How about a forum for CLIENTS?

Mike Kuhlman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 27

To talk amongst themselves and let us spy in. We'd then be able to find out their likes/dislikes about the VO biz/talents, what talents should and should not say during the audition/negotiation phase, how and when they like to pay, and simply...WHAT THEY'RE LOOKING FOR in terms of quality of performance. Yes, their job descriptions usually list this, but, as another poster said, it'd be nice to know WHO GOT THE JOBS and why! It's more than just being "the voice". It's a matter of marketting, positioning and business ettiquette.

I've read the client testimonials, and they sound great, but they don't mention payment timetable, which method they prefer to pay (PayPal, check/invoice), etc. Perhaps some clients DON'T KNOW, and are relying on talents to tell them these things! And talents don't know either! Perhaps a "mystique" about the payment process is why some talents are not getting booked at all, or not getting booked as much as they could and should be!

Talking with other voice-talents is great, but clients are the ones ultimately PAYING us, and it'd be a great help to know what's in their heads and how they like to do business.

Clients are busy doing a million other things related to their projects, so they may not have time to post on a forum. But it seems to me that it's in their interest...

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

Mike:
I hate to be shadowing you all over these boards and then jumping out and yelling "BOO!", but I do think this idea floats a tad better.
Except for the fact that there'll never be a posting there.
'Cuz the clients already do all of that they're going to do; but with the V123 direction.
And then those poobahs are going to pass it on (very obliquely) to us with new filters and such.
Believe me, Mike.
I've done some 150 movie auditions, 50 theatre auditions, 100 studio voice auditions, and - what? - 1800 V123 auditions.
They only tell you if they want you. Then - sometimes on a drunken evening - they'll tell you why.
They don't tell you they don't want you. And they certainly don't tell you why they don't.
That's the law of that jungle, and while I admire and respect your attempts to modify it, you're Don Quixote here....
Post On!
Robert Jadah

Mike Kuhlman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 27

(chuckle) Well, as I said, wishful thinking...

When I picture the inundated client sitting there listening to hundreds of audition demos and a 5pm deadline to meet, I'm often reminded of Ralphie's teacher in "A Christmas Story" grading papers..."You dolt, F...F...F...if I have to read one more awful theme paper...What's this? Red Ryder B-B gun...PURE GENIUS! Never before have the words flowed from the page with such eloquence...Ralphie! A+++!!!"

Thanks, Robert.

My other question is: When we get a nibble, do we simply pander to however the client wants to pay us, or do we risk losing them and demand full payment up-front by PayPal, etc.? I want to make the client happy, but I don't want to get screwed either on the promise of a check that never seems to show up.