Scale

Scale means the standard pay for voice actors in the industry. It helps set fair wages and benefits. In the U.S., SAG-AFTRA sets these rates. They protect voice actors' rights.

Before, guilds like SAG-AFTRA set fair pay for voice actors. Now, tech has made the industry global. This means more ways to pay for non-union work.

There are many ways to pay voice actors, like by the hour or per project. Commercial work can cost more if it's big or with famous clients. Narration work is paid by how long it is.

Voice actors need to see their work as a business. They should invest in gear and skills. They also need to market themselves well.

Price matters to clients, but so does voice quality and speed. Voice actors can stand out by offering extra help or advice.

It's key for voice actors to get new clients and keep old ones. Great performances and good client relationships help them succeed long-term.

SAG-AFTRA and Voiceover Rates

SAG-AFTRA is the top group for voiceover talent. They set the pay standards for voiceover work. This includes animation, video games, commercials, and audiobooks.

Being part of SAG-AFTRA means getting paid fairly. Voice actors get health insurance and other benefits. This includes coverage for wellness, medical, and dental care.

They also get life insurance and help for accidents. Plus, they can save for retirement through SAG Pension and AFTRA Retirement Funds.

Members enjoy special perks like savings on mortgages and auto insurance. They also get discounts on products through the AFL-CIO’s Union Plus program.

Voiceover rates change with the type of work and the contract. SAG-AFTRA has different rates for things like commercials and animation. These rates make sure voice actors get paid fairly.

Here are some example rates for voiceover work:

Work TypeRateRadio (Session Fee)$278.60Broadcast Television (Session Fee)$472.00Radio (13-Week National Network Use Rate)$764.85Broadcast Television (13-Week National Network Use Rate)$912.35Corporate/Education & Non-Broadcast (Day Performer Rate - Category I)$425.50Corporate/Education & Non-Broadcast (Day Performer Rate - Category II)$474.00Corporate/Education & Non-Broadcast (Narrator & Spokesperson Rate - First Day)$891.00Feature & Television Animation (ADR Walla Session Fee)$893.80Feature & Television Animation (Session Fee - Up to 3 Voices)$889.00New Media-Interactive (Use Rate)$757.56Audiobook (Minimum Rate per Finished Hour)$235.00

These rates are just examples and can change. Voiceover performers should check the latest rates from SAG-AFTRA. This way, they make sure they get paid right for their work.

Factors Influencing Voiceover Rates

Voiceover rates change based on many things. Voice actors need to think about these when setting their prices. It helps them set fair rates and get paid right for their work.

Project type is a big factor. Rates for commercials can change based on the client's brand size and if they might work together again. Voice actors might charge more for things like commercials, e-learning, and videos.

How much the project gets seen is also important. Voice actors want more pay for projects that many people will see. They look at the word count and how long the audio will be to set prices.

Recording location and the voice actor's skills matter too. Recording in a home studio or a big studio changes costs and how you get paid. Experienced voice actors charge more because they are very good at what they do.

FAQ

What is Scale in the voiceover industry?

Scale is the standard pay for voice actors. It makes sure they get fair pay and benefits. This includes health and retirement plans, residuals, and more.

Organizations like SAG-AFTRA set these rates. They act as a guide for how much voice actors should earn.

What is SAG-AFTRA and its role in negotiating voiceover rates?

SAG-AFTRA is the main group for voiceover talent. They negotiate deals for the industry. These deals set a minimum pay for different types of voiceover work.

Working under these deals, voice actors get health and retirement benefits. They also earn credits towards these benefits.

What factors influence voiceover rates?

Many things can change voiceover rates. For commercials, it depends on the project size and the client's reputation. It also depends on if there's a chance for more work in the future.

Production needs, like if it's done in a studio or at home, matter too. So does how long and often the work is needed.

For narration, the word count and how long the audio takes affect the pay. But, this doesn't include TV broadcast narration.