talent for a high-profile website" and "...funded by a major International corporation" to "We are looking for a flat price from you for this not-for-profit conservation initiative website"...

I guess I'll just have to play mouse and go back to the V123 rate card.

Clearly not quite ready for Wall Street!