Undercutting

Undercutting means charging less than usual in the voiceover world. This has become big news lately, thanks to sites like Voices.com and Voice123. These sites don't teach hirers about normal prices. They make voiceover artists bid against each other, leading to low prices.

Because hirers don't know the usual voiceover costs, prices have gone down a lot. Sites like Voices.com make more money from voice artists' fees. This makes them want to charge less to get more clients.

This undercutting hurts voiceover pros a lot. It lowers the usual rates. New artists often don't know the right prices and undercut, making pay go down even more.

Also, not knowing about copyright and licensing adds to the problem. Thinking price is the main thing clients look at also plays a part. Low prices push away top talent, lower work quality, and might cost clients more time and effort.

Experts say adding value to services and avoiding price fights is key. Using top-notch gear, offering great service, and being easy to work with can help voiceover pros charge more.

Union rates and guides like the GFTB Rate Guide V2 help fight undercutting. They make rates clearer and easier to get.

Next, we'll look at how undercutting affects voiceover pros and what's being done to fix it.

The Impact of Undercutting on Voiceover Professionals

Undercutting has changed the voiceover world a lot. It makes it hard for voiceover pros to earn a good living. Now, with more nonunion talent and sites like Fiverr, rates have dropped a lot.

Some voice actors now charge very little, from $5 to $50. This has made the industry's standards go down. Most voice talents accept low pay, but a few stand strong against it.

These few make up only 1% of the voiceover world. Most others get taken advantage of by agents or managers. They often get jobs for very low pay.

Undercutting hurts not just the voiceover pros but the whole industry. Rates are lower now than they were 20 years ago. Big companies have a big part in this.

Groups like SAG-AFTRA try to set fair pay. But they struggle to keep up with the fast-changing market. They focus more on protecting rights than on fair pay.

Voiceover pros must fight against undercutting to keep the industry professional. Sites like Voices.com offer many job chances. Adding Voices.com to their marketing can help them find work.

But, sites like Fiverr can make things worse by pushing rates down even more. Fiverr is worth about 1.22 billion US dollars. It's good to start on low-budget sites to gain experience, but voice actors worry about fair pay.

The voiceover industry needs to deal with undercutting. It must set standards that respect voiceover skills and expertise. This way, voice actors can work in a fair and lasting industry.

Addressing the Issue of Undercutting in the Voiceover Industry

Groups like Gravy For The Brain (GFTB) are working to stop undercutting in voiceovers. They made the GFTB Voiceover Rate Guide V2 to teach about fair rates. Now, it's easier for voiceover artists to find rates by type and genre.

GFTB will add local rate guides for more places as it grows worldwide. This will help cover voiceover rates everywhere.

GFTB gives voiceover pros the right rate info to negotiate better. This helps them get paid fairly and avoid undercutting. It's important for voice actors to know their worth and stand up for fair pay.

Freelancers might face low rates from some platforms or cheap platforms. But, it's key to think about the big picture for the industry. Asking for fair pay, even on small budgets, keeps the voiceover industry strong. GFTB and voice actors are key in fighting undercutting for a healthy voiceover industry.

FAQ

What is undercutting in the voiceover industry?

Undercutting means offering voiceover services for less money than usual.

How does undercutting impact voiceover professionals?

It makes it hard for experienced voiceover artists to make enough money. It also lowers the quality of work in the industry.

What contributes to the issue of undercutting?

Some companies don't know the usual rates for voiceover work. New voiceover artists also often charge too little.

How does undercutting affect the voiceover industry?

It makes clients think voiceover work is worth less. This hurts the living of voiceover professionals.

What is Gravy For The Brain (GFTB) doing to address undercutting?

GFTB is making a guide on voiceover rates. They teach about fair pay and keeping industry standards high.

How can voiceover professionals resist undercutting?

They should value their work and not accept low pay. They should also show the value and professionalism of voiceover work.